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District Fire Chief Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Drexel Heights Fire District

Fire Chief

Tucson, AZ · On-site

The Fire Chief shall serve as the District's Chief Administrator directing all operations and activities of the Fire District in order to protect the lives and property of citizens from the loss due ...

GMP Consultants

Fire Chief

Elizabeth, CO · On-site

$137K - $150K/yr

View the Position Profile Salary Range: $137,281-150,010 annually DOQ The Elizabeth Fire Protection District is seeking a Fire Chief to lead this full-service combination fire and emergency services ...

City of Saint Paul

Fire Chief

Saint Paul, MN

$152K - $226K/yr

Three (3) years of command experience certified as a District or Battalion Chief or above, in a full-time paid fire department. Such command-level experience shall include the areas of fire ...

City of Saint Paul, MN

Fire Chief

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

Three (3) years of command experience certified as a District or Battalion Chief or above, in a full-time paid fire department. Such command-level experience shall include the areas of fire ...

Gulfshoresal

$160K - $175K/yr

Work alongside engaged community and District leaders who value public safety. * Develop and mentor the next generation of fire service leaders. * Strengthen regional partnerships and community ...

Daily Dispatch

$200K - $225K/yr

Fire Chief Lewis County Fire Districts 5 & 6 Lewis County, Washington Salary: $200,000 - $225,000 ... District 5 serves more than 74 square miles in and around the city of Napavine, responds to ...

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District Fire Chief information

See salary details

$31K

$105.6K

$183K

How much do district fire chief jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for district fire chief in the United States is $105,577.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $124,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a district fire chief?

District Fire Chiefs are senior fire department officials responsible for overseeing multiple fire stations within a specific geographic area known as a district. They manage emergency response operations, coordinate resources, supervise fire officers and firefighters, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. District Fire Chiefs also play a key role in developing training programs, responding to major incidents, and liaising with other emergency services and community leaders. Their leadership ensures effective and efficient fire protection and emergency services within their district.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a district fire chief?

To thrive as a District Fire Chief, you need extensive experience in fire service operations, leadership, and incident management, typically supported by advanced fire science education and relevant certifications such as Fire Officer or Chief Fire Officer. Familiarity with emergency management systems, resource allocation software, and compliance with NFPA standards is essential. Exceptional decision-making, communication, and crisis leadership skills set outstanding candidates apart. These qualifications and skills ensure effective emergency response, personnel management, and public safety across the district.

What are some of the unique challenges district fire chiefs face when managing multiple fire stations?

District Fire Chiefs are responsible for overseeing several fire stations, which requires exceptional coordination, communication, and leadership skills. One of the main challenges is ensuring consistent training, operational standards, and resource allocation across all stations, while also addressing the unique needs of each community served. Chiefs must balance administrative duties with emergency response oversight, often making quick decisions during high-pressure situations. Building strong relationships with station captains, municipal leaders, and the public is also essential for maintaining effective fire protection and emergency services.

What is the difference between District Fire Chief vs Fire Captain?

AspectDistrict Fire ChiefFire Captain
CertificationsFire Officer Certifications, EMT/ParamedicFirefighter Certifications, EMT/Paramedic
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple fire stations and districtsManages a single fire station or team
ResponsibilitiesStrategic planning, administrative duties, district oversightDirect firefighting operations, team leadership

The District Fire Chief and Fire Captain roles differ mainly in scope and responsibilities. The District Fire Chief holds a higher administrative position overseeing multiple stations and strategic planning, while the Fire Captain manages daily firefighting operations within a station. Both roles require similar certifications, but their work environments and duties vary significantly.

More about District Fire Chief jobs

What states have the most District Fire Chief jobs?

States with the most job openings for District Fire Chief jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to District Fire Chief jobs?

For District Fire Chief jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

District Fire Chief jobs near you
Infographic showing various District Fire Chief job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,577 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Fire Chief

Tucson, AZ • On-site

Drexel Heights Fire District
Public Safety Statistics Centers and Offices • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Drexel Heights Fire Districtexternal

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Description:

The Fire Chief shall serve as the District’s Chief Administrator directing all operations and activities of the Fire District in order to protect the lives and property of citizens from the loss due to fire and life safety related hazards. The Fire Chief is appointed by the Board of the Fire District and serves at the pleasure of the Board.

Supervision Received

Position is directly responsible to the elected District Fire Board.

Supervision Exercised

Directly supervises the Deputy Fire Chief, other Chiefs, Directors and other District administrative personnel as needed. Indirectly supervises all employees of the District.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Plan, coordinate, supervise and evaluate, Operations, Communications and Administration Departments.

2. Establish procedures, guidelines and standing orders for Operations, Communications and Administration Department activities in order to implement directives from the Board.

3. Plan and implement, Operations, Communications and Administration programs for the District in order to better carry out the policies and goals; reviews District performance and effectiveness; formulates programs or procedures to alleviate deficiencies and improve efficiencies.

4. Supervise and coordinate the preparation and presentation of an annual budget and related documents for the District; directs implementation of the District’s budget; plans for and reviews specifications for new or replaced equipment.

5. Respond to alarms and may direct activities at the scene of major emergencies as required.

6. Serve as the liaison between District employees and the Board.

7. Utilize a participative style of management in guiding the District.

8. Serve as the District’s Chief personnel officer with full authority to hire, promote, and terminate employees of the District.

9. Oversees preparation of monthly reports to the Board including distribution of the Board Meeting agendas and related documents; maintains records of Board Meetings; prepares and distributes monthly financial and payables listings for Board review and consideration.

Prepares detailed and technical reports regarding future fire protection requirements, equipment, apparatus and personnel with recommendations for improvement.

10. Continuously evaluates the need for and approves purchase of new equipment and supplies.

11. Routinely meet with elected and appointed officials, other Fire/EMS/Communications/Fire prevention officials, community and business representatives and the public on all aspects of the District’s activities.

12. Attend conference, meetings and seminars to keep abreast with current trends in the fire service; represents the District at local, regional and state meetings.

13. Plan, initiate and carry out long-term programs in fire department administration, risk care management, training, and fire prevention and relates the programs of the District with other regional programs.

14. Develop and recommend for consideration by the District Fire Board, policies needed to carry out the business of the District. Implement policies adopted by the Board.

15. Consults with and advises the District Fire Board on matters pertaining to public safety, fire protection and the fire code.

The above listed examples of work are not intended to be all-inclusive. The Fire District Board reserves the right to assign additional duties and responsibilities it deems necessary or desirable, as well as take away any duty and responsibility at its discretion.

Requirements:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Extensive knowledge of good management techniques and the ability to apply these techniques.

2. Ability to integrate knowledge of statutes, rules and regulations related to Fire District operations.

3. Ability to think logically and quickly during an emergency and non-emergency situations.

4. Ability to listen to and apply information and instructions.

5. Ability to read and comprehend technically written materials and manuals.

6. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing in the English language with customers, clients, employees, and the public in face-to face, one-on–one setting, in group settings, or using a telephone.

7. Requires confidentiality and ability to remain calm under stress.

8. Knowledge of controlling laws and ordinances affecting the District.

9. Ability to direct and supervise the work of others.

10. Ability to build teams.

11. Ability to maintain and uphold high ethical standards.

12. Possess the knowledge and skills to speak publicly and make presentations.

13. Ability to interact with elected officials appropriately.

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