Impress employers and recruiters.
Choose from hundreds of resume examples.

Impress employers and recruiters.
Choose from hundreds of resume examples.

Target Resume Now

About the Role

The Deputy Fire Chief, Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF), is a senior officer responsible for commanding emergency operations and maintaining operational readiness in a 24/7 aviation environment. This dual-function role combines operational emergency command with administrative oversight for firefighting readiness, regulatory compliance, and life safety.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the Commanding Officer of an assigned ARFF Command, exercising full-scope operational authority over personnel, apparatus, and emergency response activities.
• Required to respond to emergency incidents and assume Incident Command or Unified Command leadership in a DUTY capacity.
• Directs real-time operations involving aircraft rescue and firefighting, structural firefighting, hazardous materials mitigation, mass-casualty incidents, and airfield/aviation-related emergencies.
• Exercises independent command judgment and decision-making under high-risk conditions impacting life safety, responder safety, airport operational continuity, and regulatory compliance.
• Commands, coordinates, and integrates response operations with Port Authority Police, Airport Operations, Office of Emergency Management, mutual aid partners, and local, state, and federal agencies.
• Maintains continuous operational readiness of ARFF personnel, equipment, and apparatus to meet FAA Part 139 performance requirements.
• Operates within a 24/7/365 emergency response framework, requiring availability for nights, weekends, holidays, off-hour emergency activations, severe weather operations, and high-profile/security-sensitive events.
• Oversees staffing readiness, equipment readiness, and deployment posture.
• Supervises and directs ARFF personnel, including Fire Officers, Crew Chiefs (Sergeants), ARFF Police Officers, and Support staff.
• Maintains discipline, accountability, and operational effectiveness necessary for emergency response.
• Manages personnel matters as they directly relate to operational readiness and performance, including staffing, training compliance, fitness for duty, and response capability.
• Required to maintain active firefighting and incident command certifications.
• Ensures command and subordinate personnel maintain required certifications and readiness standards.
• Oversees and participates in emergency drills and timed response exercises, FAA compliance training, and multi-agency exercises.
• Ensures compliance with FAA Part 139 Airport Certification standards, Airport Emergency Plan requirements, Hazardous materials regulations (including Part 139.321), and applicable NFPA standards.
• Develops and implements policies, procedures, and standard operating guidelines to ensure operational readiness and effective emergency response.
• Oversees records management and reporting functions required for regulatory compliance, operational accountability, and emergency response documentation.
• Manages budget and resource planning to support operational readiness and deployment efficiency.

Requirements

• Minimum of Ten (10) years of full-time experience in ARFF operations.
• Fire service command experience.
• Minimum of 5 years supervisory experience as a Fire Officer.
• Demonstrated experience in incident command and emergency operations leadership.
• Comprehensive knowledge & experience of FAA ARFF regulations 14CFR (Part 139).
• Knowledge of fire suppression and rescue techniques.
• Knowledge of hazardous materials response.
• Knowledge of emergency management systems (NIMS/ICS 300,400).
• Must possess a United States valid driver's license.

Skills

• Fire Officer IV
• Fire Instructor III
• Firefighter I/II
• Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighter
• HAZ MAT Incident Commander
• FAA records management
• Fire suppression
• Rescue
• EMS
• Aircraft rescue and firefighting
• ARFF equipment and apparatus operation and maintenance
• Fire/rescue service management
• National Incident Management System (NIMS) functions
• Conflict resolution
• Decision-making
• Working with local, state, and federal agencies
• Supervision
• Training
• Performance evaluation

Location

• New York
• New Jersey

Work Type

• On-site
• Hybrid

Experience Level

• Senior
• 10 years of full-time experience in ARFF operations
• 5 years supervisory experience as a Fire Officer

Education Level

• ProBoard/IFSAC certifications

Salary/Compensations

• $132,964 - $212,758

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package
• Professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement

About the Company

• The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offers a competitive benefits package and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement.