District Administrator for Ector County ESD 1 (Fire) and ESD 2 (EMS)

The districts operate with overlapping service areas and are governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners appointed by the Ector County Commissioners Court. The same five commissioners serve on both boards, providing coordinated oversight for fire protection and emergency medical services.

The districts are in the early stages of organizational development and are focused on building the foundational systems, policies, and service partnerships necessary to deliver high-quality emergency services. Initial priorities include establishing governance and administrative infrastructure, implementing financial and operational systems, and working with service providers to improve emergency response coverage and reliability across the service area.

The District Administrator will play a key role in helping the Board transition from startup to stable operations by supporting Board governance, implementing systems and policies, coordinating service provider relationships, and helping ensure the districts operate with transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility.

The ESD Commissioners are seeking a leader who is excited not simply to manage existing systems, but to help build the organization from the ground up. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a startup environment and is motivated by the opportunity to create the systems, processes, and partnerships needed to deliver high-quality emergency services.

Job Summary

The District Administrator provides executive leadership for Ector County Emergency Services Districts No. 1 and No. 2 (“District”). This role is responsible for implementing Board of Commissioners directives, managing day-to-day operations, ensuring legal and regulatory compliance, overseeing finances, and maintaining strong relationships with service providers, public officials, and the community. The Administrator serves as the central link between appointed officials, staff, service providers, and local governments to ensure efficient operations and high-quality fire suppression and emergency medical services (EMS).

Essential Functions

1. Administrative Leadership

Serves as the District’s administrative leader by communicating effectively with Commissioners, directing staff, implementing policies, ensuring fiscal accountability, coordinating reports and operations, maintaining legal compliance, and upholding the District’s mission to deliver high-quality services.

2. Policy Implementation

Collaborates with the ESD Commissioners and staff to develop, review, and implement District policies, orders, and resolutions, and ensures ongoing adherence by the District and its service providers.

3. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Ensures the District’s compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Prepares, publishes, posts, and archives required documents and maintains the District website in compliance with governing codes, thereby supporting transparency and adherence to open-government standards.

4. Public and Intergovernmental Relations

Serves as the primary liaison among taxpayers, citizens, service providers, and local governmental entities, fostering strong , collaborative partnerships essential to the effective delivery of services and the overall success of the District.

5. Strategic Planning

Develops, manages, and executes long-term strategic plans and financial forecasts by evaluating District needs, service provider objectives, economic trends, growth patterns, market conditions, and property values, ensuring alignment with public policies and community priorities.

6. Infrastructure and Resource Management

Manages and coordinates strategically planned and placed capital improvement projects, and resource acquisitions to meet the needs of the District, service providers, and the public.

7. Contract Management

Coordinates, manages, and negotiates agreements with both volunteer and career service providers to support effective and cohesive emergency service delivery within the District. Provides strategic guidance to service providers to ensure that service provider needs and District objectives are fully addressed and consistently met.

8. Financial Management and Reporting

Coordinates, prepares, and monitors the District’s budgets, investments, and tax rate calculations; maintains financial records; provides monthly financial reports; oversees the preparation and completion of annual audits; and manages all procurement activities, including competitive bidding processes.

9. Human Resources

Performs human resources functions by supporting recruitment and training activities, processing and maintaining required employment documentation, verifying and tracking personnel information, administering payroll processes, and managing employee records.

10. Information Technology

Develops, manages, and oversees the District’s technology infrastructure, including hardware, software, data-storage systems, and cybersecurity measures. Ensures compliance with cybersecurity training requirements, maintains secure and reliable data-management practices, and coordinates the work of contracted information technology vendors to support the District’s operational and security needs.

Professional Requirements and Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree in public financial management, public administration, fire science, or a related field; or equivalent knowledge and experience gained through executive-level service in local government.

· A minimum of ten (10) years of senior leadership experience in local government or fire and EMS services, with a preference for ten (10) or more years of experience leading or managing an Emergency Services District.

· Ability to successfully complete a post-offer background investigation, which may include fingerprinting, criminal history review, driving record screening, reference checks, employment verification, and credit evaluation.

· Knowledge of Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 775, the Texas Open Meetings Act (TOMA), the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

· Certificate of completion in Texas Open Meetings Act and Public Information Act Training.

· Knowledge of Emergency Services District operations, fire suppression and EMS operations, including volunteer and career departments, public and private EMS providers involved in 911 response, to include strategic planning.

· Knowledge of contract management, procurement planning, solicitation processes, negotiation procedures, and negotiation techniques to include service provider contracts, mutual aid agreements, interlocal agreements, and memoranda of understanding.

· Knowledge of capital improvement projects and construction procurement methods.

· Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, governmental accounting, budgeting, auditing, grant administration, taxation, financial reporting, cash-flow analysis, 

debt service, and financial forecasting.

· Maintains productive and professional working relationships with co-workers, ESD Commissioners, service providers, taxpayers, and the general public.

· Conducts and participates in public meetings and workshops, consistently representing the organization in a positive and professional manner.

· Report to work as scheduled, exhibiting professional attire and maintaining a neat and clean appearance.

Required Skills

Bilingual (English and Spanish) preferred.

Demonstrates the ability to effectively lead and supervise staff.

Communicates clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.

Prepares well-organized written reports and presentations.

Works independently, managing projects from start to finish, prioritizing tasks, and evaluating complex issues.

Protects confidential and sensitive information at all times.

Operates computers and standard office equipment proficiently.

Proficiency with administrative software systems such as Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and QuickBooks or equivalent software.

Works extended or irregular hours when required, including during high-stress situations.

Performs all physical, intellectual, and analytical duties of the position, including making sound decisions.

Consistently exhibits integrity, professionalism, and strong moral character.

Physical Requirements

Able to work effectively under stressful conditions and during periods of significant pressure.

Able to perform duties in environments with varying temperatures, including heated or air-conditioned settings.

Capable of performing light to moderate physical work, including lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds.

Requires the ability to reach, bend, stoop, and handle objects with hands and fingers, as well as the ability to speak, hear, and see as necessary to perform essential job functions.

Work Environment

The District Administrator typically works in an office setting and reports directly to the District Board of Commissioners. The District Administrator may travel locally for meetings and workshops. The role requires balancing administrative duties, public and stakeholder engagement, and strategic oversight.

Salary Expectations

This role will be compensated depending upon qualifications (DOQ) at a salary of $150,000 minimum. The District Administrator will be expected to help develop the benefit package offered.

Application Process

Send your cover letter and a resume to Commissioner Heather Burks, heather.burks@ectoresd.com