Deputy Fire Chief

Emergency Services Sarasota County Fire Department (SCFD) is an internationally accredited, all-hazards response agency equipped to provide fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous materials, technical rescue, marine fire and rescue, wildland fire suppression and mitigation, prevention, public education, and lifeguard services. SCFD is an ALS transport agency with all rescues (ambulances) and first-due fire engines designated as ALS capable.
Located in southwest Florida approximately 60 miles south of Tampa Bay, SCFD protects 472 sq. mi. and is surrounded by nearly 40 miles of open shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico. SCFD is a metropolitan-sized career fire department with 551 uniformed members and 69 civilian employees, for a total of 620 dedicated men and women who serve Sarasota County. There are plenty of opportunities for our members to specialize in a variety of skills, such as special operations, EMS bike team, tactical paramedics, marine operations, and more.
SCFD operates from 25 fire station locations across 4 battalions serving a mix of urban and rural areas. Our ISO rating is a 02/2Y. In 2023, there were 341,253 permanent residents in our first-due service area, plus a 21% seasonal increase, or 72,413 more people, during the winter months (October-April). SCFD responded to nearly 67,000 calls for service and transported nearly 37,000 patients in 2023. About 90% of calls are for EMS, including motor vehicle crashes.

• Responsible for planning, organizing, directing, supervising, and evaluating the work of assigned subordinates in the assigned areas of responsibility which may include overseeing Chief Officers and other personnel assigned to Administration, Training, Fire Prevention, Special Programs, Fire, EMS, Special Operations, Marine, Lifeguards, and Wildland Mitigation. The Deputy Fire Chief will oversee and/or collaborate with various County departments in all aspects of Fire Department Functions, including but not limited to Training, Fire Prevention, Logistics, Fleet, Procurement, Contracts, Real Estate, Vendors, Capital Projects, Financial Management, and Accounts Payable relating to the Fire Department.
• Oversee and has a significant role in the hiring and promotional processes for the Fire Department; oversee the training activities within all areas of the Fire Department to ensure compliance with Florida statutes, minimum standards, certifications and re-certifications, and continuing education; oversees the Fire Marshal and the activities of fire prevention, public education, and community outreach; ensures customer satisfaction on behalf of the community and its citizens.
• Research and monitor new and pending legislation, regulations, standards, and developments at the local, state, and national levels which are pertinent to the Fire Department; make recommendations to the Fire Chief and play a significant role in formulating policies to handle impacts relating to such changes in legislation, regulations, standards, etc.
• Responsible for overseeing the health, wellness, safety, and accident investigation programs for the Fire Department.
• Coordinate daily operations to ensure continuity of operational capacity, efficient and safe emergency response, personnel safety, and operational readiness at all times.
• Oversee medical direction and coordination between the Medical Director and the Assistant Chief of EMS.
• Direct and oversee the Fire Department’s infrastructure and Capital Improvement Program; manage logistical needs, to include oversight of bid specifications and purchasing of new apparatus, equipment, technology, and supplies; provides reports and updates on fire stations, facilities, apparatus, and equipment as necessary.

• Assist the Fire Chief with the overall management and leadership of the Fire Department; assist in executive planning for the Fire Department; assist in the development, direction, implementation, and monitoring of the Fire Department’s strategic and master plans; ensure compliance with all County and Departmental policies as well as the collective bargaining agreement; facilitate ISO rating evaluations and supports the fire accreditation process; manage the oversight of mutual/automatic aid agreements, interlocal agreements, and all other contracts on behalf of the Fire Department.
• Assist the Fire Chief with formulation, development, implementation, and administration of policies, procedures, rules and regulations, general orders, and strategies for emergency response operations to guide the delivery of emergency services to the community; Communicate pertinent departmental information to subordinate personnel and ensures subordinate personnel carry out all policies, procedures, rules and regulations, general orders, etc.
• Perform a significant role in coordination with the Fire Chief in budget preparation, review, and monitoring. Perform research, prepare reports, and make recommendations to the Fire Chief for changes needed in the fiscal plan to accomplish the department’s mission and goals.
• Perform research, prepare reports, and make recommendations relating to special projects or assignments as directed by the Fire Chief; complete tasks in alignment with established goals and objectives and as directed by the Fire Chief; maintain confidentiality of investigations, studies, and other projects as directed by the Fire Chief.
• Act as a liaison on behalf of the Fire Chief during communications and meetings with other agencies, boards, committees, and local governments; represents the Fire Department and the County in collective bargaining unit negotiations and on any assigned labor-management committees; collaborates with various County departments and personnel to coordinate Fire Department matters; participate and actively engage in meetings with management on a regular basis.
• Oversee and facilitate recommendations from the Assistant Fire Chiefs relating to Workers’ Compensation, FMLA, internal and external investigations, grievances, disciplinaries, scheduling, promotions, and all other personnel-related matters in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement and County policies.
• Manage proactive assessments of fraud awareness, prevention, detection, and risk mitigation activities in area of responsibility; oversee financial, compliance, operational and performance audits; review audit findings and ensures appropriate controls are established and implemented.

• Respond to emergency scenes and assume the appropriate position based on the emergency need and complexity of the incident.

• Master’s degree in Emergency Management, Fire Science, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field required with a minimum of six (6) years of progressive fire administration, emergency medical services work, and/or fire operations command responsibilities, with a proven track record of effective leadership and progressive fire service management
• OR-Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management, Fire Science, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field required with a minimum of eight (8) years of progressive fire administration, emergency medical services work, and/or fire operations command responsibilities, with a proven track record of effective leadership and progressive fire service management; and,
• Current and valid Florida Minimum Standards Firefighter Certification.
• Current and valid Florida EMT or Paramedic Certification.
• Current and valid State of Florida driver’s license, or ability to obtain within 30-days of employment.

• Enjoy great benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Florida Retirement System (FRS) and many, many more! Starting January 2024, choose one of three great medical plans, including one with a $0 premium option, with completed preventative visits!
• Utilize our award-winning wellness program including free gyms and classes at multiple Sarasota County Government locations.
• Enjoy 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days and 16 paid vacation days in the first year of full-time employment with increasing accrual rates with years of service. (That adds up to a possible 30 days off in your 1st year!)