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Assistant Fire Chief Jobs (NOW HIRING)

To assist the Fire Chief to direct, plan, supervise, and coordinate the operational, administrative, training and personnel activities of a Fire Department Division; perform the role of Battalion ...

Fire Chief, Dan Jager (907) 235-3155 or djager@ci.homer.ak.us GENERAL FUNCTIONS Assists the Fire ... to assist in emergency service activities. EXTERNAL VISIBILITY/CONTACT High frequency of contact ...

Deputy Chief - Fire

Chico, CA · On-site

$196K/yr

To assist the Fire Chief to direct, plan, supervise, and coordinate the operational, administrative, training and personnel activities of a Fire Department Division; perform the role of Battalion ...

FIRE CHIEF

Hemet, CA · On-site

$210K - $281K/yr

... to serve as Fire Chief. The ideal candidate will have a passion for delivering high-quality ... assist the City Manager with the vision of moving the City forward. To be considered for this ...

FIRE CHIEF

Hemet, CA · On-site

$210K - $281K/yr

... to serve as Fire Chief. The ideal candidate will have a passion for delivering high-quality ... assist the City Manager with the vision of moving the City forward. To be considered for this ...

... Assistant Fire Chief (as required). • Must be able to drive all assigned vehicle per NorthStar's driving policies. • Will adhere to NorthStar's and Department specific Standard Operating ...

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 ...

RESPONSIBILITIES * Assist in the operation of the fire prevention program under the Fire Chief, with day-to-day direction of the Senior Fire Inspector * Assist the Fire Chief in the development of ...

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Assistant Fire Chief information

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$33K

$85.9K

$156.5K

How much do assistant fire chief jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant fire chief in the United States is $85,892.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $111,500.00 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.

How much does a volunteer fire chief get paid?

Volunteer fire chiefs typically do not receive a salary, as their role is voluntary. They may receive stipends or reimbursements for expenses, but compensation varies widely depending on the department and region. Most volunteer fire chiefs serve without pay, focusing on leadership and community safety.

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 does an assistant chief do?

An assistant fire chief supports the fire department's operations by helping to develop policies, oversee emergency response, and manage personnel. They often assist in planning training, coordinating resources, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. This role requires leadership skills, knowledge of firefighting techniques, and relevant certifications such as Fire Officer or Incident Command training.

What makes a good assistant fire chief?

A good assistant fire chief demonstrates strong leadership, effective communication, and comprehensive knowledge of firefighting operations and safety protocols. They should have relevant certifications, such as Fire Officer or Incident Command, and the ability to coordinate emergency responses while supporting the fire chief and managing personnel. Experience in fire service and the ability to make quick, informed decisions are essential qualities.

Can I be a fire chief without a degree?

Becoming a fire chief typically requires extensive experience as a firefighter and leadership skills; a college degree is often preferred but not always mandatory. Many fire departments prioritize certifications, such as fire officer or incident command training, and relevant experience over formal education. Requirements vary by department, so checking specific agency criteria is recommended.

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.
More about Assistant Fire Chief jobs
What cities are hiring for Assistant Fire Chief jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Fire Chief job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Chief jobs? The most popular types of Fire Chief jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Assistant Fire Chief jobs? The top employers for Assistant Fire Chief jobs are:
What states have the most Assistant Fire Chief jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Fire Chief jobs include:
Infographic showing various Assistant Fire Chief job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $85,892 per year, or $41.3 per hour.
Deputy Chief - Fire

$196K/yr

Other

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Position Information The Chico Fire Department seeks a Deputy Fire Chief with demonstrated expertise in fire protection, emergency medical services, administration, and training, as well as the financial acumen and technological savvy needed to lead the organization collaboratively with confidence and vision. Click here to view the flyer below. To assist the Fire Chief to direct, plan, supervise, and coordinate the operational, administrative, training and personnel activities of a Fire Department Division; perform the role of Battalion Chief when needed to fill in; to provide highly responsible and technical staff assistance to the Fire Chief; supervise and coordinate the operations of the Fire Department in preventing and extinguishing fires, delivering emergency medical services, performing rescues, mitigating hazardous materials emergencies, and in protecting life and property; assist developing and implementing of initiatives to accomplish the department's strategic goals; serve as Acting Fire Chief in the absence of the Fire Chief; performs related duties as assigned.

