NJ Civil Service Navigator

AIR GUARD DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF

Code: 12709 State Unclassified Range: &26 (FY 2027) Work week N4: FLSA exemptOvertime table (4A:3, Appx. A)
Salary: $83,582.01 - $122,831.91/year FY 2027 schedule (last updated 2026-07-27)

As an unclassified state title, Air Guard Deputy Fire Chief is filled by appointment, and its published pay band is more of a guide than a fixed grade.

The requirements come down to a bachelor's degree and 5 years of relevant experience. Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $83,582 to $122,832, and state payroll lists a single employee in the title, at Military Affairs.

How to apply

This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.

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Why this title is unclassified

This specification cites N.J.S.A. 11A: 3-4i, state unclassified service.

(i) Employees in the military or naval service of the State;

A title in the State unclassified service sits outside Title 11A unless a provision says otherwise. In practice that means no competitive examination to get the job, and none of the career service protections that come with it: no permanent status after a working test period, and no right of appeal to the Civil Service Commission from a removal. Appointment and removal rest with the appointing authority.

The rule that allocates a title to this service is N.J.A.C. 4A:3-1.3.

Read 11A:3-4 in full · Other titles classified under it

Who employs this title

Air Guard Deputy Fire Chief appears on the State payroll at one department, Military Affairs.

State departments

Employer Employees
Military Affairs 1

All agencies.

State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.

Who employs this title

State payroll records show 1 person working under this title. The median actual salary is $110,425. The agencies employing the most are:

  • Military Affairs (1)

Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under general direction, in the Department of Military Affairs, assists in the management and discipline of fire department operations to ensure their timely, thorough, and cost-effective preparation and conduct, or has charge of a group of battalions engaged in providing fire protection for persons and property; manages airbase/airport fire and rescue operations and programs through subordinate supervisors; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

Directs and participates in fire and emergency services to include, but not limited to, fire suppression, aircraft firefighting rescue, emergency medical services, public assistance, fire prevention, pre-fire planning, fire training, public education, and routine maintenance and repair of apparatus, equipment and facilities. At fires, takes charge of responding companies, deploys firefighting forces, orders needed reinforcements, and supervises the use of firefighting forces, equipment, and apparatus. Investigates all violations of Fire Department rules and regulations, fire laws, ordinances, codes, and fire hazards, and institutes needed action. Reports to fires as indicated in pre-planning SOP or upon request of incident commander. Estimates expenses required to keep fire department up to date on new devices, concepts, equipment, apparatus, etc. Manages the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees. Writes memos and SOPs to officers to inform, instruct, or direct their activities. Counsels subordinates who are experiencing leadership/administrative problems in order to resolve their issues and improve their performance. Oversees the maintenance of firefighting vehicles, equipment, and fire station facilities. Reviews and monitors all monthly reports (leave time, overtime, apparatus, drills, fuel) to initiate appropriate follow-up. Conducts staff meetings with subordinates. Evaluates performance of subordinate officers to inform, and to offer mechanisms for more effective performance. Advises subordinates of relevant issues, ideas, technology, etc. to increase their job knowledge and performance. Reviews maintenance reports submitted by subordinate officers to keep abreast on the current status of equipment and facilities. Direct actions which encourage subordinates to adhere to standing policies, procedures, SOPs, etc. Ensures all departmental, county, state and federal rules and regulations are followed at fire scene. Determines the training needs of department to comply with regulatory requirements, current practice, and for budgetary input. Writes narrative reports that detail significant events or occurrences to explain actions, outcomes, and recommendations. Monitors the status of various assignments given to subordinates. Orders subordinate officers to maintain stations and apparatus. Recommends disciplinary actions of uniformed personnel for violations of departmental, county, state, or federal regulations. Assigns and directs subordinates at fire scene according to incident strategy and the evolving stage of preparations, issues and prevailing circumstances. Ensures the proper complement of apparatus and personnel are available at fire scene. Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with surrounding community paid and volunteer fire fighting companies. Supervises and prepares reports concerning fire runs, training, maintenance, inspections, and other situations. Directs the maintenance of essential records and files. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Experience

Nine (9) years of experience involved in the extinguishing of fires and/or in performing fire prevention work or as an airport firefighter at another airport/installation, two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. -OR- A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and five (5) years of the above-referenced experience, two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. CITIZENSHIP: Must be a citizen of the United States. LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: Applicants must possess the following IFSAC and/or PRO BOARD certifications: Airport Firefighter Firefighter II Hazardous Material Operations Driver/Operator ARFF, Driver/Operator Pumper, Driver/Operator MWS Fire Officer III Fire Inspector II Fire Instructor II Haz Mat Incident Commander, ICS 100,200,300,400,700,800, and Incident Safety Officer

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of fire protection/prevention theories, principles, methods, techniques, and practices to establish policies and procedures and administer a comprehensive fire protection program. Knowledge of airport firefighting principles, procedures, and techniques. Knowledge of rescue operations and basic emergency medical procedures. Knowledge of safety and security regulations, practices, and procedures. Knowledge of supervisory methods and techniques. Knowledge of the design and construction of aircraft. Knowledge of Incident Management System (IMS) for emergency operations. Knowledge of extrication and the use of extrication tools. Ability to operate and direct others in operating in stressful and dangerous conditions. Ability to plan, organize, and direct the functions and mentor, motivate, and appraise the staff of an organization through subordinate supervisors. Ability to formulate and effectively implement firefighting/emergency response plans and to direct personnel in such operations. Ability to drive and operate firefighting vehicles and equipment. Ability to oversee maintenance activities and do minor repairs on firefighting vehicles, apparatus and equipment. Ability to comprehend training and technical manuals. Ability to organize the work of an assigned company so as to make the best available use of personnel, funds, and equipment. Ability to give assignments and instruction to firefighters and supervise their work performance. Ability to perform strenuous physical activity such as lifting heavy firefighting equipment, climbing ladders, lifting, and carrying people and equipment for rescue and salvage. Ability to work under conditions of heavy physical exertion in extreme heat and dust, in high and confined areas and smoke-filled spaces, and in all kinds of weather, and to maintain physical activity for prolonged periods of time. Ability to understand and apply principles of emergency medical and first aid treatment. Ability to administer first aid, CPR and other emergency medical care. Ability to prioritize emergency medical treatment needs. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing. Ability to remain calm in emergency situations. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Appointees must maintain all required certifications; failure to do so may result in disciplinary action or termination. Appointees must possess current CPR and Emergency Medical Responder certification or higher. Appointees will be required to possess a valid US driver's license. MEDICAL EXAMINATION: Appointees must successfully complete the NFPA 1582 Firefighter physical examination.