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Fire Chief Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Oshkosh Corporation

Defense Chief Engineer

Hudson, MI · On-site

The Chief Engineer plays a crucial role in project execution to ensure customer satisfaction ... Fire Control Systems * Turrets and Ammo Handling Systems * Virtual Environments and Battlefield ...

UHS

Chief Operating Officer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) assists the CEO in managing the operations of Forest View Hospital (the "Hospital"). The COO provides recommendations and guidance to the Leadership Team, sets ...

Universal Hospital Services Inc.

$200 - $250/hr

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) assists the CEO in managing the operations of Forest View Hospital (the "Hospital"). The COO provides recommendations and guidance to the Leadership Team, sets ...

Select Medical

Chief Executive Officer

Pontiac, MI

Chief Executive Officer - CEO Location: Pontiac, MI Select Specialty Hospital Oakland is a critical illness recovery hospital committed to providing world-class inpatient post-ICU services to chronic ...

UHS

Chief Operating Officer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) assists the CEO in managing the operations of Forest View Hospital (the "Hospital"). The COO provides recommendations and guidance to the Leadership Team, sets ...

Cranbrook

Chief Advancement Officer

Bloomfield, MI · On-site

Chief Advancement Officer Founded by Detroit philanthropists George and Ellen Booth in 1904, Cranbrook Educational Community is one of the world's leading centers of education, science, and art.

W3Global Inc.

Chief Operating Officer

Attica, MI · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

The COO will oversee multiple operational divisions, develop high-performing teams, implement efficient processes, and drive accountability across the organization. This executive leadership role ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsFire Chief JobsFire Chief Jobs in Michigan

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.

Chief Executive Officer

John Ball Zoo

Grand Rapids, MI

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

John Ball Zoo rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

Chief Executive Officer
**Please refer to application instructions below in order to apply for this position**
Lead the next chapter of one of North America's most dynamic mid-sized zoological institutions.
John Ball Zoo is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as its next Chief Executive Officer. This is a unique opportunity to build upon more than 135 years of history while leading a nationally recognized, AZA-accredited zoo known for excellence in animal care, conservation, education, guest experience, and environmental stewardship.
The CEO will partner with the Board of Directors and executive leadership team to advance the Zoo's strategic vision, guide implementation of an ambitious 10-year Master Plan, lead a $55 million capital campaign, strengthen community and government partnerships, and ensure
the Zoo's long-term financial sustainability. As the Zoo's chief ambassador, the CEO will cultivate relationships with donors, business and civic leaders, elected officials, and the broader community while fostering a high-performing, mission-driven organizational culture.
The successful candidate will be a visionary, collaborative executive with demonstrated experience leading a complex organization, inspiring teams, building strategic partnerships, and driving organizational growth. Strong financial and operational leadership, experience working with governing boards, and a proven record of fundraising and external relationship building are essential. Experience leading an AZA-accredited zoo, aquarium, or another comparably complex mission-driven organization is strongly preferred.
This is an extraordinary opportunity to shape the future of one of the Midwest's premier cultural institutions while making a lasting impact on wildlife conservation, education, and the Grand Rapids community.
For complete information about the position, responsibilities, qualifications, and the opportunity to lead John Ball Zoo, please review the full position profile here: John Ball Zoo CEO Position
We are partnering with DHR Global for this search.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to:
Anissa Conner at DHR Global
aconner@dhrglobal.com
Note: No applications will be accepted or reviewed for this position outside of the stated instructions in the link above.

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