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DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF - OPERATIONS (Extended)
JOB
THE OPPORTUNITYTruckee Meadows Fire Protection District is seeking an experienced and collaborative leader to serve as its next Deputy Fire Chief of Operations — a high-impact executive role working directly with the Fire Chief to guide operational excellence, strengthen organizational leadership, and advance the District's mission of providing high-quality emergency services to the communities we serve.This is a role for a proven leader — someone who builds trust through action, develops the people around them, and brings both operational depth and strategic clarity to every challenge. The Deputy Chief plays a critical role in maintaining operational readiness, supporting personnel development, and ensuring the District continues to deliver professional, responsive, and effective fire-rescue services across one of Nevada's most dynamic and diverse service areas.If you are ready to bring your best work to a district that values integrity, innovation, and service — we want to hear from you.THE DISTRICTTruckee Meadows Fire Protection District serves the unincorporated areas of Washoe County, Nevada, providing all-hazards emergency services including fire suppression, advanced life support emergency medical services, technical rescue operations, and hazardous materials response. Our personnel respond to a wide range of incidents across suburban, rural, and wilderness environments, maintaining year-round operational readiness with a deep commitment to professional development, innovation, and continuous improvement.OUR COMMUNITYWashoe County stretches across more than 6,600 square miles along the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in northwestern Nevada. The Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District (TMFPD) is an all-risk agency serving a population exceeding 105,000 and directly encompassing 962 square miles of unincorporated Washoe County, Nevada with a diverse mix of suburban neighborhoods, rural communities, and wildland-urban interface areas.The region enjoys a four-season climate with low humidity, moderate snowfall, and more than 300 days of sunshine each year. Residents have access to world-class outdoor recreation — Lake Tahoe, skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and an unmatched quality of life. The Reno-Sparks metropolitan area has experienced significant economic growth, with major employers including Tesla, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Switch, the University of Nevada, Reno, and Renown Health, contributing to a strong and increasingly diverse regional economy.THE ROLEUnder the direction of the Fire Chief, the Deputy Fire Chief helps plan, supervise, and coordinate major operational and administrative activities of the District. The Deputy Chief provides high-level leadership in emergency operations, personnel management, program development, and organizational planning and may serve as Acting Fire Chief when assigned.Key responsibilities include: Supporting the Fire Chief in organizational leadership and strategic initiativesResponding to complex incidents and performing command-level roles within the Incident Command SystemSupervising personnel and supporting leadership development across all ranksEvaluating service delivery models and operational effectivenessAssisting with labor-management relations activitiesSupporting budget development and resource managementParticipating in long-range planning and operational readiness initiativesThis position is designated as an unclassified, non-represented, at-will position serving at the pleasure of the appointing authority.Due to the operational and emergency response expectations of this executive leadership position, the selected candidate is required to reside within a forty-five (45) mile radius of District Headquarters. This requirement must be met within a District-established timeframe and maintained as a condition of continued employment.THE LEADER WE ARE SEEKINGThe ideal candidate will demonstrate: Strong operational judgment and decisive, principled decision-makingProfessional integrity and ethical leadership at every levelA collaborative style that builds trust, accountability, and cohesionCommitment to developing personnel and cultivating future leadersStrategic thinking with a focus on continuous improvementThe ability to represent the District effectively with community partners, elected officials, and regional agenciesSELECTION PROCESS & TIMELINERecruitment OpenApplication and Written ExerciseAssessment CenterFire Chief Interviews (Finalists from Assessment Center)Background Investigation and Medical Evaluation for Finalist (Physical Part 1 5/8 @ 10:30 a.m. and Part 2 5/18 @ 11:00am) Tentative Start DateMarch 12, 2026April 6, 2026April 24, 2026April 25, 2026April 27 – May 17, 2026June 1, 2026HOW TO APPLYApply and submit all application materials by no later than April 6, 2026Written Exercise must be attached to the application as a Microsoft Word document onlyCover letter addressing your interest and qualificationsCurrent résuméCopies of required certificationsContact information for professional references (references will not be contacted