Deputy Fire Chief and EMS

Vermont League of Cities and Towns; Barre (VT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Barre City is seeking a Deputy Chief of Fire/EMS to serve as second-in-command and lead training, safety, and administration for the Fire & Ambulance Department. You will oversee comprehensive training programs and regulatory compliance.

Under the Fire Chief, you will manage personnel, coordinate EMS and fire operations, and represent the department in inter-agency activities with availability for on-call duties. This role demands strong leadership and policy execution across all shifts.

Qualifications

• Requires Associate’s degree in Fire Science or related field; Bachelor’s preferred.
• Graduate of NFPA Executive Fire Officer or ability to enroll is desired.
• Pro Board or IFSAC Fire Officer II Certification or ability to obtain.
• Fire Instructor I or higher required.
• Must have Vermont Driver License and EMT license.
• NIMS certifications required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee department-wide training programs for Fire, EMS, and Special Operations and Safety Programs.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and policy implementation.
• Act as liaison with Fire Chief and external agencies; supervise personnel and assign duties.
• Respond to emergency incidents and provide EMS/Fire leadership as certified.
• Lead in disaster management and emergency planning.

Skills

Leadership

EMS

Training

Policy development

Incident command

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Team supervision

Education

Associate’s degree in Fire Science

Bachelor’s degree preferred

NFPA/Executive Fire Officer programs

Tools

Incident reporting systems

Computer literacy

Job description

Position Title: Deputy Fire Chief and EMS

Department: Fire

Employment Classification: Exempt

For a complete job description, please reach out to Jeanne Galiano at [e-mail]

Summary / Objective

Under the direction of the Fire Chief, the Deputy Chief of Fire/EMS serves as the Department's Training and Safety officer, second-in-command and is responsible for providing leadership, direction, and oversight of the Barre City Fire & Ambulance Department's. The Deputy Chief leads the development, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive training and professional development programs that ensure all personnel maintain proficiency in fire suppression, emergency medical services, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, incident command, and other operational disciplines.

The Deputy Chief directs the Department's occupational health and safety program by promoting risk reduction, regulatory compliance, firefighter and EMS wellness, and the continual evaluation of operational practices to enhance responder safety and organizational effectiveness. Working closely with command staff, the Deputy Chief develops and implements policies, procedures, and best practices that support safe and efficient emergency operations.

In addition to training and safety responsibilities, the Deputy Chief assists in overseeing the Department's day-to-day operations, including personnel supervision, emergency response coordination, administrative functions, policy implementation, and resource management. The position exercises considerable independent judgment and discretion in managing personnel, developing departmental initiatives, and ensuring the efficient delivery of fire, rescue, emergency medical, prevention, and support services consistent with the Department's mission and strategic goals.

In the absence of the Fire Chief, the Deputy Chief assumes full authority for the administration and command of the Barre City Fire & Ambulance Department, ensuring continuity of leadership and operational effectiveness.

Essential Functions

The following duties are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the individual assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as necessary.

This position is responsible for fostering a culture of continuous improvement, operational readiness, accountability, and professional excellence while ensuring compliance with all applicable local, state, and national standards.

Develop and oversees department-wide training programs for Fire, EMS, and Special Operations and Safety Programs.

Ensures regulatory compliance.

Serves as the first-line authority within the administrative command structure for department members.

Reviews, research, and analyzes department operations; provides recommendations to the Fire Chief.

Collaborates with the Fire Chief in the development and administration of policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and memoranda of agreement.

Develops and implements complex and/or high-visibility programs, reports, and special projects.

Evaluates the performance of department officers to ensure fulfillment of the department’s mission and objectives.

Acts as Personnel Officer when designated by the Fire Chief; makes recommendations and/or acts on personnel matters including hiring and discipline.

Serves as a liaison to fire and law enforcement agencies, neighboring jurisdictions, and state and federal entities.

Attend training sessions and conferences relevant to the responsibilities of the position.

