Chapel Hill resident Jim Groves was chosen Monday to lead Orange County’s Emergency Services department.

Groves will replace retiring Director Frank Montes de Oca. He starts his new job Jan. 22.

County Manager Frank Clifton said in a news release that more than a hundred people applied for the job.

“Jim brings many years of boots-on-the-ground experience, along with a connection and true understanding of the community, which will be an added benefit for our residents,” Clifton said.

As Emergency Services director, Groves will lead the Fire Marshal’s Office and a 119-member staff that meets the county’s emergency medical, communication and management needs, while working with other local, state and federal agencies.

He also will oversee a major expansion and upgrade to EMS and 911 Center services.

Groves has worked since 2006 as senior manager with ICF International in Durham. The consulting firm specializes in emergency service response programs and inter-agency collaboration. He also served three years as Lee County’s emergency services director, 10 years as the emergency management coordinator for Durham County and was a member and assistant chief of Durham’s Parkwood Volunteer Fire Department from 1984 to 2004.