Fire Deputy Chief of Operations

Under the executive direction of the Fire Chief, the Deputy Chief of Operations shall have responsibility to lead, direct, and coordinate all aspects of the operational functions for the Fire Department.  This position exercises considerable autonomy in the management of assigned divisions and responsibilities, being guided by goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.  Serves as a primary advisor to the Fire Chief, assisting in formulating policy and procedure and presenting final recommendations to the Fire Chief. 

Work requires mastery of, and responsibility for, staff supervision, administration of division budgets, and the planning and organization of divisions in alignment with department goals.

The Fire Deputy Chief works a 40 hour workweek.  Work requires executive and administrative skills and is both mentally and physically challenging as work may involve exposure to hazardous situations.

• Supports the Fire Chief in the overall planning, implementation and direction of departmental goals and objectives; identifies, develops, and implements short and long-term goals and programs consistent with the City’s goals and objectives.
• Ensures that all divisions within the department work together effectively to ensure optimum performance and efficiency in the use of human, physical and financial resources.
• Directs the work of professional, technical, and support personnel in the operation and administration of fire suppression, rescue, specialty teams, EMS, facilities, and apparatus fleet.
• Provides professional direction of the department through Fire Assistant Chiefs, Fire Captains, and Lieutenants; ensures that a positive work environment is maintained in all locations.
• Participates in the development and administration of the department’s budget consistent with department and City goals and incompliance with City financial management policies; monitors the expenditure of funds to ensure proper budgetary and financial controls; research possible funding sources, drafts grant proposals, and administers grant funding to provide resources to support department initiatives and programs.
• Responds to large-scale fire and medical emergencies as needed to direct the fire or emergency scene, including direction of fire and rescue personnel, police, and other emergency crews, which may include personnel from other jurisdictions according to the demands of the situation.
• Directs maintenance and repair programs for facilities and equipment to ensure proper maintenance and operation at all times and under all circumstances.
• Evaluates the proficiency of department personnel, identifies training and development needs to ensure a well-prepared workforce with personnel ready to assume leadership roles at all levels.
• Performs executive and administrative duties as a member of the department’s executive management team, and with personnel from other City departments.
• Maintains detailed records of programs and activities; compiles and presents reports to executive management within the department and in the city as appropriate.
• Evaluates department policies and recommends changes to existing policies or initiation of new policies as needed; interprets departmental policies and procedures and ensures that assigned personnel maintain current awareness of and adherence to department policies.
• Maintains current competencies and directs the development, enhancements, and maintenance of current competencies for assigned personnel in management and in fire and rescue as well as specialized areas of assignment.