ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Fire Chief Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Commonwealth Hotels

Chief Engineer

Brownsburg, IN · On-site

Working as a Chief Engineer, Hotel Maintenance, or Hotel Engineer at Home2Suites by Hilton ... Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations, including fire safety and ...

Commonwealth Hotels

Chief Engineer

Brownsburg, IN · On-site

Working as a Chief Engineer, Hotel Maintenance, or Hotel Engineer at Home2Suites by Hilton ... Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations, including fire safety and ...

Ascent Hospitality

Chief Engineer

Hammond, IN · On-site

The Chief Engineer supervises the operation, maintenance, and repair of the overall hotel operation ... This includes refrigeration and air conditioning, the fire alarm system, boilers, primary and ...

SERVPRO Team Miller

Crew Chief

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$19.25 - $24.75/hr

We have a sincere drive toward the goal of helping make fire and water damage "Like it never even ... The Restoration Crew Chief assigns, coordinates, controls, and performs work activities on ...

SERVPRO Team Miller

Crew Chief

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$19.25 - $24.75/hr

We have a sincere drive toward the goal of helping make fire and water damage "Like it never even ... The Restoration Crew Chief assigns, coordinates, controls, and performs work activities on ...

SERVPRO Team Miller

Restoration Crew Chief

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$18.50 - $24/hr

We have a sincere drive toward the goal of helping make fire and water damage "Like it never even ... The Restoration Crew Chief assigns, coordinates, controls, and performs work activities on ...

PuroClean

Fire & Contents Technician

Greenfield, IN · On-site

$41K - $50K/yr

... COO With over 500 locations across North America and Canada, PuroClean is leading the industry in ... fire, mold, biohazard, and other conditions resulting in property damage. We operate with a ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFire Chief JobsFire Chief Jobs in Indiana

Fire Chief information

See Indiana salary details

$29.5K

$100.5K

$174.1K

How much do fire chief jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire chief in Indiana is $100,463.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,200.00 and $118,000.00 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 are Fire Chiefs?

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 Indiana? The most popular types of Fire Chief jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Fire Chief jobs in Indiana? For Fire Chief jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fire Chief jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Chief jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Fire Chief jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Fire Chief job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Fire Chief jobs in IN? For Fire Chief jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Fire Chief jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Chief job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $100,463 per year, or $48.3 per hour.
Field Fire Operations Chief

Field Fire Operations Chief

State of Indiana

Plainfield, IN

$59K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

State Of Indiana rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 50 rated states

Job description

 Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS):

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) leads Indiana's emergency planning and operations, first responder training, and fire and building safety. The Indiana State Fire Marshal leads the Division of Fire and Building Safety (within IDHS), which oversees the enforcement of building codes and includes a fire investigations unit. The agency certifies and trains thousands of first responders and also hosts state-level exercises each year. IDHS also supports the state Emergency Operations Center (EOC), which leads response and coordination efforts for large-magnitude incidents. 

Role Overview:

As a Field Fire Operations Chief, you are an integral component to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) and the team concept of the Fire and Building Safety Division. You serve as a member of the team responsible for the assessment, development and implementation of the Fire & Public Safety Academy Training System which involves providing comprehensive Homeland Security/First Responder guidance, assistance, training, and coordination to Indiana Fire or EMS service personnel. You will function within the Academy Division but will be required to work with all divisions of IDHS. The Academy Field Fire Operations Chief will travel throughout the State of Indiana for related job duties and functions. Travel will be throughout the State with occasional travel throughout the United States to coordinate fire service training activities such as travel to National Fire Academy or other training locations. This position is also responsible for managing all fire and public safety training in the region they are assigned to and supervising multiple state staff fire instructors to ensure compliance with federal and state laws, procedures, rules, guidelines, and standards.  The Academy Field Program Manager will coordinate training with local fire departments and first responder agencies throughout Indiana. The Academy Field Fire Operations Chief should be a State Certified Fire Instructor I or equivalent or hold a higher education degree in related public safety field. The Academy Field Fire Operations Chief may deliver fire training courses at times when need arises.

Salary Statement: 

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $59,800.00  but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package. 

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

  • Establish and monitor program objectives, KPIs, and actions to achieve them.
  • Direct, plan, or implement policies, objectives, or activities of organizations or businesses to ensure continuing operations, or to increase productivity.
  • Interpret and explain policies, rules, regulations, or laws to organizations, government or corporate officials, or individuals.
  • Recommend and implement corrective action plans to solve program problems.
  • Prepare reports for approval, including those for funding or implementation of services.
  • Direct or coordinate the financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency in the specified program.
  • Ensure program requirements meet federal and state policies and grants compliance.
  • Develop, train employees or agency consultants on program requirements and usage.
  • Coordinate and deliver communication plans and communications.
  • Serve on boards of directors and management committees.
  • Serve on management committees or other governing boards.
  • Recruit, select, onboard, and train employees to ensure role responsibilities and expectations are clearly understood while providing opportunities to continue professional development.
  • Set expectations, measure progress, provide ongoing feedback, and evaluate the performance of employees.  Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures. 

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

  • Specialized knowledge in program subject matter obtained through experience and/or education. 
  • Extensive knowledge of provider agencies and their programs and services.
  • Extensive knowledge of all source materials and references including federal and state laws governing the programs.
  • Ability to develop and implement new principles and policies and discern any far-reaching implications.
  • Ability to present to both internal and external customers, the public, government officials, and other stakeholders.
  • Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders.
  • Ability to prepare monthly finance and accounting reports to maintain program budget and grants.
  • Ability to delegate work, set clear direction, and manage workflow.
  • Ability to effectively give feedback, provide guidance or corrective action, coach, and develop employee skillsets.

A degree is not required.  However, at least 9+ years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.  

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may serve as a team lead for an assigned work group.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes: 

  • Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
  • Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
  • Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
  • Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
  • Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
  • A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
    • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
    • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
  • Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
  • 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Group life insurance
  • Referral Bonus program
  • Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
  • Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Free Parking for most positions
  • Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.

What State Of Indiana employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply