Fire Planning Captain

When the unexpected happens, preparation makes all the difference.

The City of Carmel is seeking an experienced public safety professional to serve as a **Planning Captain ** with the City of Carmel Fire Department. This sworn  leadership role helps shape how Carmel prepares for emergencies, coordinates major incidents and special events, and keeps critical public safety systems ready to perform when they are needed most.

Working at the intersection of emergency management, incident planning, interagency coordination, and public safety technology, you’ll partner with Fire, Police, City departments, dispatch, and outside agencies to strengthen Carmel’s readiness and response capabilities. From leading Emergency Operations Center operations to developing response plans and supporting communications systems, your work will help make sure Carmel is ready before the call comes in.

What You'll Do

• Lead Emergency Management & EOC Operations by serving in assigned EOC roles, including EOC Manager or Planning Section Chief, and supporting incident command operations.
• Plan for the unexpected by developing and maintaining emergency operations plans, continuity of operations plans, and incident-specific response procedures.
• Coordinate across the organization with City departments, public safety partners, emergency management agencies, and outside organizations to strengthen preparedness and response.
• Prepare for major events by coordinating emergency management support, operational planning, and response strategies for planned special events.
• Build readiness through training programs, multi-agency exercises, planning meetings, and after-action reviews.
• Connect people and technology by supporting Fire Department communications systems, including radios, mobile data systems, phones, software platforms, and emerging technologies.
• Partner with Technology and Dispatch to troubleshoot operational issues, coordinate system maintenance, manage equipment lifecycle needs, and ensure public safety communications meet operational demands.
• Support records management, reporting, and accreditation by maintaining accurate data, preparing reports, and contributing to compliance and performance initiatives.
• Help shape the future by supporting emerging public safety technology programs, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS), as assigned.
• Support budgets and resources for communications and technology equipment while ensuring critical systems remain ready and reliable.

What You'll Bring

Required:

• High school diploma or GED, with vocational or technical training in fire science, emergency management, public safety communications, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in emergency management, fire service operations, public safety communications, or a related field.
• Current fire service certifications such as Firefighter I/II, EMT, Hazardous Materials, Technical Rescue, Fire Officer, Fire Instructor, Incident Safety Officer, or FOST.
• FEMA/NIMS certifications ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-700, and ICS-800. ICS-300/400 preferred.
• Experience working in an Emergency Operations Center or incident command environment.
• Valid Indiana driver's license.
• Strong communication, organization, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to coordinate effectively across multiple agencies and disciplines, including during high-pressure situations.
• Ability to analyze information, make sound decisions, and communicate clearly when time is critical.

Preferred:

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Emergency Management, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Experience with public safety communications, CAD/RMS systems, or related technology.
• CPSE/CFAI credentials or comparable public safety leadership certifications.

Foundational Elements

Vision

Be the best run, most desirable city in the nation.

Mission

Curate an environment where big dreams flourish, powered by a world-class environment that elevates quality of life.

Values

• Innovate Fearlessly  – Embrace change and reach higher.
• Lead with Heart – Serve with purpose, authenticity and care.
• Empower Together – Build bridges that unite, inspire and lift each other.

The City of Carmel, Indiana, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.