2026 Deputy Fire Chief (1YP)

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Statewide, MA

6h • Onsite

About The Position

This is a 2026 Statewide Departmental Promotional Examination for Deputy Fire Chief. The examination is being administered by the Human Resources Division (HRD) to create an eligible list from which to fill Deputy Fire Chief vacancies in participating Massachusetts Fire Departments. Candidates must take and pass this examination to be placed on the eligible list. The examination will be held on November 21, 2026, with applications accepted from August 17, 2026, to September 14, 2026. The examination processing fee is $150. The examination weights are 44% Technical Knowledge, 36% Situational Judgment Test, and 20% Experience/Certification/Training & Education (ECT&E).

Requirements

• Must be an employee in one of the specified Massachusetts Fire Departments.
• Must have permanent civil service status in the specified eligible title(s) by the date of the examination.
• Must have served in the force at least one year since appointment and performed the job duties of the eligible title(s). A combination of temporary and permanent service from a certification can be applied towards meeting this one-year requirement.
• Time spent working in the title of Deputy Fire Chief will not interrupt the service period in your permanent position.
• If the eligible title has been lowered to the entry level rank, must have served in the force at least one or three years depending on the participating department.
• Candidates must take and pass the examination.
• All applications and examination processing fees must be received by the application deadline.
• Must complete the 2026 Statewide Deputy Fire Chief Promotional Examination ECT&E Claim application online.
• Must maintain accurate contact information.

Nice To Haves

• Statutory Preference Points: Two points will be added to the passing score of qualified Veterans and Disabled Veterans or individuals who have 25 years of service as a member of a regular municipal fire force in Massachusetts and have passed an examination for promotional appointment in such force. If qualified for both, two points is the maximum.
• To claim Promotional Preference for 25 years of service, candidates must claim this preference in the ECT&E Claim application and verify eligibility on the Employment Verification form.

Responsibilities

• Under the general supervision of the municipal appointing authority, directs the operations of the fire department, exercising supervision over direct reporting staff and overseeing the delivery of major municipal fire services.
• Conducts long-range planning to determine policies, program priorities, and the utilization of resources in order to ensure the efficient and effective implementation of the goals and objectives mandated by state laws, local bylaws or ordinances and departmental rules and regulations.
• Evaluates the availability of fiscal and equipment resources, personnel, and local needs relative to the protection of life and property and the prevention and suppression of fire.
• Directs and performs fire prevention duties including code and pre-fire inspection duties.
• Directs, performs and reports the results of fire investigations.
• Personally responds to fire and non-fire emergencies in order to supervise actions of fire service personnel.
• Carries out public relations activities and prepares and disseminates news releases.
• Plans and conducts hearings and meetings on issues of public concern.
• Prepares and submits budget requests and administers department budget.
• Interviews and selects personnel for promotion.
• Reviews and negotiates contract proposals from contractors and/or vendors.
• Performs related duties as required.

Benefits

• Eligible for certification from the eligible list for a period determined by the administrator, not to exceed two years, unless otherwise outlined in MGL Chapter 31 § 25 or HRD's revocation policy.
• Potential for statutory preference points for Veterans, Disabled Veterans, or those with 25 years of service.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed