Assistant Fire Chief, Aircraft Rescue Firefighting

Title

Description:

AVIATION – BUFFALO NIAGARA INTL. AIRPORT

Date Posted: 10/2/2026

Deadline: 10/23/2026

Job Number: 184-26-N

Hourly Rate: GRADE A $32.5367 - $33.8203

Union Status: AFCA

Supervises the daily operations of the Aircraft, Fire and Rescue Department during emergency and non-emergency situations.

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.

• Supervises subordinates.
• Conducts training classes.
• Compiles and maintains personnel records and evaluates each officer.
• Completes a schedule of all fire and safety-related inspections.
• Acts as on-scene commander during emergencies until relieved by a higher-ranking officer.
• Required to use computer aided incident management software programs during emergencies.
• Performs administrative duties.
• Performs written reports, work schedules, using computer aided software.
• Performs additional duties and tasks as required.

Knowledge of the principles of firefighting and emergency medical care; knowledge of airport operations and federal air regulations (FAR) 139; knowledge of organizational and administrative skills to develop fire, rescue and safety programs; ability to effectively supervise and direct subordinate personnel; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to exercise judgment, make decisions and function well under extreme pressure situations;

ability to work beyond the traditional work day or work week. Advanced computer skills, including the ability to use MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other fire related dispatch and incident management software programs during emergencies, prepare reports, and complete routine tasks are required.

Applicants must demonstrate through an unaided hearing test, the ability to meet the Hearing Standard for Firefighting Personnel Operating Emergency Vehicles on Aircraft Movement Areas. This requires no hearing loss in either ear of more than 25 decibels in the 500, 1000, or 2000 Hz ranges, and no hearing loss in these ranges of more than 20 decibels in the better ear when tested.

Must have visual acuity of at least 20/25 in each eye without corrective lenses or visual acuity separately corrected to 20/25 or better with corrective lenses and distant binocular acuity of at least 20/25 in both eyes with or without corrective lenses. Visual and binocular acuity must be at least 20/50 without corrective lenses. Field of vision must be at least 70° in the horizontal median in each eye.

Tasks may involve the intermittent performance of physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of reaching, bending, kneeling or squatting, and that may involve the lifting (up to 125 pounds), carrying (up to 125 pounds), pushing and/or pulling (125 pounds) of heavy objects and materials. May also involve the twisting of the upper body and the rotating of the wrists. Jobs involve standing 5-6 hours at one time and walking up to one hour at a time.

In performing duties, the incumbent may operate heavy equipment and wear protective gear.

Time is spent both in the firehouse, all the airport structures and in the field, which may involve exposure to emergency situations such as fire and hazardous materials.

High school diploma and five years’ experience as an NFTA Aircraft Rescue Firefighting Officer…