Director of Fire Protection Services

Department Contact:Andy Bowen

Internal or External Search:External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary:The Director of Fire Protection Services provides executive leadership for a comprehensive all-hazards fire department serving a major university campus and surrounding communities. This position oversees fire suppression emergency medical services rescue operations fire prevention emergency preparedness public education and risk reduction while leading personnel managing budgets and ensuring operational excellence and regulatory compliance. Serving as a Deputy Chief within the Doña Ana County Fire Rescue structure the Director collaborates with university leadership and regional partners to enhance emergency preparedness organizational resilience and continuity of operations. The ideal candidate is a proven fire service leader with exceptional strategic operational and organizational leadership skills and a commitment to delivering high-quality emergency services in a higher education environment.

PositionTitle: Director of Fire Protection Services

College/Division: Presidents Office

Department: 500425-FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate: $100000

Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0

FLSA Status:Exempt

Bargaining Unit Announcement: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Contingent Upon Funding:Not Applicable

Standard Work Schedule:Shift: Other Shift

If Not a Standard Work Schedule:Regular Hours will be Mon - Fri 8 to 5 but may require alternate hours based on staffing and critical incidents

Job Duties and Responsibilities: The Director serves as the chief executive responsible for the leadership administration strategic direction and operational readiness of Fire Protection Services. The Director of Fire Protection Services plans organizes directs and evaluates all fire suppression emergency medical services rescue operations fire prevention emergency preparedness public education and related public safety functions. The position develops and implements departmental goals policies procedures and performance standards to ensure the delivery of effective efficient and professional emergency services that protect life property and the continuity of university operations.

The Director of Fire Protection Services provides overall leadership for department personnel including workforce planning recruitment training employee development performance management discipline and succession planning. The position fosters a culture of safety accountability professionalism and continuous improvement while ensuring compliance with applicable laws regulations accreditation standards and university policies. The Director of Fire Protection Services directs the development and administration of departmental operating and capital budgets manages financial resources evaluates staffing and equipment needs and develops long-range plans for facilities apparatus technology and emergency response capabilities. The position monitors operational performance and implements strategies to enhance service delivery organizational effectiveness and fiscal responsibility.

The Director of Fire Protection Services serves as a Deputy Chief in the Doña Ana County Fire Rescue (DAFR) structure and reports to the DAFR Fire Chief on operational matters. The position collaborates with campus departments and external agencies to coordinate emergency preparedness continuity of operations special event planning risk reduction initiatives and disaster response activities. The Director of Fire Protection Services participates in university committees emergency management functions and incident management teams to support institutional resilience and operational continuity. The Director of Fire Protection Services evaluates community and campus risks develops prevention and mitigation strategies oversees fire and life safety programs and promotes public education initiatives that enhance campus safety and emergency preparedness. The position prepares reports presentations and recommendations for executive leadership and provides professional expertise on matters involving fire protection emergency services emergency management and risk reduction.

Required Education and Experience:
Associates Degree 8 years of relevant experience or a Bachelors degree 6 years of relevant experience. Masters degree or higher preferred.

Equivalent Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelors degree in a related field 8 years of paid full-time fire department experience with a minimum of 3 years of increasingly progressive management experience at the rank of Captain or above.

Special Certification/Licensure:
New Mexico Class E drivers license; IFSAC or equivalent Firefighter II Certification; IFSAC or equivalent Fire Instructor I Certification; IFSAC or equivalent Fire Officer I and II Certification; ICSand 800; and New Mexico Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (Must obtain within six months of hire)

Environment: Work involves moderate exposure to unusual elements such as extreme temperatures dirt dust fumes smoke unpleasant odors and/or loud noises.

Physical Effort: Moderate physical activity.

Lifting Requirements: Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting pushing or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds.

Risk: Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.