Lead Fire Chief: Strategic Fire & HazMat Response

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST); Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, MD seeks a Supervisory Fire Chief to oversee the Fire Protection and Emergency Response Program. The role leads daily fire and life safety operations, directs emergency responses, and advises on strategic safety initiatives across the organization.

The incumbent will exercise Incident Command authority, coordinate complex responses to medical, fire, and hazmat incidents, and ensure adherence to NFPA standards and federal

Qualifications

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level.
• Experience as a primary operational authority or program lead in fire and hazmat protection.
• Ability to plan, develop, execute, and evaluate a comprehensive fire/hazmat protection program.
• Knowledge of Incident Command System (ICS) and coordination of incident response.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational oversight and supervisory leadership for fire protection and response programs.
• Serve as lead official with Incident Command authority at emergency scenes.
• Direct responses and supervise staff during medical, fire, and hazmat incidents.
• Administer fire prevention programs and advise senior leadership on safety strategies.
• Enforce safety protocols, NFPA regulations, and federal mandates; report on program metrics.

Job description

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, MD seeks a Supervisory Fire Chief to oversee the Fire Protection and Emergency Response Program. The role leads daily fire and life safety operations, directs emergency responses, and advises on strategic safety initiatives across the organization.

The incumbent will exercise Incident Command authority, coordinate complex responses to medical, fire, and hazmat incidents, and ensure adherence to NFPA standards and federal