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Assistant Fire Chief Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

City of Marion

Chief Building Inspector

Marion, IA · On-site

$75K/yr

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES/WORK PERFORMED * Assist in supervising, planning, directing, and coordinating ... Coordinate with and support other city departments with regard to enforcement of Fire Code, Zoning ...

City of Marion, Iowa

Chief Building Inspector

Marion, IA · On-site

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES/WORK PERFORMED * Assist in supervising, planning, directing, and coordinating ... Coordinate with and support other city departments with regard to enforcement of Fire Code, Zoning ...

City of Marion

Chief Building Inspector

Marion, IA · On-site

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES/WORK PERFORMED * Assist in supervising, planning, directing, and coordinating ... Coordinate with and support other city departments with regard to enforcement of Fire Code, Zoning ...

ServiceMaster

Project Manager

Clive, IA · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

You may assist the Estimator or will be responsible for creating estimates in Xactimate utilizing ... Inspect and scope jobs onsite-and works with Project Manager/ Crew Chief/Lead Tech on scope of job

PuroClean

Restoration Technician

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

... fire, mold, biohazard, and other conditions resulting in property damage. We operate with a ... assist their teams and supervisors with all aspects of restoration work on residential and ...

Ryan Companies

Maintenance Engineer

Des Moines, IA

... Chief Engineer to ensure proper services are provided to the building(s), and to assist with ... Ensure Fire/Life/Safety equipment is performing as designed * Participate in on-call, after-hours ...

All JobsFire Chief JobsAssistant Fire Chief JobsAssistant Fire Chief Jobs in Iowa

Assistant Fire Chief information

See Iowa salary details

$31K

$80.7K

$147K

How much do assistant fire chief jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant fire chief in Iowa is $80,675.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,700.00 and $104,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant fire chief, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Fire Chief, you need extensive experience in firefighting and emergency response, leadership abilities, and typically an associate or bachelor's degree in fire science or a related field. Familiarity with incident command systems, fire inspection software, and certifications such as Fire Officer II or higher are commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, decision-making under pressure, and the ability to motivate and manage teams are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure effective emergency management, departmental leadership, and the safety of both firefighters and the community.

What does an assistant fire chief do?

An Assistant Fire Chief supports the Fire Chief in managing the daily operations of a fire department. They oversee personnel, training programs, emergency response coordination, and administrative duties. This role often involves supervising fire captains and other staff, developing policies, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and assisting in budget planning. Assistant Fire Chiefs may also act as incident commanders during major emergencies or when the Fire Chief is unavailable.

What is the difference between Assistant Fire Chief vs Fire Captain?

AspectAssistant Fire ChiefFire Captain
Required credentialsFire science degree, certifications, leadership trainingFirefighter certification, leadership experience
Work environmentAdministrative duties, strategic planning, overseeing operationsOn-scene incident command, firefighting, team supervision
Employer and industry usageFire departments, emergency management agenciesFire departments, emergency services

The Assistant Fire Chief typically handles administrative and strategic responsibilities, supporting the Fire Chief, while the Fire Captain manages on-the-ground firefighting operations and team supervision. Both roles require leadership skills and firefighting experience, but the Assistant Fire Chief focuses more on planning and management, whereas the Fire Captain is more involved in direct incident response.

What are some common challenges faced by an assistant fire chief when managing multiple fire stations and teams?

As an Assistant Fire Chief, one of the primary challenges is ensuring consistent communication and operational standards across multiple fire stations. Coordinating resources, training, and incident responses requires strong leadership and organizational skills, as well as the ability to adapt to rapidly changing situations. Balancing administrative responsibilities with on-scene leadership and fostering collaboration among diverse teams are also key aspects of the role. Building trust and maintaining morale while implementing department policies can be both challenging and rewarding.
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Fire Chief jobs in Iowa? For Assistant Fire Chief jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Fire Chief jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Fire Chief jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Assistant Fire Chief jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Assistant Fire Chief job openings:
Assistant Fire Chief jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Fire Chief job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,675 per year, or $38.8 per hour.

Volunteer Firefighter (paid on call)

Spencer, City of

Spencer, IA • On-site

$16/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 10 hours ago

Job description

Position Title $16/per call Act as a Volunteer Firefighter for the Fire Department of the City of Spencer, Iowa. Engages directly in fire prevention and suppression activities to protect and safeguard lives and property; responds to EMS calls to care for the sick and injured, assists in maintenance and repair of fire station and equipment; assists in maintenance of fire apparatus; does related work as required. Essential Duties The following duties are normal for this position.

These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. The Volunteer Firefighter is responsible for performing hazardous tasks under emergency conditions.

A portion of the work consists of the performance of various duties in the maintenance of the fire station; and the preventative and corrective maintenance of trucks and equipment. A position in this class requires excellent physical condition and aptitude for mechanical work. A Volunteer Firefighter must readily become familiar with modern firefighting and prevention methods and procedures after entrance on duty.

The work requires strict adherence to rules, regulations, training methods, and Fire Department response guidelines. Superiors may make assignments of specific tasks and indicate methods and procedures to be followed. Assignments may be made through either oral or written instructions.

Work may be under close supervision, but there are times when the Volunteer Firefighter must determine courses of action. Duties include, but are not limited to: Clean, maintain and make minor repairs to fire apparatus and equipment. Perform a wide variety of routine tasks in connection with the maintenance of fire station quarters and grounds.

Participation in departmental or state training courses when off-duty is essential and is required. Respond with and operate fire apparatus pumps at designated pressures and see that porta-tank, suction hose and fire hoses are properly located. Engage directly in fire suppression, search & rescue; and perform salvage and overhaul operations at the scene of fire.

Assist in the starting of gas-powered tools. Ensure tools and equipment are cleaned and/or reloaded after an incident. Be proficient in operation and basic cleaning and maintenance of S.C.B.A

Be proficient in the operation of extrication equipment used for disentanglement. Provide emergency medical care to sick or injured patients. Check fire hydrants for operation and physical damage.

Operate and recharge portable fire extinguishers. Engage in cooperative duties in other departments as determined by the Deputy Fire Chief, Fire Chief or other Fire Officers. Summary of Qualification Requirements Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license issued by the State of Iowa with an acceptable driving record.

Ability to obtain Driver Operator Pumper certification within 1 year of hire. Current EMT Basic license preferred; or ability to obtain within 1 year of hire. Aptitude for mechanical work.

Conscientious and dependable. Strength and agility appropriate for position. Coordination and ability to do prolonged manual and mechanical work under adverse conditions.

Tactful communication skills. Ability to cooperate with others. Willingness to perform any task assigned.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and orders. Ability to keep simple records and complete reports. Must pass the written and physical ability tests administered by the Spencer Civil Service Commission.

All other requirements set out in the Code of Iowa and by the Spencer Civil Service Commission. Additional Information Ability to perform work in any position, including at above-ground heights, and exert force in all directions safely. Heavy work requires exertion of 100 pounds or more of force occasionally, in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Vision requirements as stated in the State of Iowa Code chapter 400. EOE. Unless specified, positions are open until filled.

Due to the volume of applications, if you have questions please email hr@spenceriowacity.com

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