2026 Arlington Fire Chief Sole AC w/ECT&E
About The Position
The Human Resources Division is administering a promotional examination to create an eligible list for filling Fire Chief vacancies in the Arlington Fire Department. Eligible applicants must be Arlington Deputy Fire Chiefs with permanent civil service status who have served in the force for at least one year since appointment and performed the duties of the eligible title. Candidates must pass the examination to be placed on the eligible list. The examination is weighted 80% Assessment Center and 20% Experience/Certification/Training & Education (ECT&E). The resulting eligible list may be used for certification for a period determined by the administrator, not exceeding two years unless otherwise provided by law or HRD policy. The Fire Chief directs department operations under the general supervision of the municipal appointing authority, supervises direct-report staff, and oversees major municipal fire services. The role involves strategic and long-range planning; managing departmental policies, priorities, and resources; protecting life and property; preventing and suppressing fires; responding to emergencies; managing personnel and budgets; and coordinating public, regulatory, and vendor matters. Applicants must submit an examination application and the $150 processing fee by November 10, 2026. Candidates must also separately submit the online ECT&E claim application; instructions and a link will be emailed before the Assessment Center. The examination is scheduled for December 1, 2026, at a location to be determined.
Requirements
- Must be an employee of the Arlington Fire Department in the eligible title of Deputy Fire Chief.
- Must hold permanent civil service status in the eligible title by the examination date.
- Must have served in the force for at least one year since appointment and performed the duties of the eligible title; qualifying temporary and permanent service from a certification may be combined.
- Must take and pass the examination to be placed on the eligible list.
- Must submit the examination application and $150 processing fee by the application deadline.
- Must submit the separate online ECT&E Claim application.
Responsibilities
- Direct Fire Department operations and supervise direct-report staff.
- Oversee delivery of major municipal fire services.
- Conduct long-range planning to determine policies, program priorities, and resource utilization in support of applicable laws, bylaws, ordinances, and departmental rules.
- Evaluate fiscal and equipment resources, personnel, and local needs relating to life and property protection and fire prevention and suppression.
- Direct and perform fire prevention activities, including code and pre-fire inspections.
- Direct and perform fire investigations and report their results.
- Respond to fire and non-fire emergencies to supervise fire service personnel.
- Carry out public relations activities and prepare and disseminate news releases.
- Plan and conduct hearings and meetings on matters of public concern.
- Prepare and submit budget requests and administer the department budget.
- Perform job requirements ethically and make decisions in accordance with employment laws.
- Interview and select personnel for promotion.
- Review and negotiate contract proposals from contractors and vendors.
- Perform related duties as required.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Education Level
No Education Listed
