About the Role
The Deputy Fire Chief, Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF), serves as a senior fire service officer responsible for the command and control of emergency operations and the maintenance of continuous operational readiness within a 24/7 aviation environment.
This position is a dual-function fire service role, combining primary operational emergency command responsibilities with administrative oversight necessary to sustain firefighting readiness, regulatory compliance, and life safety operations.
The Deputy Fire Chief is operationally integrated into front-line ARFF response and is required to respond to and command emergency incidents involving aircraft emergencies, structural fires, hazardous materials, and other high-risk events.
Administrative functions performed within this role are executed in direct support of operational effectiveness, emergency preparedness, and regulatory compliance, and are subordinate to the primary mission of emergency response.
The Deputy Chief reports directly to the ARFF Chief of Department within the Department of Aviation. The ARFF Deputy Chief provides direct supervision and leadership to the local ARFF Battalion Chief, ARFF Police Sergeants, ARFF Police Officer, and administrative personnel. This role ensures operational coordination across fire, police, and administrative functions, maintains regulatory compliance, and supports the ARFF Chief in strategic and day to day management of the division.
Responsibilities
1. Operational Command and Emergency Response (Primary Function)
- 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, Airfield and aviation-related emergencies
- Exercises independent command judgment and decision-making under high-risk conditions impacting: Life safety, Responder safety, Airport operational continuity, Regulatory compliance
- Commands, coordinates, and integrates response operations with:
- Port Authority Police, Airport Operations, Office of Emergency Management, Mutual aid partners, Local, state, and federal agencies
2. Continuous Operational Readiness (24/7/365 Obligation)
- 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, and holidays, Off-hour emergency activations, Severe weather operations, High-profile and security-sensitive events
- Oversees: Staffing readiness, Equipment readiness, Deployment posture
3. Personnel Command and Operational Supervision
- Supervises and directs ARFF personnel, including Fire Officers, Crew Chiefs (Sergeants), ARFF Police Officers, 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, Response capability
4. Operational Proficiency
- 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, Multi-agency exercises
Maintenance of fire service certifications is a condition of employment and operational necessity of the position.
5. Regulatory Compliance and Operational Integration
- Ensures compliance with: FAA Part 139 Airport Certification standards, Airport Emergency Plan requirements, Hazardous materials regulations (including Part 139.321), Applicable NFPA standards
6. Administrative Responsibilities (In Direct Support of Operations)
- 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, Emergency response documentation
- Manages budget and resource planning to support operational readiness and deployment efficiency
Minimum Qualifications
- 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)
- Fire suppression and rescue techniques
- Hazardous materials response
- Emergency management systems (NIMS/ICS 300,400)
- Must possess a United States valid driver's license
Desired Qualifications
- Maintain one or more of the following professional accreditations: (ProBoard/IFSAC) fire certifications as Fire Officer IV, Fire Instructor III, Firefighter I/II, Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighter and HAZ MAT Incident Commander;
- Principles and practices of FAA records management;
- Demonstrated skill in fire suppression, rescue and EMS;
- Knowledge of firefighting and lifesaving techniques, methods and principles of aircraft rescue and structural firefighting, fire prevention and fire investigation;
- Extensive experience in aircraft rescue and firefighting strongly preferred;
- Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of ARFF equipment and apparatus.
- Demonstrated leadership and administrative ability with extensive knowledge of modern fire/rescue service management;
- Demonstrated experience in a position that fulfills National Incident Management System (NIMS) functions;
- An ability to effectively work with and manage individuals from diverse professional backgrounds;
- Strong conflict resolution and decision-making skills;
- An ability to work constructively with local, state, and federal agencies;
- Knowledge of principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
Selection Process
The application process varies by position, but typically includes an initial phone interview for qualified candidates, followed by a more in-depth interview(s) and/or assessment(s). Selected candidates who are made a conditional job offer will be asked to undergo a background check.
Compensation, Benefits & On-Site Collaboration Requirements:
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offers a competitive benefits package and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement. Click here for more information about benefits, our culture, and career development opportunities.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey anticipates that the actual salary offered to a successful candidate will depend on aspects such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and internal factors. The expected compensation range for this role is:
Minimum: $132,964 Midpoint: $172,867 Maximum: $212,758
In accordance with Port Authority policy, this position permits employees to work remotely a maximum of one day per week, subject to operational and business needs.
