Supervisory Fire Chief

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST); Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) seeks a Deputy Fire Chief to lead emergency response operations, oversee training and readiness, and coordinate with local agencies. The role directs fire, medical, and HazMat responses and assumes scene command when needed.

The position requires advanced fire protection experience, certifications, and a demonstrable ability to develop facility-wide safety programs in collaboration with OSHE and research teams.

Qualifications

• One year of specialized experience at least GS-7 level (ZA-I at NIST).
• Experience in Incident Command System (ICS) and advanced fire emergency functions.
• Experience planning, managing, and implementing fire and hazmat programs.
• Must attach required certifications at time of application.

Responsibilities

• Directs fire, medical, and HazMat emergency operations; assumes scene command in absence of Fire Chief.
• Oversees firefighter training drills, inspections, and equipment maintenance.
• Serves as training liaison between NIST Fire Protection and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue.
• Assists Fire Chief in developing facility-wide fire protection programs and ensuring safety compliance.

Skills

ICS

Basic life support

EMT-B

Hazmat operations

Fire Inspector III

Fire Officer IV

Driver's license

Education

Master's degree

LL.B./J.D.

2 years grad education

Job description

Summary

Provides operational oversight and supervisory management for the NIST Fire Protection and Emergency Response Program. Serves as a lead official in directing responses to emergency medical, fire, and hazardous materials incidents, ensuring tactical objectives are met.

Duties

As Deputy Fire Chief, the role includes: Emergency Command & Response: Directs fire, medical, and HazMat emergency operations; assumes full scene command in the absence of the Fire Chief. Operational Readiness: Oversees firefighter training drills, building inspections, and equipment maintenance. Inter-Agency Coordination: Serves as the training liaison between NIST Fire Protection and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue. Program Management & Stakeholder Relations: Assists the Fire Chief in developing facility-wide fire protection programs; collaborates with OSHE and NIST Research teams to ensure safety compliance.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-7 level (ZA-I at NIST) in the federal service. Specialized experience is defined as experience operating within the Incident Command System (ICS) and executing advanced fire emergency functions. Experience planning, managing, and implementing strategic fire and hazmat protection and prevention programs. OR Master's or equivalent graduate degree OR 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree OR LL.B. or J.D., if related OR Equivalent combination of education and experience. IN ADDITION, the applicant MUST be able to meet the following selective placement factor (Screen out): Skill in providing basic life support and emergency medical care as evidenced by a valid Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems, EMT-B certificate. To be considered for the position, applicants are required to provide the following certifications: 1. Certification in firefighter 2. Maryland Emergency Medical Technician -B Certification 3. Hazmat operations 4. Class B Driver's License/ Equivalent 5. Fire Inspector III 6. Fire Officer IV Resume should indicate the following trainings have been completed: HAZMAT Technichian HAZMAT Incident Commander training ICs 100 ICs 200 ICs 300 ICs 400 IS 700 IS 800 Must attach certification at time of application to be considered for the position. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook. If requesting reconsideration of your qualification determination, please refer to the following site: Applicant Reconsideration.