Assistant Fire Chief of Operations (Manager V)

Sarasota County Government

85d • $135,000 - $145,000

About The Position

The Sarasota County Fire Department is growing, and we are excited to announce that we are adding another Assistant Fire Chief of Operations! This Monday – Friday position offers the chance to play a vital role in protecting lives, supporting our teams, and strengthening public safety. It combines the impact of serving the community with the stability of an excellent work-life balance, advancement opportunities, education reimbursement, and comprehensive benefits. We’re more than just a fire department — we’re a team that invests in the career growth of every employee. Here, all voices matter, collaboration is valued, and your contributions directly shape the future of our services. Whether overseeing daily operations, managing personnel, or driving improvements that support our growing community, you’ll have the opportunity to grow as a leader while making a lasting difference. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career with a department that prioritizes both service and professional development, apply today!

Requirements

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Emergency Management, Fire Science, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field, and experience in fire administration, emergency medical services work, and/or fire operations command responsibilities. (Work experience must include a minimum of one (1) year as a battalion chief or equivalent, or a minimum of four (4) years as a captain or equivalent, or a combination thereof totaling a minimum of four (4) years.)
• OR: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Emergency Management, Fire Science, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field, and experience in fire administration, emergency medical services work, and/or fire operations command responsibilities. (Work experience must include a minimum of two (2) years as a battalion chief or equivalent, or a minimum of six (6) years as a captain or equivalent, or a combination thereof totaling a minimum of six (6) years.)
• Valid Florida driver's license or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
• Florida Minimum Standards Firefighter Certification or the ability to obtain within 18 months of hire (required for FRS Special Risk).
• Florida Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic Certification or the ability to obtain within 18 months of hire (required for FRS Special Risk).
• Florida Fire Officer II Certification (or Fire Officer I Certification if obtained prior to November 18, 2013) or the ability to obtain within 18 months of hire (required for FRS Special Risk).

Nice To Haves

• National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer designation and/or Chief Fire Officer designation.
• NIMS Incident Command Position Certifications: I-100, I-200, I-300, I-400, I-700, and I-800.
• Proven leadership and management experience in fire services, including operations in fire, EMS, and special programs.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and collaboration skills with internal teams, partner agencies, and the community.
• Skilled in resource management, independent decision-making, and adapting effectively to challenges or feedback.
• Proficient with standard office technology and Microsoft 365 tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Respond to emergency scenes and assume the appropriate position based on the emergency's need and the incident's complexity.
• Lead and mentor personnel in assigned areas such as Logistics, Operations, EMS, Special Programs, or Training.
• Oversee daily operations to ensure readiness, safety, and effective emergency response.
• Manage scheduling, promotions, investigations, grievances, and disciplinary actions in compliance with policies and labor agreements.
• Ensure accurate fire incident reporting and timely submissions to the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
• Direct budget planning, purchasing, and resource allocation; align expenditures with strategic priorities and explore funding opportunities.
• Partner with county leaders to enhance services, address community growth, and build interdepartmental collaboration.
• Drive continuous improvement through data analysis, quality programs, and process enhancements for emergency operations.
• Support training initiatives and represent the department in community outreach, promoting fire prevention and public awareness.
• Contribute to the Fire Department’s strategic, master, and accreditation plans, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Assist in developing and implementing policies, procedures, and operational strategies; ensure consistent communication and compliance across the department.
• Collaborate across departments and serve on committees such as Labor Relations, Safety, Apprenticeship, and Wellness-Fitness.
• Work with fellow Assistant Fire Chiefs to evaluate operational needs, recommend equipment, and support budget development.
• Prepare reports and provide recommendations on operational, fiscal, and strategic matters to the Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chiefs.
• Oversee audits, risk assessments, and fraud prevention to strengthen accountability and compliance.
• Support labor negotiations and collective bargaining efforts.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Fire Chief or Deputy Fire Chiefs.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Florida Retirement System (FRS)
• 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days and 16 paid vacation days in the first year of full-time employment with increasing accrual rates with years of service.
• Utilize our award-winning wellness program including free gyms at multiple Sarasota County Government locations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Master's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees