Fire-Rescue Deputy Chief

Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority•Raleigh, NC

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Step into the cockpit of leadership as our next Airport Fire Rescue Deputy Chief—where strategy meets action on the front lines of aviation safety. In this role, you’ll help chart the course and keep our Airport Fire Department mission-ready at all times. From aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) operations to structural firefighting, technical rescue, and emergency medical services, you’ll ensure every response takes off with precision and lands safely. As Deputy Chief, you’ll serve as both air traffic control and co-pilot—managing daily operations, organizing resources, and guiding crews through high-pressure situations with calm, decisive leadership. You’ll review and prepare incident reports with a keen eye for detail, ensuring every call becomes a learning opportunity that strengthens our department’s performance. You’ll also help steer the department’s future by supervising and mentoring assigned personnel, fostering a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement. Working alongside command staff, you’ll assist in developing and managing the departmental budget and overseeing purchasing activities—making sure our crews have the tools and equipment they need to respond at a moment’s notice.

Requirements

Associate degree in fire protection, fire service management, public administration or related field OR equivalent related work experience
5 years of experience in Airport Firefighting at a medium level airport OR 7 years at an airport of smaller size.
3 year of supervisory experience
Valid NC Class B Driver’s License
Nationally Registered EMT, with ability to obtain North Carolina credentialing within 60 days of start
Firefighter II and Hazardous Materials Operations, accredited by IFSAC, Pro Board, or the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal (or equivalent)
NIMS/ICS: 100, 200, 700, and 800
Fire Instructor I (NC, IFSAC, or Pro Board), or equivalent
Fire Officer II (NC, IFSAC, or Pro Board), or ability to obtain within 24 months of hire

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in fire service management, public administration or related field
Airport Master Firefighter (AMF)
7 years of experience in Airport Firefighting at a medium level airport OR 9 years at an airport of smaller size.
5 years of supervisory experience
Fire Officer III (IFSAC/Pro Board or equivalent)
Fire Officer IV (IFSAC/Pro Board or equivalent)
Fire Instructor II (IFSAC/Pro Board or equivalent)
Fire Inspector II (IFSAC/Pro Board or equivalent)

Responsibilities

Supervises and plans daily work schedule for crew, and schedules, organizes, and maintains records of required training for staff.
Prepares performance appraisals, counsels' employees on performance issues, holds disciplinary meetings as needed,
Serves as Incident Commander and directs firefighting, crash, and rescue efforts.
Prepares and reviews reports and activities on all fires, accidents, and emergencies.
Supervises the cleaning and maintenance of stations, trucks, equipment, and grounds.
Meets with internal and external customers and provides community outreach.
Supports the development of the department's operational budget.
Provides input into departmental policies and procedures, participates in the procurement process, and implements Authority and departmental policies/procedures and Standard Operating Guidelines.
Maintains awareness of security concerns on the airfield and reports concerns; checks the airfield for debris, malfunctioning lights, and other hazards; and reports to the proper agency.
The role may serve as Fire Chief in their absence
As needed, fills an EOC Section Chief or Branch Director role for specific types of airport emergencies in collaboration with additional airport staff.
Performs additional related work as required or assigned.