without prior consent)Questions? Contact Carla Arribillaga, HR Manager, at 775-326-6007 or carribillaga@tmfpd.usASSESSMENT CENTER DESCRIPTIONThe most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in a comprehensive Assessment Center. The Assessment Center is designed to evaluate executive-level competencies, operational knowledge, and leadership capability through three distinct components: Oral Interview — A structured panel interview evaluating leadership philosophy, decision-making, interpersonal effectiveness, and alignment with the District's mission and values.Executive Presentation — Candidates will deliver a formal presentation on a designated topic, demonstrating their ability to communicate strategically, organize complex information, and engage a professional audience.Strategy and Tactics Exercise — Candidates will be evaluated on their ability to assess a complex emergency scenario, establish command priorities, and articulate a clear, effective incident action plan consistent with the Incident Command System.Finalists from the Assessment Center will advance to a final interview with the Fire Chief.As part of the Deputy Fire Chief recruitment process, all candidates are required to complete the written exercise included below. This exercise is a scored component of the selection process and will be evaluated alongside your application materials to determine advancement to the Assessment Center. Candidates must carefully review and adhere to all instructions, formatting requirements, and submission guidelines outlined in this document. Submissions that do not meet the listed requirements may not be considered for further evaluation. The written exercise is your opportunity to demonstrate critical thinking, professional communication, and the depth of executive-level insight you would bring to this role.IMPORTANT: WRITTEN EXERCISE REQUIREMENTSYou have been appointed to Deputy Fire Chief of Operations in a growing all-hazard fire district serving an urban-interface community. The organization is experiencing: Increased call volume and service demandOngoing labor negotiations with the firefighters’ associationHeightened public scrutiny following a large wildfire that destroyed several homesBudget constraints due to flat property tax revenuePressure from elected officials to improve regional fire service deliveryPrepare a comprehensive essay outlining your first 12-month strategic operational plan. Your essay should reference your relevant experiences and specifically address: Operational LeadershipYour approach to command presence and incident management at complex, large-scale emergenciesStrategies to ensure operational readiness, training standards, and accountabilityHow you will evaluate and improve response performance metricsPolitical AcumenHow you will build trust with elected officials and executive leadershipYour strategy for communicating operational needs in a politically sensitive environmentHow you will manage public perception following a controversial incidentLabor RelationsYour philosophy on labor-management relationshipsHow you will approach negotiations while maintaining operational continuityStrategies for handling conflict between administration and line personnelExecutive Leadership & Organizational CultureHow you will set expectations for Battalion Chiefs and Company OfficersYour leadership philosophy and decision-making frameworkHow you will develop future leaders within the organizationFiscal ResponsibilityHow you will prioritize operational needs within budget limitationsYour approach to data-driven resource deploymentStrategies for balancing service expectations with fiscal realitiesFormatting RequirementsFailure to follow formatting instructions may result in disqualification.Font: Times New Roman, 12-pointSpacing: Double-spacedMargins: 1-inch on all sidesAlignment: Left aligned (no full justification)Header (top right corner): Last Name, First NameDeputy Chief of Operations EssayDatePage numbers: Bottom centerSection headings: Bold, clearly labeled according to the five required sections above.Written Exercise must be attached to the application as a Microsoft Word document only
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTSA Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, Fire Technology or closely related field and fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible firefighting experience in an all-risk agency responsible for fire prevention, suppression, medical emergencies, and hazardous materials incidents, including at least five (5) years of Chief Officer experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities of the essential functions of the position. LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE At time of application: A Valid Driver’s LicenseIncident Command System ICS 100, 200, 300, 400IS-700 NIMSIS-800 National Response FrameworkPossession of a Hazardous Materials Incident Commander CertificateRequired at time specified below: CPR certification within six months of appointmentNevada or National Registry Basic Emergency Medical Technician or higher certification within one year of appointment.HIGHLY DESIRED QUALIFICATIONSExecutive Fire Officer (EFO) designation — National Fire AcademyChief Fire Officer (CFO) designation — Center for Public Safety ExcellenceMaster's degree in Fire Service Administration, Public Administration, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Emergency Management, or a related fieldDemonstrated experience leading major operational programs or divisionsExperience working within a labor-management environmentExperience in strategic planning and organizational leadership
