AIRPORT ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF

Posting number: 2026-00072

Department: Airport

Division: Airport Fire

Job classification: Airport Assistant Fire Chief

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Airports, Fire & EMS, EMS

Summary

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Snohomish County Airport is seeking to hire an Airport Assistant Fire Chief. 

Posting will remain open until filled with first review of applications occurring on August 30, 2026.  Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early!

Paine Field Airport Snohomish County offers outstanding benefits and competitive wages, job flexibility and stability, employer paid ORCA cards, and a friendly, diverse team atmosphere where employees are appreciated and make a real difference to the citizens we provide services to. Snohomish County is thriving and is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family. We strive to not only provide a meaningful job, but a lifelong career at Snohomish County.

Visit our New Employee Benefits Summary for more information about employee benefits.

BASIC FUNCTION

    Assist the Airport Fire Chief with planning, developing, and implementing Fire and Security Programs at Snohomish County Airport, to provide leadership and management for the Fire/Security Department, to ensure the operation of an effective incident response capability, and to support Airport community and tenant relations programs.  Act on behalf of the Airport Fire Chief in their absence or as directed.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This position is not a part of a job series, but it serves as the second-in-command of the Airport Fire Department and acts on behalf of the Airport Fire Chief when delegated or during the Fire Chief’s absence. The Assistant Fire Chief provides leadership and operational oversight and supports the management of personnel, training, regulatory compliance, and emergency response functions.

Examples of duties

STATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

1. Works with the Airport Fire Chief to provide direction to all fire and security programs, including planning, organizing, coordinating, and supervising all phases of Airport public safety work; assists in determining work priorities, preparing schedules, and coordinating operations with other county units and departments as required.
2. Plans, schedules, supervises, and evaluates the work of subordinate employees; recommends various personnel actions to superiors as necessary; supports county diversity and personnel programs; works with labor relations, the local union, and other stakeholders related to human resources management.
3. Assists the Airport Fire Chief with enforcing airport, county, state, federal (FAA) rules and regulations and ensuring compliance with Part 139 ARFF requirements; maintains expert knowledge of FAA airport certification standards and ARFF operations; develops recommendations regarding changes to appliable rules and regulations; ensures operational readiness and deployment capabilities of fire personnel, fleet, and equipment.
4. Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques. Makes recommendations to provide solutions and improve processes.  
5. Assists with facilitating coordination and standardization across the unit; develops programs and standard operating procedures to ensure best practices. Develops training materials and promotes change management.
6. Attends public, governmental, and professional meetings as a representative of the airport and the county. 
7. In conjunction with the Airport Fire Chief, maintains a liaison with other fire departments and law enforcement agencies; participates in regional programs; requests backup as necessary. Collaborates with Airport leadership, Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Emergency Management, fire training academies, and other internal and external departments, agencies, and organizations.
8. Contributes to the development of the annual fire/security department budget, capital improvement program, and department strategic plans, goals, and objectives; directs and monitors program and budget execution.
9. Assists the Fire Chief in developing and maintaining agreements including relevant sections of the Airport Certification Manual, the Airport Emergency Plan and mutual aid agreements for fire and emergency services.
10. Attends and participates in professional group meetings, maintaining awareness of new trends in aircraft fire fighting and rescue, and incorporating new developments as appropriate.
11. Responds to fire and airc