Deputy Chief, Public Safety

Salary: $105,664.00 - $174,366.40 Annually
Location : 33982, FL
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2025-00140
Department: PUBLIC SAFETY - FIRE RESCUE DEPT
Opening Date: 04/08/2025
Closing Date: 4/23/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: NB

General Summary & Essential Responsibilities

As a key leader in the Fire/EMS Department, you'll take charge of critical operational functions, ensuring top-tier emergency response and safety practices. In this role, you'll lead the way during high-pressure situations-commanding fire alarms, emergency medical scenes, and a variety of emergencies. Your expertise will guide the team in maintaining peak efficiency and effectiveness, as you oversee daily operations and make swift, decisive decisions in the face of urgent challenges. Additionally, you'll play an integral part in the 24/7 on-call program, using your judgment and initiative to ensure our Fire/EMS system remains responsive, efficient, and always ready to serve.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists in the planning, development, prioritization, coordination and implementation of Fire/EMS Department policies and procedures, employee training and orientation, goals and objectives, budget formulation, program evaluation, and operating policy formulation; and implements and monitors approved policies.
• Manages assigned programs and personnel: prioritizes and assigns work; monitors work in progress and inspects completed work; ensures operational compliance with applicable local, state and federal rules and regulations, including grant reporting requirements; serves as Health and Safety Officer;
• Assists in developing selection criteria and participates in the selection of Public Safety personnel: is responsible for the assignment, placement, promotion, training, safety, appraisal, and discipline of Public Safety staff.
• Responds to major emergency incidents to support command operations: assumes command of emergency scenes until relieved by a superior officer; performs emergency medical and/or firefighting duties including fire prevention, vehicle extrication, confined space rescue, hazardous materials, and/or other duties; and assists in ensuring all safety practices and procedures are followed.
• Develops and prepares training and orientation aids, handbooks, manuals, course outlines, and other training materials for use of Fire/EMS Department personnel.
• Participates in the development and administration of department annual budget: prepares and administers the budget for assigned area; makes budget revisions and recommendations as appropriate; monitors expenditures against approved budget; approves expenditures of assigned operational units; and maintains all related documentation.
• Ensures procurement of equipment, material transport, supply management, inventory control and facilities maintenance: develops equipment specifications as related to major purchase and grant funding.
• Interacts with internal and external customers: responds to written and verbal inquiries and complaints regarding Fire operations; attends and represents the County and Fire/EMS in the community and at professional meetings as required.
• Researches current trends, services and techniques related to operational policy, training guidelines, equipment need and staffing impacts, both current and potential: attends meetings, seminars, training/education sessions to stay abreast of industry trends and best practices; and makes recommendations for departmental implementation as appropriate.
• Prepares memoranda, directives, and a variety of technical and departmental reports and records.
• Participates in a 24/7 on-call program as required.
• Provide exceptional customer assistance, problem-solving, and/or complaints by all forms of communication.

Min. Education, Licenses and Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in fire science or administration, emergency medical services, or related field is required.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in fire and EMS management, and seven years of experience in the field.
• Or an equivalent combination of relevant training, education, and experience.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver's license.
• Must possess and maintain Florida Firefighter.
• Must possess and maintain Florida Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), or Florida Paramedic certification, based on area of assignment.
• Additional certifications may be required as appropriate depending on area of assignment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of Fire Services administration and operation.
• Thorough knowledge of vehicle extrication and other additional emergency rescue techniques within specific area(s) of assigned discipline.
• Thorough knowledge of modern firefighting practices, techniques, and procedures including operation and maintenance requirements of various types of fire apparatus and equipment.
• Knowledge of the Incident Management System; skill in emergency scene procedures and incident command.
• Ability to coordinate, organize, assign, and supervise the activities of the Fire/EMS delivery systems.
• Ability to manage and implement efficient and effective day-to-day operational functions of assigned division(s) of the Fire/EMS Department.
• Ability to maintain discipline to lead and command effectively and direct emergency personnel and equipment under emergency situations; ability to remain calm and take decisive action during emergencies and other high-pressure situations.
• Strong leadership and managerial skills, to include team building, mediation and motivational skills; ability to plan, organize, and review the work of subordinate, technical, and supervisory personnel in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.
• Ability to analyze a variety of administrative problems and to make sound policy and procedural recommendations.
• Skill in the use of standard office computer equipment and software applications; ability to maintain accurate records and reports.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, officials of other jurisdictions and the business community, and general public.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• Ability to provide internal/external guidance and customer assistance via all forms of communication.

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions: Work is exposed to outdoor weather conditions or irate customers, extreme noise, odors, heights and/or dust.
Risk/Safety Conditions: The position requires exposure to risk related to physical and/or mental health and safety (e.g., exposure to environmentally hazardous material, heavy equipment, assault and battery, communicable disease, etc.).
Physical Activities: Stooping, crouching, walking, pulling, lifting, grasping, hearing, seeing up close, seeing far away, kneeling, reaching, pushing, talking, standing, finger movement, repetitive motions, depth perception. Frequent lifting up to 25 pounds; occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.
DISCLAIMER: The above information on this 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 qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Charlotte County is an Affirmative Action/ADA/Veterans' Preference and Equal Opportunity Employer.
Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners offers a comprehensive benefits package to regular full-time employees. Please click on the link below to view information about our benefits.
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Please describe your greatest work achievement and how this experience could benefit Charlotte County.
02

Some people work best as part of a group - others prefer the role of individual contributor. How would you describe yourself? Give an example of a situation where you felt you were most effective.
03

The ideal candidate for this position will be able to lead multiple Public Safety divisions that foster achievement, builds and maintains team effectiveness and operational consistency across divisions/shifts and successfully manages in support of the organizational goals. Please describe for us your professional experience and knowledge in these areas.
Required Question