What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Fire Chief position at Upper Darby Township?
Interested in serving as a senior fire service leader, guiding operational excellence, and protecting a diverse community of more than 85,000 residents?
Upper Darby Township is seeking a highly qualified and experienced Assistant Fire Chief to serve as a key executive leader within the Upper Darby Township Fire Department. This appointed position plays a vital role in shaping the department’s strategic direction, ensuring operational readiness, and providing command-level leadership at emergency incidents. The Assistant Fire Chief works closely with the Fire Chief and serves as Acting Fire Chief in the Chief’s absence, making this an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned fire officer ready to operate at the highest level of municipal fire service leadership.
The Assistant Fire Chief provides oversight and leadership across major functional areas of the department, which may include Operations, Training, Administration, or Fire Prevention, while supervising and mentoring Deputy Chiefs and senior officers. The role includes supporting personnel management and labor relations, contributing to budget development and policy implementation, responding to emergency incidents within the Incident Command System, and providing command-level oversight at complex, multi-agency incidents. The Assistant Fire Chief also plays a central role in training and professional development for both career and volunteer personnel and, as assigned, supports community risk reduction initiatives through fire prevention, inspections, investigations, public education, and engagement with Township leadership and community partners.
Requirements
Qualified candidates will possess a minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible fire service experience and five (5) years of supervisory experience, along with demonstrated success operating in a combination fire department environment. Candidates must have significant fireground command experience and the ability to lead within a collective bargaining environment, including experience with labor-management relations.
Required certifications include NFPA Firefighter I and II, NFPA 1021 – Fire Officer II, Hazardous Materials Operations, NFPA Fire Service Instructor I, and NIMS/ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800. Candidates must demonstrate advanced knowledge of fireground strategy and tactics, strong leadership and communication skills, and the ability to develop policies, deliver training, manage complex initiatives, and represent the department professionally.
Preferred qualifications include a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Fire Administration, or a related field, Chief Fire Officer (CPSE) credential, graduation from the National Fire Academy Executive Officer Program, and additional certifications such as Fire Officer III, Fire Inspector, Fire Investigator, and EMT-B.
Salary
$150,000
Schedule / Other Information
Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM, with participation in an on-call program including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Benefits
Upper Darby Township offers a competitive compensation package, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, a pension plan, life insurance, and the opportunity to serve in a leadership role that makes a meaningful impact on public safety and the community.
Salary : $150,000