Fire Protection-Emergency Response Senior Director

Location: Amarillo, TX – Pantex Plant | Career Level: Senior Director | Organization: Fire Department (51075305) | Specialty: Fire Protection‑Emergency Response

About the role

The Pantex Plant is seeking an exceptional and highly experienced executive leader to serve as Fire Chief. This critical senior leadership role is responsible for the direct management and strategic oversight of the Pantex Fire Department, ensuring the protection of the nation's primary nuclear weapons assembly and disassembly facility. The Fire Chief is ultimately responsible for safeguarding personnel, mission‑critical operations, and the surrounding environment from a unique and unparalleled combination of hazards, including high explosives, radiological materials, and complex industrial processes. This position demands proven executive leadership, deep technical expertise in specialized emergency response, and the ability to operate flawlessly within a high‑security, heavily regulated, and unionized environment.

Responsibilities

• Executive Command and Strategic Leadership
• Specialized Emergency Response
• High‑Hazard Risk Management and Prevention
• Budgetary and Resource Stewardship
• Elite Training and Professional Readiness
• Regulatory Compliance and Stakeholder Relations
• Labor‑Management Relations

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and minimum 15 years of relevant experience OR applicants without a bachelor's degree may be considered based on a combination of at least 23 years of completed education and/or relevant experience.
• Minimum 5 years of supervisory/management experience.
• Department of Energy (DOE) Order 426.2A Requirements: Baccalaureate in engineering or related science and 4 years nuclear experience, or a DOE O 426.2A alternative. DOE O 426.2A experience requirements can be satisfied following employment; newly hired personnel will not be assigned duties that could impact the safety basis of nuclear facilities in the interim (Ref. DOE O 426.2A).

Qualifications (Preferred)

• Seven years of supervisory/management experience (candidates with less will be required to complete a developmental plan approved by the Division Director or delegate).
• Minimum 15 years of progressively responsible experience in a career fire department, including at least 7 years of command‑level experience.
• Direct, hands‑on command experience in a Department of Energy (DOE)/National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) environment.
• Demonstrated experience as an Incident Commander for complex incidents.
• Proven success in leading under a collective bargaining agreement.
• Master's degree from an accredited university in a related field.
• Certified Fire Officer IV (or state equivalent).
• Incident Command System (ICS) certifications: ICS‑100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800, and National Incident Management System (NIMS) compliance.
• Hazardous Materials Technician.
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Paramedic preferred.
• Graduation from an executive fire officer and an emergency manager program.

Benefits

At Pantex, we believe that extraordinary talent thrives when supported by a balanced life. Discover the flexibility that empowers you to excel, coupled with a benefits package designed for your total peace of mind — from comprehensive health coverage and robust retirement planning, to opportunities for continuous learning through education reimbursement.

Notes

• Requires a Q clearance; all qualified candidates will be considered regardless of current clearance status. The ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy Q clearance is required.
• Position may require entry into Materials Access Areas (MAA) and participation in the Human Reliability Program (HRP). If HRP is required, candidate must complete a counterintelligence‑scope polygraph, pursuant to 10 CFR 709.
• Medical requirements may apply.
• Pantex is a drug‑free workplace. Candidates accepting a job offer will be required to pass a pre‑placement physical, drug screening, and background investigation.
• Employees may be required to receive and maintain a security clearance from the U.S. Department of Energy. U.S. citizenship is a requirement for security clearance applicants.
• All employees are subject to random selection for drug testing without advance notification.