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Assistant Fire Chief Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Fiscal Manager

Franklin, TN · On-site

$87K - $95K/yr

Perform related duties and responsibilities to assist other employees in the department as required. * Provide on-going updates to the Fire Chief regarding expenditures and budget tracking, overtime ...

May assist in solicitation and acquisition of new management contracts Respond to all emergency ... fire, evacuation, equipment failure etc.) and customer concerns Implement and administer inventory ...

May assist in solicitation and acquisition of new management contracts Respond to all emergency ... fire, evacuation, equipment failure etc.) and customer concerns Implement and administer inventory ...

May assist in solicitation and acquisition of new management contracts Respond to all emergency ... fire, evacuation, equipment failure etc.) and customer concerns Implement and administer inventory ...

May assist in solicitation and acquisition of new management contracts Respond to all emergency ... fire, evacuation, equipment failure etc.) and customer concerns Implement and administer inventory ...

... assist in development of operating and capital budgets • Utility Management such as tracking use ... fire/life safety, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical issues; must remain current with latest HVAC ...

Be Seen First

Due to continued growth, PBA is seeking an experienced Assistant Chief of Life Safety & Security to ... Minimum ten years of law enforcement, fire, or emergency management experience. * Excellent written ...

Painter

Memphis, TN · On-site

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

... assist in other areas of Engineering as assigned. Under the Director of Engineering or Chief ... Responsible for familiarity with fire alarm systems, sprinkler and domestic water shut off valves.

Painter

Memphis, TN · On-site

$16.25 - $22.25/hr

... assist in other areas of Engineering as assigned. Under the Director of Engineering or Chief ... Responsible for familiarity with fire alarm systems, sprinkler and domestic water shut off valves.

Painter

Memphis, TN · On-site

$16.25 - $22.25/hr

... assist in other areas of Engineering as assigned. Under the Director of Engineering or Chief ... Responsible for familiarity with fire alarm systems, sprinkler and domestic water shut off valves.

Painter

Memphis, TN · On-site

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

... assist in other areas of Engineering as assigned. Under the Director of Engineering or Chief ... Responsible for familiarity with fire alarm systems, sprinkler and domestic water shut off valves.

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Assistant Fire Chief information

See Tennessee salary details

$30K

$78K

$142K

How much do assistant fire chief jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant fire chief in Tennessee is $77,957.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $101,200.00 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 Tennessee? The most popular types of Fire Chief jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Fire Chief jobs in Tennessee? For Assistant Fire Chief jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Fire Chief jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Fire Chief jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Assistant Fire Chief jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Assistant Fire Chief job openings:
Infographic showing various Assistant Fire Chief job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,957 per year, or $37.5 per hour.

Fire Division Chief (Promotional Only)

City of Memphis, TN

Memphis, TN • On-site

$128K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Salary Range:$128,210.16 - $128,210.16
 

Works under the administrative direction of the Deputy Chief of Special Operations of Fire Services. Develops, implements, and utilizes a performance evaluation system for fire training drills. Monitors Fire Company drills and evaluates company effectiveness through annual drive evaluations covering residential and commercial structures, high-rise buildings, large-scale disasters, and hazardous material emergencies. Instructs supervisory/management training programs, including the Incident Command System/National Incident Management System (ICS/NIMS), and delivers public fire education to firefighting division personnel. Develops and implements motivational employee programs. Acts as an operations and administrative manager within a firefighting and/or air rescue division, ensuring effective and efficient use of resources, including personnel, apparatus, and equipment, within the assigned division through subordinate battalion chiefs and/or air rescue chiefs. Plans and develops operational strategies within the assigned division. Establishes and maintains the ICS during emergency incidents. Approves emergency call backs for repairs on Fire Department facilities and apparatus to ensure and maintain equipment and operational safety. Prepares and monitors annual budget. Assists the Managers of Logistics, Communications, and Training in determining field operational needs, evaluation of new products (testing), and writing product specifications for contracts used for the procurement of goods and services.  Collaborates with facilities architect to renovate existing structures and design new fire stations and other facilities. Evaluates performance, administers/supervises disciplinary administrative investigations and actions, and resolves off-duty personnel matters. Approves changes to personnel assignments to meet division needs and minimum company staffing requirements. Monitors staff sick leave to minimize the possibility of abuse by fire personnel. Engages and communicates with the public, including interaction with businesses, schools, daycares, and community action groups. 

Fourteen (14) years as a firefighter with three (3) of the fourteen (14) years as a Fire Suppression Battalion Chief with the Memphis Fire Department. Current First Responder CPR and basic First Aid certifications required. Fire Officer I certification required prior to completing the application for the position. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license. Bachelor's degree in Fire Administration, Fire Prevention Technology, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field preferred. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:  

On call 24-hours a day as needed.

OTHER FUNCTIONS 

1. Acts as a division coordinator 

2. Serves in the capacity of an acting deputy chief as assigned 

3. Assists in developing effective fire prevention initiatives 

4. Assists in the development of long-term strategic and operational plans 

5. Performs additional functions (essential and otherwise) which may be assigned 

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  

Must be able to communicate clearly verbally and in writing.  Must be able to operate a computer and basic office equipment such as a telephone, radio systems, and audio-visual equipment. Must be able to administer first-responder CPR and basic First Aid. Ability to operate the Division's emergency vehicles as required. Requires ability to perform firefighting procedures, including ability to assist in lifting and/or carrying a victim, stretcher, and/or equipment weighing an average of 160-240 pounds. 

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:  

Work is performed primarily in an office environment except when managing field operations (emergency scenes) as needed. Work involves contact with the public, vendors, staff members, and fire personnel at all levels. Special project work conducted during various shifts.