Airport Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting; ARFF) Assistant Chief

Typical duties performed, include, but are not limited to oversight of daily operations to ensure alignment with departmental objectives and organizational priorities. Dependent upon service area, may manage and direct staff to maintain efficient workflows, ensuring productivity and high-quality outcomes. Develop, implement, and evaluate operational strategies, procedures, and best practices to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Monitor performance metrics and identify opportunities for process improvement.

Collaborate with leadership and cross-functional teams to support departmental initiatives. Perform other job-related duties as required.

Bachelor’s degree required. Substitution:
Two (2) years of any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may substitute for each year of college education lacking. Six (6) years of full-time management experience required. Four (4) years of demonstrated leadership experience. Strong critical thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to identify process inefficiencies and implement effective solutions. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Valid State of Ohio Driver’s License required.

• Certified Airport Master Firefighter (A.M.F.) from AAAE preferred.
• Certified Member (CM) or Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) from AAAE preferred.
• Proficient in FAR Part 139 requirements.
• Certification as a Fire Inspector based on NFPA standards is preferred.
• Contract preparation and management knowledge preferred.

• Responds to the airport 24/7 for airport emergencies including accidents, incidents, and aircraft emergency response. Act on behalf of the Airport ARFF Chief in their absence or as directed.
• Review and recommend updates to the Airport Emergency Plan (AEP) pursuant to FAR Part 139 covering Cleveland Airport System’s response to aircraft incidents and accidents, bomb incidents, structural fires, natural disaster, radiological incidents, sabotage or hijack incidents, power failure in aircraft movement area lighting, water rescue, and other such emergencies.
• Interprets FAA and NTSB regulations, advisory circulars, and National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) standards pertaining to aircraft fire operations and determines procedures and policies accordingly.
• Keeps abreast of the FAA Part 139 Airport Certification as it pertains to ARFF operations, training and certification requirements.
• Ensures maintenance of apparatus and equipment, activities log, and other written reports of subordinates.
• Collaborates with team to develop, maintain and implement Standard Operating Guidelines for all work functions within Aircraft Rescue Firefighting. Works collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to develop and implement plans and policies for the ARFF Section and pertaining to all matters of public safety.
• Is responsible for hiring, development and performance of the assigned staff. Develops and monitors employee goals, counsels and coaches, instructs and evaluates employees, initiates and enforces disciplinary actions, and informs the Chief of Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting of performance or operational issues as they arise.
• Conducts succession planning and develops high performing individuals to prepare them for additional leadership responsibilities that require business continuity (e.g. leading, Part 139 regulatory requirements, protocols and tacit job knowledge).
• Assists with budget development, prepares funding proposals and is responsible for section procurements including ordering supplies/materials, services, manages requisitions and payments, and monitors contracts for compliance with terms and specifications.
• Promotes and ensures compliance with occupational health and safety management policies, procedures, and programs to minimize employee accidents and to promote a safe work environment. Prepares accident and injury reports as necessary.
• Performs other related duties as required.

The City's guiding principles are as follows:
Placing Clevelanders at the Center, Empowering Employees to Do Purposeful Work, Defining Clear and Pragmatic Objectives, Leading with Trust and Transparency, Striving for Equity in All We Do, and Embracing Change. All City employees are responsible for embracing and carrying out these principles in all that they do.