Assistant Fire Chief – Paine Field Airport

Job Description

Assistant Fire Chief

Paine Field Airport

Snohomish County, Washington

Salary: $121,758 – $155,398

Paine Field Airport is located in the Everett – Mukilteo area of southern Snohomish County, Washington, approximately 30 miles north of downtown Seattle. Snohomish County’s largest city, Everett, occupies a scenic setting between Port Gardner Bay and the Snohomish River. The city’s historic downtown features a growing mix of arts, music, dining, and entertainment, while the waterfront is anchored by Naval Station Everett and the Port of Everett. Just west of Paine Field, Mukilteo offers a quieter waterfront character. The community is known for its Puget Sound shoreline, established neighborhoods, and sweeping views of the Olympic and Cascade mountains. Together, Everett, Mukilteo, and the surrounding communities offer an exceptional Pacific Northwest lifestyle.

Seattle Paine Field International Airport is owned and operated by Snohomish County and functions as a county department, with airport employees serving as county employees. The airport is a center for aerospace manufacturing, general aviation, aircraft maintenance, flight training, and commercial passenger service. The Paine Field Airport Fire Department provides continuous Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, structural fire suppression, emergency medical response, hazardous materials response, water rescue, fire prevention, inspections, and community safety services. Its ARFF responsibilities include aircraft incidents occurring on airport property and within a five-mile radius of the airport. The department is staffed by 22 full-time firefighters, including 20 operations shift firefighters and two firefighter/mechanics, supported by one Fire Department Administrative Coordinator. The department responded to 559 fire, ARFF, motor vehicle collision, and medical incidents during 2025.

Reporting to the Airport Fire Chief, the Assistant Fire Chief serves as the department’s second-in-command and acts for the Chief when delegated or during the Chief’s absence. This position assists in planning, developing, and administering the airport’s fire and security programs and provides leadership for emergency response, personnel management, training, regulatory compliance, and relationships with airport tenants and partner agencies. During fire, aircraft, rescue, and other emergency incidents, the Assistant Chief may assume command or delegate command, direct personnel and equipment deployment, and work within Unified Command.

Education & Experience: A bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Emergency Services Management, Public Administration, or a closely related field is required, together with IFSAC, Pro Board, or Department of Defense equivalent certification as a Fire Officer III and at least two years of experience serving as a chief officer in a FAR Part 139 Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting and structural fire department. An equivalent combination of education, training, certification, and progressively responsible experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities may be considered. (See complete position profile for additional requirements and preferred certifications.)

Benefits include: Enrollment in the Washington State Law Enforcement Officers’ and Fire Fighters’ Retirement System Plan 2 (LEOFF 2). Medical insurance, with dental and vision premiums paid in full by the County. Basic group life and AD&D insurance, and long-term disability insurance. Paid leave and holidays.  Access to a County vehicle in accordance with County policies and operational requirements. (See complete position profile for additional benefits information.)

For a complete position profile, full job description, and to apply online, visit Prothman Company at https://www.prothman.com/ and click on “Open Recruitments”. For questions, call 206-368-0050. Paine Field Airport is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Apply by August 30, 2026. (First review, open until filled.)