OHTFOperations Chief

The Operations Chief (OC) is a position within the management structure of Ohio Task Force One (OH‑TF1 or Task Force). This position is the management position over the OH‑TF1 Task Force Leaders (TFLs), who are the managers of each of their assigned Task Force teams. However, this position is not a long‑term position on OH‑TF1. The person hired full‑time to the OC position will work with the TFLs and report to the Program Manager (PM).

However, this position is primarily used to educate the person to become the PM of OH‑TF1. It is anticipated that the Operations Chief will become the PM within 1 to 1.5 years. The discussion below on the OC’s responsibilities and duties of the OC includes much of the PM’s responsibilities and duties, as the OC will be promoted to the PM position if their commitment and work performance meet the Task Force’s needs.

The OC is responsible for managing Task Force Leaders, the operational capability of the 20 Task Force team positions, and ensuring that:

• The TFLs manage and work with their team managers.
• The TFLs organize and attend their team trainings and exercises.
• The TFLs ensure the health, safety, and deployability of their team members.
• Works directly with the PM to learn and become the PM of the Task Force.

The OC is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Miami Valley Fire/EMS Alliance (MVFEA) Executive Committee and under the overall supervision of the OH‑TF1 Sponsoring Agency Chief (SAC). Still, he or she reports to the Task Force Program Manager, who is responsible for assignments and monitoring work quality.

The OC is the direct supervisor of the Task Force’s TFLs.

• Work directly with the PM to learn, understand, and demonstrate the ability to do the duties of the PM.
• Attend with the PM, FEMA US&R, Ohio EMA, and other meetings.
• Attend with the PM, FEMA US&R, Ohio EMA, and other webinar meetings.
• Attend with the PM, working with the Task Force’s Participating Agencies to learn what the responsibilities of the Participating Agencies are, how to do deployment reimbursements with the Participating Agencies, and how to update the Participating Agency MOU.
• Attend with the PM, to learn what the FEMA yearly Phase I Self Evaluation is, how to complete it, and then the FEMA Administrative Readiness Evaluation (ARE) Site Visit.
• Attend with the PM, meetings, and duties with the Ohio EMA to learn about Ohio’s ESF‑9 concept, how Ohio will activate OH‑TF1 for an instate disaster, and how Ohio may deploy OH‑TF1 per EMAC.
• Attend with the PM, meetings, and duties with the Ohio Legislature to learn about OH‑TF1’s state funding and how to ensure the Task Force continues to get the support.
• Attend with the PM, working with the additional Task Force staff to learn about their duties and requirements.
• Attend with the PM, to learn about and work on current changes to the FEMA US&R System and what may be coming.
• Attend with the PM, to conduct yearly Task Force staff evaluations and pay raises.

This is a full‑time, exempt position working 40 hours per week. Significant travel is required to attend local, state, and federal meetings, conferences, and training sessions. As a minimum, this person should expect to travel five to ten weeks per year, but there could be slightly more or fewer trips depending on any changes to the FEMA US&R System.

Starting compensation will be $64,000 to $84,000 annually based upon experience, plus benefits and health insurance.

Education

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, Management, Emergency Management/Homeland Security, or a related field is preferred.
• Post‑graduate degree is strongly desired. In lieu of graduate education, National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer, Post Naval Graduate School Executive Leaders Program, and similar will be considered.

Required

• The Operations Chief shall maintain deployability with OH‑TF1, or become a deployable member of the Task Force within 12 months of hire or as soon as possible thereafter.
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills.
• Experience developing strategic direction and determining work plans.
• Experience…