Deputy Fire Chief

Town of Vail•Vail, CO

2d•$133,488 - $166,860

About The Position

The Deputy Fire Chief of Operations is a senior member of the Vail Fire & Emergency Services executive leadership team and reports directly to the Fire Chief. The role plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates emergency and non-emergency functions within the Operations Division, and supports the Administration and Wildland Divisions as needed. In partnership with the Fire Chief, the Deputy Fire Chief contributes to strategic planning, long-range visioning, and major organizational initiatives, working with Town departments, external agencies, and community stakeholders. The role may respond to significant incidents in a command or safety capacity and assumes full departmental leadership and administration when the Fire Chief is absent. The Deputy Fire Chief provides leadership and oversight for Operations, Training, and Logistics; oversees emergency readiness, training, personnel management, budgets, capital planning, and organizational improvement; and represents the Fire Department in interagency and community matters. The role also upholds the Town of Vail’s values and safety practices and performs other duties consistent with its scope and responsibilities.

Requirements

At least 10 years of fire service experience, including a minimum of 5 years in a managerial or supervisory role.
Valid Colorado, IFSAC, or Pro Board Fire Officer I certification or higher.
EMT certification through Colorado or the National Registry, with the ability to obtain Colorado licensure within 2 months of hire.
Required wildland and incident management coursework: NWCG S-290, L-280, S-131, S-130/190, S-200, and S-215; ICS 100, 200, and 300; and NIMS 700 and 800.
Valid Colorado Driver’s License, or ability to obtain one within 30 days, and a satisfactory driving record.
Knowledge of emergency services operations and practices, including hazardous materials response, wildland fire and related services, emergency medical services, fire suppression, fire prevention, and fire investigations.
Knowledge of emergency management principles; fire apparatus, equipment, and operational systems; supervision, leadership, training, and performance evaluation; program development and administration; municipal budgeting and financial management; and applicable laws, codes, and regulations.
Ability to lead and manage municipal fire operations and supervise personnel effectively.
Ability to develop, implement, and administer departmental goals, policies, and procedures; assess operational needs; evaluate programs; and implement improvements.
Ability to address sensitive organizational and community issues with sound judgment.
Ability to plan, prioritize, direct, and coordinate staff work and delegate authority effectively.
Ability to select, train, supervise, and evaluate personnel to meet performance standards.
Ability to analyze complex problems, identify solutions, and implement recommendations aligned with organizational goals.
Ability to direct fire operations, code compliance efforts, and emergency medical services.
Ability to interpret and apply applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
Ability to research and evaluate new service delivery methods to enhance departmental operations.
Ability to prepare clear and accurate administrative and financial reports and manage complex budgets responsibly.
Ability to work irregular hours as required to meet operational needs and communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration or a closely related field.
At least 5 years of experience as a Battalion Chief or equivalent role, as determined by VFES.
Completion of the VFES Battalion Chief Task Book or an approved equivalent.
Blue Card Command certification.
Hazmat Incident Commander or Hazmat Safety Officer qualifications.
Fire Officer II certification through Colorado, IFSAC, or Pro Board.
Completion of the IAFC CHIEFS curriculum.
Completion of the EMI Emergency Management Basic Academy, ICS-400, and L-380.
NWCG Task Force Leader qualification.
Professional designation such as CPSE Fire Officer (FO) or Chief Fire Officer (CFO).
Alternative combinations of education, training, experience, and certifications may be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and oversight of assigned divisions, including Operations, Training, and Logistics, directly or through subordinate managers and supervisors.
Guide Battalion Chiefs and personnel to align work with departmental goals and priorities.
Oversee recruitment, hiring, promotions, discipline, performance evaluations, and professional development in accordance with applicable policies.
Establish departmental goals, policies, procedures, and priorities, and foster professionalism, integrity, accountability, collaboration, and inclusivity.
Serve as Acting Fire Chief when required and assume departmental leadership and administration in the Fire Chief’s absence.
Oversee emergency and non-emergency operations and ensure operational readiness and effective deployment of personnel, equipment, and resources.
Lead emergency preparedness initiatives and respond to major incidents, providing command direction or safety oversight as appropriate.
Evaluate operational effectiveness and implement improvements to emergency response capabilities and public safety.
Oversee the departmental training program and ensure personnel maintain required competencies, certifications, and skills.
Align training with operational needs, applicable standards, and organizational priorities, and monitor industry developments and emerging practices.
Lead departmental and division budget development and administration, including staffing, payroll, equipment, supplies, and operating expenditures.
Monitor financial performance, oversee resource allocation, and implement budget adjustments within delegated authority.
Direct long-range capital planning for infrastructure, fleet, equipment, and other departmental needs.
Develop and implement departmental strategies, policies, procedures, and priorities aligned with Town of Vail objectives.
Participate in interdepartmental planning, pre-construction meetings, and long-range initiatives.
Evaluate programs and operations, identify risks and opportunities for improvement, and prepare reports and recommendations.
Represent the Fire Department in meetings, boards, committees, and engagements with Town departments, elected officials, partner agencies, and community stakeholders.
Build partnerships that support coordinated service delivery and community safety.
Address complex citizen inquiries and complaints professionally and communicate departmental priorities and decisions clearly.
Uphold Town values and safety practices, promote a respectful, inclusive, and accountable workplace, and perform other duties as assigned.