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, event planning, emergency medical services, hazardous materials, technical rescue, 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 standard operating guidelines; oversees and/or participates in accreditation processes, and strategic planning.
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 department personnel; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with department personnel to identify and resolve problems.
5. Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates personnel; provides or coordinates training; works with personnel to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures under the direction of the Fire Chief.
6. Participates in the development and administration of the department’s budget; participates in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, training and education, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; implements adjustments.
7. Ensures that equipment, safety clothing, apparatus, and supplies are specified, purchased, received, trained upon, 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 and events; utilizes the incident command system to direct activities and communications in said incidents and events; 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 and events.
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, guidelines, protocols, and procedures as appropriate.
13. Maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the operations and administration of an all-hazards response organization 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 associated with the scope of work assigned.
16. May act on behalf of the Fire Chief in their 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. Degree/training substitutions are as follows:
• A master's degree in a public safety or related field is the equivalent of 2 years of related experience.
• A PhD in a public safety or related field is the equivalent of 3 years of related experience.
• Full-time and/or paid experience/internship in a public safety or related field is a year-for-year equivalent.
• Part-time and/or volunteer, unpaid experience/internship is a partial fulfillment. One year of part-time, volunteer, and/or unpaid experience is the equivalent of .5 years of related experience.
• U.S. military veterans whose Advanced Individual Training (AIT)/Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) directly relates to fire service/public safety is the equivalent of 2 years of related experience.
• Five years' experience working as a “manager” performing administrative functions, demonstrating administrative-level leadership outside of, or in addition to, direct operational functions in a career or combination of organized fire departments.
• A current and valid State of Connecticut or National Registry Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-B).
• A valid motor vehicle operator’s license with a “Q” endorsement or related qualification that allows for the operation of a motor vehicle in an emergency response.
• Incident Safety Officer – Fire Suppression certification pursuant to NFPA 1521, or Hazardous Materials Incident Safety Officer certification pursuant to NFPA 472, accredited by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (ProBoard) and/or the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC).
• Fire Officer III 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).
• Experience evaluating emergencies and significant events and developing effective courses of action to mitigate those situations.
• Experience developing and implementing department-level policies, guidelines, protocols, and/or procedures.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• An advanced degree from an accredited college or University in a public safety-related field.
• Fire Officer Certifications (IV 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 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.
• Experience in developing and implementing community risk reduction assessments and related programs.
• Participation in a Type 4 or greater formal Incident Management Team.
• Completion of National Incident Management System All-Hazard position-specific trainings (e.g., Planning Section Chief, Operations Section Chief, Public Information Officer, Incident Commander, etc.).
• Completion of any of the following Federal Emergency Management Agency courses: MGT 361, 404, 412, 466, or AWR 330.

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 a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits visit: https//hr.uconn.edu.

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 #499508 to upload a resume, cover letter, documentation (e.g., certificates, licenses, samples, etc.) for any minimum and/or preferred qualification taking credit for, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on April 22, 2026.

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.