1

Fire Chief Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

CGS is looking for an OSC Chief of Fires to support the US Army's Mission Command Training Program ... Recommend targets and fire support courses of action to the WCOPFOR Commander. * Ensure ...

CGS is looking for an OSC Chief of Current Operations to support the US Army's Mission Command ... Coordinate fires and effects - deconflict, prioritize, and process urgent fire support, close air ...

As a Division Tactical Group (DTG) Chief of Reconnaissance , you'll develop, implement, and measure ... fire support elements and headquarters. * Deploy artillery target detection systems (CFR, Sound ...

next page

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 8, 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 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 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 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,159 per year, or $45.3 per hour.

$23.17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Salary: $23.17 Hourly
Location : Wichita Fire Department Regional Training Center, KS
Job Type: Limited Full-time
Job Number: FIRE RECRUIT
Department: Fire
Division: 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 following posting is for Fire Recruit position with the Wichita Fire Department which may be filled in the future. Starting pay is currently $23.1721 per hour.
Fire Recruit eligibility requirements at application include:
  1. Three (3) professional or character references that includes their name, phone number and email address.
  2. Proof of a valid Driver's License.

EMT at Application
If you currently hold an EMT, AEMT, or Paramedic certification please attach a scanned or photo of your license at application.
No EMT at Application
If you do not have an EMT at application, you may be invited for interview which includes an oral interview and a physical/running component. If you are selected to be in the Fire Recruit program, you will be required to complete the in-house EMT licensure program before moving into the Fire Recruit training program. Recruits in EMT academy could possibly be assigned on-the-job training to include responding to medical alarms in the field as part of their curriculum.
At this time, the Wichita Fire Department anticipates hiring applicants who hold a current National Registry or Kansas Emergency Medical Treatment (EMT), Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT), or Paramedic cortication. Hiring needs may change, and all interested applicants are encouraged to apply.
Successful applicants selected for interview will be notified by email. Position is subject to close without prior notice.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are selected for interview, the process will include an oral interview, and a physical/running component. To participate in the interview, a physicians release will be required to be obtained prior to the interview. The Fire Department will provide the appropriate form with the interview invitation.
This work involves training under close supervision for the protection of life and property by fire fighting and rescue activities. A major portion of time is spent training and studying methods, techniques, and organization, as well as routine duties in the maintenance of department property and equipment. Specific orders and directions are given by supervising officer.
This is a safety-sensitive position that requires a more extensive background check. You will be asked for personal information in this application that will remain confidential in HR until candidates are selected to move forward and will then be used to conduct the background check process.
Your application will be active for 1-year from the date of original application. Once your application expires, you will be notified. You may re-apply at that time. The interview process for a Fire Recruit is a lengthy process and will take time. You will receive communication by email and/or text throughout the process.
Examples of Work Performed
Must successfully complete training in the following areas:
  • Responding to alarms with a fire company.
  • Entering burning buildings with hose lines.
  • Operating nozzles and directing water on the fire.
  • Operating hand fire extinguishers.
  • Raising, lowering and climbing ladders and ventilating burning buildings.
  • Removing victims from danger and administering emergency care to injured persons.
  • Performing salvage operations.
  • Driving and operating emergency equipment.
  • Performing routine housekeeping duties at a fire station.

These examples are not intended to be all-inclusive. Other related duties may be assigned as needed.
To learn more follow the Fire Department on Facebook:
Requirements of Work
An "All Hazards" fire department represents every level of a hazard response whether it is trench rescue, hazardous materials, confined space, building collapse, rope rescue, fire extinguishment, EMS, dive rescue, swift water and vehicle extrication.
This work will require the employee to maintain physical fitness at all times. Daily physical fitness routines will include stretching; 1.5 mile run; push-ups; sit-ups,; pull-ups; planks; squats; and burpees.
This position will require the employee to have the:
  • Ability to understand and to follow oral and written directions.
  • Ability to read and understand departmental material and to learn a variety of fire fighting duties and methods within a reasonable period.
  • Ability to successfully complete required training.
  • Ability to drive apparatus according to state and local regulations governing operation of emergency vehicles.
  • Ability to discriminate between colors in observing fire and smoke conditions.
  • Ability to cooperate with other workers, to accept lines of authority, and to maintain courteous relationships with the public.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to complete the selection process which includes an appearance before an oral interview board, a physical examination, and an extensive background check.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification.
  • Possession of and ability to maintain a valid Kansas driver's license.
  • An employee shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Experience and Training
Applicant must be 18 years of age or older and must be a high school graduate or possess a G.E.D. certificate. A Kansas certificate for EMT, AEMT, or Paramedic are preferred. A valid driver's license is required at application. Offers of employment are contingent upon passing a pre-employment physical, which includes drug screening, and upon satisfactory evaluation of the results of a criminal record check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws. Please find more information under the following links:
The City of Wichita is committed to providing a competitive pay and benefits package that helps the City hire and keep good employees. Find out more about what the City offers in the following sections.
While in Recruit Class, Police and Fire Recruit Benefits Include:
  • Medical Benefits
  • Prescription Drug Benefits
  • Vision Coverage
  • Teladoc Virtual Care
  • Healthy Living Programs
  • Dental Coverage
  • Cafeteria Plan (Pre-tax for medical premiums)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Employee Assistance Program
Commissioned Police and Fire Employee Benefits Include:
  • Medical Benefits
  • Prescription Drug Benefits
  • Vision Coverage
  • Teladoc Virtual Care
  • Healthy Living Programs
  • Dental Coverage
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-term Disability Insurance
  • Voluntary Accidental Death & Dismemberment
  • Cafeteria Plan (Pre-tax for medical premiums)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Retirement
  • Deferred Compensation
  • Long-term Care Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Longevity Pay
  • Learning Quest - College savings program
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Paid Holidays
  • Vacation
  • Sick Leave & Well Day
  • Training

01
I have the following EMT certification or equivalency...
  • NREMT
  • KSEMT
  • AEMT
  • RN or PA or Other Equivalent
  • Paramedic
  • I have completed an EMT, AEMT, or Paramedic program but have not yet taken the certification exam or am awaiting my exam results
  • I do not have a current EMT or equivalent certification.

02
What is your favorite tool on the fire ground and why? (If no prior fire fighting experience, write N/A).
03
What nozzle would you select for a house fire, smoothbore or fog nozzle and why? (If no prior fire fighting experience, write N/A).
04
Rank the following based on their importance with 1 being the most important and 4 being the least important: Your own personal safety / Your crews safety / Citizens safety / Property Conservation
05
If you are a prior applicant for the Fire Recruit position, what have you done since the last interview to prepare yourself for a career with the Wichita Fire Department? (If not a prior applicant, write N/A).
06
I am currently in the medical field and have a medical equivalency to an EMT or Paramedic. Please list below the equivalent experience you have that relates to this position. If you do not have equivalent experience, please write N/A.
07
Are you 18 years of age or older at the time of application?
  • Yes
  • No

08
The following validates my highest level of education
  • High School/GED
  • Some College
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelors Degree
  • Masters Degree
  • Doctorate/JD
  • I do not have any of the above education

09
I have a valid driver's license.
  • Yes
  • No

10
I am legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question