Deputy Chief of Fire Operations

City of Farmington•Farmington, NM

3d•$98,705 - $153,463

About The Position

The Deputy Chief of Operations is a key member of the Fire Department’s executive leadership team and oversees emergency operations, personnel management, and resource deployment. The position ensures that fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical services (EMS), hazardous materials response, special operations, community events, and weather-related events are conducted safely and efficiently, in accordance with the department’s mission, policies, industry standards, and applicable state and federal laws. The position works under the direct supervision of the Assistant Fire Chief and may serve as acting Fire Chief when assigned or when the Fire Chief is absent. The Deputy Chief directs operational units and incident command, supervises and mentors personnel, manages staffing and resources, and contributes to strategic planning and administration. The position oversees training, operational readiness, community and interagency relations, and reporting. It may involve responding to major emergencies and directing personnel and equipment at incidents. This is a regular, full-time position with varied work location and hours, and an on-call response requirement. The employee must reside within 15 miles of Farmington City Limits. Work is performed primarily in offices, vehicles, and outdoor settings, in all weather conditions and during day and night shifts. Emergency response work may be stressful and involve exposure to fire, smoke, hazardous substances, noise, and other incident-related hazards.

Requirements

At least 10 years of progressively responsible fire service experience, including at least 4 years in a supervisory or management capacity, with advancement in administrative, operational, and leadership responsibilities.
Qualifying experience must include service in a fire department of comparable size and operational complexity.
IFSAC Fire Officer II certification or equivalent.
Fluency with Blue Card command and a strong understanding of all areas of the Incident Command System.
Ability to obtain New Mexico EMT-Basic or higher within the first year of employment.
Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, Emergency Management, Business Administration, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education, professional training, and progressively responsible fire service experience.
Ability to analyze complex fire service and personnel problems, devise effective courses of action, and react quickly, calmly, and with good judgment in emergencies.
Good oral and written communication skills and ability to plan, supervise, and coordinate subordinate work.
Valid driver’s license applicable to operating fire apparatus in New Mexico, with an acceptable driving record for the past three years.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, City officials, and the public.
Must reside within 15 miles of Farmington City Limits and be able to respond after hours while on call.
Must meet initial and annual medical requirements under the cited New Mexico Administrative Code provisions.
Must maintain confidentiality when handling employee records and business information.
Subject to the City’s Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy, including pre-employment, post-accident, random, reasonable-suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up testing.
Subject to extensive background checks.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree, Executive Fire Officer (EFO) certification, or equivalent advanced executive leadership education.

Responsibilities

Direct, coordinate, and supervise daily fire suppression, rescue, EMS, hazardous materials, and special operations.
Develop, implement, and monitor operational policies, procedures, and performance standards.
Conduct organizational, investigative, and operational studies and prepare staff reports and correspondence.
Oversee incident command at major emergencies, serve as Incident Commander when required, and perform other incident management team functions as needed.
Coordinate mutual aid and automatic aid responses with surrounding jurisdictions.
Participate on boards, commissions, and committees; explain and represent department programs, policies, and activities, and resolve sensitive issues.
Manage and mentor Battalion Chiefs and assigned staff; oversee performance, training, recruitment, hiring, promotion, evaluation, and discipline of operational personnel.
Promote safety, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Evaluate service delivery methods and procedures, allocate resources, and recommend modifications.
Improve operations and work processes while cooperating with others to provide quality customer service.
Assist the Fire Chief in developing and implementing short- and long-term operational goals and objectives.
Monitor service delivery, call volume trends, staffing models, and operational readiness.
Prepare periodic Operations reports and other reports concerning shift effectiveness, performance standards, and staffing.
Participate in developing and implementing departmental goals, objectives, priorities, policies, procedures, practices, rules, and regulations.
Assess workload and internal and external relationships, identify improvement opportunities, and direct and implement changes.
Oversee training programs so operational personnel maintain required skills, certifications, and competencies.
Ensure apparatus, equipment, and facilities remain operationally ready.
Evaluate operating tactics, strategies, procedures, and equipment; assist with community disaster preparation.
Represent the department at meetings, conferences, and public events; maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, and the public.
Attend professional training and meetings, stay current on developments in fire prevention, suppression, and EMS, and represent the department at local, county, state, and other meetings.
Foster community engagement through open communication and public education, and respond to difficult or sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
Coordinate and direct Division of Operations activities and provide staff assistance to the Fire Chief.
Establish priorities, coordinate departmental support services, and ensure program objectives and standards align with department goals.
Respond to major emergencies and assume command, operations, or safety functions; direct personnel and equipment at fires, accidents, hazardous materials incidents, and rescue operations.
Operate a motor vehicle for department and City business.
Coordinate special projects or committees as assigned by the Fire Chief and make community presentations.
Act as Fire Chief when assigned and on behalf of the Fire Chief during the Chief’s absence.