Deputy Fire Chief

Deputy Fire Chief

The Department of Military Affairs is seeking a Deputy Fire Chief to fully share with the Fire Chief the overall management and control of the Fire Protection Flight through the Assistant Fire Chiefs in charge of operations, training, and technical services. This position assumes full responsibility for the Fire Protection Flight during the absence of the Fire Chief to include but not limited to hiring, promotions, discipline, pay, leave, union negotiations, budget management and terminations.

Duties:

• Responsible for overall direction of the activities of the training, technical services, and operations programs and operation of the communications center.
• Reviews plans, schedules, and other management activities of subordinate Assistant Chiefs, ensuring that all programs are fully functional and operating at maximum efficiency and effectiveness. As necessary, reassigns employees to balance manning of subordinate programs and otherwise ensures that all programs are manned to accomplish the mission.
• Responsible for review of base plans, policies, strategy, tactics, and procedures for fire suppression and prevention to ensure compliance with current and new national consensus standards, National Fire Codes, uniform building codes, Code of Federal Regulations, Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies and procedures, and environmental laws and regulations as they apply to fire protection.
• Serves as the on-scene commander of a fire/crash scene until relieved by the Fire Chief. Determines the best course of action to minimize loss or damage from fires or explosions. Directs the placement of firefighting equipment and personnel to ensure maximum utilization in fire control or aircraft crash/rescue operations.
• Establishes, develops, and maintains effective working relationships with personnel, manpower, other staff officials, and municipal and other federal fire departments. Provides technical advisory services to management on all matters pertaining to fire protection and prevention.
• Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station.
• Required to participate in a physical fitness program.
• Incumbent is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless on leave or TDY.

Minimum Qualifications:

• This position requires a minimum of two years supervisory experience (Captain and above). Successful completion of the MT Professional Development Center's Effective Management Series will substitute for one year of management experience.
• Must be certified within one year of hire by the DoD Firefighter Certification system as Fire Officer IV. Must have minimum of Fire Officer I, II, III, Fire Instructor II (includes Fire Instructor I), Fire Inspector II (includes Fire Inspector I), HAZMAT Incident Commander (includes Hazmat Awareness, Hazmat Operations), and Airport Fire Fighter (includes Firefighter I, II).
• Medical requirements. Must meet and maintain NFPA Standard 1582, Medical Requirements for the Fire Fighter, and have no record of pyrophobia, acrophobia, or claustrophobia for entry, award, or retention of this position.
• Ability to speak clearly and distinctly is mandatory for entry, award, and retention of this position.
• Normal color vision as defined in NFPA 1582 is mandatory for entry into this position.
• Eligibility for a Secret security clearance according to AFI 31-501 is mandatory for award and retention of this position, and possess a current Restricted Area Badge, Air Force Form 1199C.
• Qualification to operate government vehicles is mandatory for retention of this position.
• Must possess a valid Montana State, and Military Drivers license.
• Must maintain a state of readiness at all times, capable if responding to aircraft incidents as required by Federal Aviation Administration, (FAA) Part 139.319

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the theory, principles, methods, techniques, and practices of structural and airfield firefighting, fire prevention, hazardous materials, emergency medical services, and operation of firefighting equipment and vehicles.
• Ability to implement firefighting/emergency response plans, as well as manage and direct fire suppression personnel and equipment under stressful and dangerous conditions.
• Must have effective leadership qualities: Ability to plan, organize, direct functions, and to mentor, motivate, appraise, and supervise the staff of an organization. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Comfortable in teaching and empowering employees to become leaders.
• Must be proficient in Excel, time management, determining manning requirements, and understanding programming for the Finplan.

Salary: $102,992.00-102,992.00 Yearly

Telework Eligibility: Not Telework Eligible

Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings: 1

Employee Status: Regular

Schedule: Full-Time

Job Type: Standard

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes, 5 % of the Time

Primary Location: Great Falls

Agency: Department of Military Affairs

Union: 000 - None

Posting Date: May 19, 2026, 7:45:46 PM

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone): Jun 3, 2026, 5:59:00 AM

Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume

Contact Name: Jessica Collick | Contact Email: View email address on click.appcast.io | Contact Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io