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Assistant Fire Chief Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fire Medic

Selma, AL · On-site

$52K - $83K/yr

Collaborate with the Fire Chief for developing and implementing training plans for the mill Emergency Response Team * Assist with classroom and field instruction for the mill Emergency Response Team

Fire Medic

Selma, AL · On-site

$52K - $83K/yr

Collaborate with the Fire Chief for developing and implementing training plans for the mill Emergency Response Team * Assist with classroom and field instruction for the mill Emergency Response Team

Battalion Chief - Operations

Sachse, TX · On-site

$130K - $195K/yr

Description Under the limited supervision of the Fire Chief, the Battalion Chief is responsible for ... Emergency Management & Incident Support: Assist with Emergency Operations Center (EOC) coordination ...

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Assistant Fire Chief information

See salary details

$33K

$85.9K

$156.5K

How much do assistant fire chief jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 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.

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.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $85,892 per year, or $41.3 per hour.
FIRE CAPTAIN - INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY

FIRE CAPTAIN - INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY

Dorchester County

Saint George, SC • On-site

$61K - $67K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Dorchester County (South Carolina) rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

299th of 693 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Description INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY The base annual wage is generated from a base hourly rate of $19.28 per hour under the standard shift schedule of 48 hours worked and 96 hours off. Built in overtime is paid at 1.5 times the hourly rate for all hours worked in excess of 106 hours in a 14 day pay cycle. Additional overtime opportunities for shift coverage may be available per departmental policy

These opportunities would provide pay in excess of the base annual wage. The purpose of the class is to supervise and perform administrative work in supervision of the fire suppression and emergency rescue activities of assigned, multiple fire stations during an assigned shift. This class determines plan of action for the various fire companies in the event of an emergency; prepares and administers disciplinary procedures; and performs command level work.

This class reports to the Battalion Chief of their shift and supervises the daily operations and functions of a shift. Supervision of shift operations includes, but is not limited to: directing, instructing, assigning, reviewing and planning work of full-time, part time and temporary employees as well as volunteer staff; maintaining standards; coordinating activities; providing and allocating resources; responding to problems, complaints and inquiries; and monitoring execution of proper laws, regulations, procedures and service. This class works within general policy and organizational guidelines, does independent planning and implementation and reports progress of major activities through periodic conferences and meetings.

Duties ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Commands all firefighting, lifesaving and fire prevention operations in an assigned district; sets up command post at fire or accident scenes; may set up or assume multiple command posts at a single incident; and supervises overhaul and salvage operations. Supervises the daily operation and functions during shift operations; oversees workload and schedules of assigned full-time, part-time and, temporary employees as well as volunteers. Assists with the evaluation and preparation of work schedules; ensures any legal requirements are met.

Supervises assigned staff. Supervisory duties include instructing; assigning, reviewing and planning work of others; maintaining standards; coordinating activities; selecting new employees; acting on employee problems; recommending and approving employee discipline; and recommending discharge as appropriate. Reviews the work of assigned staff for completeness and accuracy; offers training, advice and assistance as needed.

Instructs company officers in all aspects of their work; enforces departmental regulations; and makes regular inspections of company personnel, quarters, equipment and records. Periodically reviews and evaluates state and federal laws/requirement; ensures departmental compliance; and implements changes. Implements policies; assists with the review of current operations to modify procedures, standards and quality to control.

Responsible for call response; responds to emergencies, inquiries and complaints from citizens, advocacy groups, government entities, media, etc. Oversees fire investigations and work of fire inspectors, including arson investigations when assigned to fire prevention as the Assistant Fire Marshal. May inform general public of crisis conditions, emergency response, life and death situations, onscene updates, etc.

through press releases; performs interviews with television, radio and print media in the absence of the Battalion Chief, Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief. attends civic functions, sometimes after hours, representing the department on behalf of the County. Receives reviews; prepares and submits various records and reports including invoices, purchase orders, budget documents, cost spreadsheets, maps, training material, memos, etc.

Approves request for equipment, supplies and repairs. Inspects, tests and evaluates new types of firefighting equipment; recommends types, kinds and quantities of each for future procurement; and establishes standard methods of use for equipment. Supervises administrative details; grants leaves; administers discipline; makes daily staffing assessment for all stations in district; rotates personnel as needed; and files payroll reports.

Oversees training operations for companies, individuals and recruits as the Evaluation Officer. May participate in annual training sessions such as confined space and high-angle rescue; reviews and reports on drills. Supervises the receiving and transmitting of fire alarms as well as other emergency messages; and the dispatching of fire equipment and personnel.

Plans, coordinates and conducts test and trial emergencies to prepare staff and volunteers in crisis conditions; develops appropriate training schedules. Ensures appropriate certifications and paperwork are processed for staff and works effectively and efficiently; meets necessary staffing requirements, guidelines, expectations and goals of the department and state. Advises citizen emergency response team; interacts with federal and outside agencies.

Performs semi-annual/annual assessments of assigned shift personnel and volunteers; determines change needed; and assists with developing plans for implementation. Performs other related job duties as assigned. Qualifications Education and Experience: Associate degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and training.

Requires at least three (3) years of related work experience including supervisory experience. Special Qualifications: Must possess a valid state Class E, Class B CDL or equivalent driver's license. Must have: International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) IFSAC Fire Officer I or equivalent; IFSAC Fire Instructor I or equivalent; IFSAC Firefighter I and II or equivalent; South Carolina Fire Academy (SCFA) Pump Operator I and II or equivalent; SCFA Auto Extrication or equivalent; SCFA Aerial Operator or equivalent; Hazardous Materials Operations Level; Rapid Intervention Team, SCFA Emergency Vehicle Driver's Training; SCFA Rescuing the Rescuer; National Incident Management System (NIMS-ICS) Incident Command training or equivalent including Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800; Traffic Incident Management; Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) or higher certification; and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)/Automated External Defibrillator (AED) First Aid or greater; Technical Rescue; Preparation for Initial Company Ops.; Fire Investigations for First Responders; Building Construction Principles: Non-Combustible

Must obtain within one (1) or hire: Strategy & Tactics for Initial Co. Ops.; Decision Making for Initial Co. Ops.; Firefighter Safety & Survival: The CO'S Responsibility; Leadership in Supervision: Personal Growth; IOW - Firefighter 1 and 2; and other education as deemed necessary

Additional Requirements WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is performed regularly where decisions are made that could lead to major community or organizational consequences if there is a failure to make the appropriate decision at the time. Dorchester County has the right to revise this job description at any time. This description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work This is a full-time position; typical shift works 48 hours on and 96 hours off. Works weekends and holidays. Must work 48 hour each week to maintain full-time status.

Employees must be available to work evenings, weekends and holidays during emergencies or as requested. This is a safety sensitive position and employees holding this position have the responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others. This position is subject to random drug testing.


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