Wildland Fire Operations Director | Deputy Leader

South Dakota State Government; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 52,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid holidays

Vacation and sick leave

Dental and vision insurance

Retirement benefits

Job summary

South Dakota State Government’s Public Safety agency seeks a seasoned Chief of Operations/Deputy Director of the Wildland Fire Division in Rapid City. This executive role directs wildfire suppression, prescribed fire operations, and emergency response programs, guiding policy and budget planning while coordinating with federal, state, and local partners.

The position requires NWCG qualifications, strong leadership, and exceptional communication.

Qualifications

• NWCG qualifications: Division Group Supervisor, Incident Commander Type 3.
• Effective communicator both orally and written.
• Highly motivated with the ability to work independently.
• Passion for development of future leaders

Responsibilities

• Lead firefighters in wildland fire suppression and emergency management operations.
• Provide strategic direction for the fire management program by ensuring safe, effective, and efficient fire management operations, including MOUs and JPAs.
• Provide leadership and oversight to operations staff and program managers.
• Lead strategic planning initiatives to strengthen agency operations and firefighting capacity.
• Develop statewide wildfire management goals and establish policies and procedures.

Skills

NWCG Division Group Supervisor

Incident Commander Type 3

Communication skills

Independent work

Leadership development

Job description

South Dakota State Government’s Public Safety agency seeks a seasoned Chief of Operations/Deputy Director of the Wildland Fire Division in Rapid City. This executive role directs wildfire suppression, prescribed fire operations, and emergency response programs, guiding policy and budget planning while coordinating with federal, state, and local partners.

The position requires NWCG qualifications, strong leadership, and exceptional communication.