Description

Summary Objective

Transitional Fire Chief
Salary Range $163,586 - $213,805 
(depending upon qualifications/experience) 
Plus, a highly competitive benefits package.

Application Requirements
Only fully completed applications, resumes and cover letters submitted to governmentjobs.com/careers/deerfieldbeach, no later than 5:00PM March 27, 2026, will be accepted for consideration. interviews.
The hiring team will invite successful semi-finalists to participate with in-person interviews during the week of April 6-10, 2026.
Successful finalists will be invited to participate in a final interview the week of April 13-17, 2026.
Candidates are encouraged to reserve the dates for all phases of the process should they be invited to participate, as the dates are fixed.
Anticipated start date is May 2026.
The preference is for the selected candidate to establish residency within 25 miles of the city limits within a period of twelve (12) months from the date of employment.

This leadership role is charged with designing, building, and activating a new Deerfield Beach Fire Department and overseeing the transition of fire and emergency services from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BSO) to a full-service municipal fire agency. 
The position performs highly responsible administrative work involving the directing, planning, organization and management of all operational aspects of the City’s Fire Department. The position requires extensive depth of expertise and knowledge in specialized functions or business areas that can be used to develop and implement policies and procedures as well as determining efficient and innovative ways to accomplish the City’s business strategies.  The Transitional Fire Chief oversees the budget of the Fire Department and operates with considerable independence and initiative on highly sensitive issues.  The objective is to enforce and ensure the general welfare and safety of the lives and property of all citizens.   
At the appropriate time in the transition and upon formal establishment and operational readiness of the municipal department, the Transitional Fire Chief is expected to assume the permanent role of Fire Chief for the Deerfield Beach Fire Department.  The position reports to the City Manager. 
This position formulates long-range goals for the organization, develop policy and position papers. 

Essential Functions
 

• Provides strategic leadership and direction setting a clear strategic direction for the department while maintaining strong day-to-day operational performance, always emphasizing transparency, fairness, and community partnership.
• Directs the planning, organization and implementation of departmental goals and objectives; develops and administer departmental policies, rules and regulations; provides guidance and direction to staff.
• Supervises, directs and evaluates executive support staff; monitors daily operations to ensure the proper development and successful implementation of fire safety operations, and related programs.
• Provides leadership and direction in the development of short- and long-range strategic plans; gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies, reports and recommendations; coordinates department activities with other departments and agencies as needed.
• Prepares annual budget; assures effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel, materials, facilities and time. Develops and administers budget for all areas under the Fire department.
• Develops and implements policies, procedures and standard operating guidelines for efficient and effective operation and maintenance of department operations; assures compliance with established policies and procedures.
• Provides overall supervision and leadership of fire department personnel; oversees hiring and orientation of firefighter candidates and the implementation of the department’s promotional process; supervises development and management of the departmental health and safety and training programs.
• Determines and directs the deployment of units at incidents to efficiently utilize departmental resources to meet staffing requirements, response time benchmarks, contractual and or mutual and automatic aid agreements, and other local, state, and federal regulations.
• Coordinates and supports intra-agency collaboration and coordination of fire, EMS, emergency management and other public safety activities; ensures compliance with town, county, state, and federal mandates, and guidelines.
• Prepares a variety of reports and maintains necessary operating records; retains all plans and information for future reference as well as maintains a library for fire, community risk reduction, and EMS research.
• Maintains comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable laws/standards/regulations; maintains awareness of new procedures, technologies, trends, and advances in the profession; maintains professional affiliations; attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, vendors, and the general public.
• Plans, directs, and maintains an effective fire safety and fire prevention program in the community through education and community involvement.
• Oversees the daily operational aspects of the department, including technical fire activities, communications, departmental record keeping, personnel management and administrative support.
• Oversee the department and assignment of work to fire personnel to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of operational procedures.
• Oversees all departmental functions including investigations, training, and administrative operations, and works closely with the City Manager, Director of the Office of Public Safety, elected officials, and community partners to set clear priorities, policies, and goals.
• Develops and implements training procedures and ensures in-service training of subordinates; enforces departmental rules, policies and regulations; initiates procedures in disciplinary matters.
• Identifies ways to attract, recruit, and retain high quality fire service professionals for the city who reflect the morals and diversity of the community.
• Directs, performs and reviews a wide range of highly technical and specialized fire safety and prevention work.
• Performs public relations functions between the Fire Department, the community, various civic agencies and other local fire departments.
• Promotes fire safety prevention through public awareness efforts; administers public speeches to local organizations and civic groups.
• Researches, prepares and submits detailed technical reports to the to City Manager and governing law officials; reviews and evaluates management level fire activity and investigating reports.
• Directs the departmental grants and accreditation processes.
• Maintains strong involvement in the coordination of natural disaster preparedness, homeland security and emergency response.
• Build an organizational culture valuing integrity, professionalism, innovation, accountability, and respectful engagement with the public.
• Serve as the department’s chief ambassador, cultivating strong relationships with residents, neighborhood groups, businesses, faith-based organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Ensure effective deployment of personnel and resources to address community priorities while maintaining high standards of safety and service quality.
• Strong emphasis on fire fighter and paramedic wellness and growth, promote a culture built on accountability and integrity, and create an environment where team members know their work is valued.
• Work side by side with residents, community organizations, service providers, and regional partners to foster relationships, build trust, and address the issues contributing to fire and life-safety concerns.
• Responsible for all departmental functions including the administration, the organization and direction of technical and professional operations associated with fire suppression, community risk reduction, and the delivery of emergency medical services (EMS) to meet the needs of Deerfield Beach.
• Ensures the fire department’s compliance with federal, state and local laws, ordinances, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Works with the City Manager, Director of the Office of Public Safety, elected officials, and community partners to set clear priorities, policies, and goals.  
• The Chief leads by example, demonstrating the Department’s core values in every aspect of leadership: honesty, integrity, accountability, stewardship, respect, and trust.
• Develops and makes presentations to community organizations, the public, elected officials and commission meetings.
• Serves as a key member of the City’s Executive Leadership Team.
• Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. 

