Fire Chief - Airport

Job Summary: 

This position supports the Airbus Mobile Manufacturing Site facility in Mobile, Alabama. The Fire Chief / Project Manager serves as the senior leader of the contracted fire and emergency services operation, with full responsibility for the administration, performance, and compliance of all fire, rescue, emergency medical, and hazardous materials response services provided to Airbus. This position reports directly to the Airbus Fire Services Manager and serves as the primary point of contact between RM Fire and the Airbus client. The Fire Chief provides strategic direction and oversight of all operational, administrative, budgetary, and personnel functions within the fire department, ensuring continuous 24/7/365 emergency readiness in a complex aviation manufacturing environment. A significant portion of time is dedicated to program management, contract compliance, staffing, budget oversight, policy development, Airbus stakeholder coordination, and overall quality assurance of fire and life safety operations.

 

Examples of What You Will Do:

• Serve as the senior operational and administrative commander of the RM Fire operation at Airbus Mobile Manufacturing Site; provide strategic and tactical oversight of all shift operations, personnel, apparatus, and program functions.
• Report directly to the Airbus Fire Services Manager; serve as the primary liaison between RM Fire and Airbus on all matters related to fire and emergency services, contract performance, and life safety compliance.
• Assume or delegate incident command for major, complex, or multi-agency emergency incidents on the Airbus campus; ensure all operations comply with NIMS/ICS protocols and Airbus emergency procedures.
• Oversee full contract compliance for the RM Fire services agreement; monitor performance metrics, prepare and present regular operational reports, and proactively identify and resolve issues affecting service delivery.
• Direct all personnel management functions including recruiting, hiring, onboarding, scheduling, performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and professional development for all fire department staff; maintain adequate staffing levels across all shifts at all times.
• Develop, implement, and maintain the department training program in accordance with NFPA standards and Airbus requirements; ensure all personnel maintain required certifications and licenses; oversee participation in joint drills and exercises with EHS and Airbus on-site medical services.
• Manage the departmental budget; oversee procurement of apparatus, equipment, PPE, and supplies; ensure fiscal accountability in accordance with RM and Airbus contractual requirements.
• Develop, review, and update department standard operating procedures (SOPs), policies, and the Airbus Mobile Emergency Action Plan; ensure all policies align with applicable NFPA standards, OSHA regulations, and Airbus requirements.
• Oversee the apparatus and equipment maintenance program; ensure all vehicles and equipment are inspection-ready and fully operational at all times; coordinate repairs and out-of-service replacements.
• Direct the fire prevention and inspection program; ensure scheduled inspections of all life safety systems (fire extinguishers, hydrants, fire doors, FDCs, PIVs, AEDs, suppression systems) are completed and accurately documented in the electronic database accessible to Airbus.
• Ensure compliance with confined space rescue requirements (OSHA 1910.146) for aircraft fuel tank operations; maintain program documentation and verify quarterly drill completion.
• Coordinate ARFF standby coverage for all engine start, flight test, and fueling/defueling operations in accordance with NFPA 403 and Airbus procedures.
• Act as the departmental point of contact for all regulatory agencies, mutual aid partners, and Airbus EHS and safety leadership; represent the fire department in Airbus safety committee meetings and program reviews.
• Maintain situational awareness of all departmental operations; respond to the scene of significant emergency incidents; provide command support and after-action review.
• Ensure prompt and accurate completion of all required incident reports, inspection records, training documentation, and contractual deliverables; submit reports to the Airbus Fire Services Manager on the schedule established in the services agreement.
• This position requires on-call availability and may require response outside of normal business hours to major incidents or operational emergencies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Minimum Requirements

• Must be a high school graduate or possess a GED certificate. Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Emergency Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible fire service experience, including at least three (3) years in a fire department command or management role (Chief Officer level or equivalent), is required. Background investigation and pre-employment drug screening is conducted.
• Must have NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800. Incident Command System (ICS) proficiency at the complex/multi-agency level required.
• Must be certified as an NFPA 1001 Firefighter II in Alabama or have ability to obtain reciprocity.
• Fire Officer II or higher certification (NFPA 1021) required, or ability to obtain within 12 months of hire.
• Must be certified to the NFPA 472, Hazardous Materials-Operations in Alabama or have ability to obtain reciprocity. Must meet the normative requirements of NFPA 600 (Industrial Fire Brigades), NFPA 1710, and NFPA 460 for industrial fire brigade operations.
• Must be certified as an NFPA 1003 Airport Firefighter by the State of Alabama, IFSAC, or Pro-Board, with current annual live-fire burn. ARFF vehicle operations per NFPA 414 required.
• Must be certified as an Alabama EMT-Basic (or higher) at time of hire or have the ability to obtain within 6 months. Must maintain EMS certification for the duration of employment.
• Demonstrated experience in contract or project management, including budget oversight, reporting, and client relations, is required. Experience managing contracted fire or emergency services operations is strongly preferred.
• Valid driver license with acceptable driving record in accordance with company policy. DUI within last 5 years is disqualifying.
• Must pass company background / criminal history records check.

 

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