Deputy Fire Chief

Salary: $122,890.77 - $190,000.00 Annually
Location : 1441 FAU Research Park Blvd, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441, USA, FL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 01277
Department: Office of Public Safety
Division: Fire Rescue
Opening Date: 06/17/2026
Closing Date: 6/24/2026 5:00 PM Eastern


Summary Objective
Assists and supports the Fire Chief in the overall management of the Fire Department. Performs advanced technical supervisory and administrative work, overseeing the activities of divisions within the Department, including fire suppression and emergency response, fire prevention and investigation and training.

Essential Functions


The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Plans, organizes, supervises and participates in the activities of emergency services delivery, training and logistics.
• Manages daily activities of communications and special operations teams.
• Supervises the daily operations and activities of the City's Emergency Medical Service (EMS) and Fire Rescue operations jurisdiction; ensures adequate staffing.
• Generates data analysis to meet benchmark objectives for statistical reporting of response times, call volumes, trends, etc.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of department operations; institutes or recommends necessary changes to improve effectiveness of assigned operations.
• May assume control of fire rescue activities at the scene of a fire or other emergencies attended to by the department.
• Performs labor relations activities; meets with union officials, Employee Relations and City Attorneys if needed.
• Participates in contract negotiations and the implementation of collective bargaining agreements.
• Interviews candidates for employment and recommends that eligible applicants be hired and employees be transferred, promoted, reassigned, disciplined or terminated.
• Reviews proper maintenance of fire rescue stations, apparatus, and equipment
• Prepares and supervises the preparation of records and reports.
• Directs, performs and reviews a wide range of highly technical and specialized fire safety and prevention work.
• Performs public relations functions between the Fire Department, the community, various civic agencies and other local fire departments.
• Promotes fire safety prevention through public awareness efforts; administers public speeches to local organizations and civic groups.
• Maintains strong involvement in the coordination of natural disaster preparedness, homeland security and emergency response.
• Build an organizational culture valuing integrity, professionalism, innovation, accountability, and respectful engagement with the public.
• Serve as the department ambassador, cultivating strong relationships with residents, neighborhood groups, businesses, faith-based organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Ensure effective deployment of personnel and resources to address community priorities while maintaining high standards of safety and service quality.
• Strong emphasis on fire fighter and paramedic wellness and growth, promote a culture built on accountability and integrity, and create an environment where team members know their work is valued.
• Work side by side with residents, community organizations, service providers, and regional partners to foster relationships, build trust, and address the issues contributing to fire and life-safety concerns.
• Responsible for all departmental functions including the administration, the organization and direction of technical and professional operations associated with fire suppression, community risk reduction, and the delivery of emergency medical services (EMS).
• Ensures the fire department's training and compliance with federal, state and local laws, ordinances, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Serves as a key member of the City's Executive Leadership Team.
• Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Typical Qualifications

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's Degree in fire science, business administration, public administration or related field
• State of Florida Firefighter certification and at least two (2) years of fire service management experience as a Battalion Chief or higher.
• NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800.
• Must have correct color vision and depth perception as noted in NFPA 1582.
• A valid driver's license equivalent to a State of Florida Class E may be utilized, and the ability to obtain and maintain with an acceptable driving history, a State of Florida license within thirty (30) days from the date of employment

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Master's degree in related field.
• Executive fire service training.
• National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program, Achieved Chief Fire Officer designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, and possess State of Florida Fire Inspector I Certification.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, Work Environment and Work Hours

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of pre-established City, County and State policies and procedures applicable to the work.
• Ability to analytically observe, and objectively and clearly report routine and non-routine, emergency and non-emergency activities.
• Ability to read, update, analyze and maintain various records and files.
• Ability to operate basic office equipment.
• Ability to access, operate and maintain various software applications.
• Ability to drive a motor vehicle.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and create action plans from statistical analysis.
• Skill in enforcing current principles and practices of fire safety and prevention work, governing laws, ordinances, policies and procedures; skill in developing and administering departmental policies and procedures.
• Skill in planning, organizing, developing, scheduling, and monitoring various departmental programs.
• Skill in understanding, following, directing and supervising written and oral instructions.
• Skill in clearly communicating information both verbally and in writing.
• Skill in the principles and techniques of customer relations skills; ability to deal diplomatically with irate, violent or frantic individuals; ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Skilled at managing and supervising departmental administrative functions and assigned operations to achieve goals within available resources; plans and organizes workloads and staff assignments; trains and educates, motivates and evaluates assigned staff; reviews progress and directs changes as needed.
• Financial acuity for budget development and budget management.
• Must demonstrate behaviors that support the City's Mission, Vision and Core Values.
• Required conduct is to be ethical and fair while representing the city. Must be responsible to adhere to all workplace policies that support ethical business practices and standards of conduct including, but not limited to, polices on Gifts, Conflict of Employment, Discipline, Drug Free Workplace, Employment of Relatives, Formal Grievances, Anti-Harassment, Posting of Job Vacancies, Equal Employment Opportunity, Political Activity, and Recruitment and Selection.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, coworkers, elected and appointed officials, and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or political affiliation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• Performs sedentary administrative and operational work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 30 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken. The role involves managing high stress, dangerous situations with responsibilities of both field-based and office-based situations.

WORK HOURS:
Monday - Friday 8am- 5pm (May be required to work nights, weekends and holidays to meet the business needs of the City).

