Chief Firefighter

We invite individuals who are enthusiastic about the aviation industry and dedicated to providing a world-class experience to apply. Join us and be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration, supports each other's development, and embraces diverse ideas and perspectives.

Serving as Michigan's second busiest airport and recognized as one of the best small airports in the country by USA Today, Gerald R. Ford International Airport stands as a testament to West Michigan's vibrant growth. The airport serves over four million passengers annually, with seven commercial airline partners offering nonstop flights to over 30 destinations. As a vital economic engine in the region, it supports more than 40,000 jobs and contributes over $7 billion to the economy each year.

Gerald R. Ford International Airport has received multiple awards from Airports Council International World's 2023 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards, including Best airport 2 to 5 million passengers in North America; Airport with the Most Dedicated Staff in North America; Easiest Airport Journey in North America; Most Enjoyable Airport in North America; and Cleanest Airport in North America. Managed and operated by the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, the airport is committed to creating an exceptional travel experience for our passengers while fostering growth and prosperity for all of West Michigan. Our team is dedicated, passionate, and focused on innovation, making it a great place to build a rewarding career.

JOB SUMMARY:

Under administrative direction manages, plans, develops, coordinates, organizes and implements policies and procedures to ensure that the airport in compliance with all rules, regulations, and requirements, in accordance with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations.  Responsible for maintaining the safety of passengers, airport tenants, the public and airport premises and property by responding to aircraft incidents, medical emergencies, and fires.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Listed examples are illustrative, and representative of the tasks required of this classification, but are not intended to be complete or exhaustive for this position.

• Administers policies and procedures; participates in the selection and hiring of; provides training, schedules, and work direction for; and evaluates the performance of Airport Firefighter Captains and Airport Firefighters, and other subordinate staff.
• Supervises, directs, plans, and coordinates the activities of the Airport Rescue and Firefighting Department. Responsible for compliance with ARFF requirements set forth in Federal Aviation Regulation Part 139 and other applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Maintains a state of readiness for emergency response by ARFF personnel and firefighting equipment.
• Supervises equipment and vehicle mechanical and preventative maintenance programs and maintains inventory or cash/fire/rescue equipment and supplies; ensuring reporting of any damage, deterioration, obsolescence, or other discrepancies.
• Directs and provides incident command and control functions at emergencies on and around the airfield.
• Direct oversight on the airport fire suppression system, and impairment notice coordination.
• Coordinates all inspections on fire extinguishers, AED’s, fire hydrants and other facilities and fixtures on airport property.
• Coordinates with Operations on the Airport Emergency Plan and the Fueling Program covered in the Airport Certification Manual.
• Coordinates with Facilities Manager in shared duties and budgets. Conducts quarterly inspections, schedules maintenance and recommends updates.
• Performs preventive maintenance checks/audits for airport fire fighting vehicles and related equipment. Ensures basic preventative maintenance is accomplished.
• Develops and oversees ARFF-related elements of the operating budget, and capital improvement impacts.
• Serves as on-site manager in the absence of higher levels of airport management and provides on-site responses to emergencies during normal working hours as well as evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQURIED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Working knowledge of Part 139 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), Part 1542 of the Transportation Security Regulations (TSR), and other applicable federal, state, and local statutes, codes, and ordinances is preferred.
• Working knowledge of the principles and practices of modern aircraft rescue and firefighting techniques, equipment, and operations is preferred.
• Working knowledge of fire science and applied firefighting techniques.
• Knowledge of preventive maintenance programs and practices for fire fighting vehicles and equipment.
• Working knowledge of word-processing, spreadsheet and data base applications software required to collect, compile analyze and report data.
• Good interpersonal and oral and written communications skills.
• Good managerial and supervisory skills.
• Ability to interact positively and effectively with elected officials, department directors, managers, local, state, and federal agency representatives, contractors, tenants, media representatives, passengers, and members of the public from widely diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or GED and considerable, increasing responsible fire command experiences is required.
• A minimum of three to five years of supervisory level firefighter experience in an airport environment is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in firefighting, public administration, or another relevant field is preferred.

NOTES:

CONTACTS:

This position has frequent contact with:

• All levels of airport management to exchange information and recommendations with respect to policies, procedures, airport activities, operating conditions, tenant relations, FAA and TSA directives and other matters. 
• Airport tenants to coordinate operations, resolve problems, respond to concerns, and notify them of changes in and/or requirements 
• Emergency management agencies throughout Kent County to coordinate responses to public emergencies.
• Vendors which provide various good and services to the Department through contractual or on-demand arrangements. 

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Must possess and maintain a valid, unrestricted Michigan motor vehicle operator’s permit.
• Employees in this classification are required to possess and maintain a valid a State of Michigan Emergency Medical Technician License, and a State of Michigan Firefighter II Certification.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have sufficient visual acuity, with or without corrective lenses, to visually detect damage, deterioration or defects in structural features, fixtures, furnishings, and operating systems which may present a fire hazard.
• Must have sufficient auditory ability, with or without audiological devices, to hear alarms, other warning signals and vehicle signals indicating backward or forward motion.
• Must be able to enter and exit all truck and equipment cabs.
• Must be able to ascend and descend ladders and/or use man-lift devices to access fires in and/or effect rescues from aircraft and elevated structures.
• Must be able to wear protective clothing and equipment as required.
• Must be able to tolerate exposure to extreme temperatures; smoke, dirt, dust, pollen, and other airborne particulates; and inclement weather conditions.
• Must be able to tolerate exposure to chemicals commonly used to contain and extinguish fires.
• Must have sufficient strength and dexterity to control fire hoses carrying water at 150 lbs. of pressure.
• Must have sufficient strength and mobility to remove injured adults from aircraft and airport facilities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed in both office and outdoor environments, and involves exposure to noise, chemical and other contaminants, moving mechanical hazards, and extremes of temperature and weather conditions. 
• While performing the essential functions of this position the employee may be exposed to fire hazards; noxious fumes; dust, dirt, and other airborne particulates; bloodborne pathogens; hazardous materials; noise; and other hazards.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive.  It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this job.   Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.  Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).   Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.