Fire/EMS Deputy Chief, Acting in Capacity (AIC)

City-of-Eugene,-or; Eugene (OR); On-site; USD 185,000 - 209,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Eugene seeks a Deputy Chief of Fire and Rescue Operations or EMS to plan, direct, and coordinate division activities. This role reports to the Assistant Fire Chief and oversees operations, training, and budget development for Fire/EMS services in Eugene-Springfield.

Candidates typically have ten years in fire/EMS and at least three in management; a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience is preferred. A valid Oregon driver's license is required.

Qualifications

• Ten years of increasingly responsible experience in fire and/or emergency medical services, including three years in supervisory/administrative roles.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and training; fire science/public administration preferred.
• Oregon driver's license or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and evaluate division activities to align with department priorities.
• Oversee training, personnel, budgeting, and policy development for fire/EMS operations.
• Provide command leadership during incidents and ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and standards.
• Develop strategic objectives and oversee program implementation.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Emergency management

Budgeting

Supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree in fire science/public administration or related field

Job description

This posting is only open to current City of Eugene and City of Springfield Fire employees*.

*Employees must be current full- time or part-time. Temporary employees and employees not currently working in Fire department are not eligible to apply.

Application Deadline: Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 5 p.m. P.T.

DEFINITION

Plans, directs, and coordinates the activities of a division at Eugene Springfield Fire. Functions as either Deputy Chief of Fire and Rescue Operations who exercises oversight and supervision for all operational and training personnel, or Deputy Chief of EMS who oversees administrative EMS functions and associated EMS strategic initiatives of the fire department. Both positions are expected to provide command and management duties within their respective scope based on their operational qualifications, and report directly to the Assistant Chief of Emergency Operations.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

• Receives general direction from the Assistant Fire Chief.
• Exercises direct supervision over professional, technical, sworn and other employees.

Classification: Fire/EMS Deputy Chief

Salary Range: $185,224.00 - $209,352.00 Annually

The City of Eugene determines starting pay within the range based on relevant education and experience as provided by the applicant in their application materials. This process is consistent with the Oregon Equal Pay Act (OEPA).

Acting in Capacity Pay is determined based on the applicable collective bargaining agreement or Administrative Policies Manual (APM). Pay placement will be the minimum of your current pay so long as it is not above the maximum of the Acting in Capacity salary range. If you are in a position that is at the same salary range as the Acting in Capacity assignment you are applying for, there may be no change in pay for the Acting in Capacity assignment.

Department/Division: Eugene Springfield Fire/Fire and Emergency Medical Services

Union Representation: Non-Represented, Exempt

Work Locale: 1725 W 2nd Ave, Eugene, OR 97402

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM with flexibility per business need

Benefits: A full range of benefits, including holidays, vacation, personal leave, sick leave, retirement benefit, life insurance, and health, dental, and vision benefits are available. Once PERS eligible, the employee's contribution of 6% is withheld from the employee's paycheck and sent by the City to PERS on the employee's behalf.

Living & Working in Eugene: Information about living in Eugene, how the City of Eugene operates, and more can be found on our website.

About the Acting in Capacity Assignment

• This Acting in Capacity position could last between 6 to 9 months per business need.

• You must meet the minimum qualifications for the Acting in Capacity position.
• You must receive permission from your supervisor to apply.
• If you are on probation, it may impact supervisory approval to apply for this opportunity.
• If you are currently a member of a union, you will continue to be represented during this AIC position.

• Operations Deputy Chief plans, coordinates, supervises, and evaluates the overall activities of fire and rescue services. Works to create and implement vision for fire and rescue services in concert with department priorities. Oversees the training section. Responsible for special rescue teams embedded within fire operations.
• EMS Deputy Chief, plans, coordinates, supervises, and evaluates programs dealing with emergency medical services. Works to create and implement vision in concert with department priorities.
• The Deputy Chief develops and establishes goals, strategic objectives, policies and procedures for the division; oversees and evaluates operations and activities; develops, recommends and implements changes in service delivery; oversees the development, updating and maintenance of the division's Standard Operating Procedures.
• Prepares and administers division budget; manages budget implementation; coordinates forecasting activities; participates and provides input in the department budget process.
• Participates in departmental long-range and strategic planning and analysis, and ensures department maintains established standards and accreditations.
• Directs, oversees and manages the development of the division's work plan; assigns work activities, projects and programs; monitors workflow and productivity; reviews and evaluates work products, methods and procedures.
• Responsible for the selection, supervision and evaluation of assigned staff; assigns work and ensures appropriate training is provided; investigates complaints; recommends and administers disciplinary actions; handles sensitive personnel matters and recommends grievance responses; exercises full supervision over employees.
• Ensures division implementation of and adherence to the City's Affi
• Ensures division implementation of and adherence to the City's Affi
• Encourages professional development of fire and EMS staff, including participation in all workshops, training, and on-the-job learning. In addition, ensures continued personal and professional development for all department personnel to satisfy organizational goals, employment regulations, best practices, and emerging trends.
• Oversees employee training needs assessment, research, and monitoring of changes in relevant legislation. Identifies development needs for supervisory, management, and training programs and lessons learned.
• Responds to emergency incidents as required.
• Enforces department policies, rules, regulations, and laws; addresses and evaluates any that violates laws and adversely impacts the department or workplace safety.

