Fire-Rescue Deputy Chief

About Us:

Welcome aboard the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority team, where our work environment resembles a well-oiled aviation crew. As operators of the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, we connect central and eastern North Carolina to people and places that matter the most, serving 14.5 million passengers in 2023 and supporting over 85,000 local and regional jobs with a $17 billion annual economic impact. Here, accountability and collaboration are our navigational beacons, guiding us through every task with precision and teamwork. Picture yourself as a vital member of our crew, each role crucial to ensuring smooth operations and safe passage for all. Like a pre-flight checklist, we take workplace safety seriously, conducting thorough pre-hire drug, background, and fingerprint checks to ensure a secure environment for every team member. Whether you're stationed indoors, orchestrating behind the scenes, or outdoors, feeling the rush of the runway, you'll find a supportive atmosphere where your contributions make a real difference. We are committed to delivering excellent airport services, state-of-the-art facilities, and unparalleled customer service, earning a Top Five ranking in passenger satisfaction among large North American Airports in a 2023 J.D. Power survey. At RDU, we believe in investing in our people with a comprehensive benefits package for full-time positions, including professional growth and development opportunities. Join us in this high-flying adventure where accountability, collaboration, and safety are the wings that propel us toward success—watch your career soar with RDU!

About You:

You embody core values that will play a pivotal role in connecting our community to places and the people who matter most. Your commitment to continuous learning will drive innovation and growth, while your unwavering integrity ensures that our brand remains trustworthy and reputable. Your respect for colleagues and clients alike fosters a collaborative and positive environment. Your dedication to excellence in every task you undertake will elevate our brand’s standards. Lastly, your team spirit will unite our efforts and amplify our collective success.

About the Role:

Step into the cockpit of leadership as our next Airport Fire Rescue Deputy Chief—where strategy meets action on the front lines of aviation safety. In this role, you’ll help chart the course and keep our Airport Fire Department mission-ready at all times. From aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) operations to structural firefighting, technical rescue, and emergency medical services, you’ll ensure every response takes off with precision and lands safely.

As Deputy Chief, you’ll serve as both air traffic control and co-pilot—managing daily operations, organizing resources, and guiding crews through high-pressure situations with calm, decisive leadership. You’ll review and prepare incident reports with a keen eye for detail, ensuring every call becomes a learning opportunity that strengthens our department’s performance. You’ll also help steer the department’s future by supervising and mentoring assigned personnel, fostering a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement. Working alongside command staff, you’ll assist in developing and managing the departmental budget and overseeing purchasing activities—making sure our crews have the tools and equipment they need to respond at a moment’s notice.

Compensation:

Maximum – Based on experience

Minimum - $90,928.44

What You’ll Do:

• Supervises and plans daily work schedule for crew, and schedules, organizes, and maintains records of required training for staff.


• Prepares performance appraisals, counsels' employees on performance issues, holds disciplinary meetings as needed,


• Serves as Incident Commander and directs firefighting, crash, and rescue efforts.


• Prepares and reviews reports and activities on all fires, accidents, and emergencies.


• Supervises the cleaning and maintenance of stations, trucks, equipment, and grounds.


• Meets with internal and external customers and provides community outreach.


• Supports the development of the department's operational budget.


• Provides input into departmental policies and procedures, participates in the procurement process, and implements Authority and departmental policies/procedures and Standard Operating Guidelines.


• Maintains awareness of security concerns on the airfield and reports concerns; checks the airfield for debris, malfunctioning lights, and other hazards; and reports to the proper agency.


• The role may serve as Fire Chief in their absence


• As needed, fills an EOC Section Chief or Branch Director role for specific types of airport emergencies in collaboration with additional airport staff.


• Performs additional related work as required or assigned.

What You Need:

Education

Required:

•  Associate degree in fire protection, fire service management, public administration or related field OR equivalent related work experience

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in fire service management, public administration or related field


• Airport Master Firefighter (AMF)

Experience:

Required:

• 5 years of experience in Airport Firefighting at a medium level airport OR 7 years at an airport of smaller size.


• 3 year of supervisory experience

Preferred:

• 7 years of experience in Airport Firefighting at a medium level airport OR 9 years at an airport of smaller size.


• 5 years of supervisory experience

 Licenses or Certifications:

Required:

• Valid NC Class B Driver’s License


• Nationally Registered EMT, with ability to obtain North Carolina credentialing within 60 days of start


• Firefighter II and Hazardous Materials Operations, accredited by IFSAC, Pro Board, or the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal (or equivalent)


• NIMS/ICS: 100, 200, 700, and 800


• Fire Instructor I (NC, IFSAC, or Pro Board), or equivalent


• Fire Officer II (NC, IFSAC, or Pro Board), or ability to obtain within 24 months of hire

Preferred:

• Fire Officer III (IFSAC/Pro Board or equivalent)


• Fire Officer IV (IFSAC/Pro Board or equivalent)


• Fire Instructor II (IFSAC/Pro Board or equivalent)


• Fire Inspector II (IFSAC/Pro Board or equivalent)

Location:

On-site RDU Airport Campus

RDU Benefits:

At the Authority, we appreciate you and care about your health, happiness, and future. Our benefits start on day one, including medical, dental, vision, tuition assistance, employee discounts, and perks like an on-site gym, a dedicated wellness team, and frequent company and team outings. For a full list of benefit offerings, check out the RDU.com Careers Page.

*A detailed job description will be provided during the interview process.