Chief of Operations/Deputy Director

State of South Dakota•Rapid City, SD

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief of Operations/Deputy Director of the Wildland Fire Division is a senior executive leader responsible for advancing South Dakota’s statewide wildfire and emergency management programs. The role provides strategic direction and oversight for wildfire suppression, prescribed fire operations, and emergency response initiatives while leading fire management professionals who protect lives, property, and natural resources. The position leads long-term planning, policy development, interagency collaboration, and operational improvement to strengthen firefighting capacity statewide. In coordination with local, state, federal, and national partners, the Chief helps shape wildfire management strategies, negotiates agreements, supports budget development, and represents the agency in regional and national initiatives. As a member of division leadership, the Chief ensures safe and effective fire management programs, advises the Director, and serves on the Director’s behalf when needed. The role leads firefighters in wildland fire suppression and emergency management; oversees operations staff, including the Training Program Manager, District Office Program Manager, and Handcrew Program Manager; and directs strategic planning, statewide wildfire goals, policies, procedures, and operational standards. The Chief also leads the prescribed fire program, assists with budget development and management, negotiates cost-share and cooperative agreements, and represents South Dakota and the agency in partner meetings and collaborative groups. Applicants must provide a current resume, a current Fire Training and Qualification Master Record, a current Incident Qualification Card (Red Card), and copies of fire management plans, prescribed burn plans, annual operating plans, or other fire management planning documents for which they were the primary author. Employment is conditional on successful completion of a background investigation and drug screening. The State does not sponsor work visas; new hires must verify identity and work eligibility and complete Form I-9, with eligibility verified through E-Verify.

Requirements

NWCG certification as Division Group Supervisor and Incident Commander Type 3.
Knowledge of fire ecology, fire behavior, and fire management theories, concepts, principles, and standards applicable to a wildland fire environment.
Knowledge of wildland firefighting policies, techniques, and practices gained through substantial experience serving as a primary firefighter.
Knowledge of wildland fire management, including fire effects, fire hazard and risk analysis, fuel and smoke management, incident management, prescribed fire, and fire use, sufficient to support program development and oversight of fire and aviation management programs.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and agency policies and procedures related to the use and protection of natural and cultural resources.
Knowledge of accepted wildland fire safety standards, practices, and procedures.
Knowledge of emerging fire management technologies, innovations, and advancements, and ability to evaluate and apply them to operational and program needs.
Knowledge of budgeting policies, procedures, and techniques sufficient to develop, implement, and monitor program budgets and annual work plans.
Knowledge of the capabilities, limitations, approved safety standards, and operating procedures of commonly used fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft.
Knowledge of supervisory principles, personnel management practices, and leadership techniques necessary to manage and develop a diverse workforce.
Knowledge of contracting policies, procedures, and procurement practices.
Knowledge of standard computer applications, software systems, and related terminology.
Ability to interpret, apply, and implement department laws, policies, and procedures.
Ability to foster teamwork, collaboration, accountability, and positive interpersonal relationships.
Ability to organize, prioritize, and effectively manage multiple work activities, projects, and responsibilities.
Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and professionally, verbally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with volunteer firefighters, landowners, business owners, the public, local governments, federal agencies, other state agencies, seasonal employees, and other stakeholders.
Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather, terrain, and environmental conditions, including physically and mentally demanding and potentially hazardous situations.
A current resume, current Fire Training and Qualification Master Record, current Incident Qualification Card (Red Card), and copies of fire management plans, prescribed burn plans, annual operating plans, or other fire management planning documents for which the applicant was the primary author must be submitted.

Nice To Haves

NWCG qualifications as Division Group Supervisor and Incident Commander Type 3.
Effective oral and written communication.
High motivation and ability to work independently.
Passion for developing future leaders.

Responsibilities

Lead firefighters in wildland fire suppression and emergency management operations.
Provide strategic direction for safe, effective, and efficient fire management operations, including developing annual operating plans, memorandums of understanding (MOUs), and joint powers agreements (JPAs) with partner agencies and municipal and volunteer fire departments.
Provide leadership and oversight to operations staff, including the Training Program Manager, District Office Program Manager, and Handcrew Program Manager.
Lead strategic planning initiatives to strengthen agency operations, enhance firefighting capacity, and guide the future direction of the Wildland Fire Division.
Develop statewide wildfire management goals and establish policies, procedures, and operational standards to achieve program objectives.
Lead the agency’s prescribed fire program to reduce hazardous fuel loads, improve wildlife habitat, and mitigate catastrophic wildfire risk.
Assist in developing and managing the agency budget for submission to the Department Secretary.
Lead and participate in negotiations of cost-share agreements with federal land management agencies.
Represent the agency in meetings with state, local, and federal partners to negotiate, review, and administer MOUs, JPAs, and other cooperative agreements.
Represent South Dakota and the agency on regional and national committees, subcommittees, and collaborative working groups.
Serve on behalf of the Director in the Director’s absence and provide executive leadership as needed to ensure continuity of operations.
Identify, recruit, mentor, and develop employees for current and future leadership roles.
Present, promote, and advocate for division programs, services, and objectives to a variety of audiences.