Master Plan Nashua Fire Rescue, NH
While a fire department's evaluation focuses on several factors, staffing is one of the most important. When
reviewing staffing, one must define the expectations of each work unit in addition to the organization's
overall performance. Once the work product (output or outcome) is defined, and performance metrics are
established, senior leadership assumes responsibility in determining appropriate staffing necessary to
accomplish goals and meet performance objectives.
Administrative Staffing
One of the primary responsibilities of the administrative team is to ensure that the operations segment of
the organization has the ability and means to respond to and mitigate emergencies safely and efficiently. An
effective administration and support services system is critical to the success of the Department.
Typical responsibilities of the administration and support staff include planning, organizing, directing,
coordinating, and evaluating the various programs within Nashua Fire Rescue. This list of functions is not
exhaustive, and other functions may be added. It is also important to understand these functions do not occur
linearly and can more often occur simultaneously. This requires the Fire Chief and administrative support
staff to focus on many different areas concurrently.
Figure 54 illustrates the administration and support structure of Nashua Fire Rescue.
Figure 54. Nashua Fire Rescue’s Administrative Staffing
Minoo Hours Worked
Position Title Full-Time Work Schedule
sas per Week
esi edaes
Fire Chief ] 40 M-F
Assistant Chief ] 40 M-F
Executive Assistant ] 40 M-F
Administrative Assistant Il ] 40 M-F
Total Admin & Support 4
Nashua Fire Rescue’s administrative functions are led by the Fire Chief and supported by an Assistant Chief.
ESCI noted that currently, the level of administrative and support staffing function within Nashua Fire Rescue
is comprised of four full-time equivalent (FTE) positions. This represents 2.22% of the Department's total
staffing of 180 full-time positions. It is ESCI’s experience that effective administrative staffing totals for
municipal fire department operations typically range from 12 to 15% of agency totals. After reviewing the
functions and responsibilities assigned to the workgroup, ESCI concluded that the number of full-time
equivalents (FTEs) assigned resides in the extreme lower range of the normally experienced administrative
levels to support the responsibilities of Nashua Fire Rescue’s administration appropriately.
ESC) Emergency Services 2
Consulting International 7
