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Airport ARFF Chief

Salary
$100,000.00 - $180,000.00 Annually
Location
3001 - Port Control
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
10286-HR
Department
3001 - Port Control
Division
300140 - Pc Arff
Opening Date
03/18/2026
Closing Date
4/1/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Description




Airport ARFF Chief

Examples of Duties

Under administrative direction, leads, directs and coordinates the functions and daily activities ofthe Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) section for Cleveland Hopkins International and Burke Lakefront Airports ensuring the operation of an effective incident response supporting the airport community Commands and directs all emergency aircraft incidents and EMS operations on airport property including but limited to aircraft emergencies, building fires, HAZMAT emergencies, weather related emergencies, and natural and manmade disasters.


Minimum Qualifications

Bachelors Degree in Fire Science Fire Administration Emergency Management Business Public Administration or closely related field from an accredited four year college or university is required. (Substitution: Two years of pertinent experience may substitute for each year of college education lacking.) Ten years of full-time paid safety experience at a commercial airport five of which must be at a Lieutenant level or higher with responsibility for managing personnel and union matters. NIMS and ICS certifications for ARFF Management tier and any assigned working groups must be completed within six months of employment and complete additional or refresher trainings as required. Must have experience commanding HAZMAT Operations. Certification in HAZMAT Operations WMD and NIMS is required. Must obtain a State of Ohio Firefighter 2 certification within one year of the date of hire. Must obtain First Responder certification within one year of the date of hire. Must have general knowledge of all fire apparatus rescue squads command vehicles firefighting appliances and equipment rescue tools and emergency medical equipment. Demonstrated experience with Airport Emergency Preparedness and Response. Ability to assess and prioritize emergency situations while exercising sound judgment. Must have a demonstrated ability to work in a diverse and inclusive environment that fosters non-discrimination. Ability to analyze problems project consequences identify alternatives, and implement timely and effective solutions in support of Cleveland Airport System's strategic goals objectives and initiatives. Must exhibit strong leadership skills and the ability to effectively motivate manage and direct a team of professional and technical personnel. Must possess strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to establish maintain and foster effective working relationships with airport tenants state and federal authorities other organizations and Mutual Aid partner. Must be computer proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite. Must successfully complete all applicable regulatory airfield Ground Vehicle Operator and Winter Operations training/assessments within probationary period and maintain corresponding airfield driving privileges throughout employment. Valid State of Ohio Drivers License is required. Must have and maintain an acceptable driving record. Must successfully complete a Transportation Security Administration TSA 10 year fingerprint based Criminal History Records Check and employment background check and Security Threat Assessment. Must be able to pass a pre employment physical and drug test. Must be able to lift carry push and pull thirty 30 pounds.


Supplemental Information

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Certified Airport Master Firefighter (A.M.F.) from AAAE preferred.
  • Certified Member (CM) or Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) from AAAE preferred.
  • Proficient in FAR Part 139 requirements.
  • Certification as a Fire Instructor or Fire Inspector based on NFPA standards is preferred.

Additional Duties & Responsibilities

  • Oversees the development, upkeep and implementation of Standard Operating Guidelines for all work functions within Airport Rescue and Firefighting. Works collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to develop and implement plans and policies for the ARFF Section and pertaining to all matters of public safety.
  • Develop, maintain and update the Airport Emergency Plan (AEP) pursuant to FAR Part 139 covering Cleveland Airport System’s response to aircraft incidents and accidents, bomb incidents, structural fires, natural disaster, radiological incidents, sabotage or hijack incidents, power failure in aircraft movement area lighting, water rescue, and other such emergencies.
  • Interprets FAA and NTSB regulations, advisory circulars, and National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) standards pertaining to aircraft fire operations and determines procedures and policies accordingly.
  • Enforces all airport, county, state, federal regulations and ensures compliance with FAA Part 139 Airport Certification as it pertains to ARFF operations and certification requirements. Assist Leadership in the development and maintenance of Automatic Aid/Mutual Aid Agreements with local, state and federal Fire and Emergency Medical Response Agencies.
  • Attends public, governmental, and professional meetings as a representative of the airport and the county.
  • Acts as a liaison with other fire departments and law enforcement agencies; participates in regional programs; requests backup as necessary. Collaborates with Airport leadership, Emergency Management, fire training academies, and other internal and external ARFF affiliations, agencies, and organizations.
  • Ensures the development and execution of all regulatory and other training programs related to airport firefighting, EMS and airport disaster pre-planning and monitors compliance with training requirements for crash, fire & rescue, and EMS personnel.
  • Ensures all applicable records and reports are maintained, through the Assistant Chief, in accordance with Cleveland Airport System standards and procedures, State and Federal laws.
  • Is responsible for hiring, development and performance of the workforce. Develops and monitors employee goals, counsels and coaches, instructs and evaluates employees, initiates and enforces disciplinary actions, and informs leadership of performance or operational issues if necessary.
  • Conducts succession planning and develops high performing individuals to prepare them for additional leadership responsibilities that require business continuity (e.g. leading, Part 139 regulatory requirements, protocols and tacit job knowledge).
  • Evaluates training program curriculum and effectiveness and makes enhancements as necessary.
  • Responsible for budget development and oversight. Manages procurements and expenditures for equipment, apparatus, and supplies to meet expected operational requirements.
  • Responds to the airport 24/7 for airport emergencies including accidents, incidents, and aircraft emergency response.
  • Promotes and ensures compliance with occupational health and safety management policies, procedures, and programs to minimize employee accidents and to promote a safe work environment. Prepares accident and injury reports as necessary.
  • Performs other related duties as required.


The City's guiding principles are as follows: Placing Clevelanders at the Center, Empowering Employees to Do Purposeful Work, Defining Clear and Pragmatic Objectives, Leading with Trust and Transparency, Striving for Equity in All We Do, and Embracing Change. All City employees are responsible for embracing and carrying out these principles in all that they do.


The City of Cleveland makes available a variety of benefit options depending upon your employment status and any applicable union membership. In general, benefit options include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription medical and life insurance. Specific information regarding benefit eligibility will be discussed and reviewed at the time of hire.


Employer
City of Cleveland
Address

601 Lakeside Avenue

Cleveland, Ohio, 44114

Phone
216-664-2493

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