Make and impact:
Salem Fire is a comprehensive, all-hazards organization that provides essential emergency services, including fire suppression (structural and wildland), fire prevention, advanced life support emergency medical services, technical rescue, water rescue, hazardous materials response, aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF), and SWAT medic support. Responding to over 35,000 calls for service annually, Salem Fire plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.
The City Council has recently approved a major project to integrate emergency medical transport services into the fire department. This significant endeavor, with full implementation targeted for July 1, 2025, is already underway. It holds substantial importance for the department’s operations, impacting financial outcomes, response times, staffing, and community health and safety on a wide scale.
Salem Fire Department operates from 11 primary stations, along with a training/EMS center, Willamette Valley Communications Center (WVCC), Radio Shops, and other facilities. The department oversees a total of 263 positions, including 7 executive-level leadership positions, 168 emergency response personnel, 5 civilian/administrative staff, 79 WVCC employees, and 4 Radio Shops employees. Additionally, with the newly integrated EMS system, 60 more personnel are being added. Currently, two chief officer/command staff positions remain unfilled.
Learn and Grow:
The City and the firefighters bargaining unit have successfully negotiated a new 3-year contract that brings positive changes, including a new schedule and competitive salaries that place Salem Fire member pay among the top in the region. Additionally, a unique post-employment health benefit was established through a Medical Expense Reimbursement Program – the first of its kind in Oregon. The relationship between the firefighters bargaining unit and command staff is strong, effective, and positive.
Salem Fire is an active community partner with strong connections to local organizations and emergency response partners. The relationship with the Salem Police Department, led by a Chief who joined the City three years ago, is particularly robust, fostering a collaborative public safety environment.
Join a Dynamic Team:
Become an integral part of a dedicated team as the Assistant Fire Chief of Emergency Operations. In this key leadership position, you will manage and direct the Operations, Training, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Divisions, enhancing the department's readiness and response capabilities. Reporting directly to the Fire Chief, you will be the second-highest ranking officer, leading Deputy Fire Chiefs to ensure the department’s effective response in times of crisis.
You will collaborate with the management team to develop strategic goals, set service-level priorities, shape departmental policies, and lead organizational development initiatives. Your role will include overseeing emergency operations, coordinating resources during incidents, and ensuring compliance with all relevant legal and regulatory standards. Engaging with internal and external stakeholders, the Assistant Fire Chief will promote collaboration and best practices to build community trust and enhance departmental effectiveness. A strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is essential, fostering an environment that values individual differences and promotes teamwork across all levels of the organization.
Are you ready to lead and make an impact? If you have the experience, vision, and passion for public service, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding position, where each day brings new opportunities to protect and serve the community.
What are the Minimum Qualifications?
- Must pass the pre-employment background check and drug test.
- Must have an Oregon Driver’s license and meet the City of Salem’s driving standards.
- Associate's degree from and accredited college or university in Fire Science or related field, and seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible experience in fire and/or emergency medical services, fire prevention, fire investigation, fire code enforcement, hazardous materials management, and fire education, including divisional or departmental management experience, and labor relations, and five (5) years of increasingly responsible command and management experience in fire and/or emergency medical services at the Executive Officer level (as a Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief, Deputy or Division Chief, or Battalion Chief), or any equivalent combination of experience, education and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Applicable Incident Command System coursework certification is required for the assignment.
What are the Preferred Qualifications?
- Relevant work experience in an organization with similar size, complexity, and population served.
- EMT – Basic certification
- Bachelor’s degree
- Fire Officer II
- National Fire Academy EFO; or
- CPSE CFO credential; or
- International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI)
What can we offer you for all your hard work?
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
- Paid vacation and sick time in accordance with City policies.
- Competitive pay.
- Employer-paid PERS contribution of 6%.
- Opportunity for voluntary pre-tax contributions to a 457b account.
- Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
- Voluntary long-term care.
- Employee wellness program.
- Employee assistance program.
- Employee health clinic (Free “Urgent Care” Services).
- City Vehicle for use.
- Position schedule is variable based on department needs and Fire Chief approval.
- The City of Salem offers a comprehensive and equitable base salary within the listed range based on your experience, skills, and education. We encourage you to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Learn more about Equal Pay.
Supervision Received and Exercised:
The Assistant Fire Chief of Emergency Operations is the second-highest ranking officer within the department, reporting directly to the Fire Chief. This position supervises the Deputy Fire Chief of Operations, the Deputy Fire Chief of Training, and the Deputy Fire Chief of Emergency Medical Services (EMS). A comprehensive understanding of modern fire service practices, emergency response methods, and relevant laws and standards is critical to this role. Additionally, the Assistant Fire Chief of Emergency Operations plays an integral part in the management team by developing strategic goals, setting service-level priorities, shaping department policies, and driving organizational development initiatives. This role requires expertise in directing personnel, utilizing the Incident Command System, and maintaining composure in high-pressure situations. The Assistant Fire Chief is also responsible for upholding the City's customer service and teamwork standards, even under tight deadlines and challenging conditions.
