Deputy Chief of Operations

Position Summary

The Deputy Chief of Operations serves as a key member of the Fire & EMS Command Staff and is responsible for the overall leadership, coordination, and management of all emergency response operations within Louisa County. This position ensures the effective delivery of fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue operations, and special operations while maintaining the highest standards of safety, training, and operational readiness.

The Deputy Chief of Operations reports directly to the Fire Chief and acts on their behalf in their absence as assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Direct and oversee all daily emergency operations, including fire, EMS, rescue, and special operations.
• Ensure consistent, effective, and professional emergency response across all stations and shifts.
• Respond to and assume command of major incidents as needed.
• Monitor system performance, deployment strategies, and response times to ensure service delivery goals are met.

Personnel Management

• Provide leadership and supervision to Battalion Chiefs, company officers, and operational personnel.
• Establish clear expectations for performance, accountability, and professional conduct.
• Participate in hiring processes, promotional assessments, and disciplinary actions.
• Support workforce development, mentoring, and succession planning.

Training and Readiness

• Ensure all personnel meet required training standards and certifications.
• Work closely with Training Division staff to identify operational training needs.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Policy and Procedure Development

• Develop, implement, and enforce standard operating guidelines (SOGs) and policies related to emergency operations.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and standards.

Safety and Risk Management

• Promote and enforce a strong safety culture across all operational functions.
• Review incidents for safety compliance and lead after-action reviews.
• Work with command staff to reduce risk and improve firefighter and public safety outcomes.

Interagency Coordination

• Maintain strong working relationships with neighboring jurisdictions, law enforcement, emergency management, hospitals, and regional partners.
• Represent the department in regional operational meetings and committees.

Budget and Resource Management

• Assist in the development and management of the operations budget.
• Oversee apparatus, equipment, and staffing resource allocation to ensure operational readiness.
• Provide input on capital improvement planning, including apparatus replacement and station needs.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Prepare reports, data analysis, and presentations related to operations.
• Participate in strategic planning and organizational development initiatives.
• Support special projects and assignments as directed by the Fire Chief.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Fire Science, Emergency Services, Public Administration, or a related field required (Bachelor’s degree preferred). Candidates should have a minimum of 10–15 years of progressively responsible experience in fire and EMS services, including at least 5 years in a supervisory or command-level role (Battalion Chief or higher preferred), or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Virginia Fire Officer certification (or ability to obtain).
• Virginia EMT or Paramedic certification (preferred).
• NIMS/ICS 300 and 400 certifications.

Position Grade : 220 Grade Range : $88,000 - $140,800.00

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of fire suppression, EMS, and rescue operations.
• Strong leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills under pressure.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong understanding of deployment models, data analysis, and system performance metrics.
• Ability to build trust and maintain effective working relationships across all levels of the organization.

Working Conditions

• Work involves both administrative office duties and field response to emergency incidents.
• Subject to 24/7 call-back for major incidents and operational needs.
• Exposure to hazardous and high-risk environments during emergency response.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience in combination or volunteer fire/EMS systems.
• Strong background in organizational leadership and culture development.
• Proven ability to lead through change and manage complex operational challenges.