Division Chief - Operations

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Leads the Operations Division, including fire suppression, deployment, staffing, and readiness of all response units. 

• Directly supervises Battalion Chiefs and provides oversight to shift operations, ensuring consistent practices and accountability. 

• Develops, implements, and monitors operational policies, procedures, and response strategies. 

• Oversees daily staffing, scheduling, and deployment to ensure service reliability and coverage. 

• Ensures compliance with NFPA standards, ISO, accreditation benchmarks, and departmental policies. 

• Provides oversight and support for company officer development, operational readiness, and leadership training. 

• Responds to major incidents as a command or general staff officer. 

• Conducts critiques and after-action reviews of fires and major incidents, ensuring lessons learned are integrated into practice. 

• Collaborates with Training Division to identify and communicate operational training needs. 

• Coordinates with EMS, Wildland, Logistics, and CRR Division Chiefs to integrate services and ensure seamless response capability. 

• Participates in departmental leadership activities, including strategic planning, policy development, labor relations, and accreditation. 

• Oversees health, safety, and wellness initiatives for shift personnel. 

• Manages division budget, staffing resources, and apparatus assignments. 

• Serves as liaison with labor representatives for operational issues. 

• Performs other duties as required to meet the needs of the City and Fire Department. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Ability to lead and supervise staff, manage budgets, and coordinate complex projects. 

• Ability to analyze problems, make decisions consistent with departmental policy, and assess effectiveness of outcomes. 

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, partner agencies, elected officials, and the public. 

• Ability to demonstrate leadership competencies: Command Presence, Decision Making, Ethics, Integrity, Courage to Lead, and Problem Resolution. 

• Knowledge of fire suppression operations, incident command, and deployment strategies. 

• Knowledge of municipal government operations, HR practices, procurement, and fire department policies. 

• Knowledge of ICS/NIMS, NFPA standards, SOPs, and post-incident analysis. 

• Skill in communication, presentation, and report preparation. 

• Skill in using Microsoft Office Suite and departmental software systems. 

• Valid Colorado Driver’s License and ability to maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record. 

• Have and maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS  

• Ten (10) or more years of progressive leadership in the fire service. 

• Credentialing: Executive Fire Officer (EFO), Chief Fire Officer (CFO), or equivalent. 

• Diverse fire service experience including specialty teams, interagency committees, or task forces. 

• Experience with accreditation, ISO, and data-driven program evaluation. 

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor’s degree  in Fire Science, Public Administration, Emergency Management, or related field; or equivalent of  eight (8) years related experience may substitute for the education requirement only. 

• Eight (8) years of progressive fire service experience, including three (3) years in a supervisory/management role (Company Officer or higher).

• Completion of FEMA ICS 100/200/700/800; ICS 300/400 within one (1) year of appointment. 

SUPERVISION 

Supervision Received: Deputy Fire Chief

Supervision Exercised: Battalion Chiefs, Captains, Lieutenants, Engineers, Firefighters 

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS 

• Physical and Mental Effort: Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and in presentations. Sufficient vision to monitor fireground conditions, review documentation, and evaluate performance. Sufficient manual dexterity to operate computers, radios, and office equipment. Ability to walk, climb, and stand for extended periods. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Ability to manage stress and make sound decisions under emergency conditions. 

• Work Environment: Works in both office and field settings. Exposure to hazardous environments, fire scenes, and outdoor conditions. May be exposed to noise, dust, smoke, and weather. Subject to 24/7 recall during emergencies. 

• Machines and Equipment Used: Fire apparatus, PPE, radios, computers, and standard office equipment.