Battalion Chief, Air Rescue Firefighting (ARFF), Aviation Department

About the Role

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey seeks a motivated experienced fire service leader to serve as Battalion Chief of Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) at LaGuardia Airport. Reporting directly to the Deputy Fire Chief, the Battalion Chief plays a key role in managing daily ARFF operations, supervising personnel, maintaining operational readiness, and advancing organizational initiatives. This position offers an opportunity to take an active leadership role in a demanding airport environment while contributing to the continued development and improvement of the ARFF organization. The successful candidate will be a proactive, hands-on leader who demonstrates initiative, accountability, sound judgment, and the ability to independently manager responsibilities, solve problems, and deliver results.

Responsibilities

• Direct ARFF emergency operations and supervise Crew Chiefs and other personnel.
• Work directly with the Deputy Fire Chief to establish operational priorities, implement initiatives, and support organizational objectives.
• Manage daily staffing, personnel assignments, and operational readiness, and act for the Deputy Fire Chief when designated.
• Ensure compliance with applicable FAA Part 139 ARFF requirements, the Airport Certification Manual, and the Airport Emergency Plan.
• Oversee training, personnel qualifications, inspections, equipment readiness, and associated records.
• Identify operational challenges, develop practical solutions, and promote a culture of professionalism and accountability.
• Mentor and develop personnel, establish performance expectations, and promote a culture of professionalism and accountability.
• Assist with personnel management, performance evaluations, administrative responsibilities, and operational budgets.
• Coordinate with Airport Operations, air traffic control, Port Authority Police, mutual aid agencies, and ARFF leadership at other Port Authority airports.
• Respond outside regular work hours when required for emergencies or operational needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least 10 years of paid, full-time fire service experience, including at least five years in aircraft rescue and firefighting and at least three years in a formal fire service supervisory position with responsibility for personnel, operational readiness, and emergency incident command. Applicants must clearly identify the positions and dates that satisfy each requirement in their resumes.
• Demonstrated experience in aircraft rescue and firefighting and all-risk emergency operations.
• Thorough knowledge of FAA Part 139 ARFF requirements, airport emergency planning, and applicable fire service standards.
• Experience supervising personnel and commanding emergency incidents using National Incident Management System principles.
• Demonstrated ability to lead personnel, manage operational responsibilities, and implement organizational improvements.
• Experience developing or implementing training programs, emergency plans, or operational procedures.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to independently manage competing priorities.
• Demonstrated initiative, accountability, sound judgment, and the ability to work effectively in a demanding operational environment.
• A valid U.S. driver's license.

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced training in fire service leadership, incident command, hazardous materials response or related areas preferred.

Additional Information

• This position may require strenuous physical activity, work in adverse weather and hazardous environments, and the use of required protective equipment.
• Battalion Chief must wear the prescreibed uniform while on duty.

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.