Chief Deputy of Operations - Chief Dep State Fire Marshal

Working Title: Chief Deputy of Operations

Job Class: Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal

Agency: Public Safety Dept

• Job
• Location:
  
  St. Paul
• Telework Eligible:
  Yes
• Full/Part Time:
  Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary:
  Unlimited
• Who May Apply:
  Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 06/19/2026
• Closing Date: 07/09/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit:
  Public Safety Dept / Public Safety-Managerial
• Division/Unit:
  Fire Marshal / FIRE MARSHAL MGMT
• Work Shift/
  
  Work Hours:
  
  Day Shift
• Days of Work:
  Monday
  - Friday
• Travel Required:
  
  Yes - 30%
• Salary Range: $47.38 - $68.02 / hourly; $98,929 - $142,025 / annually
• Classified Status:
  Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
• FLSA Status:
  Exempt
  - Executive
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities:
  Yes

This position will have the option of teleworking; however, it will be based on the business needs of the unit and is at supervisory discretion. We are currently in a hybrid work environment.

This position is headquartered in St. Paul and includes use of a state vehicle and requires residency in Minnesota or an adjoining county in a neighboring state.

This position serves as one of two Chief Deputy State Fire Marshals with primary oversight and direction over the fire investigations, state emergency response teams, data and education, and fire service support teams within the State Fire Marshal (SFM) division. It is a member of the SFM senior leadership and management team that includes the state fire marshal, chief deputies, MBFTE Executive Director, and SFM business manager.

Responsibilities also include formulation and interpretation of division policy, management of assigned teams, purchasing and other financial matters, and coordination of human resource functions. The role has considerable latitude to perform within broad guidelines established by the state fire marshal and has the authority to act on behalf of the state fire marshal in their absence.

• Four years of supervisory experience including hiring, firing, discipline, performance management, and workforce management.
• Two years of experience in program management, business process improvement, and policy development.
• One year of experience managing and developing budgets.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate to the public, colleagues, stakeholders, and elected public officials.
• Previous experience working with the Minnesota State Fire Code or International Fire Code, national standards (e.g., NFPA), and their application, and a thorough knowledge of the basic principles and methods of fire safety and prevention programs.
• Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

• Associate’s degree in public administration, business administration, fire service administration, or closely related field.
• Previous experience in delivery and/or development of fire/life safety education.
• IAAI Certification in fire investigations (e.g., IAAI-FIT, IAAI-CFI).
• IFSAC or Pro Board certification as a Fire Inspector I or higher.
• Knowledge of fire ground or other related emergency incident operations.
• Knowledge of fire department or other related emergency services field operations.
• Previous experience working with State Emergency Response Assets (e.g., Chemical Assessment Teams, USAR, MART, Bomb Squads).

Requires occasionally moving and transporting articles such as file boxes and heavy hand tools or heavier materials with help from others, and moving and transporting light objects frequently. Requires occasional work in a variety of outdoor environments, varying temperatures and weather conditions at fire investigation scenes and active fire, wildfire, or hazardous materials incidents.

Successful completion of the following background investigation is required:

• Criminal history check
• Reference checks
• Driver’s license history
• Drug screening

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low‑cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted…