Deputy Fire Chief

The City of Cape Girardeau Fire Department is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking leader to serve as Deputy Fire Chief. Reporting directly to the Fire Chief, the Deputy Fire Chief provides leadership in accomplishing fire suppression, rescue, hazardous materials response, and safety goals of the Department. The Deputy Fire Chief also serves as Acting Fire Chief in the absence of the Fire Chief.

Responsibilities

• Command a coordinate fire department resources on all types of emergencies, including the most complex fires, rescues, and hazardous materials incidents, and other emergency response.
• Oversee operational training and support professional development across the department
• Serve as the department’s Health and Safety Officer, promoting a culture of safety and accountability.
• Research and recommend the development of operational policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Support planning and procurement of fire apparatus, equipment, and facilities.
• Coordinate specialized skills including HazMat, ARFF, technical rescue, and EMS.
• Analyze incident data, prepare operational reports, and assist with strategic and budget planning.
• Coordinate Fire Department activities with other City, County, State, and Federal agencies to support emergency response and community safety initiatives.
• Help drive continuous improvement through training, evaluation, and community risk reduction initiatives.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a collaborative leader who combines operational experience, strategic thinking, and a commitment to firefighter safety and professional development.

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license.
• Minimum 10 years of fire service experience, including 5 years as a chief officer in a similar-sized department.
• Missouri Firefighter I & II certification (or equivalent).
• Current EMT-B certification with ability to obtain Missouri certification within 60 days.
• Missouri Fire Instructor I and Fire Officer I–IV certifications (or equivalent).
• Missouri Driver/Operator – Pumper certification (or equivalent).
• Associate’s degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, Emergency Management, or related field plus additional coursework toward a Bachelor’s degree.
• Hold nine or more certifications from the department’s List of Additional Certifications (see job listing online for more details).

Preferred Qualifications

• Missouri Paramedic (EMT-P) license.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field.
• Fire Instructor II or higher.
• Graduate of the National Fire Academy Managing Officer Program.
• Graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program.
• Chief Fire Officer (CFO) credential through the Center for Public Safety Excellence.

If you are a proven fire service leader ready to make an impact at a high level, we encourage you to apply online at https://cityofcapegirardeau.applicantstack.com/x/openings.