Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal

Fire - Orange Park, Florida

The application filing period for Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal closes on 3/27/26.

For the full job description or to apply click here

Job Summary

     This is a highly responsible administrative and managerial position with the Fire Department, responsible for coordinating the emergency and non-emergency activities. The Deputy Chief directly supervises all subordinate officers and staff assigned to the Department and assumes command at major fires and emergencies managed by the Department, serving as Incident Commander and/or other position within the Incident Management System. The Deputy Chief may be assigned to operational responsibilities, administrative responsibilities, support function responsibilities, emergency management responsibilities or a combination thereof.

     The employee is responsible for carrying out the goals and objectives of the organization within the scope of functions performed by the Department. The Deputy Chief is responsible for planning the activities of the Department, coordinating the management of projects by subordinate commanders and monitoring, and measuring performances at all levels within the Department. The Deputy Chief has major responsibility for labor relations within the Department and administers personnel policies and procedures for the personnel under his/her command. The work requires the use of mature judgment, initiative and application of knowledge of Town government organizations. Administrative direction is accomplished through evaluation of programs, written reports, observations and results obtained. The Deputy Chief reports directly to the Fire Chief and represents the Fire Chief at various committees and community assignments.

     This position is charged with the responsibility, and given the legal authority to direct, the administration and enforcement of the Florida Fire Prevention Code and such fire protection codes as may be adopted by the State of Florida and Town of Orange Park by ordinance.  This position is charged with the exercise of independent judgment in the management of the fire prevention activities of the Fire Department and is responsible for implementing and directing the Town’s fire safety inspection program and for overseeing the activities of the Fire Prevention Bureau.  This position coordinates and prepares appropriate documents inclusive of purchase orders, budgetary documents, research reports and such for the Fire Department as directed by the Fire Chief.

     The individual must be fully capable of interpreting SOPs in unique situations and exercising independent judgment under what may be adverse conditions without complete information.  The individual is charged with the responsibility, and given the proper authority to direct, coordinate and to mitigate life and property threatening emergencies as a certified Fire Inspector.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Assumes complete charge and acts as first in command of firefighting and rescue operations in the absence of the Fire Chief. Directs firefighters in all activities of the fire department in connection with firefighting in protecting life and property.

• Assists the Fire Chief in the management of the department, responds to emergency calls, determines the best methods of extinguishing fires, and directs work of firefighters until relieved by the Fire Chief. Responds to alarms and directs firefighting and EMS operations as necessary.
• Communicates as needed with the Fire Chief and other organizational personnel to evaluate and solve operational or personnel difficulties.
• Performs assigned administrative or technical duties in the training, recording and reporting functions of the department. Prepares reports concerning personnel and activities.  Plans and may assist in the supervision of the work of subordinate personnel.  Enforces departmental safety rules and work habits.
• Conducts drills and instruction periods with the fire personnel to help gain familiarity with the location of streets, hydrants, etc. Inspects the fire station and equipment, makes recommendations, and issues orders with respect to compliance with established standards of appearance and condition.
• Supervise the receipt, investigation, and follow-up of citizen or internal complaints.
• Prepare, recommend, and administer Fire Prevention Bureau budget. Assists the Fire Chief in the preparation and monitoring of the Departmental budget.
• Confers with public officials and members of the public on the types, levels, and quality of services being rendered by the Department.
• Within limits of delegated authority, participates in the selection, testing, training, promotion, safety, discipline, placement and appraisal of Department personnel.
• Directs the fire prevention, investigation, fire inspection, and community outreach activities and functions of the fire department.
• Directs and oversees inspection of buildings and premises for familiarization purposes. Inspects buildings and premises for unsafe conditions, fire hazards, and fire compliance. Prepares maps, fire plans, and inspects for fire safety.  Identifies hazards, meets with builders, owners, and occupants to correct problems.
• Works in conjunction with the State Fire Marshal’s Office investigating fires of suspicious or unknown origin, or those involving a fatality to determine their cause and on collecting evidence as necessary. Interviews witnesses or suspects, obtains and preserves evidence.
• Reviews building plans involving fire prevention, building codes, ordinances, statue and protective equipment.
• Direct and supervise inspectors engaged in plans analysis and review for new construction, and the keeping of records of inspections and related work activities.
• Conducts fire drills in various locations. May conduct fire and EMS programs for various clubs, businesses and other organizations.  Develops City fire codes where needed.  Develops Fire Department policies and procedures relating to fire prevention and inspection.

NOTE:  These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various kinds of work performed in positions allocated to this class.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment of the position.

Education and Experience Requirements:            

• An Associate’s Degree in Fire Administration, Public Administration, Business Administration or other related field. Bachelor’s Degree is preferred.
• Ten (10) years of experience in all phases of fire and emergency medical operations with at least five (5) years at the rank of Lieutenant or higher, which provides the required knowledge, abilities and skills.
• Current and maintained State of Florida Paramedic, Firefighter, Fire Officer II certifications.
• Possess a valid and appropriate State of Florida Class D driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
• Possess current and maintained Florida Fire Safety Inspector I or higher in accordance with Florida State Statutes.
• Possess Fire Service Instructor I, or higher certification, or ability to obtain within one (1) year of employment.
• Possess Florida certification as an Arson Investigator, or ability to obtain within two (2) years of employment.

NOTE:  An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted for the minimum requirements above.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Ability to effectively communicate with fellow supervisors, the employees within his/her command, public officials and general public.
• Be thoroughly familiar with all departmental and Town forms and the correct procedure for documentation of situations that may occur during Fire and Rescue related services, including, but not limited to, Worker’s Compensation and Employee Injury Reports.
• Comprehensive knowledge of modern methods of combating fires and of the use and maintenance of firefighting equipment.
• Thorough working knowledge of the Incident Command System.
• Thorough knowledge of Department Rules and Regulations, SOPs, Town policies and Union Contract.
• Ability to fairly delegate and assign tasks, responsibilities and assignments within the department, to all shifts.
• Thorough knowledge of geography of the Town, Clay County and surrounding areas.
• The ability to train, instruct and direct the activities of subordinates.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports, communicate orally and in writing and perform public information officer duties when dealing with the media at emergency scenes.
• Knowledge of the fire department organization, operations and public management.
• Ability to conduct special studies, analyze and interpret findings and prepare and effectively present factual reports.
• Ability to operate computers utilizing managerial level software.

To submit your ad:

• Send us an email with your ad to info@ffmia.org.  If your ad is posted on your website, feel free to give us the exact path and we can link directly to it. Or if you prefer, you can submit your ad to us in a Word document or .pdf format
• Please indicate in the body of your email the starting and closing dates of the position (or if Open until filled). Positions will be posted for a period of 30 days. If you require additional time, please submit that information as part of your request. 

Please note that posting of an ad is not automatic. Please allow 3 business days for your ad to be reviewed prior to posting.

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