Represents the department on inter-agency committees and in cooperative programs as assigned.

Assists in the development and revision of department policies and guidelines.

Schedules staff and assign daily duties to ensure adequate operational coverage.

Makes initial command decisions at emergency scenes regarding fire attack, ventilation, salvage, overhaul, and fire-ground support.

Serves on the Town Emergency Management Team; assumes the role of Emergency Management Director in the Fire Chief’s absence during large-scale emergencies.

Responds to emergency medical incidents and performs duties as a certified EMT, AEMT, or EMT-P in accordance with state and national protocols.

Commands and participates in specialized emergency rescue operations including water, high-angle, trench, auto extrication, and building collapse incidents.

Assumes full operational command of the department in the absence of the Fire Chief.

Performs other related duties as assigned by the Fire Chief.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Minimum of Associate’s degree in Fire Science or related field, Bachelor’s Degree preferred or a similar combination of education (non-field related degree) and experience. Graduate of National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program, or the ability to enroll is desired.

Pro Board or IFSAC Fire Officer II Certification or ability to obtain.

Fire Instructor I or higher.

Must have a valid Vermont Driver License.

Must possess a current EMT license.

National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) certifications required.

Possesses ability to perform highly responsible duties of a complex nature requiring considerable initiative and judgment particularly in emergency situations which do not fall clearly within established practices or precedents.

Minimum of ten years of career fire service experience including five years in a supervisory or command position within a fire department with administrative responsibility and possesses ability to meet requirements and obtain certifications necessary for subordinate positions within Fire Department.

Minimum of five years of emergency medical experience including three years in a supervisory or command position within a fire department or emergency medical services department with administrative responsibility and possesses ability to meet requirements, obtain certifications and maintain continuing education as required to maintain licensure.

Comprehensive knowledge of firefighting and fire prevention principles, emergency medical service principles, practices and equipment and possess familiarity with principles of construction.

Knowledge of code enforcement as specified under Vermont Law and City ordinances. Ability to review, understand and ensure compliance with the City Ordinances.

Comprehensive knowledge of departmental policies and regulations and of the laws and ordinances affecting fire department and emergency medical services operations.

Possesses ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, the general public, and city officials; to organize, assign and direct the work of subordinates.

Possesses ability to manage and maintain confidential information to include patient medical information, criminal matters and fire and arson investigations which are sensitive in nature and confidential.

Knowledge of OSHA/VOSHA rules and regulations, advanced working knowledge of traffic control as it relates to Emergency Operations.

Knowledge of supervisory techniques.

Possesses ability to communicate clearly and concisely in writing and orally.

Possesses competency in using a computer and business software, computer-based incident reporting systems and other software.

Ability to manage with a high degree of consensus building and to ensure successful team decision-making.

Strong motivating, leadership and interpersonal skills.

Ability to handle competing priorities.

Proven ability to be organized, detail oriented and accurate.

Comprehensive knowledge of emergency medical services and ambulance transportation systems.

Comprehensive knowledge of State and Federal Emergency Management Agency systems, laws and regulations.

Demonstrated ability to manage and direct large scale operations of personnel and equipment under emergency conditions.

Residency with reasonable proximity to primary response area.

Supervisory Responsibilities

The Deputy Chief of Fire and EMS will have supervisory authority for all staff of the fire and EMS Department, which includes the Fire Marshall and Code Enforcement personnel.

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work

This position is classified as Exempt/FT. Standard days and hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. However, this position requires the ability to work occasional nights, weekends, and/or holidays to fulfill the duties of the position. An operational on call rotation will be established for emergencies after hours.

Work Authorization / Security Clearance (If applicable)

Must be authorized to legally work in the United States

Must be able to get to and from work on a consistent basis

Must be able to pass a background check

AAP / EEO Statement

The City of Barre provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the City of Barre complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the City has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The City of Barre expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of City of Barre’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.