Assistant Fire Chief of Emergency Operations

Make and impact:
Salem Fire is a comprehensive, all-hazards organization that provides essential emergency services, including fire suppression (structural and wildland), fire prevention, advanced life support emergency medical services, technical rescue, water rescue, hazardous materials response, aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF), and SWAT medic support. Responding to over 35,000 calls for service annually, Salem Fire plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.

Learn and Grow:
The City and the firefighters bargaining unit have successfully negotiated a new 3-year contract that brings positive changes, including a new schedule and competitive salaries that place Salem Fire member pay among the top in the region. Additionally, a unique post-employment health benefit was established through a Medical Expense Reimbursement Program – the first of its kind in Oregon. The relationship between the firefighters bargaining unit and command staff is strong, effective, and positive.
Salem Fire is an active community partner with strong connections to local organizations and emergency response partners. The relationship with the Salem Police Department, led by a Chief who joined the City three years ago, is particularly robust, fostering a collaborative public safety environment.

What are the Minimum Qualifications?

• Must pass the pre-employment background check and drug test.
• Must have an Oregon Driver’s license and meet the City of Salem’s driving standards.
• Associate degree from an accredited college or university in Fire Science or related field; and seven or more years of progressively responsible full-time continuous fire service employment, five years of increasingly responsible command and management experience at the Executive Officer level (as a Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief, Deputy or Division Chief, or Battalion Chief). Experience in fire and/or emergency medical services, including divisional or departmental management experience and labor relations, or any equivalent combination of experience, education, and training that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed and the ability to perform the essential job functions.
• Applicable Incident Command System coursework certification is required for the assignment.

Hiring managers do not have access to view resumes as part of the application review process, please make sure to give detailed information in your application that includes your experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as requested in the supplemental questions and job advertisement.

What are the Preferred Qualifications?

• Relevant work experience in an organization of a similar size, complexity, and population served.
• EMT – Basic certification
• Bachelor’s degree
• Fire Officer II
• National Fire Academy EFO
• CPSE CFO credential
• International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI)

What can we offer you for all your hard work?

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Paid vacation and sick time in accordance with City policies.
• Competitive pay.
• Employer-paid PERS contribution of 6%.
• Opportunity for voluntary pre-tax contributions to a 457b account.
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Voluntary long-term care.
• Employee wellness program.
• Employee assistance program.
• Employee health clinic (Free “Urgent Care” Services).
• City Vehicle for use.
• Position schedule is variable based on department needs and Fire Chief approval.
• The City of Salem offers a comprehensive and equitable base salary within the listed range based on your experience, skills, and education. We encourage you to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Learn more about Equal Pay.  

Supervision Received and Exercised:

The Assistant Fire Chief of Emergency Operations is the second-highest ranking officer within the department, reporting directly to the Fire Chief. This position supervises the Deputy Fire Chief of Operations, the Deputy Fire Chief of Training, and the Deputy Fire Chief of Emergency Medical Services (EMS). A comprehensive understanding of modern fire service practices, emergency response methods, and relevant laws and standards is critical to this role. Additionally, the Assistant Fire Chief of Emergency Operations plays an integral part in the management team by developing strategic goals, setting service-level priorities, shaping department policies, and driving organizational development initiatives. This role requires expertise in directing personnel, utilizing the Incident Command System, and maintaining composure in high-pressure situations. The Assistant Fire Chief is also responsible for upholding the City's customer service and teamwork standards, even under tight deadlines and challenging conditions. Employees in this position exercise full supervisory responsibilities over their assigned staff.

