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Fire Chief Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Deputy Fire Chief Marion County Fire District No. 1 is seeking a Deputy Chief for Oregon's largest combination fire district, located near Salem, about 45 miles south of Portland. The Willamette ...

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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 ...

Lead Tech / Crew Chief

Portland, OR · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

ServiceMaster Covering the Vancouver and Portland PDX area, is Hiring Immediately for a Water/Fire damage Technician for all positions we are looking for crew chiefs.lead techs,Helpers, with any ...

We are seeking a dynamic and mission-driven Chief Operating Officer to serve as a senior organizational leader for a growing nonprofit organization. Partnering closely with the Board of Directors and ...

... Chief Engineers, and vendor support teams - May assist in the build out of new facilities and ... Additional support equipment is included in the scope of the role which includes fire/life safety ...

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Showing results 1-20

Fire Chief information

See Oregon salary details

$32.8K

$111.6K

$193.5K

How much do fire chief jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire chief in Oregon is $111,625.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,500.00 and $131,100.00 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 Oregon? The most popular types of Fire Chief jobs in Oregon are:
What are popular job titles related to Fire Chief jobs in Oregon? For Fire Chief jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Fire Chief jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Fire Chief job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Fire Chief jobs in OR? For Fire Chief jobs in OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Fire Chief job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $111,625 per year, or $53.7 per hour.

$160K - $180K/yr

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Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

My Account
Job Openings >> Deputy Fire Chief
Deputy Fire Chief
Summary
Title: Deputy Fire Chief ID: 1235 Organization: Marion County Fire District No. 1 Location: Salem, OR First Review : 07/19/2026
More about this job >
Description

DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF
Marion County Fire District No. 1 - Salem, OR

First Review: July 19, 2026
Salary Range: $160,000 - $180,000 annually DOQ
View the Position Profile
Job Description
Oregon Veteran's Preference Form
Candidate Supplemental Questions
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Marion County Fire District No. 1 is seeking a Deputy Chief for Oregon's largest combination fire district, located near Salem, about 45 miles south of Portland. The Willamette Valley region is known for its agricultural beauty, quaint small towns, distinct four seasons, and easy access to year-round outdoor recreation from the Cascade Mountains to Pacific Coast beaches. 

MARION COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT NO. 1

Marion County Fire District No. 1 is a full-service fire and EMS agency serving a population of over 60,000 residents across 88 square miles that includes the communities of Four Corners, Middle Grove, Pratum, Macleay, Brooks, Clear Lake, Lake Labish, and Chemeketa. The District operates from 8 stations with a staffing of 78 FTEs and a volunteer force of 45. EMS services are supported by 40 paramedics and 54 EMTs who staff ALS transport ambulances and fire engines. The District responds to approximately 11,000 calls annually.    

WHY APPLY 

Marion County Fire District 1 offers a rare opportunity for a driven, community-centered leader to serve as the #2 executive in a complex and evolving combination fire district. MCFD1 protects a uniquely diverse risk environment-urban, suburban, rural, rail, river, wildland, and critical infrastructure-while maintaining deep community roots and a proud tradition of service. With a supportive board, strong labor relationships, new executive leadership in training and EMS, and increasing regional collaboration with the cities of Salem and Keizer, the District is positioned for meaningful progress. This role is ideal for a Deputy Fire Chief who is hungry to lead, committed to people, and ready to help shape the future of a growing organization. 


For questions on this position, please contact:
Gordie Olson
GMP Consultants
golson@gmphr.com
720) 518-7420
 
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