Assistant Fire Chief

About the role

Paine Field Airport is hiring an Assistant Fire Chief, reporting to the Airport Fire Chief as second-in-command. The Assistant Chief acts for the Chief when delegated or absent, and leads emergency response, personnel management, training, regulatory compliance and relations with airport tenants and partner agencies. The position works with considerable independence and is accountable for operational results, service quality and readiness of personnel and equipment.

Key responsibilities

• Help set department priorities, organize daily operations, prepare schedules, assign work and supervise and evaluate employees.
• Recommend personnel actions and support the County's employment and diversity programs, working with Human Resources and labor representatives.
• Help interpret and enforce federal, state, county, airport and FAA regulations, including FAR Part 139 ARFF compliance, and contribute to the budget, capital improvement planning and annual goals.
• Represent Paine Field and Snohomish County publicly and with fire departments, law enforcement, the Sheriff's Office, emergency management, fire academies and other partners.
• During emergencies, assume or delegate command, direct personnel and equipment deployment and work within Unified Command; stay available around the clock locally.
• Maintain the Airport Certification Manual and Airport Emergency Plan, and support training, drills and workforce development.
• Coordinate quarterly airside drills, mutual-aid agreements and regional training, and consider fire protection needs in airport capital projects.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Emergency Services Management, Public Administration or a closely related field.
• IFSAC, ProBoard or Department of Defense equivalent certification as a Fire Officer III, and at least two years as a chief officer in a FAR Part 139 ARFF and structural fire department.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, certification and progressive experience may be considered; candidates must pass job-related testing.
• Credible chief officer experience in ARFF and structural firefighting, and comfort moving between command, supervision, regulation, budgeting, training and program development.
• Preferred: Fire Officer IV, Fire Instructor III, Fire Inspector III, Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighter, Hazardous Materials Incident Commander.

What we offer

• Salary of $121,758 - $155,398 depending on qualifications.
• Washington State LEOFF 2 retirement plan enrollment.
• Medical, dental and vision insurance, basic life and AD&D, and long-term disability, with premiums paid by the County.
• Paid leave and holidays, and access to a County vehicle.
• Professional training, an Employee Assistance Program, wellness resources, commuting benefits, 457(b) deferral and flexible spending accounts.