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Fire Chief Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

The Fire Chief serves as the chief executive and administrative officer of the City of Selma Fire Department and is responsible for the overall leadership, management, planning, and operation of all ...

Fire Chief III

Mountain Brook, AL · On-site

$90 - $140/hr

* Plan, organize, administer, and coordinate all activities of the Fire Department * Establish departmental policies, procedures, and regulations for firefighting, medical emergencies, rescue ...

Fire Medic

Selma, AL

$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

This position will also require applicant to perform vehicle maintenance, station maintenance, and other non emergency duties as prescribed by the Fire Chief. Applicant will perform fire inspections ...

Will be available for recall as determined by the Fire Chief. * Performs all related work as assigned. * Will respond to EMS medical calls as assigned. * May assist in the planning and evaluation of ...

Will be available for recall as determined by the Fire Chief. * Performs all related work as assigned. * Will respond to EMS medical calls as assigned. * May assist in the planning and evaluation of ...

Work is performed within established policies and procedures and is reviewed through performance evaluations by a Fire Lieutenant, Fire Captain, or Fire Chief. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: Agencies ...

Work is performed within established policies and procedures and is reviewed through performance evaluations by a Fire Lieutenant, Fire Captain, or Fire Chief. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: Agencies ...

Work is performed within established policies and procedures and is reviewed through performance evaluations by a Fire Lieutenant, Fire Captain, or Fire Chief. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: Agencies ...

Work is performed within established policies and procedures and is reviewed through performance evaluations by a Fire Lieutenant, Fire Captain, or Fire Chief. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: Agencies ...

Work is performed within established policies and procedures and is reviewed through performance evaluations by a Fire Lieutenant, Fire Captain, or Fire Chief. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: Agencies ...

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Fire Chief information

See Alabama salary details

$28.1K

$95.7K

$165.9K

How much do fire chief jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire chief in Alabama is $95,694.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,700.00 and $112,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fire chief?

Fire Chiefs are the highest-ranking officers in a fire department, responsible for overseeing all operations and administration. They manage personnel, develop policies, coordinate emergency response, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Fire Chiefs also work with local government, budget resources, and lead public education efforts on fire prevention. Their leadership is crucial in both daily department management and during major emergency incidents.

What does a fire chief do?

A fire chief is a public service officer who oversees the operation of the fire department. As a fire chief, your responsibilities include responding to calls and working as a firefighter, but you are primarily the administrator for the department. Your duties are to train and assess firefighters, set schedules, monitor budgets, make requests for new equipment and fire engines, and ensure that the department is functioning properly. You will also work with local government officials to assess community needs and ensure they are being met.

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

To thrive as a Fire Chief, you need extensive knowledge of fire science, emergency management, and leadership, typically supported by experience as a firefighter and advanced certifications like Fire Officer or Fire Chief credentials. Familiarity with incident command systems, fire reporting software, and emergency communication tools is essential. Outstanding decision-making, communication, and team leadership skills help manage personnel and maintain public trust. These competencies are critical for ensuring effective emergency response, firefighter safety, and overall department performance.

What are the typical challenges a fire chief faces when managing both emergency operations and administrative duties?

Fire Chiefs often juggle the demands of leading emergency response efforts while also overseeing administrative responsibilities like budgeting, personnel management, and policy development. Balancing immediate operational needs—such as coordinating teams during fires or disasters—with long-term planning and resource allocation can be challenging. Effective Fire Chiefs foster strong communication within their teams, delegate tasks appropriately, and remain adaptable to rapidly changing scenarios. This dual focus requires strong leadership, organizational skills, and the ability to make quick, informed decisions under pressure.

What is the difference between Fire Chief vs Fire Captain?

AspectFire ChiefFire Captain
CertificationsFire Officer I & II, Incident Command, EMT/ParamedicFirefighter I & II, EMT/Paramedic, Incident Command
Work EnvironmentAdministrative, strategic planning, overseeing entire departmentOn-scene incident management, supervising firefighters
ResponsibilitiesDepartment leadership, policy development, budget managementLeading firefighting teams during emergencies, training

The Fire Chief is responsible for overall department management and strategic planning, while the Fire Captain focuses on on-the-ground incident command and team supervision. Both roles require similar certifications and work in firefighting environments, but differ in scope and leadership level.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Chief jobs in Alabama?

The most popular types of Fire Chief jobs in Alabama are:

What are popular job titles related to Fire Chief jobs in Alabama?

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

What cities in Alabama are hiring for Fire Chief jobs?

Cities in Alabama with the most Fire Chief job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Fire Chief jobs in AL?

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

Infographic showing various Fire Chief job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $95,694 per year, or $46 per hour.

