Assistant Fire Chief

Upper Darby Township; Upper Darby (Delaware County); On-site; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Pension plan

Life insurance

Job summary

A municipal fire department is seeking an Assistant Fire Chief to serve as a key executive leader within its operations. The role involves providing strategic oversight in major areas including operations and training, while supervising senior officers. Candidates should have at least ten years in fire service, demonstrated leadership in emergencies, and required NFPA certifications. This full-time role offers an annual salary of $150,000 and comprehensive benefits, including medical and pension plans.

Qualifications

• Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible fire service experience.
• Demonstrated success in a combination fire department environment.
• Ability to lead in a collective bargaining environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide oversight across major functional areas.
• Supervise and mentor Deputy Chiefs and senior officers.
• Support personnel management and labor relations.

Skills

Fireground command experience

Leadership skills

Communication abilities

Policy development

Education

Master’s Degree in Public Administration or related field

NFPA Firefighter I & II Certification

NFPA 1021 – Fire Officer II Certification

Hazardous Materials Operations Certification

NIMS/ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800 Certifications

Job description

Assistant Fire Chief

Upper Darby Township

Assistant Fire Chief to serve as a key executive leader within the Upper Darby Township Fire Department. This appointed position plays a vital role in shaping the department’s strategic direction, ensuring operational readiness, and providing command‑level leadership at emergency incidents. The Assistant Fire Chief works closely with the Fire Chief and serves as Acting Fire Chief in the Chief’s absence, making this an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned fire officer ready to operate at the highest level of municipal fire service leadership.

The Assistant Fire Chief provides oversight and leadership across major functional areas of the department, which may include Operations, Training, Administration, or Fire Prevention, while supervising and mentoring Deputy Chiefs and senior officers. The role includes supporting personnel management and labor relations, contributing to budget development and policy implementation, responding to emergency incidents within the Incident Command System, and providing command‑level oversight at complex, multi‑agency incidents. The Assistant Fire Chief also plays a central role in training and professional development for both career and volunteer personnel and, as assigned, supports community risk reduction initiatives through fire prevention, inspections, investigations, public education, and engagement with Township leadership and community partners.

Responsibilities

Provide oversight across major functional areas, supervise and mentor Deputy Chiefs and senior officers, support personnel management and labor relations, contribute to budget development and policy implementation, respond to emergency incidents within the Incident Command System, provide command‑level oversight at complex incidents, oversee training and professional development, support community risk reduction initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible fire service experience
• Five (5) years of supervisory experience
• Demonstrated success operating in a combination fire department environment
• Significant fireground command experience
• Ability to lead within a collective bargaining environment, including labor‑management relations experience
• Required certifications: NFPA Firefighter I & II, NFPA 1021 – Fire Officer II, Hazardous Materials Operations, NFPA Fire Service Instructor I, and NIMS/ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800
• Advanced knowledge of fireground strategy and tactics, strong leadership and communication skills, ability to develop policies, deliver training, manage complex initiatives, and represent the department professionally

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Fire Administration, or related field
• Chief Fire Officer (CPSE) credential
• Graduation from the National Fire Academy Executive Officer Program
• Additional certifications such as Fire Officer III, Fire Inspector, Fire Investigator, and EMT-B

$150,000

Schedule / Other Information

Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM, with participation in an on‑call program including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Pension plan
• Life insurance

Seniority Level

Director

Employment Type

Full‑time