Airport Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting (ARFF) Assistant Chief

City of Cleveland•3001 - Port Control, OH

16h

About The Position

The Airport Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting (ARFF) Assistant Chief oversees ARFF operations and staff, supports departmental objectives, and helps ensure efficient workflows and high-quality outcomes. The role develops and evaluates operational strategies, procedures, and best practices, monitors performance, and identifies opportunities for improvement. It collaborates with leadership and internal and external stakeholders on departmental initiatives, plans, and public-safety policies. The Assistant Chief responds to airport emergencies, including accidents, incidents, and aircraft emergencies, and acts on behalf of the Airport ARFF Chief when the Chief is absent or as directed. The role supports Airport Emergency Plan updates and ensures ARFF operations, training, and certification remain aligned with applicable FAA, NTSB, FAR Part 139, and NFPA requirements. The position manages assigned staff, including hiring, development, performance evaluation, coaching, discipline, goal setting, and succession planning. It also supports budget development and funding proposals, manages section procurements and contracts, oversees equipment and records, and promotes occupational health and safety compliance. Other related duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; two years of equivalent education, training, and experience may substitute for each year of college education lacking.
Six years of full-time management experience required.
Four years of demonstrated leadership experience.
Strong critical-thinking and analytical skills, including the ability to identify process inefficiencies and implement effective solutions.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Valid State of Ohio Driver’s License required.

Nice To Haves

Certified Airport Master Firefighter (A.M.F.) from AAAE.
Certified Member (CM) or Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) from AAAE.
Proficiency in FAR Part 139 requirements.
Fire Inspector certification based on NFPA standards.
Knowledge of contract preparation and management.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily operations to align with departmental objectives and organizational priorities.
Manage and direct staff as needed to maintain efficient workflows, productivity, and high-quality outcomes.
Develop, implement, and evaluate operational strategies, procedures, and best practices.
Monitor performance metrics and identify opportunities for process improvement.
Collaborate with leadership, cross-functional teams, and internal and external stakeholders on departmental initiatives, plans, and public-safety policies.
Respond to airport emergencies 24/7, including accidents, incidents, and aircraft emergencies.
Act on behalf of the Airport ARFF Chief in the Chief’s absence or as directed.
Review and recommend updates to the Airport Emergency Plan covering the emergency scenarios identified in the description and pursuant to FAR Part 139.
Interpret applicable FAA and NTSB regulations, advisory circulars, and NFPA standards, and determine related procedures and policies.
Keep abreast of FAA Part 139 Airport Certification requirements as they relate to ARFF operations, training, and certification.
Ensure maintenance of apparatus and equipment, activity logs, and other written reports prepared by subordinates.
Collaborate with the team to develop, maintain, and implement Standard Operating Guidelines for ARFF work functions.
Hire, develop, and manage assigned staff; establish and monitor goals; counsel, coach, instruct, and evaluate employees; initiate and enforce discipline; and inform the ARFF Chief of performance or operational issues.
Conduct succession planning and prepare high-performing employees for additional leadership responsibilities, including business continuity and regulatory and operational knowledge.
Assist with budget development, prepare funding proposals, manage section procurements and requisitions, order supplies and services, oversee payments, and monitor contracts for compliance.
Promote and ensure compliance with occupational health and safety policies, procedures, and programs; prepare accident and injury reports as necessary.
Perform other job-related duties as required.