Deputy Chief of Fire and Emergency Services*

Salary : $128,297.00 - $214,244.00 Annually
Location : Richmond, VA
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Job Number: 42M00000421
Department: Fire & Emergency
Division: Headquarters
Opening Date: 04/07/2025
Closing Date: 4/21/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

Are you Richmond R.E.A.D.Y? Respect. Equity. Accountability. Diversity...YOU!!!

This is an EXCITING time to Join the City of Richmond! We are committed to nurturing talent, fostering growth opportunities, and building strong connections within our workforce. As we continue to make strides to becoming the employer of choice, we are thrilled about the below employee benefit enhancements:

• Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• Language Incentive
• Referral Bonus
• Tuition Assistance Program

Description
This position is Unclassified and serves at the will of the Appointing Authority.

The City of Richmond Department of Fire & Emergency Services - Division of Support Services is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Deputy Chief. This is a sworn position. The purpose of the class is to assist the Chief of Fire and Emergency Services in planning, organizing, directing, and controlling the activities, resources, and operations of one of the sections of the Richmond Fire and Emergency Services Department.
Teleworking options will not be granted for this position during the first year of employment.

Duties include but are not limited to

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
1. Directs, manages and supervises staff; performs some supervisory duties such as performance evaluations and training; supports managers as needed.
2. Manages, implements and monitors large scale projects, programs, reviews, budgets, etc.; determines each staff member's role.
3. Prepares, reviews, edits, and approves various documents, reports, contracts, expenditures, packets, budgets, etc.; ensures proper reporting.
4. Prepares presentations; conducts, attends, and participates in various meetings.
5. Works with various internal and external departments on special assignments or projects; coordinates projects as needed.

Duties also include:

