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Senior Operations Section Chief Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Planning Section Chief

Denver, CO · On-site

$40 - $55/hr

This role will be onsite at the designated Emergency Operations Center for the duration of the ... May have lead responsibilities within projects or small teams depending on function with senior ...

Planning Section Chief

Pueblo, CO · On-site

$40 - $55/hr

This role will be onsite at the designated Emergency Operations Center for the duration of the ... May have lead responsibilities within projects or small teams depending on function with senior ...

Planning Section Chief

Durango, CO · On-site

$40 - $55/hr

This role will be onsite at the designated Emergency Operations Center for the duration of the ... May have lead responsibilities within projects or small teams depending on function with senior ...

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Senior Operations Section Chief information

See salary details

$39K

$98.7K

$159.5K

How much do senior operations section chief jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior operations section chief in the United States is $98,723.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $121,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the responsibilities of a Senior Operations Section Chief?

A Senior Operations Section Chief is responsible for overseeing the operational aspects of an emergency response or large-scale incident. They manage and coordinate all tactical operations, ensuring resources are deployed efficiently and objectives are met safely. This role involves supervising subordinate operations staff, developing operational plans, and maintaining clear communication with incident command and other sections. The Senior Operations Section Chief plays a critical role in decision-making, resource allocation, and ensuring the overall effectiveness of incident response.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Operations Section Chief, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Operations Section Chief, you need expertise in emergency management, operational planning, and resource allocation, often supported by relevant certifications like ICS-400 and significant field experience. Familiarity with incident command systems (ICS), emergency management software, and communication platforms is essential. Strong leadership, decision-making, and interpersonal skills help coordinate teams and manage high-pressure situations effectively. These capabilities are critical for ensuring efficient and coordinated emergency response, safeguarding people and resources during complex incidents.

What are some common challenges faced by a Senior Operations Section Chief during large-scale incident responses?

A Senior Operations Section Chief often encounters challenges such as rapidly changing incident dynamics, coordinating resources across multiple teams, and maintaining clear communication under pressure. Balancing the immediate needs of the incident with strategic planning is crucial, as is ensuring that all personnel are operating safely and effectively. Strong leadership, adaptability, and the ability to make quick, informed decisions are essential for overcoming these hurdles and ensuring successful incident management.

What is the difference between Senior Operations Section Chief vs Operations Section Chief?

AspectSenior Operations Section ChiefOperations Section Chief
CredentialsTypically requires advanced certifications and extensive experienceRequires standard certifications and relevant experience
Work EnvironmentSenior leadership roles in complex operations, often overseeing multiple teamsManaging daily operations within a specific section or unit
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large emergency management agencies, military, and government sectorsCommon in emergency response, disaster management, and public safety organizations
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched for in contexts of leadership and senior rolesCompared for operational management responsibilities

The Senior Operations Section Chief typically holds a higher level of responsibility, overseeing multiple teams and strategic planning, whereas the Operations Section Chief manages daily operations within a specific section. Both roles are essential in emergency management and public safety, but the senior position involves broader oversight and leadership responsibilities.

What cities are hiring for Senior Operations Section Chief jobs? Cities with the most Senior Operations Section Chief job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Operations Section Chief jobs? The most popular types of Operations Section Chief jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Operations Section Chief jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Operations Section Chief jobs include:
Operations Section Chief

$40 - $55/hr

Temporary

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Introduction:

We are a leading, national consulting firm that provides compassionate, full-spectrum emergency management services including planning and preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation services to the public and private sectors before, during and after a natural disaster or catastrophic event.

Our mission is to provide compassionate consulting services to local, state, federal, and industry clients, active in disaster response, recovery, and preparedness. We will be on time, on target, and on budget with the services aligned to the evolving threats and hazards facing our nation.

The position will be guided by ACDC's Corporate Values Platform in all activities.

This role will be onsite at the designated Emergency Operations Center for the duration of the mission.

Position Summary:

  • Job Title: Operations Section Chief
  • Full Time or Part Time: FT - 12 hour work days expected
  • Temporary/Seasonal/Regular: Temporary
  • Compensation: $40-$55/hour
  • Travel/Location: Onsite, CO EOC locations

Benefits Summary:

  • Temporary positions are not benefits eligible except where required by law. 

Mission of Role/Position Summary:

The Operations Section Chief (OC), working alongside the SERT Chief and the Planning Chief, establishes the operational objectives of the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) through the action planning process. This position ensures effective coordination between all state and local response agencies to achieve SERT's operational objectives.

