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Fire Chief Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Chief Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Chief Engineer Our Culture: We are a highly entrepreneurial company limited only by our imagination ... Maintain knowledge of fire alarm and evacuation procedures * Test and maintain water content of ...

Chief Underwriting Officer

Englewood, CO · On-site

$185 - $300/hr

Company Details Berkley Fire & Marine Underwriters (BFM) was launched in 2013 and is a W.R. Berkley ... Responsibilities As our VP, Chief Underwriting Officer, you will report directly to the BFM ...

New

Chief Estimator

Centennial, CO · On-site

$120 - $170/hr

Position Summary We're seeking a Chief Estimator to lead our estimating department and own the ... fire alarm, and site electrical scopes * Perform and review quantity takeoffs from plans ...

Chief Estimator

Centennial, CO · On-site

$127K - $168K/yr

Position Summary: We're seeking a Chief Estimator to lead our estimating department and own the ... fire alarm, and site electrical scopes * Perform and review quantity takeoffs from plans ...

Position Summary: We're seeking a Chief Estimator to lead our estimating department and own the ... fire alarm, and site electrical scopes * Perform and review quantity takeoffs from plans ...

Job Purpose The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is the operational leader of Input Output (IO) and the CEO's peer on running the company. The role owns the business infrastructure that makes everything ...

Chief Operating Officer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$150 - $250/hr

The COO leads that transition, replacing informal, person-dependent processes with adaptive, AI-enabled systems that scale. The role is accountable for the design and deployment of IO's business ...

The COO leads that transition, replacing informal, person-dependent processes with adaptive, AI-enabled systems that scale. The role is accountable for the design and deployment of IO's business ...

Showing results 21-40

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.

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 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.

    LEAD FIREFIGHTER (HAZMAT TECH/BASIC LIFE SUPPORT)

    Navstar

    Colorado Springs, CO

    Full-time

    Re-posted 10 days ago


    Job description

    Lead Firefighter

    The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a Lead Firefighter responsible for a major piece of firefighting equipment and its regularly assigned crew of three or more firefighters engaged in structural firefighting and rescue operations and the reduction and/or elimination of potential fire hazards.

    Duties

    • Leads a crew of three or more firefighters, including at least one firefighter (GS-07 or military equivalent) assigned to man a major piece of motorized firefighting equipment such as a pumper or aerial ladder truck in firefighting and rescue operations.
    • Directs firefighting crew in the operation of firefighting vehicles and equipment.
    • Directs assigned crew in the performance of structural firefighting duties for a variety of facilities which may include research and/or large industrial complexes, and the performance of hazardous materials (HAZMAT) technician containment and control and/or Basic Life Support duties.
    • Leads assigned crew and performs emergency rescue and immediate first aid measures to alleviate further injury and prepare the victim(s) for transport to a medical facility.
    • Complies with health, safety, and environmental rules and procedures and performs work in a manner that enhances the safety of the work environment.

    Requirements

    • U.S. Citizenship Required.
    • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
    • If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
    • This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program.
    • Disclosure of Political Appointments.
    • Advance in hire may be authorized if there is demonstrable proof provided on your resume.
    • Employee must participate in a mandatory physical fitness program.
    • Employee is required to use all safety equipment and clothing provided by management.
    • The employee is required to work a 72 hour week/144 hours a pay period which includes weekends and holidays. May be subject to recall. This is an UN-EMBEDDED position.
    • This is a Testing Designated Position. The employee is subject to random drug testing (IAW HQ-USAF letter dated 29 Jan 90).
    • This position requires the employee to work under adverse environmental conditions and falls under the respiratory protection program and hearing conservation program.
    • The employee is required to drive a motor vehicle. An appropriate, valid driver's license is required.
    • Position requires the ability to discern colors, contrast, and depth.
    • May be required to work the Fire Alarm and Communications Center (FACC).
    • Employee is required to be certified by the Department of Defense (DoD) Firefighter Certification System as Fire Officer I, Fire Instructor I, Fire Inspector I, Firefighter II (includes Firefighter I), HAZMAT Awareness, HAZMAT Operations, (Cont'd)
    • (Cont'd) Apparatus Driver Operator- Pumper, Apparatus Driver Operator- Aerial*, Apparatus Driver Operator- Mobile Water Supply (MWS*).
    • Aerial and MWS are not required per the base Fire Chief.
    • May be required to maintain current National Registry Emergency Medical Technical-Basic (EMT-B) certification. This requirement should be determined locally.
    • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance.
    • A pre-employment physical examination will be required. (Cont'd in Qualifications)..

    Qualifications ..(Cont'd from Conditions of Employment)

    • Special Retirement Provisions Authority: FERS Position: covered as rigorous under the FERS special retirement provisions for Federal firefighters [5 U.S.C. 8401(14), 5U.S.C. 8412(d), and 5 CFR 842.802]. Authority, Under Secretary of Defense Memo, dated 30 December 2004. CSRS Position: covered as rigorous under the CSRS special retirement provisions for Federal firefighters [5 U.S.C. 8331(21), 5U.S.C. 8336(c), and 5 CFR 831.902]. Authority, Under Secretary of Defense Memo, dated 30 December 2004.
    • Note: Special retirement coverage is effective retroactive to the date of the personnel action of this SCPD.
    • This position is designated as a key position IAW AFI 36-507. Duties of this position are essential to the accomplishment of wartime/contingency operations. Incumbents of key positions must be removed from their military recall status if alternative for filling of the position during an emergency are not available.

    In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, to include the Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for the GS-0081, Fire Protection and Prevention Series. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-07, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes, (1) controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department or brigade; (2) rescue operations; (3) detection, reduction, or elimination of potential fire hazards; (4) operation of fire communications equipment; (5) controlling hazardous materials incidents; and/or (6) developing, implementing, or providing training in fire protection and prevention. FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-07 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-08 level. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: 1. Knowledge to drive and operate firefighting vehicles of significant complexity; of the principles of hydraulics as they pertain to water flow, water pressure, water levels, line (friction) losses, etc.; and of basic and specialized firefighting equipment (fire alarm system operation, fire extinguishing equipment operation, etc.), techniques, and procedures. 2. Knowledge of emergency first aid techniques; safety requirements as outlined in applicable safety standards, regulations, and/or technical orders; and HAZMAT emergency response procedures, equipment, and identification. 3. Knowledge of basic building design, construction, and occupancy. 4. Skill in detecting and recognizing fire hazards (potential and immediate), and in operating communications equipment. 5. Ability to maintain good working relations; communicate orally and in writing; and lift and carry heavy loads; Ability to provide leadership and integrate the actions of a crew under emergency conditions. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.