Typical Qualifications

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration, Public Administration, or closely related field.
• Fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience as a Fire Officer with a minimum of 7-10 years at a senior Fire-Rescue Department level (Deputy Chief, Operations Chief, Battalion Chief, Fire Chief) in a similar sized or larger department.
• Must possess and maintain a valid State of Florida Firefighter Certification (Firefighter Minimum Standards/Firefighter Certificate of Compliance);
• Current State of Florida Fire Officer II Certification.
• NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800.
• Must have correct color vision and depth perception as noted in NFPA 1582.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license from any state (equivalent to a State of Florida Class E) with an acceptable driving history, with the ability to obtain the State of Florida license within thirty (30) days from the date of employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree highly preferred
• Executive fire service training (National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program,
• Achieved Chief Fire Officer designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence.
• Possess State of Florida Fire Inspector I Certification.
• State of Florida Paramedic Certification.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, Work Environment and Work Hours

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of pre-established City, County and State policies and procedures applicable to the work.
• Ability to analytically observe, and objectively and clearly report routine and non-routine, emergency and non-emergency activities.
• Ability to read, update, analyze and maintain various records and files.
• Ability to operate basic office equipment.
• Ability to access, operate and maintain various software applications.
• Ability to drive a motor vehicle.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and create action plans from statistical analysis.
• Skilled in enforcing current principles and practices of fire safety and prevention work, governing laws, ordinances, policies and procedures; skill in developing and administering departmental policies and procedures.
• Skilled in planning, organizing, developing, scheduling, and monitoring various departmental programs.
• Skilled in understanding, following, directing and supervising written and oral instructions.
• Skilled in clearly communicating information both verbally and in writing.
• Skilled in the principles and techniques of customer relations skills; ability to deal diplomatically with irate, violent or frantic individuals; ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Skilled at managing and supervising departmental administrative functions and assigned operations to achieve goals within available resources; plans and organizes workloads and staff assignments; trains and educates, motivates and evaluates assigned staff; reviews progress and directs changes as needed.
• Financial acuity for budget development and budget management.
• Must demonstrate behaviors that support the City's Mission, Vision and Core Values.
• Required conduct is to be ethical and fair while representing the city. Must be responsible to adhere to all workplace policies that support ethical business practices and standards of conduct including, but not limited to, polices on Gifts, Conflict of Employment, Discipline, Drug Free Workplace, Employment of Relatives, Formal Grievances, Anti-Harassment, Posting of Job Vacancies, Equal Employment Opportunity, Political Activity, and Recruitment and Selection.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, coworkers, elected and appointed officials, and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or political affiliation.

This position requires extensive senior-level fire safety experience; a proven record of leading medium to large, diverse organizations; a deep commitment to ethical service; and demonstrated experience in serving a diverse and growing community.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• Performs sedentary administrative and operational work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 30 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

WORK HOURS
Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm (May be required to work nights, weekends and holidays to meet the business needs of the City.)

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE
The City of Deerfield Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.
 
ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS
It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses. 
Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed, and employees are properly trained.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Note: During emergency conditions, all City employees are automatically considered emergency service workers.  City employees are subject to being called to work in the event of a disaster, such as hurricane, or other emergency situations and are expected to perform emergency service duties as assigned.

The City of Deerfield Beach values the service veterans and their family members have given to our country and supports the hiring of returning service members and military spouses.