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE
The City of Deerfield Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS
It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.
Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed and employees are properly trained.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Note: During emergency conditions, all City employees are automatically considered emergency service workers. City employees are subject to being called to work in the event of a disaster, such as hurricane, or other emergency situations and are expected to perform emergency service duties as assigned.

The City of Deerfield Beach values the service veterans and their family members have given to our country and supports the hiring of returning service members and military spouses.
CITY OF DEERFIELD BEACH 2026 BENEFITS SUMMARY

HOLIDAY LEAVE
Twelve (12) days shall be the days observed by all City employees as holidays and the one (1) personal leave day shall be taken at the employee's discretion with permission of the Department Director or their designee (once each calendar year)

New Year's DayLabor DayMartin Luther King Jr. DayVeteran's DayPresident's DayThanksgiving DayMemorial DayDay Following Thanksgiving DayJuneteenthChristmasIndependence Day Day preceding or following Christmas Day as designated by the City Manager

VACATION LEAVE
Employees start to accrue vacation leave effective at the start of the first full month of employment based on the following schedule:
Service Time Leave Accumulated Annually Hours Maximum Accrual Hours 0 - 48 months96 hours per year19249 - 108 months112 hours per year224109 - 168 months136 hours per year272169 months and over 176 hours per year352
SICK LEAVE

Employees start to accrue sick leave effective at the start of the first full month of employment. Employees sick days shall be credited at the rate of eight (8) hours or one (1) working day for each month of completed service.
RETIREMENT PLAN

The City provides a defined contribution plan under Section 401(a) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. The City contributes eight percent (8%) of your salary as an employee, and you as an employee contribute four percent (4%) of your salary. The City has a 5-year Vesting Schedule. Vesting refers to your ownership of the money in your account. Based on your period of service completed you are gradually vested in your employer contributions: 20% in 1 year, 40% in 2 years, 60% in 3 years, 80% in 4 years and 100% upon the completion of 5 years of service.
Employees may also make voluntary contributions to a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, up to the annual limit as defined by the IRS.
EDUCATIONAL REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM
Full-time employees are eligible to receive educational reimbursement for undergraduate and graduate coursework according to the following criteria and schedule of benefits. Employees who have completed their one (1) year of employment are eligible to participate in the Educational Reimbursement Program. With approval of the course(s) and subject to availability of funds, employees may be eligible for reimbursement (other than Master's Degree program courses) of 100% for a grade of A, 90% for a grade of B, and 75% for a grade of C. The City will provide reimbursement up to a maximum of $5,250.00 per tax (calendar) year based on current federal taxation requirements and limits, or as may be modified in future years. Per IRS regulations, tax-free benefits under an education assistance program are limited to $5,250 per employee, per year.

ANNUAL EVALUATIONS
An annual evaluation will be given on the anniversary date of employment. Annual evaluations are eligible for merit increases to commensurate with the City's pay for performance policy of up to 3%.


DISCOUNT PROGRAMS
The City offers a variety of discount programs. The following are some areas for available discounts: Tickets at Work, Government Car Rental, Tri-Rail EDP Discount., and etc.

WELLNESS PROGRAMS
Employees on the City's medical plan may participate in the City's Wellness Program to help offset the cost of their medical premiums. For new hires, points toward the Wellness Program can be accumulated starting from your date of hire through the last day of the year. Existing employees may begin participating in the program at any time. Please note, points will only be tallied on a calendar-year basis.


EMPLOYEE BENEFITS HIGHLIGHTS
The City of Deerfield Beach provides group insurance benefits to eligible employees. The Employee Benefit Highlights Booklet provides a general summary of the benefit options as a convenient reference.
Please note, the benefits listed above are subject to change. Full descriptions of each benefit listed may be found in the Employee Benefits Highlight Booklet, Employee Personnel Rules and Regulations, applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement, or by contacting Human Resources and Risk Management at View phone number on click.appcast.io or
01


Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?

• Less than High School
• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Some College
• Associate's Degree/Trade School/Certification
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher

02


What is/was your major field of study? (Associate's degree or above)?

• Fire Science
• Business Administration
• Public Administration
• Related Field
• N/A

03


This position requires a minimum of two (2) years of fire service management experience as a Battalion Chief or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Which of the following best describes your experience as indicated above? Your response must be validated by the information provided in the WORK EXPERIENCE section of your application and will be verified by Human Resources if selected.

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• More than 1 year but less than 2 years
• 2 years or more

04


This position requires a current State of Florida Firefighter certification, which of the following applies:

• Currently possess State of Florida Firefighter certification
• I do not possess State of Florida Firefighter certification

05


Which of the following applies to the required NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800

• Currently have all of the required NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800
• Currently have some of the required NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800
• None of the above

06


Please select if you have any of the following, if none, please select N/A.

• Executive fire service training
• National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program
• Achieved Chief Fire Officer designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence
• State of Florida Fire Inspector I Certification
• N/A

07


Do you have possession of a valid Florida driver's license with an acceptable driving history? (must remain valid throughout employment)

• Yes
• No

08


Has your driver's license ever been suspended, cancelled or revoked for any reason in the past 7 years?

• Yes
• No

09


Have you previously applied to this or any other position with the City of Deerfield Beach?

• Yes
• No

10


If yes, please state the position(s) and dates applied.
11


Where did you hear about this job opportunity?

• Governmentjobs.com
• LinkedIn
• Social Media
• Deerfield-beach.com
• Word of Mouth
• Other

Required Question