Employees in this position exercise full supervisory responsibilities over their assigned staff.
What you will bring along:
- Principles, methods, and practices of leadership, management, and organizational development.
- Knowledge of fire service operations, emergency response strategies, and decision-making under varying conditions.
- Experience shaping strategic goals, establishing service priorities, and developing fire and EMS operations policies.
- Advanced principles, practices, and techniques of modern firefighting, fire prevention, and fire control operations.
- Understanding of ambulance transport systems including the Ground Emergency Medical Transport (GEMT)Program
- Thorough understanding of fire administration, EMS, disaster management, and fire suppression techniques.
- Familiarity with hazardous materials code enforcement, fire incident investigation, and safety regulations.
- Expertise in Incident Command System (ICS) practices and emergency planning for large-scale incidents.
- Strong knowledge of budgeting principles, financial management, and cost control in fire department operations.
- Comprehensive understanding of labor relations and personnel management policies and procedures.
- Ability to manage conflict, foster teamwork, and maintain a positive work environment.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills for cross-cultural audiences, public forums, and emergencies.
- Ability to draft reports, policies, and presentations for stakeholders, public officials, and the community.
- Ability to act quickly, effectively, and calmly in emergencies, directing personnel and resources under pressure.
- Proficiency in commanding large-scale personnel and equipment operations under adverse conditions.
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, policies, and procedures relevant to fire service and EMS.
- Ability to interpret and apply complex laws and regulations, ensuring compliance across operations.
- Commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, valuing, and respecting individual differences.
- Ability to create a supportive environment that promotes teamwork, collaboration, and respect.
- Familiarity with modern fire and EMS technologies, including incident management software and communication systems.
Additional information on job responsibilities:
- Direct and Manage Emergency Operations, Training, and EMS Divisions:
The Assistant Fire Chief of Emergency Operations oversees the Operations, Training, and EMS Divisions. This includes directing day-to-day Operations, ensuring the preparedness and effectiveness of the department's responses, and coordinating the Deputy Fire Chiefs overseeing Operations, Training and EMS efforts. The Assistant Chief ensures that these divisions work seamlessly together to maintain operational readiness and deliver high-quality emergency services.
- Oversee and Coordinate Emergency Operations:
As the second-ranking officer in the department, the Assistant Fire Chief plays a critical role in overseeing and managing all emergency operations. This includes ensuring that personnel, resources, and equipment are effectively deployed during emergencies while adhering to the Incident Command System (ICS) and relevant safety standards. The Assistant Fire Chief makes quick, strategic decisions to protect lives, property, and public safety in high-pressure situations.
- Contribute to Strategic Planning and Policy Development:
The Assistant Fire Chief actively shapes the department’s strategic goals and service-level priorities. This includes formulating departmental policies and organizational development plans that align with the department’s mission. The Assistant Fire Chief works closely with the Fire Chief and the management team to ensure that operational decisions are guided by long-term strategic objectives, focusing on improving overall service delivery and operational efficiency.
- Exercise Supervisory Responsibilities Over Personnel:
In this role, the Assistant Fire Chief exercises full supervisory responsibility over assigned personnel, ensuring all staff follow department policies and standards. This includes mentoring, coaching, and providing feedback to staff to promote their professional development and maintain high-performance levels.
- Collaborate with Internal and External Stakeholders:
The Assistant Fire Chief of Emergency Operations collaborates with various internal and external stakeholders, including other city departments, community organizations, and state and federal agencies. The Assistant Fire Chief represents the department on boards, commissions, and committees, engaging in discussions that promote best practices and support departmental objectives.
- Ensure Legal and Regulatory Compliance:
The Assistant Fire Chief ensures that all department operations comply with federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and policies. This includes staying current on applicable laws and ensuring the department’s procedures reflect legal and regulatory changes. The Assistant Fire Chief also interprets and applies complex laws and regulations to ensure proper compliance across all operations.
- Manage Emergency Situations and Public Relations:
The Assistant Fire Chief addresses citizen complaints and concerns about emergency services, ensuring appropriate resolutions while maintaining positive public relations. By maintaining open lines of communication with the public, the Assistant Fire Chief helps foster trust and collaboration between the community and the fire department.
- Promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
A commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace is essential for this role. The Assistant Fire Chief creates an environment that respects and values individual differences, promotes teamwork, and encourages collaboration across all levels of the organization. By fostering inclusivity, the Assistant Fire Chief ensures that all employees feel supported and able to contribute to the department’s success.