Division Chief of Emergency Services

Operational Leadership

Strategically guide, coordinate, and prepare Battalion Chiefs for all emergency response operations.
Serve as a senior command officer at major or complex incidents, supporting Incident Commanders.

Strategic Planning & Administration

Analyze response data, trends, and performance indicators to improve service delivery.
Develop, implement, and evaluate operational policies, procedures, and response protocols.
Participate in long-range planning for staffing, apparatus, stations, and service expansion.

Personnel Management

Supervise and manage Battalion Chiefs, Captains, and other assigned officers.
Evaluate personnel performance and provide coaching, mentoring, and discipline as required.
Develop, implement, and evaluate alongside the Training Division in hiring and promotional processes.
Promote a culture of safety, professionalism, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Interagency & Community Relations

Represent the department at meetings, task forces, and regional emergency planning groups.
Participate in community risk reduction and public safety events.

Risk Management & Safety

Monitor and enforce safety policies and risk management practices.
Investigate major incidents, injuries, and operational failures.
Implement corrective actions and lessons learned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:

Modern fire service operations and incident command systems (ICS/NIMS).
Emergency medical services transport systems and protocols.
Fire behavior, building construction, and suppression tactics.
Hazardous materials response and special operations.
Labor relations, public administration, and budgeting.

Skills in:

Strategic leadership and decision-making under pressure.
Personnel management and conflict resolution.
Policy development and operational planning.
Public speaking and professional communication.
Data analysis and performance management.

Ability to:

Command large-scale emergency incidents.
Manage multiple priorities in a high-risk environment.
Build effective teams and foster organizational trust.
Maintain composure and sound judgment in critical situations.

Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible fire service experience, including 5 years in a command or chief officer role in a similar sized organization or with similar responsibilities to DFPD
Fire Officer I certification (Fire Officer II preferred) (Colorado State or IFSAC seal attached).
Blue Card Incident Command (or ability to obtain within 12 months).
Colorado EMS certification (EMT or higher).
Completion of NIMS/ICS (300, 400, 700, 800).
Valid driver’s license.

Physical and Work Requirements

Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, squatting, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.
Must possess the ability to work in high noise, low and extreme light, dusty, dirty, wet, freezing, high heat, high vibration, confined spaces, high and unstable environments.
Very Heavy Work: Exerting in excess of 150 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Must comply with the organization’s wellness and fitness policy and remain qualified as an operational responder as defined by NFPA 1580 guidelines

Position requires residency within a 40-minute response time of DFPD Administration Office (103 Sheppard Drive, Durango CO 81303).

The Division Chief of Emergency Services is a senior command-level officer responsible for the strategic leadership, management, and operational oversight of all emergency response. This position oversees fire suppression, emergency medical services (EMS), rescue operations, hazardous materials response, and special operations. The Division Chief ensures operational readiness, high-quality service delivery, and effective interagency coordination.

Job posting will close on April 30th, 2026.

If selected for an initial interview, we will do virtual interviews the week of May 4th, 2026. If selected to move forward, we will have in-person interviews the week of May 18th, 2026 in Durango, Colorado.

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