Deputy Chief of Fire

Job Posting Title:

Deputy Chief of Fire

Department:

Fire & Rescue Department

Location:

6840 2ND ST NW

Pay Range:

$101,192.00 - $127,109.00

Close Date:

November 30, 2025

The Deputy Chief of Fire & Rescue performs administrative, professional, and technical duties to support the operations and administration of the fire and rescue department and emergency management services. This position aligns departmental activities with County goals, objectives, and performance standards.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate and supervise daily operations of fire, rescue, and emergency management personnel in collaboration with the Chief of Fire and Rescue.
• Serve as acting Chief of Fire and Rescue in the Chief's absence.
• Represent the Fire Department or County to federal, state, tribal, and local agencies, as well as private organizations.
• Direct, assign, and evaluate the work of subordinate personnel as delegated by the Chief.
• Prepare, plan, and schedule efficiency and performance strategies in consultation with the Chief.
• Establish staffing patterns and prepare work schedules for fire, rescue, and emergency management personnel.
• Assist in preparing the annual budget and support its development with administrative staff.
• Monitor departmental spending to ensure responsible stewardship of County resources.
• Manage the discipline policy and program as directed by the Chief.
• Respond to alarms and direct activities at the scene of major emergencies, as needed.
• Supervise assigned Division Chiefs and ensure divisions meet departmental goals.
• Analyze trends and practices in fire suppression, fire safety, emergency medical services, and emergency preparedness.
• Ensure policies and procedures are developed, communicated, and followed; recommend updates to improve operations.
• Ensure standard operating procedures and guidelines are in place and followed; recommend changes to enhance effectiveness.
• Assist in developing, communicating, training, and implementing the Department’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP); ensure all staff understand their roles and responsibilities.
• Respond to emergency situations when needed and provide assistance based on expertise or assigned role. Assume command of large or complex incidents when required.

*The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities required of all employees assigned to this job.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited educational institution
• Current Battalion Commander or higher rank with Bernalillo County Fire and Rescue or a paid, professional fire department of equal or greater size.
• Minimum of two (2) consecutive years in the rank of Battalion Commander or higher.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must hold and maintain a valid EMT Basic (or higher) certification or license. Out-of-state candidates must either hold an active EMT license from another jurisdiction eligible for reciprocity with New Mexico or be able to obtain and maintain full licensure by the State of New Mexico within six (6) months of hire.

SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE

The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:

• Successfully complete and pass all elements of the promotional process as determined by the Fire Chief.
• Meet and maintain NFPA 1582 medical screening requirements for firefighters.
• Comply with and enforce all Bernalillo County policies, Bernalillo County Fire and Rescue policies and procedures, standard operating guidelines, directives, memos, and the collective bargaining agreement.
• Successfully complete a post-offer medical examination and background investigation.
• Follow all Bernalillo County safety guidelines.
• Complete required FEMA trainings assigned to the position.
• Complete all required supervisory training, if applicable.
• Employees must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico driver’s license with a Class E endorsement throughout employment. Individuals who do not possess the required license and endorsement at the time of hire must obtain them within six (6) months of hire.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work assigned shifts as determined by the Fire Chief, based on the needs of the department.
• Work in both indoor and outdoor environments, depending on the situation.
• Perform administrative duties that may involve ergonomic risks, including fatigue or repetitive strain.
• Work in extreme temperatures during emergency responses or field operations.
• Experience intermittent or sustained exposure to high noise levels such as sirens, engines, and loud voices.
• Experience occasional body vibration from vehicle rides or off-road travel.
• Face hazards such as vehicle operation, rescue efforts on difficult terrain, hazardous material exposure, and fire-related risks.
• Work on uneven or unstable surfaces including natural terrain, asphalt, concrete, ramps, stairs, ladders, scaffolding, and decks.
• Face potential exposure to bodily fluids and airborne pathogens during emergency medical or rescue responses.
• Work with high-pressure water or fire retardants during firefighting activities.
• Adapt to various physical environments and situations as required by fire department operations.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS

• Use tools and equipment associated with lower-ranked positions, based on medical license level and training.
• Operate technology, software, office machines, and other equipment needed to perform job duties.
• Use tools to analyze data; research, develop, and implement programs; and deliver public presentations using audio-visual aids.
• Use equipment required for firefighting, emergency medical response, and other emergency operations, based on training and assignment.
• Understand that the tools and materials listed above are not all-inclusive. Use additional equipment as directed to support administrative tasks, fire and rescue functions, or other department operations.