Deputy Chief of Fire Operations

City of Farmington•Farmington, NM

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Deputy Chief of Operations is a 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, consistent with departmental policy, industry standards, and applicable 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 and coordinates operational units, oversees major incident command, manages and mentors Battalion Chiefs and other assigned personnel, and supports staffing, recruitment, training, readiness, and performance management. The role assists the Fire Chief with operational planning and administration, monitors service delivery and readiness, coordinates disaster preparation, and represents the department at public events and interagency meetings. The position may respond to emergencies, is on-call after hours, and 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. The position may involve stressful emergency scenes and exposure to fire, smoke, hazardous substances, noise, and other operational hazards. Physical duties include frequent sitting, standing, walking, handling equipment, and reaching, as well as occasional climbing, balancing, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and lifting or moving up to 100 pounds.

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 certification 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 and devise effective, reasonable courses of action.
Ability to react quickly, calmly, and with good judgment under emergency conditions.
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 and 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 specified in NMAC Reg. 11.5.2.10 C (4), (5), and (6).
Must maintain confidentiality when handling employee records and business information.
Must comply with the City of Farmington Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy, including applicable pre-employment, post-accident, random, reasonable-suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up testing.
Must successfully complete extensive background checks.
Attendance at work is an essential function of the position.

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 and present reports and correspondence.
Oversee incident command at major emergencies and serve as Incident Commander or perform other Incident Management Team functions when required.
Coordinate mutual aid and automatic aid responses with surrounding jurisdictions.
Participate in boards, commissions, committees, and professional meetings; explain and represent department programs, policies, and activities.
Manage and mentor Battalion Chiefs and assigned staff, and coordinate recruitment, hiring, promotions, evaluations, and discipline of operational personnel.
Promote safety, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement; assess service delivery and allocate resources or recommend changes.
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 operational and performance reports.
Review and help manage departmental goals, priorities, policies, procedures, practices, rules, and regulations.
Assess workload and internal and external relationships, identify opportunities for improvement, and direct and implement changes.
Oversee development and delivery of training programs and ensure personnel maintain required skills, certifications, and competencies.
Ensure apparatus, equipment, and facilities remain operationally ready; evaluate tactics, strategies, procedures, and equipment.
Assist in directing community disaster preparation.
Represent the department at meetings, conferences, public events, and community presentations; support public education and community engagement.
Maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, other agencies, and the public; address sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
Coordinate and direct the Division of Operations and provide staff assistance to the Fire Chief; establish priorities and coordinate departmental support services.
Respond to major emergencies and direct or support field operations, including assignment of personnel and equipment at emergency scenes.
Operate a motor vehicle for department and City business.
Coordinate special projects or committees as assigned by the Fire Chief.
Act as Fire Chief in the Fire Chief’s absence or when assigned.
Maintain required confidentiality and attend work as an essential function of the position.