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Fire Chief Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

City of Henderson, KY

Firefighter in Training

Henderson, KY · On-site

$53K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

An employee classified as a Firefighter-in-training is responsible to attend training classes (In House or State Fire Academy) as designated by the Fire Chief. The firefighter-in-training is required ...

Kentucky Police Chiefs Association

$139 - $209/hr

... systems, fire safety, and 9-1-1 communications. The Chief of Police provides strategic and ... operational leadership for the police department, ensuring professionalism, accountability, trust ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Chief Engineer

Louisville, KY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Job Title Chief Engineer Summary POSITION SUMMARY Chief Engineer is responsible for the effective ... fire/life safety, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical issues; must remain current with latest HVAC ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Chief Engineer

Louisville, KY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Job Title Chief Engineer Summary POSITION SUMMARY Chief Engineer is responsible for the effective ... Oversee all building systems including fire/life safety, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical issues ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Chief Engineer

Louisville, KY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Job Title Chief Engineer Summary POSITION SUMMARY Chief Engineer is responsible for the effective ... fire/life safety, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical issues; must remain current with latest HVAC ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Senior Chief Engineer

Louisville, KY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... fire protection as example. The Senior Chief Engineer will exhibit a strong formal knowledge of ... operational and technical skills, and will be accountable for staff performance and execution of ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Senior Chief Engineer

Louisville, KY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... fire protection as example. The Senior Chief Engineer will exhibit a strong formal knowledge of ... operational and technical skills, and will be accountable for staff performance and execution of ...

University of Louisville

Chief of Police

Louisville, KY · On-site

$208K/yr

... systems, fire safety, and 9-1-1 communications. The Chief of Police provides strategic and ... operational leadership for the police department, ensuring professionalism, accountability, trust ...

PuroClean

Crew Chief

Union, KY · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

We have a sincere drive toward the goal of helping make water, fire, mold, and biohazard damage ... COO With over 500 locations across North America and Canada, PuroClean is leading the industry in ...

Transwestern

Chief Engineer

Mount Washington, KY · On-site

$110 - $120/hr

The Chief Engineer is also responsible for the selection, training and supervision of a high ... Inspect building systems including fire alarms, HVAC, and plumbing to ensure operation of equipment ...

Posted today

City of Danville

Certified Firefighter

Danville, KY

$54K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Fire Chief Position Summary: This is a skilled experienced and state certified firefighter that provides fire safety and suppression services within the City of Danville. This position will work ...

New

City of Danville

Certified Firefighter

Danville, KY · On-site

$54K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Fire Chief Position Summary: This is a skilled experienced and state certified firefighter that provides fire safety and suppression services within the City of Danville. This position will work ...

New

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsFire Chief JobsFire Chief Jobs in Kentucky

Fire Chief information

See Kentucky salary details

$26.9K

$91.7K

$158.9K

How much do fire chief jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire chief in Kentucky is $91,696.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,700.00 and $107,700.00 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 Kentucky?

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

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

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

What job categories do people searching Fire Chief jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Fire Chief jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Fire Chief jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Fire Chief job openings:

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

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

Fire Chief jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Chief job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,696 per year, or $44.1 per hour.

Fire Captain IAFF - INTERNAL CANDIDATES ONLY

City of Paducah

Paducah, KY • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Description:

THIS IS AN INTERNAL ONLY POSITION - OUTSIDE CANDIDATES WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED


JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under general direction, directs and supervises the activities of a fire company or station; performs firefighting, rescue, emergency medical care and repair and maintenance of equipment; acts in capacity of Assistant Fire Chief as required.


ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES:

  • Directs, supervises and participates in fire company activities (e.g., Responds to alarms, firefighting activities, rescue activities, equipment and apparatus maintenance, etc.).
  • Enforces policy compliance within their company and station.
  • Ensures their company performs in a professional manner and treats customers and fellow employees with respect and courtesy.
  • Leads by example
  • Actively participates in preparing subordinates for the next career step.
  • Schedules and assigns employee work tasks; develops and implements training programs.
  • Instructs firefighting personnel in fire safety, equipment and apparatus operations, and fire suppression and prevention techniques.
  • Evaluates and recommends personnel job performance; recommends discipline.
  • Assume command on the scene of an emergency of fire in the absence of the Assistant Fire Chief.
  • Participates in fire prevention activities, Performs company inspections, Speaks or assigns fire company personnel to speak before schools, businesses or other agencies on fire prevention and fire control.
  • Inspects equipment and delegates tasks to ensure proper operation and inventory of emergency and firefighting equipment on assigned apparatus.
  • Maintains records and prepares and submits reports.
  • Performs related duties as required or assigned by the Assistant Chief or Fire Chief.



Requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS:

Completion of a secondary education and five (5) years experience as a firefighter and three (3) years experience as a Lieutenant; or equivalent combination of training and/or experience which shows an advanced knowledge of supervision, comprehensive knowledge of firefighting’s, rescue, and first aid; demonstrable ability to operate the various pieces of fire department equipment and apparatus; demonstrable ability to perform heavy sustained labor and physical activity in hazardous conditions, and possession of a valid State of Kentucky motor vehicle operator’s license.


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to operate various fire equipment and apparatus, and to perform sustained physical activity in hazardous conditions.


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of City and Departmental policies and procedures, supervision, fire suppression and fire prevention techniques, fire apparatus operation and maintenance, management principles an procedures, employee training and development procedures, safety practices and procedures, operation of fire and emergency equipment and apparatus, tools; methods and procedures used in equipment and building maintenance. Ability to deal with many variables and to determine specific actions, perform and act under stressful conditions, sustain physical activity for prolonged periods of time, communicate effectively in written and oral form, work as a team member in fighting fires; follow oral and written instructions; and demonstrable skills in operation of fire and emergency equipment apparatus.


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