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Battalion Chief Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Town of Vail

Fire Chief

Vail, CO

At least 3 years in an administrative or managerial leadership role (typically Battalion Chief or higher) * ICS-400 certification * Hazardous Materials Incident Commander certification * Valid driver ...

Town of Vail

Fire Chief

Vail, CO · On-site

$161K - $201K/yr

At least 3 years in an administrative or managerial leadership role (typically Battalion Chief or higher) * ICS-400 certification * Hazardous Materials Incident Commander certification * Valid driver ...

Town of Vail

Fire Chief

Vail, CO

At least 3 years in an administrative or managerial leadership role (typically Battalion Chief or higher) * ICS-400 certification * Hazardous Materials Incident Commander certification * Valid driver ...

Charleston County, SC

FIRE CAPTAIN - 5/28/26

Awendaw, SC · On-site

$18.17/hr

Awendaw Fire Opening Date: 05/28/2026 Description Under the direction and guidance of the Battalion Chief, A Fire Captain directs the activities of Fire personnel during an assigned shift. An ...

Whitfield County

CHIEF APPRAISER

Dalton, GA · On-site

$50K - $76K/yr

Chief Administrative Officer of the Appraisal and Office Staff. Monitors and evaluates department programs and services; assesses department performance; and identifies and implements changes to ...

City of Portales

Firefighter-EMT

Portales, NM · On-site

SHIFT BATTALION CHIEF S HIFT: REGULAR - 48 On - 96 Off, Subject to Call S ALARY: $14.29- $20.42 hourly (hourly rate is dependent on experience & training) ** Th is position is a safety-sensitive ...

City of Chico

Deputy Chief - Fire

Chico, CA

$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 ...

City of Chico, CA

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 ...

North Slope Borough

Firefighter/EMT

Barrow, AK

$29.17/hr

Travel to and work in outlying villages to provide support and training Assist the Battalion Chief/Training Officer and/or Emergency Services Instructor to assure training course is taught according ...

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Battalion Chief information

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$49.5K

$109.4K

$157.5K

How much do battalion chief jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for battalion chief in the United States is $109,352.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,500.00 and $136,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Battalion Chief, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Battalion Chief, you need extensive experience in fire service operations, leadership skills, and advanced certifications such as Fire Officer III or IV. Familiarity with incident command systems, emergency management software, and departmental policies is crucial. Strong decision-making, communication, and conflict resolution abilities set outstanding Battalion Chiefs apart. These skills are vital for ensuring effective emergency response, safety, and coordination of firefighting teams in high-pressure situations.

What are some common challenges faced by Battalion Chiefs in coordinating multiple fire companies during emergency incidents?

Battalion Chiefs often encounter challenges such as managing communication across multiple teams, ensuring efficient allocation of resources, and making rapid decisions under pressure. They must coordinate the efforts of various fire companies, often in dynamic and hazardous environments, while maintaining situational awareness and prioritizing firefighter safety. Additionally, Battalion Chiefs are responsible for adapting strategies in real-time as incidents evolve, which requires strong leadership, decisiveness, and the ability to remain calm during high-stress situations.

What is the difference between Battalion Chief vs Fire Captain?

AspectBattalion ChiefFire Captain
CertificationsFire Officer certifications, EMT/Paramedic licenses often requiredFire Officer certifications, EMT/Paramedic licenses often required
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple fire stations and a battalion, strategic planningManages a single fire station or crew, operational focus
ResponsibilitiesSupervises Battalion Chiefs, manages large-scale incidents, administrative dutiesLeads fire suppression teams, direct emergency response

In summary, a Battalion Chief typically oversees multiple fire stations and has broader administrative and strategic responsibilities, while a Fire Captain manages a single station and focuses on operational leadership during emergencies.

What is a Battalion Chief?

A Battalion Chief is a high-ranking officer in a fire department who oversees the operations of multiple fire stations or companies within a designated geographic area, known as a battalion. They are responsible for managing personnel, coordinating emergency responses, ensuring the safety of their teams, and implementing departmental policies. Battalion Chiefs also play a critical role in training, budgeting, and strategic planning. They often serve as the incident commander at large emergencies and are key decision-makers within the fire service hierarchy.

What Does a Battalion Chief Do?

As a battalion chief, you are a high-ranking member of a fire department. Your rank comes with the responsibilities of managing a station that works to ensure the safety of the public. You command other firefighters, handle administrative duties, and dispatch crew members in the event of a fire. While this position is highly respected, your rank is below the fire chief and the assistant chief. The responsibilities of a battalion chief also involve training new recruits.

More about Battalion Chief jobs
What cities are hiring for Battalion Chief jobs? Cities with the most Battalion Chief job openings:
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Battalion Chief jobs near you
Infographic showing various Battalion Chief job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,352 per year, or $52.6 per hour.
Fire Chief

Fire Chief

Town of Vail

Vail, CO

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Fire Chief 

IMPORTANT: To be considered for employment, applicants must click the application link below and complete their application through our official recruitment system. Applications submitted directly through this job posting will not be accepted.

Apply Here

The Town of Vail seeks a highly motivated and experienced fire service professional to serve as the next Fire Chief.  The Vail Fire Chief will provide vision, direction, and leadership in developing innovative approaches to delivering quality emergency response services.  The Chief oversees a full range of re and emergency services, including: Structural and Wildland Fire Suppression, Emergency Medical Care, Community Safety Awareness, Hazardous Material Response, Fire Code Enforcement, Technical Rescue, and Community Partnerships.  As a member of the Town Manager’s Senior Leadership Team, the Chief will actively bring professional insights and an overall desire to continually improve our community.

VFES consists of three divisions: Fire Prevention/Administration/Fire Suppression and Wildfire Response/Mitigation. 

Additional details regarding the position, requirements & our community can be found here: Vail Fire Chief Recruitment Brochure. 


Vail is a guest service–oriented, world-class resort community. We know that our employees make all the difference in setting the standard for excellence in alpine destinations. That’s why we’re seeking passionate individuals who take pride in their work and strive for excellence in everything they do.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressive full-time fire service experience in a comparably complex organization
  • At least 3 years in an administrative or managerial leadership role (typically Battalion Chief or higher)
  • ICS-400 certification
  • Hazardous Materials Incident Commander certification
  • Valid driver’s license (Colorado driver’s license required within 30 days of appointment)
  • Ability to successfully pass a criminal background check, psychological evaluation, drug screen, and physical examination

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in Public Administration or related field
  • Experience in wildland fire management and fire prevention
  • Chief Fire Officer designation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence
  • National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program completion
  • NFPA Fire Officer II and/or III certifications

The Town of Vail is a values-based culture that is nurtured by our employees’ strong desire to foster teamwork, take ownership in Vail’s future, and an overall pride in serving their community. To find out more about our community, please visit our website www.vail.gov and click on Vail Information.  

The Town of Vail offers a competitive benefits and compensation package including medical, dental, vision, employer-paid life and disability retirement plans, generous vacation benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional development opportunities, and lifestyle benefits that range from a tennis pass, golf pass, and other ski pass/wellness benefits. 

Apply