Orcas Fire Chief Search Committee Outlines Process

— from Barbara Bedell, Chair, Orcas Fire and Rescue Commission —

The Search Committee for a new chief for Orcas Island Fire and Rescue has completed the first portion of its task. After writing and completing the application packets, the committee placed advertisements for the position on Monday, August 29, primarily in the western part of the United States. The final date for submission of an application is October 14. The position is available January 1, 2017, and the starting salary is $85,000 to $95,000 DOQ with excellent benefits.

As the applications are received in the Department, they will be reviewed by all the committee members. Then a first round of applicants will be selected—probably 10 to 15. The committee members, along with interested individuals from the community, will conduct telephone interviews. After the telephone interviews, the number of candidates will be reduced to 5 or 6. These applicants will be asked to come to Orcas, or they will be visited in their current place of employment, again by committee members and island residents. The final three candidates will be presented to the Commissioners who will select the most qualified individual for the position of Chief.

For more information about the application process, visit the Department’s website at www.orcasfire.org. Questions can be addressed to Commissioner Barbara Bedell at chiefsearch@orcasfire.org.