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Fire Chief Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Denver

Denver Fire Interest Form

Denver, CO

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 ...

Nike

Denver Fire Interest Form

Denver, CO

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 ...

Witt O'Brien's

Fire Fighter

Pueblo, CO

$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 ...

Witt O'Brien's

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 ...

LFRA

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 ...

SERVPRO of Denver Southeast

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 ...

Renascent Englewood LLC

Chief Engineer

Englewood, CO · On-site

$58K/yr

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 ...

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Fire Chief information

See Colorado salary details

$32.6K

$111K

$192.4K

How much do fire chief jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 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 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 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.

More about Fire Chief jobs
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 job categories do people searching Fire Chief jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Chief jobs in Colorado 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:
    Fire Chief jobs near you
    Infographic showing various Fire Chief job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,016 per year, or $53.4 per hour.

    Fire Chief

    Executive Director - GMP Consultants

    Estes Park, CO • On-site

    $150K - $169K/yr

    Other

    Re-posted 10 days ago

    Job description

    My Account
    Job Openings >> Fire Chief
    Fire Chief
    Summary
    Title: Fire Chief ID: 1243 Organization: Estes Valley Fire Protection District Location: Estes Park, CO First Review : 05/17/2026
    More about this job >
    Description

    FIRE CHIEF
    Estes Valley Fire Protection District - Estes Park, Colorado
    First Review: May 17, 2026
    Salary Range: $150,941 to $169,886 annually DOQ
    View the Position Profile
    Job Description
    Benefits
    Candidate Supplemental Questions (upload as part your application)
    #    #    #
    The Estes Valley Fire Protection District is seeking a Fire Chief for this scenic mountain community located about 70 miles northwest of Denver at the eastern entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Anchored by the town of Estes Park, the valley sits at an elevation of approximately 7,500 feet in Larimer County and is known for its dramatic mountain setting, abundant wildlife, strong sense of community, and more than 300 days of sunshine a year 
    THE ESTES VALLEY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT 
    The Estes Valley Fire Protection District (EVFPD) is a combination fire department providing fire protection and emergency services to approximately 12,000 year-round residents across 77 square miles in the town of Estes Park, unincorporated areas of Larimer County, and portions of Rocky Mountain National Park. As a premier tourist destination, the valley experiences seasonal population surges to more than 50,000 during peak months.  
    Volunteer firefighters have proudly protected the Estes Valley for over 100 years. Originally founded as an all-volunteer department in 1907, EVFPD became a special district in 2009 and is governed by a five-member Board of Directors. With a 2026 budget of $3.1 million, the District operates two stations and responds to roughly 800 calls annually. Staffing includes 10 budgeted full-time positions and approximately 45 volunteer firefighters and auxiliary members. The District is also a regional training leader and proudly hosts the Estes Valley Regional Fire Academy. Emergency medical services are provided by Estes Park Health (UCHealth). 
    WHY APPLY
    Estes Valley Fire Protection District offers a unique opportunity to lead a high-performing combination organization in one of Colorado's most distinctive and engaged communities. The District is operationally sound, well-equipped, and supported by a motivated volunteer force and dedicated administrative staff. Serving a tourism-driven, family-oriented mountain community with complex wildfire risk, the organization plays a critical role in public safety and resilience. Backed by strong community support, a rich volunteer tradition, and growing opportunities in mitigation and service delivery, the next Fire Chief will help shape long-term strategy, strengthen organizational culture, and guide the District into the future. 
    For questions on this position, please contact:
    Don Lombardi
    GMP Consultants
    dlombardi@gmail.com
    (720) 641-5692
    Apply Now
     
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