Assistant Chief - Emergency Services

Grade Job Class Work Comp EEO Class/Code Tier Status BCO-3 Supervisory 7704 1/Officials/Administrators 1

This position involves highly responsible and complex administrative, managerial, and technical work. The incumbent provides leadership, direction, and oversight of assigned activities and operations within designated specialty areas, which may include fire/rescue operations, training, communications, quality improvement/quality assurance, or other functions within Emergency Services. The position ensures effective service delivery, personnel readiness, fiscal accountability, regulatory compliance, and interagency coordination to protect life, property, and community safety. Work is performed under the general direction of the Chief and Deputy Chief of Emergency Services, with considerable latitude for independent judgment and decision-making.

• Plans, organizes, and directs departmental operations, personnel, and specialized programs across all divisions within the Department of Emergency Services.
• Develops, implements, and enforces policies, procedures, and performance standards to ensure efficient, effective, and safe service delivery.
• Oversees recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, evaluation, and professional development of department personnel; provides mentorship, counseling, and corrective action as necessary.
• Coordinates operational service delivery, including training programs, quality improvement, compliance with licensing and certification requirements, treatment protocols, and infection control programs, in collaboration with the Medical Director as appropriate.
• Directs and manages the department's fire prevention, public education, and inspection programs to ensure compliance with applicable fire codes, ordinances, and life safety standards; oversees plan reviews, fire investigations, and community risk reduction initiatives.
• Manages communications operations, including 911 intake and dispatching, 800 MHz radio systems, and E-911 infrastructure, ensuring proper maintenance, compliance, and operational reliability.
• Directs professional development, field training, and evaluation programs to maintain personnel readiness and certification standards.
• Investigates and resolves complaints, concerns, or questions related to personnel, departmental policies, or procedures.
• Reviews operations, equipment, and procedures to identify and implement improvements in efficiency, effectiveness, and safety; ensures accreditation, ISO, and industry standards are maintained.
• Responds to fire/rescue, technical rescue, hazardous materials, and all-hazards incidents as Incident Commander, Safety Officer, Division/Group Supervisor, firefighter, and/or paramedic, depending on qualifications and incident needs.
• Performs rotational on-call Duty Officer assignments to provide support for fire, rescue, and other emergency and non-emergency incidents, as required.
• Coordinates interdepartmental and interagency collaboration with hospitals, EMS agencies, health departments, law enforcement, state and local officials, and community partners.
• Prepares, administers, and monitors operating and capital budgets; oversees payroll validation, scheduling, procurement, and fiscal accountability.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and county regulations, including training, certification, controlled substance management, and communications system requirements.
• Attends professional meetings, conferences, and committees; delivers presentations and represents the department in public forums and interagency working groups.
• Provides technical guidance to support emergency planning, logistics, operations, and public safety initiatives across county departments.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to support departmental and county objectives.
• Bachelor's degree in business administration, risk management, public administration, emergency services, fire science, or a closely related field is highly desired (Masters' degree in related discipline is preferred); AND
• Seven (7) years of documented Fire and/or Rescue (EMS) management experience, including a minimum of four (4) years at the company officer level or equivalent; AND
• Five (5) years of full-time EMS operational experience within a fire-based EMS system.
• A comparable amount of education, training, and/or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications as determined by the County.

Licenses and/or Certifications

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Florida driver license upon offer of employment, with a driving record acceptable under the County's Driving Policy and insurance program.

• Possession and maintenance of the following certifications:

• Florida Firefighter II Standards Certification.

• Florida Fire Officer II Certification.

• National Registry and/or Florida Paramedic Certification. Must obtain and maintain Florida Paramedic certification prior to onboarding.

• Medical course certifications, as required by the Department and/or Medical Director, to include, but not limited to: Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification.

• Florida Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) Certification, or ability to obtain and maintain within six (6) months of hire as a condition of employment.

• Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Certification, or ability to obtain and maintain within six (6) months of hire as a condition of employment.

