Job Description

SPOKANE VALLEY FIRE DEPARTMENT

Spokane Valley Fire Department has been designated by Washington Surveying and Rating Bureau (WSRB) as a WSRB Protection Class 2 for the entire Fire District, and is an accredited Agency by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), one of only a handful in the state of Washington. SVFD also recently the 2022 Heart Safe Community Award for being one of the safest places to live in the United States in the event of cardiac arrest, as SVFD’s cardiac survival rates are 50 percent higher than the national average. SVFD had a 2024 budget of $61.8 million and operates 10 fire stations, and a fleet maintenance and training center, an administration building, and employees close to 250 personnel.

The Ideal Candidate

SVFD is seeking a Deputy Fire Chief who is seasoned, a decisive administrator and an effective manager with command presence and experience. The Deputy Chief must demonstrate the ability to empower, develop and encourage others. An individual known for having outstanding communication skills and an approach characterized by professionalism, fairness, integrity, and openness, honesty, and transparency would do well in this position. The selected Deputy Chief will have experience working with diverse community and working a variety of groups at the neighborhood level. It is essential that the chosen candidate have a pro-active problem-solving approach to the position and be both willing and able to make difficult decisions when necessary.

Nature of Work

The Deputy Chief reports directly to the Fire Chief. Major responsibilities of the Deputy Chief include independent action and strategic planning for programs in Administration, Prevention, Information Services, Emergency Medical Services, Suppression, Training, Apparatus and Equipment, Maintenance, Facilities Management, and Community Relations. This work requires effective interpersonal relationship skills, communication skills, extensive managerial knowledge, effective teamwork, and independent decision making. Work is performed under the most general supervision and is evaluated primarily based on results achieved.

Please go to: Spokanevalleyfire.com/join-us/

Application, resume, cover letter, answers to supplemental questions, and military preference percentage affidavit, if applicable submitted to Employment@Spokanevalleyfire.com

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

See full job Description and Posting at Spokanevalleyfire.com/join-us/

Click here to view the job brochure.

Knowledge of:

• Federal and state laws pertaining to Fire Service;
• NFPA standards and other fire protection codes and standards;
• Fire Department equipment and operation;
• The principles, methods, and practices of government finance, budgeting, and accounting;
• Community organizations and their needs;
• Organizational change and its effect on behavior and culture;
• Municipal administration challenges and their solutions;
• Research techniques, methods, and procedures;

Ability to:

• Effectively implement the National Incident Management System (NIMS);
• Analyze, interpret, and report research findings and recommendations;
• Read and comprehend complex legal, regulatory, procedural, policy material;
• Speak effectively and clearly in all situations, including individual communication; public speaking in small groups and informal or impromptu meetings;
• Provide effective leadership;
• Provide direction in stressful situations and resolve conflict;
• Resolve customer or citizen complaints;
• Work cooperatively with other government entities and the public;
• Produce written documents with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar;
• Work safely in both emergency and non-emergency environments.

To be eligible to apply for and hold one of these positions:

• Must have proof of eligibility for employment in the United Sates
• Must have a valid state driver’s license
• Be able to communicate the English language clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Strong interpersonal skills
• EXTERNAL CANDIDATES – Must have held a permanent position as a Chief Officer for a minimum of five (5) years in an all-risk fire department or public safety agency.
• INTERNAL CANDIDATES – Must have held a permanent position as Chief Officer for a minimum of three (3) years, with at least two (2) years working as a Division Chief. Internal candidates who do not meet the qualifications/requirements as an Internal Candidate but meet the qualifications/requirements of an external candidate, may apply.
• A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university is required.
• The ability to obtain EFO/CFO/FM and/or master’s degree is desired

Salary and Benefits

• $213,202.80 annually upon employment; $224,424.00 annually after successfully completing six (6) months of employment
• Vacation – 22 hours/month
• Sick Leave – 12 hours/month
• Holiday Pay –116 hours/year (prorated based on date of hire)
• Bereavement Leave – Up to 40 hrs.
• Medical Insurance – Employee covered in full; minimal employee monthly portion out of pocket for dependent coverage.
• Dental Insurance – Department pay up to $130.00 monthly.
• Life Insurance – $50,000 death benefit for employee
• Retirement – Enrollment in LEOFF;
• Deferred Comp – The department will match the employee’s contribution up to 2.5% of salary

Application Requirements

Please go to: Spokanevalleyfire.com/join-us/

Application, resume, cover letter, answers to supplemental questions, and military preference percentage affidavit, if applicable submitted to Employment@Spokanevalleyfire.com

Application Packets

The position will be open for recruitment as of Wednesday May 21, 2025 and close on Friday, July 18, 2025. Packets must be emailed on or before 4:00pm on July 18, 2025 to Employment@spokanevalleyfire.com

Tagged as: Washington Firefighter Jobs

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