Director, Hazardous Materials Response

Exciting Opportunity to Lead Massachusetts’ Hazmat Response

Are you ready to step into a leadership role where every decision directly impacts public safety? The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (DFS) is seeking a visionary and dynamic Director to lead our Hazardous Materials Response Division. This is more than a management role; it’s a mission-critical opportunity to protect communities, direct five regional hazmat response teams, and coordinate with local, state, and federal partners during the most complex and high-risk emergencies. As the state’s leading voice on hazardous materials response, you will shape policy, guide innovation, and ensure that Massachusetts is prepared for the threats of today and tomorrow.

In this role, you’ll manage a fast-paced, highly skilled team of fire safety professionals dedicated to safeguarding the Commonwealth. You will lead statewide hazmat readiness, develop emergency response strategies, and oversee the Department’s Special Operations Unit—including command vehicles for incident response and the agency’s drone program. You will also serve as DFS’s lead liaison with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health as the emergency response manager for biological terrorism, ensuring Massachusetts is prepared for incidents involving hazardous substances and emerging biological threats.

Collaboration is central to this position. The Director works hand-in-hand with the Massachusetts National Guard Civil Support Team, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Weapons of Mass Destruction, New England Division, and the Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad to strengthen readiness and coordinate effective multi-agency responses. This is your chance to be at the forefront of interagency cooperation, shaping the future of hazmat response across New England.

The ideal candidate will bring thorough knowledge of hazardous materials, proven experience managing complex emergencies, and a strong administrative background in budgeting, grant management, and policy development. Located at DFS’s idyllic Stow, MA campus; adjacent to a wildlife refuge and accessible from Routes 290, 495, and I-95; this position offers both professional challenge and an inviting work environment.

If you are a decisive leader with the expertise, vision, and drive to lead the state’s hazmat mission, this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. Join a mission that matters and help shape the safety and resilience of Massachusetts communities for years to come.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have at least (A) six (6) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least two (2) years must have been in a project management, supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.

II. A Bachelor’s degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.

III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.

IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.

The primary work location for this role will be at the DFS Stow MA campus.   Where appropriate, DFS offers a hybrid work model, consisting of in-office and telework to further enhance the work/life balance of its employees.  The successful candidate would be required to work primarily on site during initial training and orientation period before telework may be offered and/or for certain positions, telework may not be appropriate.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.