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Fire Chief Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Gulfshoresal

Fire Chief

Walker, MI · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

If so, apply to be the City of Walker's next Fire Chief! We're looking for an exceptional, relationship-focused leader who is: * A clear communicator who builds trust with employees, City leadership ...

Pbjcal

Fire Paramedic

Bessemer, MI

Work is performed within established policies and procedures and is reviewed through performance evaluations by a Fire Lieutenant, Fire Captain, or Fire Chief. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: Agencies ...

Pbjcal

Firefighter

Bessemer, MI

Work is performed within established policies and procedures and is reviewed by a Fire Lieutenant, Fire Captain, Fire Chief, or through performance evaluations. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: Agencies ...

Camp Dearborn

Chief Plans Examiner

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$84K - $119K/yr

CHIEF PLANS EXAMINER STARTING SALARY : Minimum: $84,936 per year Maximum: $119,165 per year ... Reviews complex and high-value project plans and specifications for structural, fire, accessibility ...

Schulte Companies

Chief Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

Schulte Hospitality Group is seeking a dynamic, service-oriented Chief Engineer to join our team ... Be aware of fire, safety, and protection equipment/hazards * Perform various other duties as ...

Schulte Companies

Chief Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

Schulte Hospitality Group is seeking a dynamic, service-oriented Chief Engineer to join our team ... Be aware of fire, safety, and protection equipment/hazards * Perform various other duties as ...

Sboc 7

Building Division Manager

Holland, MI · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Annually review the emergency operations plan (EOP) and ensure the Department is prepared for its responsibilities; collaborate with the Fire Chief and Director of Public Works. * Perform additional ...

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Fire Chief information

See Michigan salary details

$27K

$92K

$159.5K

How much do fire chief jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire chief in Michigan is $92,020.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $108,100.00 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.

More about Fire Chief jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Chief jobs in Michigan?

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Fire Chief jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Fire Chief job openings:

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

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

Fire Chief jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Chief job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,020 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Fire Chief

Gulfshoresal

Walker, MI • On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Other

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Are you a collaborative, forward-thinking fire service leader who can guide a growing department through organizational change, strengthen its leadership structure, and support the transition to a sustainable 24/7 staffing model? If so, apply to be the City of Walker's next Fire Chief! We're looking for an exceptional, relationship-focused leader who is:

  • A clear communicator who builds trust with employees, City leadership, partner agencies, and the public
  • An experienced mentor who develops personnel and strengthens organizational capacity
  • A decisive, safety-focused administrator with sound operational judgment
  • Adaptable, accountable, and prepared to lead a department through continued modernization

The City of Walker is a thriving suburban community located in Kent County, adjacent to Grand Rapids, Grandville, Ottawa County, and Alpine Township. The Walker Fire Department provides fire suppression, fire prevention, public education, emergency response, training, inspections, investigations, records management, and regional mutual-aid services. Reporting to the City Manager, the Fire Chief serves as the department's chief operating and administrative officer and provides overall leadership for full-time and paid-on-call personnel. The ideal Fire Chief candidate will be both an organizational builder and a steady, experienced operator. Walker needs a Fire Chief who can establish trust, create structure, and promote sustainable performance while the department continues its transition to a full-time, 24/7 operating model.

Required qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Fire Science or a closely related field
  • Increasingly responsible experience with a fire department comparable to or larger than the City of Walker's department
  • At least eight years of upper-level administrative responsibility within a fire department or public safety organization
  • Firefighter Training Council Instructor certification
  • Fire Officer III certification
  • Valid Michigan driver's license, satisfactory driving record, and ability to maintain both throughout employment
  • Knowledge of modern firefighting, emergency response, training, fire prevention, equipment, and apparatus
  • Knowledge of budgeting, personnel administration, labor relations, purchasing, and operations management
  • Ability to successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation, physical examination, and psychological examination
  • Ability to report to the City of Walker within one hour
Preferred:
  • Fire and Arson Investigator certification, or the ability to obtain it as soon as possible after appointment
  • Experience using data to assess community risk and organizational vulnerabilities
  • Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, change management, succession planning, and organizational innovation
  • Experience guiding a department through conversion from paid-on-call operations to a full-time, 24/7 staffing model
  • Familiarity with NFPA standards, fire prevention codes, municipal ordinances, and applicable state and federal regulations

The salary range is $111,529.90-$144,988.91, depending on experience and qualifications.

For more information on this position, contact: Rudy Jackson, Senior Vice President Executive Recruitment

RudyJackson@governmentresource.com | 817-897-8080

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