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Assistant Fire Chief Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Under the general direction of the Battalion Chief (Fire/EMS Specialist II), the Fire Captain ... Recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives. * Implement and positively ...

... fire safety and emergency action plans, life safety programs, quality control for domestic and ... Ensure building standards are applied and adhered too accordingly Develop specifications and assist ...

... fire safety and emergency action plans, life safety programs, quality control for domestic and ... Ensure building standards are applied and adhered too accordingly Develop specifications and assist ...

... assist with inspections and surveys, including energy audits and analysis, HVAC, electrical and ... fire safety and emergency action plans, life safety programs, quality control for domestic and ...

Assistant Chief Engineer

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$65K - $67K/yr

No Overview Assist Chief Engineer is responsible for the management and supervision of all building ... Fire/Health Department codes. Maintain building complex as energy efficiently as possible.

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Assistant Fire Chief information

See Ohio salary details

$31.4K

$81.7K

$148.8K

How much do assistant fire chief jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant fire chief in Ohio is $81,657.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,300.00 and $106,000.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Fire Chief jobs in Ohio? The most popular types of Fire Chief jobs in Ohio are:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Fire Chief jobs in Ohio? For Assistant Fire Chief jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Assistant Fire Chief jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Assistant Fire Chief job openings:
Infographic showing various Assistant Fire Chief job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,657 per year, or $39.3 per hour.

Fire Chief (Vacancy) - EXTENDED

City of Columbus

Columbus, OH

$77.82 - $116.72/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Definition THE SELECTION PROCESS Candidates should apply online at www.GovHRjobs.com by July 31, 2026, with resume and cover letter. Following the filing deadline, applications will be reviewed by MGT. Candidates selected for further consideration may be asked to participate in preliminary interviews, complete supplemental written responses, and/or provide additional information regarding their professional background and accomplishments

The City will determine finalists based on qualifications, experience, and alignment with the needs of the position. Final candidates may be invited to participate in additional interviews and assessment activities as part of the selection process. All inquiries regarding this opportunity should be directed to Jon Fehlman, MGT Senior Consultant, at (847) 380-3240 x142.

Notice: In accordance with Ohio law, all applications and resumes for public positions are a matter of public record and will be disclosed to the media or public upon proper request through the City of Columbus. The City of Columbus, OH is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Under the direction of the Public Safety Director, is responsible for the overall management of the Division of Fire; performs related duties as required.

Examples of Work (May not include all of the duties that may be performed.) Organizes and directs all resources of the Division of Fire for the most efficient discharge of its duty to protect persons and property and obeys and enforces ordinances of the City of Columbus; Plans, directs and reviews activities of personnel in order to ensure the proper execution of a fire service program designed to facilitate fire prevention, inspections, EMS, fire, and rescue response; water supply, hazardous material response and bomb disposal; makes recommendations as needed; Oversees the review and modification of fire programs in order to meet the changing needs of the community and the Division of Fire; Takes command at major incidents; responds to emergency calls when off duty; Makes assignments and supervises subordinate officers in the care and maintenance of equipment, stations, hose, appliances, and other supplies; supervises subordinate officers in the development and operation of fire training and fire prevention programs; Directs a communication system; directs the fire equipment maintenance program; Initiates and advises on the development of ordinances and regulations; reviews reports of divisional activities; prepares reports for city officials and state and national organizations interested in fire prevention; Oversees the preparation and maintenance of records and reports; meets with community groups and with officials who plan and approve the program of the Division; Attends conferences and meetings; coordinates activities of the Division of Fire with that of other divisions within the City and with other governmental and private agencies; Oversees, supervises, and/or evaluates assigned staff; handles employee concerns and problems, counsels, disciplines, and completes performance appraisals; Establishes Division of Fire priorities and develops policies under the direction of the Public Safety Director; Directs the preparation, review, and update of long-range and strategic plans; Supervises the development of the Division's annual budget request to the Public Safety Director; Recommends priorities for Capital Improvement Projects and major equipment purchases; Represents the Division in multi-agency functions; assists in developing multi-agency plans as directed by the Public Safety Director; Reviews the Division's disaster plan annually. Minimum Qualifications Possession of a bachelor's degree and one (1) year of service as a permanent appointee in the class of Fire Assistant Chief OR five (5) years with any combination of service as a Fire Assistant Chief, Fire Deputy Chief, and/or Fire Battalion Chief or comparable experience elsewhere. Possession of a valid driver's license

Must obtain (or maintain) valid Firefighter II and Fire Safety inspector certifications issued by the State of Ohio by the completion of the probationary period. Test/Job Contact Information Recruitment #: 26-3089-V1 Employment Type: Full-Time (Regular) Candidates should apply online at www.GovHRjobs.com by July 31, 2026, with resume and cover letter. Following the filing deadline, applications will be reviewed by MGT

Candidates selected for further consideration may be asked to participate in preliminary interviews, complete supplemental written responses, and/or provide additional information regarding their professional background and accomplishments. The City will determine finalists based on qualifications, experience, and alignment with the needs of the position. Final candidates may be invited to participate in additional interviews and assessment activities as part of the selection process.

All inquiries regarding this opportunity should be directed to Jon Fehlman, MGT Senior Consultant, at (847) 380-3240 x142. Notice: In accordance with Ohio law, all applications and resumes for public positions are a matter of public record and will be disclosed to the media or public upon proper request through the City of Columbus. The City of Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer.