Deputy Chief of Fire & Rescue

Deputy Chief of Fire & Rescue (Operations or Administration)

Performs a combination of complex administrative and field work to ensure Fire and Rescue Department operations are conducted safely, efficiently, and in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and professional standards. The Deputy Fire Chief may be assigned to oversee Operations or Administration, depending on organizational needs and the selected candidate's qualifications.

Frequently participates in the work of subordinate personnel and, in the absence of the Chief of Fire and Rescue, serves in a leadership capacity and may be required to establish and/or perform all functions of the Incident Command System. The position directly supervises career staff, provides leadership and instruction to both career and volunteer personnel, and supports the department's mission through planning, coordination, and operational oversight.

Promotes community awareness by providing information and education regarding Fire and Rescue services, including promoting the role of the department within the community, supporting recruitment and retention of volunteer personnel, and participating in fire prevention, fire safety, emergency medical services, and other public education initiatives, as assigned.

Work is performed under the general direction of the Chief of Fire & Rescue with considerable latitude for independent judgment, decision-making, and action.

Candidates should note that the County is conducting an expedited recruitment for this position. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received, and interviews may be scheduled throughout the recruitment process. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. This position will remain open until filled.

• Requires education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, EMS, Public Administration/Business Administration, or related field, supplemented by advanced level course work in modern methods of fire suppression and rescue. Must be familiar with NFPA standards and OEMS Regulations particularly as they relate to the Fire & Rescue environment. Must possess experience in health and safety relevant to Fire and Rescue operations and personnel.
• Must possess a minimum of three (3) years of command level supervisory experience at the rank of Captain or above in a career Fire and EMS department of comparable or greater size. Training in public speaking and public education desired.

• Requires comprehensive knowledge of the strategy and tactics of handling fire, rescue, and medical emergencies and the ability to analyze and respond effectively under stress to each. Must possess the ability to identify and interpret trends and preventive related issues within the Fire Services industry.
• Requires exercising a great deal of self-initiative and possessing the ability to positively interact with the public, volunteers, career staff, support staff, and outside agencies in a professional, courteous, and tactful manner during routine, emergency, and sensitive situations. Strong quality and service minded with commitment to continuous quality improvement.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to work cooperatively in a diverse multi-disciplinary emergency services team and / or independently. Knowledge of management principles and practices with the ability to employ team-oriented problem-solving techniques and be capable of motivating new or inexperienced members. Puts success of team above own interests and supports everyone’s efforts to succeed.
• Ability to develop, implement and facilitate educational programs.
• Must possess the ability to communicate; both orally and in writing, to effectively educate a variety of audiences. Must be able to maintain confidentially and disseminate such information consistent with policies and procedures.
• Knowledge and understanding of the County’s strategic direction, mission, vision, and values as they relate to the Department of Fire & Rescue, as well as the departments standard operating guidelines, rules, and regulations.
• Knowledge of County geography with respect to streets, hydrants and building access.
• Must be able to establish and maintain accurate records, files, and database systems. Requires compiling data and information to prepare complex reports using MS Office Suite and/or other computer systems.
• Knowledge of budget preparation and accounting principles.

• Must have three (5) years of driving experience and possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license, proof of insurance required to drive on County business, and acceptable driving record.
• EMT certification; CPR certification; NIMS – ICS 100 – 400 & ICS 700 & 800 certification; EVOC certification; Firefighter II certification; Hazardous Materials Operations certification.
• Preferred Qualifications: Paramedic certification, Education Coordinator, Fire Officer certification, and Fire Instructor certifications, Executive Fire Officer & Chief Fire Officer/Chief Medical Officer.
Employee will be responsible for keeping his/her license and education requirements current.

• Requires employee to perform very heavy work requiring the exertion in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Work requires climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions.
• Sensory skills: Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, night vision, peripheral vision, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, assembly or fabrication of parts at or within arm’s length, operation of machines, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities.
• Ability to mentally and emotionally deal with emergencies that may result in severe injury or the loss of human life.

• Subject to a complete criminal history, background search, drug screening, medical screening, and psychological assessment with acceptable results.
• Worker may be required to work beyond a normal schedule to include rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime to meet the needs of the department.
• This position is designated as essential personnel. In accordance with the County's personnel policy, essential personnel are critical to the continuation of key operations and services and are expected to report to work, unless otherwise directed by management, in all weather conditions.