Deputy Fire Chief

Town of Vail; Vail (CO); On-site; USD 133,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Life Insurance

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Town of Vail is seeking a Deputy Fire Chief of Operations as a senior member of VFES executive leadership. This role oversees Operations, Training, and Logistics, directing both emergency and non‑emergency functions.

The position partners with the Fire Chief and interacts with town departments, external agencies, and community stakeholders. Responsibilities include strategic planning, incident command when required, staffing decisions, and advancing departmental goals.

Qualifications

• Provides strategic leadership and oversight of Operations, Training, and Logistics.

Responsibilities

• Reports to Fire Chief and leads Operations Division planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating emergency and non‑emergency functions.
• Collaborates with the Town of Vail departments, external agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Responds to significant incidents in command or safety capacity as needed.
• Leads recruitment, promotions, discipline, and staff development within the division.
• Oversees emergency readiness, deployment of personnel and equipment, and evaluation of response effectiveness.
• Manages departmental training programs and ensures certifications and required competencies.
• Directs budget development and administration, staffing, equipment, and major capital planning.
• Leads strategic planning and organizational improvement aligned with Town objectives.
• Represents the department in meetings and interagency collaborations; handles inquiries professionally.

Job description

The Deputy Fire Chief of Operations serves as a senior member of the Vail Fire & Emergency Services (VFES) executive leadership team and reports directly to the Fire Chief. This role is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating all emergency and non‑emergency functions within the Operations Division, while also providing support to the Administration and Wildland Divisions as needed.

In partnership with the Fire Chief, the Deputy Fire Chief contributes to strategic planning, long‑range visioning, and major organizational initiatives, and collaborates with other town departments, external agencies, and community stakeholders. This role may also respond to significant incidents in a command or safety capacity. In the absence of the Fire Chief, the Deputy Fire Chief assumes full responsibility for departmental leadership and administration.

Leadership and Personnel Management

Provides strategic leadership and oversight of assigned divisions, including Operations, Training, and Logistics, directly or through subordinate managers and supervisors. Guides Battalion Chiefs and personnel to ensure alignment with departmental goals and priorities. Oversees recruitment, hiring, promotions, discipline, performance evaluations, and professional development in accordance with applicable policies. Establishes departmental goals, policies, procedures, and priorities; fosters a culture of professionalism, integrity, accountability, collaboration, and inclusivity. Serves as Acting Fire Chief when required.

Emergency Operations and Operational Readiness

Oversees emergency and non‑emergency operations, ensuring operational readiness and effective deployment of personnel, equipment, and resources. Leads emergency preparedness initiatives and responds to major incidents, providing command direction or safety oversight as appropriate. Evaluates operational effectiveness and implements improvements to strengthen emergency response capabilities and public safety.

Training and Professional Development

Oversees the departmental training program, ensuring personnel maintain required competencies, certifications, and skills. Aligns training with operational needs, applicable standards, and organizational priorities. Monitors industry developments and emerging practices in fire service operations, emergency preparedness, and community risk reduction.

Budget, Financial Management, and Capital Planning

Leads departmental and division budget development and administration, including staffing, payroll, equipment, supplies, and operating expenditures. Monitors financial performance, oversees resource allocation, and implements budget adjustments within delegated authority. Directs long‑range capital planning to address infrastructure, fleet, equipment, and other departmental needs.

Strategic Planning and Organizational Improvement

Leads the development and implementation of departmental strategies, policies, procedures, and priorities aligned with the Town of Vail's objectives. Participates in interdepartmental planning, pre‑construction meetings, and long‑range initiatives. Evaluates programs and operations, identifies risks and improvement opportunities, and prepares reports and recommendations to support organizational effectiveness and accountability.

Community Relations and Interagency Collaboration

Represents the Fire Department in meetings, boards, committees, and engagements with Town departments, elected officials, partner agencies, and community stakeholders. Builds effective partnerships to support coordinated service delivery and community safety. Addresses complex citizen inquiries and complaints professionally and communicates departmental priorities and decisions clearly.

Organizational Values and Other Responsibilities

Upholds the Town of Vail's core values and safety practices, promoting a respectful, inclusive, and accountable workplace. Performs other duties as assigned, consistent with the position's scope and responsibilities.

Full Job Description: Deputy Fire Chief

Pay Range

$133,488.00 - $200,232.00

Full‑time positions are eligible for the Town of Vail’s comprehensive benefits program, which includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer‑paid life and disability insurance; access to flexible spending accounts; wellness and employee assistance programs; paid leave and holiday benefits; and participation in the Town’s retirement programs, including an employer‑funded 401(a) pension plan, along with optional deferred compensation plans. 2026 Benefit Guide.