Deputy Chief

Aspen Fire Protection District•Aspen, CO

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Deputy Chief is a key member of the executive leadership team, reporting directly to the CEO/Fire Chief. This role oversees assigned divisions and programs—operations, administration, or positions within both—based on organizational needs. The Deputy Chief ensures the efficient, safe, and fiscally responsible delivery of fire suppression, emergency medical, rescue, prevention, and support services. Responsibilities include planning, directing, and supervising a wide range of operational and administrative functions such as emergency response readiness, staffing, training, budgeting, finance, human resources, grants administration, facilities, fleet coordination, policy development, and organizational performance management. The AFPD maintains two Deputy Chiefs whose responsibilities intentionally overlap to promote operational and administrative synergy. While each position emphasizes a distinct area, both are structured to support and rely on one another, ensuring seamless leadership and adaptability, which are interchangeable in authority and command responsibility . While each Deputy Chief is assigned a primary functional focus, both are expected to maintain comprehensive knowledge of District operations and administration and be capable of assuming the responsibilities of the other Deputy Chief or the CEO/Fire Chief when required. The Deputy Chief serves as a primary advisor to the CEO/Fire Chief and may act as Fire Chief in their absence. This position requires leadership under emergency conditions involving hazardous environments including, but not limited to fire, smoke, hazardous materials, and severe weather. The Deputy Chief promotes a positive, inclusive, and collaborative work culture that values accountability, operational excellence, and professional development—supporting the District’s most valuable asset: our people and the community. Those who serve, and those we serve.

Requirements

Be at least 21 years old
Associate’s degree or higher from an accredited educational institution, preferably within Fire Science, Public Administration, Business, Emergency Services.
Minimum of 10 years of firefighting and/or EMS service with increasing responsibility in fire suppression, emergency medical response or fire prevention.
Possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver’s License with satisfactory driving record or be able to obtain within 30 days of employment.
Ability to successfully pass a background check commensurate with the position of public trust associated with firefighters and the fire service.
Valid Colorado, IFSAC or ProBoard Fire Officer II certification (or higher) or approved equivalent.
Valid Colorado, IFSAC or ProBoard Fire Instructor I certification (or higher) or approved equivalent
Valid Colorado, IFSAC or ProBoard Hazardous Materials Operations certification or approved equivalent
Valid Colorado Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or National Registry EMT certification and be able to obtain Colorado licensure within (2) months of hire
Valid BLS for Healthcare Provider card or equivalent
ICS 100, 200, 300, 400 and NIMS 700 & 800 certifications
Any equivalent combination of experience, training, or education which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for this position may be considered.
Must establish residency within one hour drive time of the Aspen Fire Protection District or demonstrate the ability to respond to emergencies within a reasonable time, subject to CEO/Fire Chief approval.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree or higher from an accredited educational institution, preferably within Fire Science, Public Administration, Business or Emergency Services
Valid Colorado, IFSAC or ProBoard Fire Officer III certification (or higher) or approved equivalent.
NWCG ICT4 (or higher)
NWCG Single Resource Boss

Responsibilities

Assist the CEO/Fire Chief in strategic planning, goal development, and organizational leadership
Provide leadership, supervision, and professional development for assigned personnel
Ensure consistent enforcement of District policies, procedures, and employment agreements
Serve as liaison with partner agencies, and community stakeholders as assigned
Work with Board of Directors when and as assigned by the CEO/Fire Chief
Participate in labor relations, internal investigations, and disciplinary processes as required
Prepare reports, analyses, and recommendations for executive and Board consideration
Support District-wide initiatives, special projects, and interagency coordination
Assume command authority in the absence of the CEO/Fire Chief, as directed
Oversee fire suppression, EMS, rescue, and related operational programs.
Ensure staffing, apparatus, equipment, and personnel readiness.
Respond to emergencies and manage resources using the Incident Command System (ICS).
Coordinate emergency scene operations and enforce safety standards.
Support training programs, Officer development, and operational performance metrics.
Establish operational goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) and report outcomes.
Assist the Fire Chief with planning, organizing, directing, and controlling administrative functions of the department.
Oversee and participate in the preparation and administration of the department budget
Develop and manage budgets; monitor expenditures for fiscal accountability.
Oversee financial functions including purchasing, grants, and reporting.
Provide leadership for HR functions: recruitment, retention, performance management, and policy compliance.
Assist with labor relations and contract administration.
Participate in the development and implementation of departmental policies, strategic planning, and organizational goals.
Develop and maintain administrative policies, procedures, and records systems.
Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Supervise, mentor, and coach personnel for high performance and professional growth.
Administer performance management systems.
Support recruitment, retention, volunteer programs, and succession planning.
Supports and participates in a culture of fitness and wellness by taking personal initiative to maintain physical fitness and overall wellness appropriate to the demands of the position.
Establish metrics and continuous improvement plans for assigned divisions.
Maintain effective relationships with partner agencies and stakeholders.
Represent the District at meetings, conferences, and professional forums.
Promote a professional image of the District at all times.
Perform other duties as assigned by the CEO/Fire Chief.