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Fire Chief Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

The Fire chief is the Chief Administrative Officer for the Kickapoo Fire Department. Primary areas of responsibility are all fire, emergency medical and emergency management related programs.

The Fire chief is the Chief Administrative Officer for the Kickapoo Fire Department. Primary areas of responsibility are all fire, emergency medical and emergency management related programs.

The Fire chief is the Chief Administrative Officer for the Kickapoo Fire Department. Primary areas of responsibility are all fire, emergency medical and emergency management related programs.

KTIK Fire Chief

Horton, KS · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

The Fire chief is the Chief Administrative Officer for the Kickapoo Fire Department. Primary areas of responsibility are all fire, emergency medical and emergency management related programs.

Fire Recruit

Wichita, KS · On-site

$23.17/hr

FIRE Support Services Opening Date: 08/03/2026 Closing Date: 7/4/2027 12:00 AM Central Bargaining Unit: NONE The City of Wichita is NOT an E-Verify Employer. Distinguishing Features of Work The ...

Facility Maintenance

Lawrence, KS · On-site

$25 - $26/hr

Fire Chief Inspection (HSE Mgr., Maintenance Super and Facilities Maint. combined) * EPACS system Equipment up keep (access control is still under HSE Mgr. responsibility) * Office furniture Upkeep ...

Facility Maintenance

Lawrence, KS · On-site

$25 - $26/hr

Fire Chief Inspection (HSE Mgr., Maintenance Super and Facilities Maint. combined) * EPACS system Equipment up keep (access control is still under HSE Mgr. responsibility) * Office furniture Upkeep ...

FCF&H Team Member

Paola, KS · On-site

$10.50 - $13.50/hr

Family Center Farm & Home lives up to the moniker "The Everything Store" by offering top brand names like Ariat, Carhartt, Cub Cadet, Fire Chief, Priefert, Purina, Scotts, Stihl, and Weaver Leather.

FCF&H Team Member

Paola, KS · On-site

$10.50 - $13.50/hr

Family Center Farm & Home lives up to the moniker "The Everything Store" by offering top brand names like Ariat, Carhartt, Cub Cadet, Fire Chief, Priefert, Purina, Scotts, Stihl, and Weaver Leather.

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Showing results 1-20

Fire Chief information

See Kansas salary details

$27.6K

$94.2K

$163.2K

How much do fire chief jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire chief in Kansas is $94,159.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,600.00 and $110,600.00 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 Kansas?

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

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

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

What cities in Kansas are hiring for Fire Chief jobs?

Cities in Kansas with the most Fire Chief job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Fire Chief job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,159 per year, or $45.3 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

KICKAPOO TRIBE IN KANSAS JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Fire Chief

Reports to: Executive Director

Status: Full-time (exempt) Benefits


Position Summary:

The Fire chief is the Chief Administrative Officer for the Kickapoo Fire

Department. Primary areas of responsibility are all fire, emergency medical and emergency management related programs. Performs a wide variety of administrative and technical tasks and functions in support of fire suppression, fire prevention, rescue operation, emergency management, swift water rescue and hazardous materials; and other emergency operations.


Supervision Exercised:

The Fire Chief assigns, leads, directs and reviews the work of subordinate staff. This position oversees and coordinates various Fire, Emergency Medical and Emergency programs, to include policy and procedure development, drill and exercise program management, education and training development, and emergency response management, for the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas. Fire Chief serves as chief administrator for the Kickapoo Tribe Kansas Disaster Assistance Team (DAT).


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Responds to alarms and special duties as assigned or summoned to.
  • Assumes command at a fire or emergency when the incident goes beyond the capabilities of subordinate personnel.
  • Notifies supervisor of extraordinary events - i.e. excessive property damage, serious accidents, serious injury, deaths, or any condition that is a threat to the department welfare.
  • Responsible for filing reports to the appropriate officials regarding fires and other emergencies.
  • Maintains files and records for personnel and other agencies reports.
  • Maintains required certifications as required for assigned duties.
  • Conducts inspections of fire stations, grounds, apparatus and equipment.


  • Attends meetings with Tribal Officers as necessary for the proper

dissemination of information and procedural update and changes in department policy, and other tribal meetings as assigned.

  • Establishes and maintains an effective working relationship with fellow employees and the general public, other fire departments and law enforcement.
  • Collaborates with internal and external community agencies in the establishment of Tribal-wide, and community-related emergency management programs, strategies, and initiatives.
  • Plans, develops, implements, and administers emergency management plans for the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas, in accordance with strategic plans and Tribal policy.
  • Develops and implements emergency response drills and exercise programs; administers and conducts emergency response training for the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas.
  • Develops or assists with the development and implementation of

policies and procedures consistent with those of the organization to ensure efficient and safe operation of the fire department.

  • Provides direct leadership and supervision of prescribed burning and

fuels management operations to ensure that goals and objectives are being achieved.

  • Assists in developing and revising as necessary all sections of the

Fire Management Plan pertaining to fire suppression and

prescribed fires.

  • Evaluates employees' work performance. Recommends selections,

promotions, status changes, awards, disciplinary actions, and

separations.

  • The Fire Chief is subject to medical examination and must pass the work capacity test for moderate positions.
  • All other duties as assigned by Executive Director.


Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in fire science, public administration, or medically related field preferred.
  • At least eight (8) years progressive management duties and/or fire service with supervisory experience.
  • Possession of a valid Kansas driver's license and insurable under tribal insurance policy.
  • Possession of Kansas Medical Services First Responder certification or equivalent.
  • Firefighter I & II Certification, or equivalent.
  • Possession of National Wildfire Coordinating Group Firefighter Type 2 certification.
  • Possession of Hazardous Materials Operations Level certification.


  • Knowledge of geography of the Kickapoo Reservation and surrounding area.
  • Knowledge of Uniform Fire and Building Codes.
  • Knowledge of Federal, State, and local regulations and guidelines related to emergency management and disaster assistance.
  • Pass a medical physical examination prior to appointment and yearly thereafter.
  • Consent to pre-employment drug screening and have negative result as well as maintaining drug free status throughout employment with the Fire Department.


Ability to:

  • Work under stress and use good judgment in emergency situations.
  • Tactfully respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including the Kickapoo Tribal Council and other government officials, community officials, community groups and the general public.
  • Accurately interpret and apply federal, state, and tribal policies,

procedures, laws and regulations. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

  • Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties.


Working Conditions:

Emergency firefighting environment; work at heights on ladders; work with water, hazardous materials, work in confined spaces; trenches and collapsed buildings, travel from site to site; work closely with others; work under extreme weather conditions and during natural disasters.


Physical Condition:

Essential and marginal functions required maintaining physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties as specified by Kickapoo Fire Department physical fitness standards.


Drug-Free Workplace Policy:

The Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas is committed to a drug-free work environment and requires all employees to participate in an employee drug testing program as a condition of employment.


Privacy Act: The Fire Chief shall comply with all requirements and provisions of Subpart D, of 43 CFR, Part 2, which implements the Privacy Act (5 USC 522a) (i) (l).


Indian Preference & TERO Compliance:

Preference in employment shall be given to qualified Indian applicants in accordance with applicable federal law and the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance (TERO).

This position is funded in whole or in part by federal funds; therefore, Indian Preference shall be applied consistent with federal regulations. Applicants claiming Indian Preference must provide appropriate verification of enrollment in a federally recognized tribe.

The Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas supports the goals and policies of TERO, and the hiring process shall be conducted in a manner consistent with the Ordinance to the extent permitted by federal law.

Consideration will be given to non-Indian applicants only in the absence of qualified Indian Preference candidates.