Please Note
A candidate must successfully pass a thorough background investigation, including a criminal history check, fingerprinting, polygraph test, psychological test, credit check, and a drug use history, to be considered for this position.
The Deputy Fire Chief manages key responsibilities and supports the Fire Chief in developing, proposing, and implementing programs that provide quality fire protection services and ensures excellent customer service within the department’s area. The Deputy Chief also collaborates closely with the Fire Chief to develop strategies and solutions for critical issues, helping to build consensus and maintain a clear and timely policy and decision-making process. The Deputy Fire Chief is responsible for overseeing one or more major divisions within the Fire Department and may serve as Acting Fire Chief when needed. Their duties are primarily administrative and managerial, involving significant authority over daily operations within their division(s). However, they also have the duty and authority to respond to complex incidents requiring greater oversight and the autonomy to make significant decisions. They regularly interact with public officials, State, Federal, and local agencies, as well as other public and private organizations, and the community.
IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT
The ideal candidate should be an experienced organizational leader and a change agent who has mastered collaboration, takes initiative, and is solution- and results-oriented. They should be an excellent and diplomatic communicator, successfully developing and fostering strong cooperative working relationships. The candidate will have a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in programs and hiring practices. They should be an inspirational, creative, and strategic leader with the expertise to build on past successes, a vision to identify and pursue new opportunities, and the strength of character to inspire and mobilize necessary resources. This person will have demonstrated experience in engaging key stakeholders to invest in and support a shared vision for the Fire Department and the community we serve.
The Deputy Chief will possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, which are vital for building strong relationships with staff, the community, business leaders, elected officials, and other key stakeholders. The ideal candidate will be a capable manager of staff, focusing on performance management, boosting morale, creating a positive work environment, and applying best practices and efficiencies to ensure departmental success.
DEFINITION
Under minimal supervision, the Deputy Fire Chief performs responsible administrative and management duties in the Fire Department; manages and oversees the activities of one or more fire service Divisions responsible for operations, administrative/ personnel, support and/or other services; develops Division goals and objectives; coordinates activities with other Fire Department managers, City officials, and outside organizations; helps assure Department compliance with and enforcement of applicable Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances and codes.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a senior-management sworn classification populated with multiple incumbents. The Deputy Fire Chief is assigned broad responsibility for overseeing one or more major Divisions within the Fire Department and may act in the absence of the Fire Chief. Duties are primarily administrative and managerial in nature, and incumbents perform work involving significant authority for various day-to-day operations within their assigned Division. Incumbents interface frequently with public officials, State/Federal/local agencies, other public/private organizations and the general public, and assist the Fire Chief in the development, proposal, and implementation of programs designed to provide quality fire protection services and maintain excellent customer service within the Department's jurisdiction. This classification is distinguished from the lower classification of Fire Assistant Chief in that the Deputy Fire Chief is responsible for Division activities, while the Fire Assistant Chief manages/supervises a section within a Division, serving as senior administrative officer only as required outside of normal business hours. This classification is distinguished from Fire Chief in that the latter class is responsible for all department activities.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Minimal direction is provided by the Fire Chief. Incumbents supervise a large and diverse group of sworn and civilian employees performing a full-range of fire service management, supervisory, professional, technical, and support duties.