South Whatcom Fire Authority is seeking a qualified Fire Service Leader for

Assistant Chief of Support Services

• Assistant Chief of Support Services Job Announcement
• Assistant Chief of Support Services Job Description
  

Department Profile:

The South Whatcom Fire Authority (the “Fire Authority” or “SWFA”) serves the communities of Chuckanut, Lake Samish, West Lake Samish, Yew Street Road, Geneva and Sudden Valley. Our 27 career on-shift firefighters and chief officers; and volunteer and part-paid firefighters; as well as dedicated administrative staff and five elected commissioners all work toward the common goal of serving our citizens. SWFA is responsible for providing services to 21 square miles of combined suburban and rural areas, along with additional wilderness recreational regions, and interstate transportation routes.  Our services are mission based and are guided by our principles and values. The Fire Authority provides emergency services including fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical services.

The Position:

The Assistant Chief of Support Services assists with planning, organizing, directing, implementing, and monitoring support service functions and community risk reduction activities. The position directly supervises the Facilities Maintenance Technician and Information Technology Systems Administrator (or vendor) and may supervise additional employees or volunteers as assigned. When assigned a supervisory role within the Incident Command System, the position will also supervise operations personnel.

This is an ideal opportunity for a collaborative leader who can move effectively between strategic planning and hands-on implementation. The successful candidate will understand that reliable facilities, secure technology, accountable asset management, coordinated logistics, and proactive risk reduction are essential components of emergency service delivery.

Minimum Requirements to Apply:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Associate degree or higher, or an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, and experience as determined by the Board of Fire Commissioners.
• Ten years of prior firefighter experience.
• Current Washington State Emergency Medical Technician certification.
• One of the following supervisory experience pathways:
• At least five years of supervisory experience as a fire lieutenant or higher with South Whatcom Fire Authority;
• At least four years of career supervisory experience as a fire lieutenant or higher; or
• Equivalent supervisory experience as determined by the Board of Fire Commissioners.
• IFSAC or NFPA-equivalent Instructor I certification and an Incident Safety Officer certificate, or the ability to obtain both within six months after appointment.
• Fire Officer I and Fire Officer II qualifications consistent with NFPA 1021, or the ability to obtain them within 12 months after appointment.
• Successful completion of the Whatcom County Fire Officer I and II Tactics course or an industry-equivalent program.
• Greater than basic proficiency with commonly used business and communications software and technology devices.
• At least 21 years of age at the time of appointment.
• Valid Washington State driver license by the time of appointment, without a record of suspension or revocation in any state.
• Commercial driver’s license endorsement or Emergency Vehicle Incident Prevention program endorsement.
• Ability to meet the Fire Authority’s medical/physical standards.
• Must hold primary residency within 20-minutes of a Fire Authority station for incident response requirements.

Application Process:

• Required Application Components:
  • SWFA Application
  • Authorization for Release of Information
  • Cover Letter & Resume
  • Copy of Driver’s License
  • Copies of Certifications and Degree(s) or Unofficial Transcript(s) (Official transcripts maybe required later in the process for verification)
• All application packets must be submitted no later than November 12, 2026 at 4:00 PM to be considered in the first review process. Application packets may be submitted by any of the following methods:
  • E-Mail: apply@swrfa.org (Must have hand marked scanned signature; or electronic signature)
  • In-person:  SWFA Station 22 Administrative Offices – 2050 Lake Whatcom Blvd., Bellingham, WA 98229.  Must be submitted Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
  • U.S. Mail:
    South Whatcom Fire Authority
    2050 Lake Whatcom Blvd.
    Bellingham, WA 98229
    (Must be received in the office by November 12, 2026)