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Knowledge of: Policies and procedures of the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District.Current best practices, developments and trends in the fire service including fire suppression, prevention and labor/management relations.Current Federal, state, and local laws pertinent to the assigned function, including fire and emergency medical services.Principals, practices, methods and techniques of fire suppression, including wildland suppression, prevention and investigation.Methods and principles of fire suppression, fire investigation and fire prevention.Principles and practices of skilled paramedic pre-hospital care.Principles of medical disaster planning and theories of emergency management.Health Department operation and services.Infection control practices and procedures.Labor laws and the ability to manage both volunteer and career personnel.Management skills to analyze programs, policies and operational needs.Principles and practices of program development and administration.Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.Ability to: Function as Incident Commander on a wide variety of complex incidents.Plan, organize, direct and coordinate the work of staff.Supervise personnel, including training, assigning, and reviewing work, administering discipline, and conducting performance evaluations.Evaluate work priorities and processes to determine their effectiveness and efficiency.Respond to emergency situations as needed.Assist with the preparation and administration of large and complex budgets.Analyze problems and emergency situations, quickly develop effective and reasonable courses of action, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.Address personnel matters. Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, laws and regulations.Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.Interact regularly with the public and the community. Make presentations before local community boards and the Board of Fire Commissioners.Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental personnel, other public safety agencies, the public, and others contacted in the course of work.Exercise emotional control and work under stressful situations.Work independently in the absence of direct supervision.
THE OPPORTUNITYTruckee Meadows Fire Protection District is seeking an experienced and collaborative leader to serve as its next Deputy Fire Chief of Operations — a high-impact executive role working directly with the Fire Chief to guide operational excellence, strengthen organizational leadership, and advance the District's mission of providing high-quality emergency services to the communities we serve.This is a role for a proven leader — someone who builds trust through action, develops the people around them, and brings both operational depth and strategic clarity to every challenge. The Deputy Chief plays a critical role in maintaining operational readiness, supporting personnel development, and ensuring the District continues to deliver professional, responsive, and effective fire-rescue services across one of Nevada's most dynamic and diverse service areas.If you are ready to bring your best work to a district that values integrity, innovation, and service — we want to hear from you.THE DISTRICTTruckee Meadows Fire Protection District serves the unincorporated areas of Washoe County, Nevada, providing all-hazards emergency services including fire suppression, advanced life support emergency medical services, technical rescue operations, and hazardous materials response. Our personnel respond to a wide range of incidents across suburban, rural, and wilderness environments, maintaining year-round operational readiness with a deep commitment to professional development, innovation, and continuous improvement.OUR COMMUNITYWashoe County stretches across more than 6,600 square miles along the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in northwestern Nevada. The Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District (TMFPD) is an all-risk agency serving a population exceeding 105,000 and directly encompassing 962 square miles of unincorporated Washoe County, Nevada with a diverse mix of suburban neighborhoods, rural communities, and wildland-urban interface areas.The region enjoys a four-season climate with low humidity, moderate snowfall, and more than 300 days of sunshine each year. Residents have access to world-class outdoor recreation — Lake Tahoe, skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and an unmatched quality of life. The Reno-Sparks metropolitan area has experienced significant economic growth, with major employers including Tesla, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Switch, the University of Nevada, Reno, and Renown Health, contributing to a strong and increasingly diverse regional economy.THE ROLEUnder the direction