Department:
Emergency Services
Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.
The Sarasota County Fire Department is growing, and we are excited to announce that we are adding another Assistant Fire Chief of Operations! This Monday – Friday position offers the chance to play a vital role in protecting lives, supporting our teams, and strengthening public safety. It combines the impact of serving the community with the stability of an excellent work-life balance, advancement opportunities, education reimbursement, and comprehensive benefits.
We’re more than just a fire department — we’re a team that invests in the career growth of every employee. Here, all voices matter, collaboration is valued, and your contributions directly shape the future of our services. Whether overseeing daily operations, managing personnel, or driving improvements that support our growing community, you’ll have the opportunity to grow as a leader while making a lasting difference. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career with a department that prioritizes both service and professional development, apply today!
About the Position
In this role, you will play a critical role in advancing our mission to protect lives, property, and community well-being. This position offers the opportunity to lead dedicated teams, shape operational strategies, and drive innovation in fire and emergency services. If you’re passionate about leadership, collaboration, and service, we invite you to bring your expertise to our team.
General Responsibilities
Respond to emergency scenes and assume the appropriate position based on the emergency's need and the incident's complexity.
Lead and mentor personnel in assigned areas such as Logistics, Operations, EMS, Special Programs, or Training.
Oversee daily operations to ensure readiness, safety, and effective emergency response.
Manage scheduling, promotions, investigations, grievances, and disciplinary actions in compliance with policies and labor agreements.
Ensure accurate fire incident reporting and timely submissions to the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Direct budget planning, purchasing, and resource allocation; align expenditures with strategic priorities and explore funding opportunities.
Partner with county leaders to enhance services, address community growth, and build interdepartmental collaboration.
Drive continuous improvement through data analysis, quality programs, and process enhancements for emergency operations.
Support training initiatives and represent the department in community outreach, promoting fire prevention and public awareness.
Administrative Functions
Contribute to the Fire Department’s strategic, master, and accreditation plans, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
Assist in developing and implementing policies, procedures, and operational strategies; ensure consistent communication and compliance across the department.
Collaborate across departments and serve on committees such as Labor Relations, Safety, Apprenticeship, and Wellness-Fitness.
Work with fellow Assistant Fire Chiefs to evaluate operational needs, recommend equipment, and support budget development.
Prepare reports and provide recommendations on operational, fiscal, and strategic matters to the Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chiefs.
Oversee audits, risk assessments, and fraud prevention to strengthen accountability and compliance.
Support labor negotiations and collective bargaining efforts.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Fire Chief or Deputy Fire Chiefs.
About the Schedule
Work Hours:
Full-Time, Typical Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The work schedule may vary based on departmental needs. Personnel working under the working title of Assistant Fire Chief may be assigned by the Fire Chief or his/her designee to work 24-hour Shifts (56-Hour Work Week) or 40-Hour Work Week within the fire department.
As a reminder, all county employees are considered essential and must be prepared to protect and support the community and its citizens. Each employee, without exception, will have a duty assignment and be required to work during a disaster or declared emergency.
About You
To be considered for this role, you must have the following:
Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Emergency Management, Fire Science, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field, and experience in fire administration, emergency medical services work, and/or fire operations command responsibilities. (Work experience must include a minimum of one (1) year as a battalion chief or equivalent, or a minimum of four (4) years as a captain or equivalent, or a combination thereof totaling a minimum of four (4) years.)
OR: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Emergency Management, Fire Science, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field, and experience in fire administration, emergency medical services work, and/or fire operations command responsibilities. (Work experience must include a minimum of two (2) years as a battalion chief or equivalent, or a minimum of six (6) years as a captain or equivalent, or a combination thereof totaling a minimum of six (6) years.)
Valid Florida driver's license or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
Florida Minimum Standards Firefighter Certification or the ability to obtain within 18 months of hire (required for FRS Special Risk).
Florida Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic Certification or the ability to obtain within 18 months of hire (required for FRS Special Risk).
Florida Fire Officer II Certification (or Fire Officer I Certification if obtained prior to November 18, 2013) or the ability to obtain within 18 months of hire (required for FRS Special Risk).
The ideal candidate has the following knowledge, skills, and/or abilities:
Please note that these are not requirements but bonuses for your consideration.
National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer designation and/or Chief Fire Officer designation.
NIMS Incident Command Position Certifications: I-100, I-200, I-300, I-400, I-700, and I-800.
Proven leadership and management experience in fire services, including operations in fire, EMS, and special programs.
Strong communication, relationship-building, and collaboration skills with internal teams, partner agencies, and the community.
Skilled in resource management, independent decision-making, and adapting effectively to challenges or feedback.
Proficient with standard office technology and Microsoft 365 tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, etc.).
Subject to Passing Substance Screening: This position is subject to passing a pre-employment substance screening. An applicant who fails to pass a required drug screening test shall be disqualified from employment for a period of five years.
Physical Demands: Employees in this role must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
CJIS Clearance: The successful candidate will be subject to an extensive background check(s) as part of the hiring process.
About Everything Else
Starting Pay Rate: $135,000.00 (FRS Non-Special Risk), $145,000.00 (FRS Special Risk)
Our interview process could include phone interview(s), Microsoft Teams video interview(s), and/or in-person interview(s).
If you are selected to join our team, please click on this link to review the Required First Day Documents. You will need to present the following items on your first day:
1. I-9 Acceptable Documents to show your identity and authorization to work. Use this link to learn more and review the different document options: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
- If your position requires a Florida Driver’s License, this must be one of your documents. (Your Florida Driver’s License can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List B Documents.)
2. U.S. Social Security Card (signed, physical card). This is a requirement of our Payroll Department and failure to provide this document could jeopardize timely compensation. (Your U.S. Social Security Card can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List C Documents.)
Benefits:
- 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! Choose one of three great medical plans, including one with a $0 premium option, with completed preventative visits!
- For more information about employee benefits, please click this link or visit SCGov.net for additional information.
- Utilize our award-winning wellness program including free gyms 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!)
A different blend of voices prompt better conversations, choices and results for everyone. Sarasota County – Many Voices, One Team.
We celebrate and value the experiences, backgrounds, perspectives, talents and strengths that make us different.
Our vision is to attract, develop, retain and engage a talented workforce broadly representative of the citizens and communities we serve. To further value creativity, innovation, collaboration and great customer service – internally and externally.
A job applicant with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation to participate in the application/selection process is requested to make known the need for an accommodation to Human Resources or appropriate county staff members. For assistance with the application, please call 941-861-5353.
Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at scgov.net (keywords: ADA Compliance).
Sarasota County Government is a Tobacco-Free/Drug-Free Workplace.
Operations & Logistics (2)