JOB SUMMARY

Reporting directly to the University Fire Chief or other designated University official, a Deputy Fire Chief is accountable for managing an administrative or operational division of the fire department and the Fire Marshal Unit. Under general direction, directs, manages, supervises, and coordinates the administrative activities and/or operations within the UConn Fire Department including fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, technical rescue, and related services and activities; coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Fire Chief. This includes proper management, evaluation, and training for all direct reports, as well as creating, implementing, or enforcing policies, rules, regulations, schedules, and procedures necessary for the efficient operation of the assigned work unit and the department. There are two primary duty stations (Storrs and Farmington), and a Deputy Chief will have responsibilities in both locations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Typical work activities for incumbents in this title include, but are not limited to, the duties listed below. The numbered duties listed below are not intended to be all-inclusive and do not preclude the Fire Chief from assigning other responsibilities that could reasonably be expected of a Deputy Fire Chief.  Additional or different tasks may be assigned as needed to address operational needs or shifting business needs, or practices.

1. Assumes management responsibility for assigned services and operations, including all fire suppression, fire prevention, community outreach, emergency medical services, and related functions and activities.
2. Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs; recommends and administers policies and procedures; oversees and/or participates in accreditation processes.
3. Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.
4. Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for fire service staff; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems.
5. Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
6. Participates in the development and administration of the department’s annual budget; participates in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; implements adjustments.
7. Ensures that equipment, safety clothing, apparatus, and supplies are specified, purchased, received, and distributed effectively.
8. May serve as the liaison for the Fire Department with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; negotiate and/or resolve sensitive and controversial issues; coordinate special community programs.
9. Develops and maintains lines of communication and cooperation with peers in surrounding local, state, and federal agencies; coordinates joint operations with outside agencies; mitigates conflicts with other departments, divisions, or agencies; oversees and participates in the development of mutual aid, automatic aid agreements, as well as dispatch procedures.
10. Responds to emergency and non-emergency incidents; utilizes the incident command system to direct activities and communications in fire and/or emergencies; takes action to mitigate hazards and treat patients; makes decisions affecting life and property under emergency circumstances; develops tactics and strategies for major or critical incidents.
11. May serves as the fire department representative for a variety of committees; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
12. Provides responsible staff assistance to the Fire Chief; conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommends modifications to administrative matters or operational policies and procedures as appropriate.
13. Maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the operations and administration of fire/rescue/emergency medical services, and incorporates new developments as appropriate.
14. Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
15. Manages the preparation and maintenance of records and files for the assigned area.
16. May act on behalf of the Fire Chief in his/her absence or during periods of unavailability. Provides leadership during the Chief’s absence, supports other Chief Officers, and provides guidance to the Division of University Safety’s management team to enable them to make decisions.
17. May be assigned as the primary or secondary representative for the Fire Department in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) when the EOC has been activated and as a secondary representative in the Executive Policy Group (EPG).
18. Performs other duties as assigned by the Fire Chief or other designated University official.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and ten years of fire department experience that includes considerable knowledge of firefighting and fire prevention practices, emergency medical services, and hazardous materials response. An equivalent combination of experience and training may be considered.
• Five years' experience working as a manager in a career or combination organized fire departments.
• State of Connecticut or National Registry Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-B).
• Fire Officer II Certification pursuant to NFPA 1021, accredited by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (ProBoard) and/or the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC).
• Interpersonal experience working with culturally and ethnically diverse communities in professional or community-based settings.
• Documented use of verbal and written communication to coordinate tasks, share information, or support team objectives.
• Experience working with common Microsoft Office applications, including experience creating and presenting a PowerPoint, utilizing Excel and its features, and experience in Word.
• Experience evaluating emergency situations and developing effective courses of action to mitigate those situations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• An advanced degree from an accredited college or University in a public safety-related field.
• Fire Officer Certifications (III or higher [e.g., Executive Fire Officer]) pursuant to NFPA 1021, accredited by the ProBoard and/or IFSAC.
• Completion of the State of Connecticut Fire Marshal Pre-Certification Program with current continuing education hours.
• State of Connecticut or National Registry licensed Paramedic (EMT-P). If a paramedic possesses current medical control in good standing and/or documentation of maintaining continuing medical education hours.
• Hazardous Materials Technician Certification pursuant to NFPA 472 (ProBoard and/or IFSAC) or EPA Hazardous Materials Technician.
• Knowledge and experience working with ESO (previously Firehouse) records management software.
• Experience working in a university, medical center, or similar setting in a position related to safety, fire suppression, emergency management, or emergency medical services.
• Proven experience as a leader in a department experiencing significant organizational change.
• Experience as a leader in an accredited (CFAI) fire department or personal experience in the accreditation process.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time management/exempt position. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience, with a target salary of $140,000 to $150,000. The University offers an attractive State benefit package, including a choice of medical, dental, and retirement plans.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

This position requires a valid motor vehicle driver's license to respond to calls, travel between campuses, and conduct other primarily in-state travel.

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #499263 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on October 31, 2025. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at https://portal.ct.gov/Ethics/Statutes-and-Regulations.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.