of the Fire Chief, the Deputy Fire Chief helps plan, supervise, and coordinate major operational and administrative activities of the District. The Deputy Chief provides high-level leadership in emergency operations, personnel management, program development, and organizational planning and may serve as Acting Fire Chief when assigned.Key responsibilities include: Supporting the Fire Chief in organizational leadership and strategic initiativesResponding to complex incidents and performing command-level roles within the Incident Command SystemSupervising personnel and supporting leadership development across all ranksEvaluating service delivery models and operational effectivenessAssisting with labor-management relations activitiesSupporting budget development and resource managementParticipating in long-range planning and operational readiness initiativesThis position is designated as an unclassified, non-represented, at-will position serving at the pleasure of the appointing authority.Due to the operational and emergency response expectations of this executive leadership position, the selected candidate is required to reside within a forty-five (45) mile radius of District Headquarters. This requirement must be met within a District-established timeframe and maintained as a condition of continued employment.THE LEADER WE ARE SEEKINGThe ideal candidate will demonstrate: Strong operational judgment and decisive, principled decision-makingProfessional integrity and ethical leadership at every levelA collaborative style that builds trust, accountability, and cohesionCommitment to developing personnel and cultivating future leadersStrategic thinking with a focus on continuous improvementThe ability to represent the District effectively with community partners, elected officials, and regional agenciesSELECTION PROCESS & TIMELINERecruitment OpenApplication and Written ExerciseAssessment CenterFire Chief Interviews (Finalists from Assessment Center)Background Investigation and Medical Evaluation for Finalist (Physical Part 1 5/8 @ 10:30 a.m. and Part 2 5/18 @ 11:00am) Tentative Start DateMarch 12, 2026April 6, 2026April 24, 2026April 25, 2026April 27 – May 17, 2026June 1, 2026HOW TO APPLYApply and submit all application materials by no later than April 6, 2026Written Exercise must be attached to the application as a Microsoft Word document onlyCover letter addressing your interest and qualificationsCurrent résuméCopies of required certificationsContact information for professional references (references will not be contacted without prior consent)Questions? Contact Carla Arribillaga, HR Manager, at 775-326-6007 or carribillaga@tmfpd.usASSESSMENT CENTER DESCRIPTIONThe most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in a comprehensive Assessment Center. The Assessment Center is designed to evaluate executive-level competencies, operational knowledge, and leadership capability through three distinct components: Oral Interview — A structured panel interview evaluating leadership philosophy, decision-making, interpersonal effectiveness, and alignment with the District's mission and values.Executive Presentation — Candidates will deliver a formal presentation on a designated topic, demonstrating their ability to communicate strategically, organize complex information, and engage a professional audience.Strategy and Tactics Exercise — Candidates will be evaluated on their ability to assess a complex emergency scenario, establish command priorities, and articulate a clear, effective incident action plan consistent with the Incident Command System.Finalists from the Assessment Center will advance to a final interview with the Fire Chief.As part of the Deputy Fire Chief recruitment process, all candidates are required to complete the written exercise included below. This exercise is a scored component of the selection process and will be evaluated alongside your application materials to determine advancement to the Assessment Center. Candidates must carefully review and adhere to all instructions, formatting requirements, and submission guidelines outlined in this document. Submissions that do not meet the listed requirements may not be considered for further evaluation. The written exercise is your opportunity to demonstrate critical thinking, professional communication, and the depth of executive-level insight you would bring to this role.IMPORTANT: WRITTEN EXERCISE REQUIREMENTSYou have been appointed to Deputy Fire Chief of Operations in a growing all-hazard fire district serving an urban-interface community. The organization is experiencing: Increased call volume and service demandOngoing labor negotiations with the firefighters’ associationHeightened public scrutiny following a large wildfire that destroyed several homesBudget constraints due to flat property tax revenuePressure from elected officials to improve regional fire service deliveryPrepare a comprehensive essay outlining your first 12-month strategic operational plan. Your essay should reference your relevant experiences and specifically address: Operational LeadershipYour approach to command presence and incident management at complex, large-scale emergenciesStrategies to ensure operational readiness, training standards, and accountabilityHow you will evaluate and