Assistant Fire Chief

Assistant Fire Chief Upper Darby Township Assistant Fire Chief to serve as a key executive leader within the Upper Darby Township Fire Department. This appointed position plays a vital role in shaping the department’s strategic direction, ensuring operational readiness, and providing command‑level leadership at emergency incidents. The Assistant Fire Chief works closely with the Fire Chief and serves as Acting Fire Chief in the Chief’s absence, making this an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned fire officer ready to operate at the highest level of municipal fire service leadership. The Assistant Fire Chief provides oversight and leadership across major functional areas of the department, which may include Operations, Training, Administration, or Fire Prevention, while supervising and mentoring Deputy Chiefs and senior officers. The role includes supporting personnel management and labor relations, contributing to budget development and policy implementation, responding to emergency incidents within the Incident Command System, and providing command‑level oversight at complex, multi‑agency incidents. The Assistant Fire Chief also plays a central role in training and professional development for both career and volunteer personnel and, as assigned, supports community risk reduction initiatives through fire prevention, inspections, investigations, public education, and engagement with Township leadership and community partners. Responsibilities Provide oversight across major functional areas, supervise and mentor Deputy Chiefs and senior officers, support personnel management and labor relations, contribute to budget development and policy implementation, respond to emergency incidents within the Incident Command System, provide command‑level oversight at complex incidents, oversee training and professional development, support community risk reduction initiatives. Qualifications Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible fire service experience Five (5) years of supervisory experience Demonstrated success operating in a combination fire department environment Significant fireground command experience Ability to lead within a collective bargaining environment, including labor‑management relations experience Required certifications: NFPA Firefighter I & II, NFPA 1021 – Fire Officer II, Hazardous Materials Operations, NFPA Fire Service Instructor I, and NIMS/ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800 Advanced knowledge of fireground strategy and tactics, strong leadership and communication skills, ability to develop policies, deliver training, manage complex initiatives, and represent the department professionally Preferred Qualifications Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Fire Administration, or related field Chief Fire Officer (CPSE) credential Graduation from the National Fire Academy Executive Officer Program Additional certifications such as Fire Officer III, Fire Inspector, Fire Investigator, and EMT-B $150,000 Schedule / Other Information Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM, with participation in an on‑call program including nights, weekends, and holidays. Benefits Comprehensive medical coverage Dental coverage Vision coverage Pension plan Life insurance Seniority Level Director Employment Type Full‑time #J-18808-Ljbffr Upper Darby Township