Tasks, Duties, and Responsibilities:

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the following essential functions:

  • Coordinate priority missions and resource deployment with Operations Section Branch Directors, ensuring alignment with operational objectives.
  • Collaborate with the AHIMT Unit Leader to efficiently deploy requested teams and manage mutual aid requests.
  • Identify resource needs beyond state agency inventories and communicate them to the Logistics Section Chief.
  • Ensure SERT operational objectives meet local needs by coordinating with SERT field staff.
  • Deploy and maintain communication with liaisons in affected areas through coordination with the SERT Field Operations Branch Director.
  • Participate in Incident Action Plan meetings and provide an operational perspective.
  • Conduct operational meetings with Branch Directors and Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) to resolve response issues and maintain coordination with the Plans, Logistics, and Finance & Administration Section Chiefs.
  • Manages tactical incident activities to achieve incident objectives and oversees Incident Action Plan (IAP) implementation.
  • Ensure the decisions of agency leadership are translated into action and manage and coordinate those efforts with all responders.
  • By the end of the operation be prepared to explain status of field operations and make recommendations and projections.
  • Participates in the development and implementation of a transition plan based on escalating incident complexity
  • Supervises the development of Operations Section related contingency plans for the incident.
  • All other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and written.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality with sensitive customer and internal information.
  • Capable of multi-tasking when necessary.
  • Strong familiarity with state and local governments is necessary.
  • Excellent critical thinking, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills.
  • Highly organized, detail oriented and self-motivated.
  • Strong time management skills.
  • Strong desire to help people.
  • Ability to be flexible and make quick decisions as disasters change and develop.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

May have lead responsibilities within projects or small teams depending on function with senior level support.

Expected Hours of Work:

Schedule may vary, but 12-hour work days can be expected. Work on evenings and weekends may be required. Dependability and punctuality are paramount.

Travel Requirements:

  • Travel to work site.
  • Must be willing to travel and deploy to client sites for extended periods of time.

Physical Demands:

  • Mobility required on-site with clients.
  • Sitting or standing for hours at a time.
  • Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time if needed.
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. repetitively throughout the day and as needed.

Working Environment:

  • May work in an office or home environment or be deployed to the field which may require working outdoors in adverse weather conditions.
  • Work may be on-site with clients ex: EOC, hospital, debris sites or local government buildings.

Workplace Health & Safety:

We are committed to fostering a safe and healthy workplace. Employees are expected to champion a culture of safety by complying with all health and safety policies and procedures, completing required training, identifying and reporting hazards, exercising sound judgment, and taking reasonable care to protect the health and safety of themselves, their colleagues, clients, and the communities we serve.

Requirements

Experience and Education Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Emergency Management or other applicable field.
  • Experience and knowledge of working within the Incident Command Framework at state or federal levels.
  • Experience with financial management applications.
  • Experience working in an Emergency Operations Center or disaster response, including at least 2 activations or exercises in a supervisory or key support capacity.
  • Capable of critical decision-making in a highly charged and dynamic environment.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office 365, particularly Excel.
  • The following training courses must be completed prior to requesting the task book: 
    • IS-100, IS-200, ICS-300, ICS-400 IS-700, IS-800, E/G/L-0191, E/L-0958, O-0305

Experience and Education Preferred

  • Five or more years professional experience in emergency management.
  • Master's degree in Emergency Management or a related field.
  • Applicable Certifications:
    • Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)
  • Proficient with Web EOC
  • ICS position-specific certification preferred.

Additional Qualifications:

  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Eligibility to work in the United States without employer sponsored visa is required. We are not able to employ those located outside of the US.
  • Must pass company and any applicable client background check and reference check upon offer of employment.

Benefits

Temporary positions are not benefits eligible except where required by law.

EEO Statement

AC Disaster Consulting is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. 

This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence,compensation,and training.AC Disaster Consultingwill not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any protected characteristic. 

Please redact or remove information that identifies applicant's age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at (or graduation from) an educational institution from the resume or other application documents prior to submitting the application. 

 If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodation by contacting AC Disaster Consulting Human Resources team at hr@acdisaster.com. 

 We use E-Verify for all candidates who are offered and accept a position with us. Please visit this link to theE-Verify Websiteand this link to view theE-Verify rights posterto understand your rights in this process.Â