WA – Chief of Operations – Bainbridge Island Fire Department – First Review: 08​/24​/2026

The Bainbridge Island Fire Department is looking for our next Chief of Operations, with a rank of Assistant Chief. This is an exempt, non-union position with a salary range of $184,140 – $204,600.

• 1. Please identify areas/services of the Bainbridge Island Fire Department (BIFD) that you are particularly interested in and why?
• 2. Please describe how your experience will be a benefit to the BIFD and how would you translate your experience to the current culture and operations of BIFD?
• 3. Why do you want to be the Chief of Operations at BIFD?

• Medical/Vision
• Dental
• Retirement
• FSA
• HRA
• STD/LTD
• Life Insurance
• Paid Holidays

Responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of all emergency response operations, including deployment, staffing, incident command systems, and operational readiness. This position serves as the Department’s primary authority on emergency operations and ensures effective service delivery.

The Chief of Operations reports directly to the Fire Chief. The Chief of Operations is the second highest-ranking officer in the Department.

This is a supervisory position. The Chief of Operations directly supervises the shift Battalion Chiefs, Chiefs of Training and EMS Divisions, and other assigned personnel on a day-to-day basis, developing annual goals and objectives and monitoring progress on a continual basis. The Chief of Operations provides direction and leadership to employees in all assigned program areas. May be assigned by the Fire Chief to act in the Fire Chief’s capacity during the Fire Chief’s absence.

• Directs emergency response operations and staffing across all hazards.
• Evaluates and ensures readiness, staffing, and operational effectiveness.
• Provides strategic direction and oversees the Chiefs of the Training Division and EMS Division.
• Oversees shift Battalion Chiefs and line personnel.
• Develops, maintains, and implements operational policies, procedures, and standards.
• Evaluates and implements action to ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws pertaining to operations.
• Make real-time operational decisions without prior approval.
• Participates in incident command at major incidents.
• Oversee deployment models and resource allocation, including coordination of mutual aid and regional response systems.
• Compiles and manages operations-related budget.
• Oversee hiring and promotional processes for suppression positions.
• Attends Board of Fire Commissioner meetings, as directed by the Fire Chief.
• Represents the Department at outside meetings pertaining to operational readiness and emergency response.
• Participates as a member of the labor-management team.
• Mentors and evaluates personnel, including recommendation and administration of applicable discipline.
• Commits to continuing education efforts (college, certifications, conferences, etc.) in job-related field to maintain knowledge on industry trends and best practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• 10 years progressive fire service experience.
• 5 years of progressive experience in a fire command position, e.g., Battalion Chief, Assistant Chief or Chief of Operations rank and/or company officer with program management experience, or as approved by the Fire Chief.
• A bachelor’s degree in fire or business administration or related field or a combination of education and experience as approved by the Fire Chief.
• Proven incident command experience at emergency scenes.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse individuals and groups including staff, volunteers, public officials, and…