• Negotiates, administers, and manages the department's contracts for services and procurement.
• Evaluates legislative activities impacting fire and EMS operations; testifies as appropriate.
• Conducts studies and analysis of divisional operations; identifies areas for improvement; stays current on recent developments, literature and programs related to fire and emergency medical services.
• Assists in administering, interpreting and negotiating labor agreements; oversees and administers grievance and disciplinary investigation and hearings.
• Develops, implements, and manages the department communications plan.
• May serve as Department Safety Officer or oversees delegated responsibility.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and procedures of fire administration.
• Principles, practices and procedures of modern fire suppression, specialized rescue and emergency medical service delivery.
• Principles and practices of management, personnel supervision, and labor relations.
• Principles and practices of budget administration.
• Principles and methods of the NIMS Incident Command System with proficiency in the exercise of unified command.
• Principles and practices of facilities, inventory and fleet management.
• Relevant State and Federal laws and regulations.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, direct, and evaluate diverse activities.
• Plan, prioritize, direct and evaluate work.
• Conduct specialized studies and research projects; prepare reports of findings.

• Communicate with a variety of cross-cultural audiences clearly, concisely and effectively, orally, including public speaking, and in writing.
• Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations and command large-scale operations of personnel and equipment under adverse conditions.
• Work cooperatively and develop effective working relationships with other divisions, departments, outside agencies and organizations, and diverse community groups.
• Develop and administer effective policies and procedures; make effective and sound decisions.
• Interpret and apply Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Prepare and administer budgets.
• Review, analyze and modify operational and business issues to assure effective and efficient service delivery.
• Train, supervise, coach, mentor and evaluate assigned personnel including those in non-traditional positions.
• Effectively manage the scene of fire, rescue or medical emergencies.
• Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform the assigned duties.
• Operate relevant computer systems and software.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience and Training Guidelines

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience

Ten years of increasingly responsible experience in fire and/or emergency medical services, including three years in an administrative and supervisory role. The supervisory experience must be as a section manager, Battalion Chief or equivalent. Directly related experience will be considered for the Deputy Chief position.

Training

Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in fire science, public administration, business administration or a closely related field is preferred but requirement can be met through a combination of experience and training.

License or Certificate

Possession of or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid Oregon driver's license.

The City of Eugene encourages individuals of all communities and backgrounds to apply for job opportunities as we strive to provide the best service to the public. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferable knowledge, skills, and abilities from a variety of sources and experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Regular focus on a computer screen. Daily standing and sitting for prolonged periods. Occasional attendance at meetings or activities outside of normal working hours. Frequent operation of a motor vehicle on public roads. May perform prolonged and strenuous work in adverse conditions; be subject to extreme heat, noise, and toxic environments, adverse weather conditions, communicable diseases and disoriented or hostile individuals.

Non-Represented Retirement Program

Upon eligibility, the City will contribute an employee contribution of 6%, as well as the employer contribution, to a retirement program administered by the Oregon Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). In addition, the City will pay a 3% contribution to a deferred compensation program if the employee contributes at least 1%.

From January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2034, most retirees may work for a PERS-participating employer for an unlimited number of hours while continuing to receive their pension benefit based on HB 2296. If you have questions about your specific situation, including any restrictions to hours, please refer to the PERS: Work After Retirement.

What to Expect from our Selection Process

Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. The selection process varies according to the position and can include such things as screening of supplemental questionnaires, written or skill tests, ability or fitness tests, interviews, and assessment processes. In addition, background investigations and records checks may be required. Some positions also require applicants to have a psychological evaluation and/or physical examination and a drug test prior to employment. Marijuana use is evaluated consistent with current state law regulations. PLEASE NOTE: Once the posting closes, the process can take 4-6 weeks to complete.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The City of Eugene is committed to a respectful work environment. We value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community. As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion we desire to welcome, respect, and create a sense of belonging for a wide range of identities and experiences in our workforce. Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

The City of Eugene complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any applicant with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request accommodation by contacting an employment coordinator at [phone].

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Eugene will request all eligible candidates who accept employment with the City to provide documentation to prove they are eligible for employment in the United States. NOTE: The City of Eugene does not participate in the E-Verify program; therefore, candidates requiring E-Verify for employment authorization will not be eligible for employment with the City.