Operations Chief

Job Description: Chief of Operations 

The Chief of Operations, rank of Assistant Chief, is an exempt, non-union position with a salary range of $184,140 - $204,600. Please submit your resume along with a cover letter to include the answers to the supplemental questions below to swebber@bifd.org. First Review of resumes will be the week of August 24, 2026, and will be opened until filled. 

Supplemental Questions:

1. Please identify areas/services of the Bainbridge Island Fire Department (BIFD) that you are particularly interested in and why?
2. Please describe how your experience will be a benefit to the BIFD and how would you translate your experience to the current culture and operations of BIFD?
3. Why do you want to be the Chief of Operations at BIFD?

Some Benefits we offer:

• Medical/Vision
• Dental
• Retirement 
• FSA
• HRA
• STD/LTD
• Life Insurance
• Paid Holidays

Official Job Title: Chief of Operations   

Classification: Salaried, non-union, exempt (not overtime eligible)  

Rank: Assistant Chief 

Reports To: Fire Chief      

Date Adopted: June 24, 2026  

Salary Range: $184,140-$204,600 

Benefits: Standard medical, dental and retirement package  

Major Function and Purpose: 

Responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of all emergency response 

operations, including deployment, staffing, incident command systems, and operational 

readiness. This position serves as the Department’s primary authority on emergency 

operations and ensures effective service delivery. 

Reporting Relationships: 

The Chief of Operations reports directly to the Fire Chief. The Chief of Operations is the 

second highest-ranking officer in the Department.  

Supervision Responsibilities 

This is a supervisory position. The Chief of Operations directly supervises the shift 

Battalion Chiefs, Chiefs of Training and EMS Divisions, and other assigned personnel on 

a day-to-day basis, developing annual goals and objectives and monitoring progress on 

a continual basis. The Chief of Operations provides direction and leadership to employees 

in all assigned program areas. May be assigned by the Fire Chief to act in the Fire Chief’s 

capacity during the Fire Chief’s absence. 

Essential Job Functions 

• Directs emergency response operations and staffing across all hazards. 

• Evaluates and ensures readiness, staffing, and operational effectiveness. 

• Provides strategic direction and oversees the Chiefs of the Training Division and 

EMS Division. 

• Oversees shift Battalion Chiefs and line personnel. 

• Develops, maintains, and implements operational policies, procedures, and 

standards. 

• Evaluates and implements action to ensure compliance with applicable local, state, 

and federal laws pertaining to operations.  

• Make real-time operational decisions without prior approval. 

• Participates in incident command at major incidents. 

• Oversee deployment models and resource allocation, including coordination of 

mutual aid and regional response systems. 

• Compiles and manages operations-related budget. 

• Oversee hiring and promotional processes for suppression positions. 

• Attends Board of Fire Commissioner meetings, as directed by the Fire Chief. 

• Represents the Department at outside meetings pertaining to operational 

readiness and emergency response. 

• Participates as a member of the labor-management team. 

• Mentors and evaluates personnel, including recommendation and administration 

of applicable discipline. 

• Commits to continuing education efforts (college, certifications, conferences, etc.) 

in job-related field to maintain knowledge on industry trends and best practices. 

• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications: 

(1) Required Qualifications: 

• 10 years progressive fire service experience. 

• 5 years of progressive experience in a fire command position, e.g., Battalion Chief, 

Assistant Chief or Chief of Operations rank and/or company officer with program 

management experience, or as approved by the Fire Chief. 

• A bachelor’s degree in fire or business administration or related field or a combination 

of education and experience as approved by the Fire Chief. 

• Proven incident command experience at emergency scenes. 

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse 

individuals and groups including staff, volunteers, public officials, and citizens.  

• Skill in managing personnel, work programs, projects, and budgets and in achieving 

results. 

• Experience in the use of Office 365 software applications and integrated database 

programs.  

• Valid Washington State Driver’s License, proof of current insurance, and the ability to 

be insured by the Department’s insurance provider.  

• Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible to work in the United States. 

(2) Desirable Qualifications: 

• A graduate degree from an accredited institution in a related field and/or completion 

of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program (EFO). 

(3) Other Qualifications: 

Prior to receiving a final offer of employment, a selected candidate must pass a 

comprehensive background check, medical examination, and a psychological suitability 

profile test. 

(4) Personal Attributes: 

This position requires a mature, self-confident individual who has the interpersonal skills 

to work well with all members of the organization and the general public. The individual 

is expected to actively engage in-person with Department members. The individual is 

expected to work with limited supervision, demonstrate initiative on projects, and show a 

willingness to learn new information, be a problem solver, and exercise good judgment.  

The individual must be able to:  

• maintain their emotional self-control in all situations; 

• accept advice and coaching from others, follow rules and regulations, and adapt 

to changing working conditions; 

• convey a positive, professional attitude and contribute to the general well-being of 

the Department; 

• embrace the mission and core values of the Department; and  

• continue the individual’s education and apply new ideas and techniques. 

(5) Continuing Education or Certification Requirements: 

Ability to obtain and maintain required certification through continued education or testing 

as required by the Fire Chief. 

Working Conditions and Other Information 

Working conditions are typically in office or meeting environments. Desk work or 

computer terminal work may be for extended periods of time. Will be required to be 

available ‘on-call’ outside of normal working hours to respond to emergency incidents as 

per Department policy. At emergency incidents, the Chief of Operations may assume 

overall command or fill necessary positions. Due to the nature of firefighting and 

emergency service work, the Chief of Operations will be exposed to potential hazards, 

e.g., extreme heat and smoke, unstable structures, live electrical lines, toxic gases and 

blood borne pathogens. Therefore, the Chief of Operations is required to use protective 

clothing and equipment. 

Chief of Operations must have the overall stamina and ability to perform moderate 

physical activity. Vision must be sufficient to perform all duties. Corrective lenses may be 

utilized. The candidate must be able to hear alarms and have the ability to audibly identify 

the presence of a danger or hazard. 

______________________________________________________________________ 

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the 

employee and is subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.