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Fire Chief Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

The Denver Fire Department is the largest firefighting entity within the state of Colorado. The DFD is comprised of multiple divisions with diverse operations staffed by over 1000 professional ...

The Denver Fire Department is the largest firefighting entity within the state of Colorado. The DFD is comprised of multiple divisions with diverse operations staffed by over 1000 professional ...

Fire Fighter

Pueblo, CO · On-site

$22 - $52/hr

Fire Chief * Position Location: 55500 DOT Road, Pueblo, CO * Position Type: Regular Full-Time * FLSA Status: Non-Exempt * Pay: Hourly Essential Job Functions Responsibilities may include: * Respond ...

Fire Fighter

Pueblo, CO · On-site

$22 - $52/hr

Fire Chief * Position Location: 55500 DOT Road, Pueblo, CO * Position Type: Regular Full-Time * FLSA Status: Non-Exempt * Pay: Hourly Essential Job Functions Responsibilities may include: * Respond ...

Finance Manager

Loveland, CO · On-site

$125K - $187K/yr

This role is a senior advisor to the Fire Chief, Executive Staff, and the Authority Board, directly shaping LFRA's financial sustainability and long-range planning in support of exceptional public ...

Crew Chief

Aurora, CO · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

SERVPRO Denver SE is hiring for a Crew Chief! As the front-line representative of the SERVPRO ® ... QUALIFICATIONS: * 2 years experience in the Fire and Water restoration industry * Have a valid ...

Chief Engineer Location: Homewood Suites Denver Tech Center Reports To: General Manger FLSA Status ... Monitor and maintain building systems, including boilers, chillers, elevators, and fire safety ...

Chief Building Official

Vail, CO · On-site

$113.51 - $141.88/hr

Position Overview Chief Building Official Community Development Department | Town of Vail ... Serve as liaison to the Town's Building and Fire Code Appeals Board and provide technical guidance ...

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Showing results 1-20

Fire Chief information

See Colorado salary details

$32.6K

$111K

$192.4K

How much do fire chief jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire chief in Colorado is $111,016.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,000.00 and $130,400.00 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 Colorado?

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

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

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

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Fire Chief jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Fire Chief job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Fire Chief job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,016 per year, or $53.4 per hour.

Division Chief of EMS

Roaring Fork Fire Rescue

Carbondale, CO • On-site

$140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Join Our Team

Are you ready to be part of a progressive, dedicated, and passionate organization where you can advance your career, contribute to high-performing teams, and make a meaningful difference in the community? At the Roaring Fork Fire and Rescue Authority (RFFRA), our teams are empowered to solve problems, pursue excellence, and serve our communities. We offer opportunities for training, continuing education, professional development, and career advancement.

Here is your opportunity to join RFFRA. We are currently recruiting for the following position:

ONE (1) full-time Division Chief of Emergency Medical Services 

The Roaring Fork Fire and Rescue Authority is an organization dedicated to serving our neighbors, solving problems, and saving lives through our shared passion for service, commitment to excellence, respect for diversity, and dedication to our communities.

RFFRA operates a combination fire and rescue system and provides emergency response to fire, rescue, hazardous materials, and wildland incidents. The agency operates Advanced Life Support ambulances and provides emergency medical transport services to two Level III trauma centers in the Roaring Fork Valley.

The communities of Snowmass Village, Basalt, El Jebel, Old Snowmass, and Thomasville rely on RFFRA for 24/7 emergency services. Our team is committed to providing exceptional service and care to the residents, visitors, and communities we proudly serve.

Division Chief of Emergency Medical Services


The Division Chief of EMS is responsible for the development and implementation of policies and procedures governing Medical Rescue, Pre-Hospital Care, Quality Assurance, Public Health Programs, Infection Control, EMS Training, and personnel development. This position is responsible for ensuring that all EMS personnel receive training that meets state and national standards and maintain all required, current EMS certifications.


Location:                                            Stations 42 in El Jebel or Station 45 in Snowmass Village  

Work Schedule:                                  40 hours a week, plus events, training and callbacks as available.



Division Chief Minimum Qualifications:    

The candidate must have the following minimum qualifications:

An associate’s degree, preferred bachelor’s degree in fire science, EMS, fire administration, business or public administration, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

At least seven (7) years in the fire service and emergency medical services, with two (2) years in a leadership capacity. 

Must possess the following:

  1. Valid Colorado Paramedic certification or license, within 30 days of employment
  2. National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Paramedic (NRP) certification, within 90 days of employment
  3. Colorado, Pro Board, or IFSAC Fire Firefighter II Certification
  4. Colorado, Pro Board, or IFSAC Hazmat Operations Certification
  5. Possession of a valid Colorado Driver's License, within 30 days of employment
  6. BLS Provider, or equivalent
  7. ICS 100, 200, 300, 700, and 800 certifications
  8. 21 years of age

Additional Certification Requirements within 12 months of employment:

  1. American Heart Association Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Basic Life Support (BLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Instructor
  2. ICS 400
  3. Certified Ambulance Compliance Officer
  4. Attend Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator (PECC) education
  5. Attend Basic Field Training Officer Course and Developing and Managing the EMS Field Training Evaluation Program
  6. S-130/190

 

The Fire Chief may establish an eligibility list of qualified candidates. Candidates who are placed on the eligibility list will be notified of such. Eligibility lists are valid for up to 6 months, however, the Fire Chief reserves the right to re-test and establish a new list at any time. 


Division Chief of Emergency Medical Services 2026 Pay Ranges:


Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

$133,342.89/$64.11

$140,010.04/$67.31 (Lateral Consideration Only)

$147,010.54/$70.68 (Lateral Consideration Only)




**Sign – On Bonus of $5000**

Full-time employees are offered a very extensive benefits package that includes:

  • 100% paid health, dental, and vision insurance for employees only, and reduced cost for family members
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) funded up to $2500 annually for an individual and up to $5000 for a family
  • Up to 200 hours of accrued paid time off, and up to 39 hours of extended leave hours, annually for the first five years
  • Basic life and voluntary accidental death and dismemberment insurance
  • FPPA defined benefit with an additional 4 % into a 457-Fidelity retirement plan
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability


Contact Information:  Renee Thomas, HR Director, 970-340-7048 rthomas@roaringforkfire.org                                                       

Submittal Requirements:  Detailed Authority Application

https://www.roaringforkfire.gov/employment-opportunities



Applicants MUST PROVIDE an updated resume, cover letter, and copies of any certifications, degrees, and/or transcripts used to demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position. *

All the submittal requirements can be added to the application, but if you have more attachments then allotted, you can email additional documents to  applications@roaringforkfire.org

Application Deadline:                        Applications must be received via email no later than,


September 14, 2026, at 4:30  pm.


Anticipated Interview Date:              October 01, 2026


Anticipated Start Date:                      November 02, 2026