Receives administrative direction from the Fire Chief. Exercises direct supervision over management and supervisory staff. This is a management sworn classification responsible for planning, organizing, reviewing, and evaluating the delivery of Fire Department programs and services to the City of Chico with responsibility for all related activities including frequent interface with public officials, State/Federal/local agencies, other public/private organizations and the general public, and assist the Fire Chief in the development, proposal, and implementation of programs designed to provide quality fire protection services and maintain excellent customer service within the Department's jurisdiction.

Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion with broad guidelines. This classification is distinguished from the Fire Chief in that the latter class is responsible for all department activities. Must attach a letter resume, three professional references, and required certification documents.

Salary DOE. This is a contracted position. Job Description Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Command fire department resources on all types of emergencies, including the most complex fires, rescues, and hazardous materials incidents. Develop, update, recommend, and implement Departmental policies. Plan, organize, schedule, and conduct fire training.

Develop specifications and assist in the procurement of emergency apparatus and equipment. Assist in site selection and design of Fire Department facilities. Research and assist in design of Department dispatch, communications, and computer systems.

Supervise the maintenance of departmental administrative, inspection, training, and safety records. Coordinate specialized skills such as hazardous materials, aircraft rescue firefighting, rescue, emergency medical services, and critical incident stress. Serve as Fire Department Health and Safety Officer; supervise and coordinate station duties and assignments.

Supervise and evaluate assigned staff. Oversee all operational specialty teams (Rescue, HazMat, Critical Incident Stress Debrief [CISD], and SCBA. Provide fire information and public safety education.

Provide input into fire code and safety inspections, building plan checks, environmental reviews, fire suppression water system design, and pre-fire planning. Oversee the coordination and implementation of in-service training. Supervise and coordinate volunteer personnel.

Coordinate Fire Department activities with other city, county, state, and federal agencies. Develop and manage assigned budget. Coordinate the maintenance of fire department vehicles, facilities, communications, and other capital and infrastructure items.

Cultivate good community relations by working with civic, fraternal and other community groups. Recommend appropriate disciplinary action when necessary. May be subject to emergency recall during non-working hours.

Perform related duties as assigned. Qualifications Knowledge of: Standards, principles, practices, and procedures of modern fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue, and hazardous materials response and organization; Operation and maintenance of fire and rescue apparatus; Geography, demographics, building types, water supply, and special hazards in the City of Chico; Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and codes pertaining to fire prevention, emergency services, and worker safety standards; Methods and techniques of fire service training; Operation and maintenance of fire and rescue apparatus and equipment; Principles and practices of public administration including organization, fiscal affairs, and personnel management; Basic computer applications; Various fire apparatus or command vehicles, fire pumps, personal protective equipment, hoses and other standard firefighting equipment, hazardous materials response, and rescue equipment, ladders, emergency medical equipment, radio, pager, personal computer, phone. Ability to: Efficiently and effectively utilize personnel, equipment, and apparatus in routine and emergency situations; Develop and implement training and fire safety and prevention programs; maintain and improve discipline and morale; Receive respect and support of subordinates; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with other City staff, other agencies, the media, and the general public; EDUCATION AND EXEPRIENCE: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.

A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: Education: Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in Fire Administration, Fire Protection Engineering, or a related field, supplemented by substantial professional education including all course work for State Board of Fire Services Chief Officer Certification or Chief Fire Officer (CFO) from the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) or Executive Fire Officer (EFO) from the National Fire Academy (NFA). Experience: Seven years of increasingly responsible experience in fire prevention, fire suppression, or fire training including at least two years experience performing duties similar to a Fire Captain or Battalion Chief preferably in a municipal fire department. Licenses and Certifications: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License.

Current first aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation certification per CCR 1797.182. Certification at the Hazardous Materials First Responder-Operational level. Additional Information Physical Demands While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk and hear

The employee is frequently required to walk, sometimes on uneven surfaces; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl in confined spaces; and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 175 pounds or more with assistance.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Environmental Conditions Work is performed mostly in an office, vehicles, and outdoor settings, in all weather conditions, including temperature extremes, and during day and night. Work is often performed in emergency and stressful situations.

Individuals may be exposed to hearing alarms and hazards associated with fighting fires and rendering emergency medical assistance, including smoke, noxious odors, fumes, chemicals, liquid chemicals, solvents and oils, and combating hazardous materials emergencies. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in office settings and loud at an em.