Deputy Chief of Fire

Job Posting Title:

Deputy Chief of Fire

Department:

Fire & Rescue Department

Location:

6840 2ND ST NW

Pay Range:

$101,192.00 - $127,109.00

Close Date:

November 30, 2025

Employees at Bernalillo County enjoy the ability to team up with each other to build a high quality of life for our county residents, communities, and businesses. In addition to being an organization with a strong focus on work-life balance, building a culture of flexibility, learning, and belonging the County offers many benefits. Employees of Bernalillo County enjoy many thoughtful rewards such as, but not limited to generous leave accruals; career development opportunities; remote & flex-work options as appropriate; longevity pay; education assistance program; health benefits; lucrative retirement; and so much more.

The Deputy Chief of Fire & Rescue performs administrative, professional, and technical duties to support the operations and administration of the fire and rescue department and emergency management services. This position aligns departmental activities with County goals, objectives, and performance standards.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate and supervise daily operations of fire, rescue, and emergency management personnel in collaboration with the Chief of Fire and Rescue.
• Serve as acting Chief of Fire and Rescue in the Chief's absence.
• Represent the Fire Department or County to federal, state, tribal, and local agencies, as well as private organizations.
• Direct, assign, and evaluate the work of subordinate personnel as delegated by the Chief.
• Prepare, plan, and schedule efficiency and performance strategies in consultation with the Chief.
• Establish staffing patterns and prepare work schedules for fire, rescue, and emergency management personnel.
• Assist in preparing the annual budget and support its development with administrative staff.
• Monitor departmental spending to ensure responsible stewardship of County resources.
• Manage the discipline policy and program as directed by the Chief.
• Respond to alarms and direct activities at the scene of major emergencies, as needed.
• Supervise assigned Division Chiefs and ensure divisions meet departmental goals.
• Analyze trends and practices in fire suppression, fire safety, emergency medical services, and emergency preparedness.
• Ensure policies and procedures are developed, communicated, and followed; recommend updates to improve operations.
• Ensure standard operating procedures and guidelines are in place and followed; recommend changes to enhance effectiveness.
• Assist in developing, communicating, training, and implementing the Department’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP); ensure all staff understand their roles and responsibilities.
• Respond to emergency situations when needed and provide assistance based on expertise or assigned role. Assume command of large or complex incidents when required.

*The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities required of all employees assigned to this job.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited educational institution
• Current Battalion Commander or higher rank with Bernalillo County Fire and Rescue or a paid, professional fire department of equal or greater size.
• Minimum of two (2) consecutive years in the rank of Battalion Commander or higher.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must hold and maintain a valid EMT Basic (or higher) certification or license. Out-of-state candidates must either hold an active EMT license from another jurisdiction eligible for reciprocity with New Mexico or be able to obtain and maintain full licensure by the State of New Mexico within six (6) months of hire.

SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE

The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:

• Successfully complete and pass all elements of the promotional process as determined by the Fire Chief.
• Meet and maintain NFPA 1582 medical screening requirements for firefighters.
• Comply with and enforce all Bernalillo County policies, Bernalillo County Fire and Rescue policies and procedures, standard operating guidelines, directives, memos, and the collective bargaining agreement.
• Successfully complete a post-offer medical examination and background investi