$124 - $192/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

LOCATIONS: Mountain Brook TARGET CLOSE DATE: 08/21/2026 PAY GRADE: Grade 36 TYPE: Full time JOB SUMMARY:

The City of Mountain Brook (AL) is accepting applications to fill the position of Fire Chief to serve as the head of its Fire Department. The Mountain Brook Fire Department (MBFD) has an ISO Class 2 rating and employs 67 fire professionals working within three strategically positioned fire stations throughout the City. The MBFD proudly serves and protects over 22,000 citizens within 13 square miles of residential and commercial establishments. The Fire Chief is responsible for planning, organizing, administering and coordinating all activities of the Fire Department. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, establishing departmental policies, procedures, and regulations including those pertaining to firefighting, medical emergencies, rescue operations, fire prevention, fire training, and safety programs within and/or above the limitation of laws, regulations, policies, and guidelines set by the State of Alabama. The Fire Chief also prepares the annual budget for the department including making recommendations for capital improvements such as fire station maintenance and upgrades, new fire apparatus, and other specialized fire equipment. Supervision is exercised directly or through subordinate supervisors to all employees of the department.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

The City of Mountain Brook provides competitive pay and comprehensive benefits packages to include medical and dental insurance, employer-sponsored retirement plan (pension), generous paid holidays, sick and vacation leave, and more. The pay range for this job is presented below: $123,593 - $191,734 (with an opportunity for a 5% premium depending on qualifications)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Option A:
  • Driver's license.
  • Current State firefighter minimum standard certification.
  • Current Fire Officer III Certification.
  • Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Business, Public Administration, EMS or closely related field.
  • Three (3) years of supervisory experience at the rank of Fire Captain (or higher) responsible for overseeing the activities of an assigned fire station or division within a fire department (i.e., EMS, Fire Prevention, Safety and Training, Shift Commander).
Option B:
  • Driver's license.
  • Current State firefighter minimum standard certification.
  • Current Fire Officer III Certification.
  • Graduate level degree in Fire Science, Business, Public Administration, EMS or closely related field.
  • Five (5) years of supervisory experience serving at the rank of Fire Lieutenant (or higher).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Paramedic License.
TYPICAL JOB DUTIES:
  • Performs administrative duties (e.g., completing forms, attending meetings, updating records, writing reports) to maintain efficient operation and documentation within the department.
  • Prepares, monitors, and administers departmental or organizational budget by reviewing spending trends, expenditure reports, analyzing financial data and ensuring expenditures are within annual budgetary limits.
  • Coordinates the acquisition and implementation of external funding (e.g., grants) to ensure the department has the resources needed to meet goals and maintain operations.
  • May assume responsibility at emergency scenes to ensure implementation of the incident command system and safe handling of the incident to preserve life and property.
  • Engages in activities designed to ensure professional development, awareness of developments in the field, and knowledge of relevant practices, rules, laws, policies, and/or guidelines.
  • Supervises, coordinates, and participates in activities that project a positive image of the department to the public by attending off-site facilities or hosting visitors at the station to conduct trainings, tours, and other community-related activities.
  • Manages operations of the department by developing, reviewing, and updating policies and procedures, evaluating programs, and researching current trends in the emergency medical and fire fields to ensure the goals and objectives of the department are accomplished.
  • Supervises staff by assigning and distributing work, directing staff in their job duties, monitoring progress of work, providing feedback and/or training.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Job is both sedentary involving sitting for long periods of time, and light to moderate physical exertion, including lifting, carrying, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. May involve occasional lifting of items or objects weighing up to 50 lbs. Work may involve physical ability necessary to combat/extinguish fires, respond to emergency medical calls, and deliver patient care.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is conducted both indoors in an office setting as well as during regular field visits to external places of business, residences, and emergency medical facilities. Work involves use of standard office equipment (e.g., computer, phone, copier) as well as occasional use of firefighting/lifesaving equipment. May be exposed to hazardous weather conditions, roadway traffic, infectious diseases, and angry/irate citizens.

EEO STATEMENT:

The Personnel Board of Jefferson Countyprovides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment with the Personnel Board of Jefferson County, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Each Merit System member city/agencyoperates its own equal employment opportunity policies available on the individual city/agency website.

ACCOMMODATION:

To request an accommodation in the application or hiring process due to your own ongoing medical condition or disability, please contact our Accommodations Coordinator at accommodationrequest@pbjcal.org or phone at 205-279-3500 (select option 1) Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time. The accommodation process is reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or accommodation in the job application process.

NOTE:

This job posting may close before, or be extended beyond, the listed Target Close Date based on the employment needs of the Merit System.

DISCLAIMER:

This job posting is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of the job duties, responsibilities, or skills and abilities required for this position and may be changed at the discretion of the Personnel Board at any time.

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