• Performing Human Resource Management (HRM) functions by appraising the department's human resources (HR) demographics given appropriate community demographic data, so that recruitment, selection and placement of HR is effective and consistent the law and current practice.
• Performing HRM functions by developing programs and policies that foster positive management/department member relationships. (considered essential by the Department).
• Performing HRM functions by assisting in the planning, organizing, and directing of employee training, education, and development activities. (considered essential by the Department).
• Performing HRM functions by maintaining an awareness of employee assistance options available to Department employees and recommending options as appropriate.
• Performing HRM functions by evaluating the needs of their respective sections regarding assignment of employees based on the ability of the prospective employee to perform the necessary body of work.
• Performing HRM functions by participating in and contributing to the development and maintenance of a work environment that supports the values of the Richmond Fire and Emergency Department, including the maintenance of positive relations between the various segments of the Department. (considered essential by the Department).
• Performing HRM functions by evaluating the performance of direct reporting employees in their assigned section.
• Performing HRM functions by recognizing employees for performance as appropriate to include the recommending of employees for Department and other types of appropriate recognition.
• Performing HRM functions by investigating, proposing, and implementing corrective action for substandard performance of employees as necessary. (considered essential by the Department).
• Performing HRM functions by operating in the best interest of Department management.
• Performing Community/Government Relations functions by representing the Department at community and other government activities and meetings as appropriate.
• Performing Community/Government Relations functions by maintaining an overall awareness of local, state and national requirements and standards and being conversant in, as a minimum, those that affect their assigned section of the Department. (considered essential by the Department).
• Performing Community/Government Relations functions by communicating both orally and in writing with Department officials, community leaders and outside agencies to coordinate activities, exchange information, provide expertise, respond to questions and resolve issues regarding Department operations and services. (considered essential by the Department).
• Performing Community/Government Relations functions by recommending revisions in City, state or national regulations or national standards when in the interest of the Department and/or services provided by the Department are affected.
• Performing administrative functions by participating in the development of long and short-range plans, goals and objectives and the assessment of progress in achieving established goals for their assigned section of the Department.
• Performing administrative functions by developing appropriate Department polices for programs originating in their assigned section of the Department and recommending policies for programs originating in other sections of the Department. (considered essential by the Department).
• Performing administrative functions by coordinating operations and activities between sections of the Department.
• Performing administrative functions by proposing performance measures for their assigned section of the Department that support the vision, mission and values of the Department. (considered essential by the Department).
• Performing administrative functions by managing assigned budget and provide status reports to the Chief of Fire and Emergency Services, as required, on fiscal management issues in the section. (considered essential by the Department).
• Performing administrative functions by assuring the maintenance and repair of Department equipment, apparatus and facilities.
• Performing administrative functions by approving specifications for supplies and equipment as required.
• Performing administrative functions by acting as Chief of Fire and Emergency Services in the absence of the Chief of Fire and Emergency Services or as directed.
• Performing inspection/investigative functions by assuring the proper enforcement of applicable codes; direct code enforcement activities as required.
• Performing inspection/investigative functions by conducting inspections of potential safety hazards, audit department policies and systems, to minimize the potential of performance that is not consistent with department goals and targets.
• Performing inspection/investigative functions by conducting investigations of safety hazards, alleged member misconduct, public and personal property damage and other unusual circumstances where senior officer(s) of the department are implicated.
• Performing emergency service delivery functions by developing plans, programs and criteria for response to incidents and events that would involve multiple agencies and jurisdictions.
• Performing emergency service delivery functions by responding to emergency incidents within the jurisdiction of the Department and operate within the Incident Management System in command or general staff capacities as required. (considered essential by the Department).
• Performing health and safety functions by fulfilling management's responsibility to maintain a safe and healthful workplace under the Virginia State Safety Standards as well as applicable department safety polices.
• Performing health and safety functions by representing the Department and fulfill appropriate functions in accordance with the City Emergency Management Plan or as directed by the Chief of Fire and Emergency Services. (considered essential by the Department).
• Making oral presentations including public speaking.
• Composing technical reports and business correspondence.
• Developing long-range plans and objectives for the department.
• Demonstrating a willingness to represent the values of the Department.
• Functioning as a part of the executive team of the Department.
• Demonstrating interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Establishing and maintains cooperative and effective working relationships with peers and subordinates.
• Executing direction from the Chief of Fire and Emergency Services as required.
• Assisting the Chief of Fire and Emergency Services in planning and organizing diversified programs in fire suppression, rescue, hazardous materials, occupational safety, training, community risk reduction and emergency management.
• Meeting schedules and time lines.
• Maintaining a working environment free of harassment and/or discrimination; identify and correct potentially illegal discrimination.
• Establishing and maintains a safe and healthy work environment.
• Training, supervising, and evaluating employees.
• Formulating, develops, and implements policies, plans and goals for their assigned function in the Department.
• Managing the activities of division(s) of the Department.
• Managing Departmental programs and projects as assigned.
• Administering appropriate portions of the Department's budget. Plans and organizes their work and the work of others.
• Communicating orally and in writing at a level that would be acceptable in conducting business in a local government.
• Enforcing federal, State and City Fire codes, laws and ordinances.
• Conducting audits and inspections.
• Conducting confidential investigations.
• Operating a "command" type or staff vehicle under emergency response and incident scene circumstances.
• Physically participating in incident management activities, as needed.
• Utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment.

This position is considered an Essential Personnel, which means that the incumbent is required to work when the City is closed due to public emergencies, critical or hazardous conditions or inclement weather.

Qualifications, Special Certifications and Licenses

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Considerable knowledge with servicing as a post probationary chief officer in a fully career emergency services organization that serves primarily an urban and/or suburban area; and demonstrated knowledge of National Incident Management System, National Response Framework, National Fire Protection Association Standards, state codes and administrative rules on Occupational Safety and Health, Government budgeting and financial practices, Human resource management principles (including selection, training, development, equal opportunity), emergency management principles and practices, fire apparatus and equipment specification processes, principles and practices of administration, management and supervision, principles and practices of modern fire suppression strategies, tactics and procedures, principles and practices of mass casualty strategies, tactics and procedures, principles and practices of hazardous material strategies, tactics and procedures, and principles and practices of technical rescue strategies, tactics and procedures.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Fire Administration, Public Administration, Business Administration or a related field
• An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification.

LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS, and/or OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid driver's license or the ability to obtain a driver's license within 30 days of appointment.
• Documented National Incident Management System qualifications including the ability to serve in a command or general staff position.
• The preferred candidate will hold one or more of the the following credentials - Chief Fire Officer Designation, Executive Fire Officer, Fire Officer II, or other equivalent credentials.

PREFERRED TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• The preferred candidate will hold one or more of the following credentials - Chief Fire Officer Designation, Executive Fire Officer, Fire Officer II, or other equivalent credentials.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of Richmond provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The City of Richmond is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, the City of Richmond will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. If you require reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to participate in the job application and/or the interview process, please contact Jessica McKenzie, Human Resources Manager by email at

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
The City of Richmond Values Veterans. We are an official V3 Certified Company.

The City of Richmond is a proud partner with the US Army Partnership for Your Success PaYS Program.
With over 4,000 employees, the City of Richmond is an "Employer of Choice" among cities throughout the nation. The City strives to hire and retain employees who bring dedication and talent to the workforce. Offering a competitive, cost effective, and quality benefits package is one element of an "Employer of Choice". The City has also recently added twenty (20) year retirement plan with attractive deferred compensation program.
The City offers a full range of benefit programs from initial hire through retirement. Please visit our Web site for details.
01

10-point compensable veteran. You must have an existing compensable service-connected disability of 10 percent or more. Other 10-point veteran include disabled veteran or a veteran who was awarded the Purple Heart for wound or injuries received in action, veteran's widow or widower who has not remarried, wife or husband of a veteran who has a service-connected disability, widowed, divorced or separated mother of an ex-service son or daughter who died in action, or who is totally and permanently disabled. Do any of these apply?

• Yes
• No

02

5-point veteran's must have been discharged under honorable conditions and had one of the following:Active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States, in a war, or during the period 4/28/52-7/1/55 or active duty for more than 180 consecutive days other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning 2/1/55 and 10/14/76 or active duty during the Gulf War sometime between 8/2/90 - 1/2/92 or active duty in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized or active duty for which more than 180 consecutive days other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning 9/11/2001 and ending on the date prescribed by the Presidential proclamation or by the law as the last date of operation Iraqi Freedom. Do any of these apply?

• Yes
• No

03

Employees in this job classification are designated as Essential Personnel and must be available to report to work during inclement weather, disasters and other emergencies. Are you willing and available to report to work during these conditions?

• Yes
• No

04

Which answer best describes your highest level of education?

• High School Diploma/GED
• Some College
• Bachelor's Degree
• Associate's Degree
• Master/Advanced Degree
• None of the Above

05

Do you have at least 5 years of fire executive level experience?

• Yes
• No

06

How many years of fire services experience do you have?

• Less than 5 years of experience
• Five to 10 years of experience
• Ten to 15 years of experience
• More than 15 years of experience

07

How many years of experience do you have working as a sworn fire fighter?

• Less than 5 years of experience
• Five to 10 years of experience
• Ten to 15 years of experience
• More than 15 years of experience

08

In the space provided below, please list the National Fire courses you have successfully completed.
09

Do you have a current ICS certification?

• Yes
• No

10

Do you have a current NIMS certification?

• Yes
• No

11

Have you ever worked in a department that utilized bench-marking performance metrics?

• Yes
• No

12

If you answered yes to the previous questions, please briefly explain.
13

Have you ever worked as a Command Officer in a community with mid to high-rise buildings?

• Yes
• No

14

If you answered yes to the previous question, please briefly explain.
15

Have you ever worked in a position that participated in shared regional responsibility development (i.e., operational policies, procedures and guidelines)?

• Yes
• No

16

If you answered yes to the previous question, please briefly explain.
Required Question