What you will bring along:   

• Principles, methods, and practices of leadership, management, and organizational development.
• Knowledge of fire service operations, emergency response strategies, and decision-making under varying conditions.
• Experience shaping strategic goals, establishing service priorities, and developing fire and EMS operations policies.
• Advanced principles, practices, and techniques of modern firefighting, fire prevention, and fire control operations.
• Understanding of ambulance transport systems including the Ground Emergency Medical Transport (GEMT)Program
• Thorough understanding of fire administration, EMS, disaster management, and fire suppression techniques.
• Familiarity with hazardous materials code enforcement, fire incident investigation, and safety regulations.
• Expertise in Incident Command System (ICS) practices and emergency planning for large-scale incidents.
• Strong knowledge of budgeting principles, financial management, and cost control in fire department operations.
• Comprehensive understanding of labor relations and personnel management policies and procedures.
• Ability to manage conflict, foster teamwork, and maintain a positive work environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for cross-cultural audiences, public forums, and emergencies.
• Ability to draft reports, policies, and presentations for stakeholders, public officials, and the community.
• Ability to act quickly, effectively, and calmly in emergencies, directing personnel and resources under pressure.
• Proficiency in commanding large-scale personnel and equipment operations under adverse conditions.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, policies, and procedures relevant to fire service and EMS.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex laws and regulations, ensuring compliance across operations.
• Commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, valuing, and respecting individual differences.
• Ability to create a supportive environment that promotes teamwork, collaboration, and respect.
• Familiarity with modern fire and EMS technologies, including incident management software and communication systems.

Additional information on job responsibilities:

• Direct and Manage Emergency Operations, Training, and EMS Divisions:
   The Assistant Fire Chief of Emergency Operations oversees the Operations, Training, and EMS Divisions. This includes directing day-to-day Operations, ensuring the preparedness and effectiveness of the department's responses, and coordinating the Deputy Fire Chiefs overseeing Operations, Training and EMS efforts. The Assistant Chief ensures that these divisions work seamlessly together to maintain operational readiness and deliver high-quality emergency services.
• Oversee and Coordinate Emergency Operations:
   As the second-ranking officer in the department, the Assistant Fire Chief plays a critical role in overseeing and managing all emergency operations. This includes ensuring that personnel, resources, and equipment are effectively deployed during emergencies while adhering to the Incident Command System (ICS) and relevant safety standards. The Assistant Fire Chief makes quick, strategic decisions to protect lives, property, and public safety in high-pressure situations.
• Contribute to Strategic Planning and Policy Development:
   The Assistant Fire Chief actively shapes the department’s strategic goals and service-level priorities. This includes formulating departmental policies and organizational development plans that align with the department’s mission. The Assistant Fire Chief works closely with the Fire Chief and the management team to ensure that operational decisions are guided by long-term strategic objectives, focusing on improving overall service delivery and operational efficiency.
• Exercise Supervisory Responsibilities Over Personnel:
   In this role, the Assistant Fire Chief exercises full supervisory responsibility over assigned personnel, ensuring all staff follow department policies and standards. This includes mentoring, coaching, and providing feedback to staff to promote their professional development and maintain high-performance levels.
• Collaborate with Internal and External Stakeholders:
   The Assistant Fire Chief of Emergency Operations collaborates with various internal and external stakeholders, including other city departments, community organizations, and state and federal agencies. The Assistant Fire Chief represents the department on boards, commissions, and committees, engaging in discussions that promote best practices and support departmental objectives.
• Ensure Legal and Regulatory Compliance:
   The Assistant Fire Chief ensures that all department operations comply with federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and policies. This includes staying current on applicable laws and ensuring the department’s procedures reflect legal and regulatory changes. The Assistant Fire Chief also interprets and applies complex laws and regulations to ensure proper compliance across all operations.
• Manage Emergency Situations and Public Relations:
   The Assistant Fire Chief addresses citizen complaints and concerns about emergency services, ensuring appropriate resolutions while maintaining positive public relations. By maintaining open lines of communication with the public, the Assistant Fire Chief helps foster trust and collaboration between the community and the fire department.
• Promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
   A commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace is essential for this role. The Assistant Fire Chief creates an environment that respects and values individual differences, promotes teamwork, and encourages collaboration across all levels of the organization. By fostering inclusivity, the Assistant Fire Chief ensures that all employees feel supported and able to contribute to the department’s success.

 

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT AN IMPLIED CONTRACT AND MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE

Salary : $193,086 - $217,506