• Must meet and maintain the requirements for Career Firefighter II and Paramedic (PMD) as defined in Florida Statutes, as well as the medical and fitness requirements outlined in NFPA 1580:Standard for Emergency Responder Occupational Health and Wellness.

• Supplemental coursework and certifications in advanced firefighting procedures, fire instruction, and fire inspection are highly desirable.

• Knowledge of basic and advanced life support practices and procedures.

• Knowledge of operation, maintenance, and safe use of modern firefighting and EMS apparatus, vehicles, and related equipment.

• Knowledge of Bay County rules, regulations, policies, and procedures governing emergency services operations.

• Knowledge of fire hazards associated with various types of building construction and the storage or use of flammable and hazardous materials.

• Knowledge of accepted principles and practices of fire prevention, inspection, and public fire safety education.

• Knowledge of tactics, techniques, and strategies used in firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical operations.

• Knowledge of Fire and EMS administration, including management practices, personnel administration, and effective communication methods.

• Knowledge of arson detection and fire investigation procedures.

• Knowledge of E-911 and 800 MHz radio system operations and technology, including federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations governing communications systems.

• Knowledge of telephone and radio network systems, databases, and peripheral communications equipment used in E-911 and public safety radio systems.

• Knowledge of procedures and operational standards of other public safety agencies, including law enforcement, social services, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.

• Knowledge of project management principles and organizational planning techniques.

• Knowledge of basic principles and practices of letter writing, report preparation, and documentation.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, using clear, concise, and professional language.

• Ability to maintain reliable, full-time attendance and demonstrate professionalism in all interactions.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, subordinates, supervisors, and members of the public.

• Ability to perform advanced life support (ALS) procedures consistent with training and certification standards, including patient assessment, vital sign monitoring, CPR, medication administration, and other prehospital care activities.

• Ability to conduct and participate in firefighting operations safely and effectively in accordance with NFPA standards.

• Ability to remain calm and exercise sound judgment in stressful or emergency situations.

• Ability to prepare accurate and detailed fire, EMS, and operational reports.

• Ability to lead, manage, and evaluate personnel effectively, fostering teamwork and accountability.

• Ability to maintain the physical fitness and medical condition necessary to perform essential job functions, including successful completion of annual medical evaluations.

Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions

Work is primarily performed outdoors and requires some exposure to environmental changes (e.g., outdoor weather and/or field conditions, warehouses, garages, etc.) or irate customers, extreme noise, odors, heights and/or dust. The employee may be required to perform in high humidity and in elevated temperatures as well as limited access, enclosed spaces. While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information or skills; and interact with County staff, other organizations and the public.

Work is often performed in emergency and stressful situations. Individual is exposed to hearing alarms and hazards associated with fighting fires and rendering emergency medical assistance, including smoke, noxious odors, fumes, chemicals, liquid chemicals, solvents and oils.

This position requires some exposure or risk to physical health and/or physical safety (e.g., exposure to environmentally hazardous material, heavy equipment, etc.). This position requires the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and includes completing and successfully passing medical evaluations and/or clearances.

Stooping, sitting, crouching, walking, pulling, lifting, grasping, hearing, seeing up close, seeing far away, kneeling, reaching, pulling, talking, standing, finger movement, repetitive motions, depth perception. Ability to lift and carry patients weighing in excess of 250 pounds, with assistance, without causing harm or aggravating injuries to the patient or themselves. Lifts people and equipment of 100+ pounds; extensive, or considerable standing/walking; Lifts positions, pushes and/or transfers patients; lifts supplies/equipment; manual dexterity and mobility; intermittent exertion when performing treatments.

Special Requirements:

• Maintains on-call status 24 hours daily for all Department/Divisional-related issues.
• Work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts during emergencies, disasters, or staffing shortages.

Work Location

Remote Eligible - This position is assigned to a county worksite. However, in the sole discretion of Bay County BOCC, this position may be eligible for telework within the State of Florida.