Position Title: Deputy Chief of Operations

FLSA Status: Exempt – Executive Exemption

Reports To: Fire Chief

Starting Pay: $60,000-$65,000 DOE

ALL RESUMES WITH COVER LETTER ACCEPTED UNTIL POSITION IS FILLED

Position Summary:

The Deputy Chief of Operations serves as the second-in-command of the Fayette County Fire Department, providing high-level executive leadership, operational oversight, and administrative support to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of emergency services across a large and complex jurisdiction. Under the general direction of the Fire Chief, the Deputy Chief of Operations plays a pivotal role in managing daily operations, supervising personnel, developing department-wide strategies, and coordinating major incidents.

Fayette County Fire Department operates 10 fire stations, maintains over 52 pieces of emergency apparatus, and provides fire protection, EMS, rescue, and disaster response across 704 square miles. The department currently includes 6 career personnel and more than 125 active volunteers. This position carries substantial authority and responsibility, requiring deep knowledge of fire and EMS operations, personnel management, public administration, and community engagement.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Operational Command & Oversight

• Provides direct oversight of daily fire, rescue, and EMS operations across all 10 stations.
• Responds to major alarms, assumes incident command as necessary, and ensures adherence to ICS/NIMS protocols.
• Supervises Command staff, District Chiefs, and all officers within the 10 Districts; and ensures staffing and readiness of all apparatus (52+ units).
• Monitor and evaluate vehicle utilization metrics, fuel consumption, and repair trends to make informed decisions on replacement cycles and equipment upgrades.
• Oversee specification development and procurement processes for new vehicles, coordinating directly with manufacturers and vendors to ensure functionality and reliability.

Leadership & Personnel Management

• Coordinates with the Volunteer District Chief or Captain, to support and integrate over 125 volunteers.
• Participates in hiring, promotions, performance evaluations, corrective action, and workforce planning.
• Leads training, safety, and professional development initiatives to support readiness and compliance.

Strategic & Administrative Responsibilities

• Works with the Fire Chief to develop and implement department goals, policies, and operational improvements.
• Assists in preparation and management of the department’s budget, capital improvement planning, and resource allocation.
• Reviews incident data, response metrics, and operational efficiency reports to guide decision-making.

Public & Interagency Coordination

• Represents the department in intergovernmental meetings, mutual aid coordination, regional task forces, and public events.
• Collaborates with emergency management, law enforcement, county administration, and community organizations.
• Engages in public education, fire prevention programs, and disaster preparedness outreach.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associates degree required in Fire Science, Public Administration, Emergency Services Management, or related field. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in fire service, 10 years minimum at a career dept., with at least 5 years in a leadership role. Must have Volunteer Firefighter documented leadership experience.
• State certifications: IFSAC Firefighter II or the TN Commission on Firefighting Firefighter III, Fire Officer I (Fire Officer II, III or IV preferred), Fire Instructor, EMT or higher.
• Completion of ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet departmental driving standards.
• A combination of education and experience can be considered by the Fire Chief, if some minimum qualifications are not met.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience managing a combination career/volunteer department.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, accreditation, or ISO rating improvement.
• Experience with grant writing, capital projects, and multi-agency operations.
• Strong working knowledge of NFPA standards, OSHA regulations, and state fire codes.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Proven leadership in high-volume emergency service environments.
• Advanced knowledge of incident management, EMS systems, fire prevention, and training methods.
• Skilled in labor relations, personnel administration, and conflict resolution.
• Strong communicator with the ability to influence across all levels of government and community stakeholders.
• Commitment to professional standards, safety, inclusivity, and public service.

Working Conditions:

• Work is divided between office administration and emergency field response.
• Subject to emergency call-back, extended shifts, and 24/7 availability.
• Exposure to hazardous conditions, extreme environments, and high-stress scenarios.

Impact and Value Statement:

The Deputy Chief of Operations position is the operational cornerstone and strategic force multiplier for the Fayette County Fire Department, ensuring the seamless delivery of critical emergency services across a vast and diverse jurisdiction. As second-in-command, this executive leader bridges the gap between vision and execution, translating departmental goals into actionable plans that drive performance, safety, and innovation at every level.

With direct oversight of daily operations spanning 10 fire stations and more than 130 personnel, the Deputy Chief of Operations guarantees that the department is always ready to respond-whether managing large-scale incidents, optimizing apparatus deployment, or advancing training and professional development. Their leadership in integrating career and volunteer staff fosters unity, resilience, and a culture of excellence that strengthens both the department and the community it serves.

The Deputy Chief’s expertise in operational command, resource management, and interagency collaboration directly enhances the department’s effectiveness, elevates public trust, and safeguards lives and property throughout Fayette County. By championing continuous improvement, strategic planning, and community engagement, this role ensures that the fire department not only meets today’s challenges but is also prepared for tomorrow’s demands. The value of the Deputy Chief is reflected in every life protected, every emergency mitigated, and every advancement in service quality and operational readiness.

PLEASE SHARE RESUMES WITH COVER LETTER BELOW. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

JENNIFER @ 901-466-7130 or jdowdy@fayettetn.us