Department Contact:

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.

Position Details

Position Title: Director of Fire Protection Services

College/Division: President's Office

Department: 500425-FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate: $100,000

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.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:Associate's Degree + 8 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree + 6 years of relevant experience. Master's degree or higher preferred.

Equivalent Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:Bachelor's 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 driver's license; IFSAC or equivalent Firefighter II Certification; IFSAC or equivalent Fire Instructor I Certification; IFSAC or equivalent Fire Officer I and II Certification; ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800; and New Mexico Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (Must obtain within six months of hire)

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

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.