improve response performance metricsPolitical AcumenHow you will build trust with elected officials and executive leadershipYour strategy for communicating operational needs in a politically sensitive environmentHow you will manage public perception following a controversial incidentLabor RelationsYour philosophy on labor-management relationshipsHow you will approach negotiations while maintaining operational continuityStrategies for handling conflict between administration and line personnelExecutive Leadership & Organizational CultureHow you will set expectations for Battalion Chiefs and Company OfficersYour leadership philosophy and decision-making frameworkHow you will develop future leaders within the organizationFiscal ResponsibilityHow you will prioritize operational needs within budget limitationsYour approach to data-driven resource deploymentStrategies for balancing service expectations with fiscal realitiesFormatting RequirementsFailure to follow formatting instructions may result in disqualification.Font: Times New Roman, 12-pointSpacing: Double-spacedMargins: 1-inch on all sidesAlignment: Left aligned (no full justification)Header (top right corner): Last Name, First NameDeputy Chief of Operations EssayDatePage numbers: Bottom centerSection headings: Bold, clearly labeled according to the five required sections above.Written Exercise must be attached to the application as a Microsoft Word document only
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTSA Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, Fire Technology or closely related field and fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible firefighting experience in an all-risk agency responsible for fire prevention, suppression, medical emergencies, and hazardous materials incidents, including at least five (5) years of Chief Officer experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities of the essential functions of the position. LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE At time of application: A Valid Driver’s LicenseIncident Command System ICS 100, 200, 300, 400IS-700 NIMSIS-800 National Response FrameworkPossession of a Hazardous Materials Incident Commander CertificateRequired at time specified below: CPR certification within six months of appointmentNevada or National Registry Basic Emergency Medical Technician or higher certification within one year of appointment.HIGHLY DESIRED QUALIFICATIONSExecutive Fire Officer (EFO) designation — National Fire AcademyChief Fire Officer (CFO) designation — Center for Public Safety ExcellenceMaster's degree in Fire Service Administration, Public Administration, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Emergency Management, or a related fieldDemonstrated experience leading major operational programs or divisionsExperience working within a labor-management environmentExperience in strategic planning and organizational leadership
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Knowledge of: Policies and procedures of the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District.Current best practices, developments and trends in the fire service including fire suppression, prevention and labor/management relations.Current Federal, state, and local laws pertinent to the assigned function, including fire and emergency medical services.Principals, practices, methods and techniques of fire suppression, including wildland suppression, prevention and investigation.Methods and principles of fire suppression, fire investigation and fire prevention.Principles and practices of skilled paramedic pre-hospital care.Principles of medical disaster planning and theories of emergency management.Health Department operation and services.Infection control practices and procedures.Labor laws and the ability to manage both volunteer and career personnel.Management skills to analyze programs, policies and operational needs.Principles and practices of program development and administration.Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.Ability to: Function as Incident Commander on a wide variety of complex incidents.Plan, organize, direct and coordinate the work of staff.Supervise personnel, including training, assigning, and reviewing work, administering discipline, and conducting performance evaluations.Evaluate work priorities and processes to determine their effectiveness and efficiency.Respond to emergency situations as needed.Assist with the preparation and administration of large and complex budgets.Analyze problems and emergency situations, quickly develop effective and reasonable courses of action, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.Address personnel matters. Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, laws and regulations.Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.Interact regularly with the public and the community. Make presentations before local community boards and the Board of Fire Commissioners.Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental personnel, other public safety agencies, the public, and others contacted in the course of work.Exercise emotional control and work under stressful situations.Work independently in the absence of direct supervision.
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