MIDDLEBURG - Dave Nichols, the director of Snyder County’s Emergency Management Agency who was fired in February amid an investigation of his office, has landed a job working for the U.S. government.

Nichols was recently hired by the Department of Homeland Security in Washington, D.C. He’ll be working on grants in the administration office, he said Thursday.

“I’m looking forward to new challenges,” Nichols said.

The Snyder County commissioners suspended and later dismissed Nichols in February after the county District Attorney Michael Sholley, in tandem with state police, launched an investigation into the conduct of former EMA First Deputy William Michaels, whom county officials also axed.

To date, no charges have been filed.

Snyder County is now looking for a new EMA director.

Nichols called the career move an advancement.

“I’m just moving on. It’s time to find other positions and do other things,” he said. “This has nothing to do with vindication.”

Snyder County Commissioner Chairman Joe Kantz had no comment.