Deputy Fire Chief

Position Overview

Deputy Fire Chief

$133,488/yr-$166,860/yr

The Deputy Fire Chief of Operations serves as a senior member of the Vail Fire & Emergency Services (VFES) executive leadership team and reports directly to the Fire Chief. This role is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating all emergency and non‑emergency functions within the Operations Division, while also providing support to the Administration and Wildland Divisions as needed.

In partnership with the Fire Chief, the Deputy Fire Chief contributes to strategic planning, long‑range visioning, and major organizational initiatives, and collaborates with other town departments, external agencies, and community stakeholders. This role may also respond to significant incidents in a command or safety capacity. In the absence of the Fire Chief, the Deputy Fire Chief assumes full responsibility for departmental leadership and administration.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Leadership and Personnel Management

Provides strategic leadership and oversight of assigned divisions, including Operations, Training, and Logistics, directly or through subordinate managers and supervisors. Guides Battalion Chiefs and personnel to ensure alignment with departmental goals and priorities. Oversees recruitment, hiring, promotions, discipline, performance evaluations, and professional development in accordance with applicable policies. Establishes departmental goals, policies, procedures, and priorities; fosters a culture of professionalism, integrity, accountability, collaboration, and inclusivity. Serves as Acting Fire Chief when required.

Emergency Operations and Operational Readiness

Oversees emergency and non-emergency operations, ensuring operational readiness and effective deployment of personnel, equipment, and resources. Leads emergency preparedness initiatives and responds to major incidents, providing command direction or safety oversight as appropriate. Evaluates operational effectiveness and implements improvements to strengthen emergency response capabilities and public safety.

Training and Professional Development

Oversees the departmental training program, ensuring personnel maintain required competencies, certifications, and skills. Aligns training with operational needs, applicable standards, and organizational priorities. Monitors industry developments and emerging practices in fire service operations, emergency preparedness, and community risk reduction.

Budget, Financial Management, and Capital Planning

Leads departmental and division budget development and administration, including staffing, payroll, equipment, supplies, and operating expenditures. Monitors financial performance, oversees resource allocation, and implements budget adjustments within delegated authority. Directs long-range capital planning to address infrastructure, fleet, equipment, and other departmental needs.

Strategic Planning and Organizational Improvement

Leads the development and implementation of departmental strategies, policies, procedures, and priorities aligned with the Town of Vail's objectives. Participates in interdepartmental planning, pre-construction meetings, and long-range initiatives. Evaluates programs and operations, identifies risks and improvement opportunities, and prepares reports and recommendations to support organizational effectiveness and accountability.

Community Relations and Interagency Collaboration

Represents the Fire Department in meetings, boards, committees, and engagements with Town departments, elected officials, partner agencies, and community stakeholders. Builds effective partnerships to support coordinated service delivery and community safety. Addresses complex citizen inquiries and complaints professionally and communicates departmental priorities and decisions clearly.

Organizational Values and Other Responsibilities

Upholds the Town of Vail's core values and safety practices, promoting a respectful, inclusive, and accountable workplace. Performs other duties as assigned, consistent with the position's scope and responsibilities.

Skills / Requirements

Knowledge of :

- Emergency services operations and practices, including hazardous materials response, wildland fire and related services, emergency medical services, fire suppression, fire prevention, and fire investigations.

- Emergency management principles.

- Fire apparatus, equipment, and operational systems.

- Principles of supervision, leadership, training, and performance evaluation.

- Program development and administrative practices.

- Municipal budgeting preparation, administration and financial management practices.

- Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Ability to :

- Lead and manage municipal fire operations and supervise personnel effectively.

- Develop, implement, and administer departmental goals, policies, and procedures.

- Assess operational needs, evaluate programs, and implement improvements.

- Address sensitive organizational and community issues with sound judgment.

- Plan, prioritize, direct, and coordinate the work of staff.

- Delegate authority appropriately and effectively.

- Select, train, supervise, and evaluate personnel to ensure performance standards are met.

- Analyze complex problems, identify solutions, and implement recommendations aligned with organizational goals.

- Direct fire operations, code compliance efforts, and emergency medical services.

- Interpret and apply applicable laws, regulations, and policies.

- Research and evaluate new service delivery methods to enhance departmental operations.

- Prepare clear and accurate administrative and financial reports.

- Develop and manage complex budgets responsibly.

- Work irregular hours as required to meet operational needs.

- Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

Education, Experience and Certifications

Minimum Qualifications

A typical candidate will have at least ten (10) years of fire service experience, including a minimum of five (5) years in a managerial or supervisory role. A bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration or a closely related field is preferred. Candidates must hold a valid Colorado, IFSAC, or Pro Board Fire Officer I certification or higher, as well as EMT certification through Colorado or the National Registry, with the ability to obtain Colorado licensure within two (2) months of hire. Required wildland and incident management coursework includes NWCG S‑290, L‑280, S‑131, S‑130/190, S‑200, and S‑215, along with ICS 100, 200, and 300, and NIMS 700 and 800. A valid Colorado Driver’s License, or the ability to obtain one within 30 days, and a satisfactory driving record are also required.

Alternative combinations of education, training, experience, and certifications may be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.

Desirable Qualifications

Preferred candidates will have at least five (5) years of experience as a Battalion Chief or an equivalent role, as determined by VFES, and completion of the VFES Battalion Chief Task Book or an approved equivalent. Additional desirable credentials include Blue Card Command certification; Hazmat Incident Commander or Hazmat Safety Officer qualifications; Fire Officer II certification (Colorado, IFSAC, or Pro Board); and completion of the IAFC CHIEFS curriculum. Further preferred qualifications include completion of the EMI Emergency Management Basic Academy, ICS‑400, and L‑380; NWCG Task Force Leader qualification; and professional designations such as CPSE Fire Officer (FO) or Chief Fire Officer (CFO).

Culture / Lifestyle / Benefits

The Town of Vail is a values-based culture that is nurtured by our employees’ strong desire to foster teamwork, take ownership in Vail’s future, and an overall pride in serving their community. To find out more about our community, please visit our website www.vail.gov and click on Vail Information.

The Town of Vail offers a competitive benefits and compensation package including medical, dental, vision, employer-paid life and disability retirement plans, generous vacation benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional development opportunities, and lifestyle benefits that range from a tennis pass, golf pass, and other ski pass/wellness benefits.