Deputy Fire Chief – Operations

Provides strategic leadership and oversight of the department’s daily emergency response functions, supervising personnel across multiple battalions and the training division. This position ensures operational readiness, develops and enforces department procedures and performance standards, oversees EMS compliance, and supports interagency coordination during major incidents. The Deputy Fire Chief manages operational budgets, leads supervisor development, and serves as a key member of the department’s executive team. This role may assume command during significant incidents or in the absence of the Fire Chief.

Essential Job Functions

The following duties are normal for this position. However, they are not to be construed as exclusive or all–inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may also be required or assigned.

1. 1. Provide executive-level leadership and oversight for daily emergency operations of the department, to include fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) including supervision of battalion chiefs, training division personnel, and emergency response units.
   2. Supervise, mentor, and evaluate directly assigned personnel; support subordinate supervisors in employee development, performance reviews, and application of departmental policies.
   3. Ensure operational readiness and maintenance of all department response apparatus, tools, facilities, and support systems, including the Radio and Mobile Data Computer (MDC) programs.
   4. Develop, implement, and manage Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs), and operational protocols to ensure consistent, high-quality emergency service delivery, and EMS quality assurance.
   5. Serve as Incident Commander at major emergency scenes as necessary and act as South County Duty Officer or Regional Duty Officer (Fire Defense Board Chief or alternate) on a rotating basis.
   6. Coordinate and lead monthly operations meetings with supervisory personnel to address performance metrics, emerging issues, training updates, and inter-shift communication.
   7. Manage licensure, certification, and compliance of department EMS units; oversee service delivery performance and implement corrective measures as required.
   8. Direct training strategy for emergency operations personnel, ensure regulatory training compliance, and support the training division’s development and delivery of education programs.
   9. Provide executive oversight of EMS protocols, continuing education programs, certification compliance, and quality improvement effort; ensure alignment with Jackson County EMS system and Oregon Health Authority standards.
   10. Oversee investigations into operational complaints or performance issues; apply appropriate disciplinary measures up to and including suspension and recommend termination when necessary.
   11. Collaborate with labor representatives and serve as management liaison for contract interpretation, dispute resolution, and bargaining impacts affecting operational personnel.
   12. Administer operational budgets; develop expenditure forecasts, monitor division spending, and collaborate with the Fire Chief and Administrative staff to ensure long-term financial stability.
   13. Represent the department in interagency meetings, professional groups, and public forums; support Citywide initiatives and regional partnerships through active engagement and leadership.
   14. Promote teamwork, integration, and consistency across all shifts and stations; ensure alignment of operational activities with department-wide strategic goals.
   15. Participate in department succession planning and leadership development; onboard and mentor new supervisors and future leaders.
   16. Provide administrative support to the Fire Chief and serve in their absence when designated; contribute to executive decision-making for department policy, resource allocation, and strategic initiatives.
   17. Promote and enforce a safety-first culture; identify unsafe conditions, ensure compliance with safety regulations, and oversee adherence to preventive maintenance schedules.
   18. Remain on-call to respond during emergencies, disasters, or scheduled exercises with limited notice.
   19. Perform other related duties as assigned in support of operational excellence and department goals.