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Fire Chief Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

University-of-Louisville

Chief of Police

Louisville, TN · On-site

$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 ...

Bozzuto

Chief Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

As the Chief Engineer, you will function as the hands on supervisor while ensuring that the onsite ... fire protection/sprinkler systems, plumbing - sewer mains/clean out drains/structural building ...

Apis Services Inc

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

Memphis, TN · On-site

$140 - $150/hr

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER Professional Memphis, TN, US 3 days ago Requisition ID: 9763 Salary Range ... Observes all Fire and Safety Policies and Procedures * Observes all Personnel Policies and ...

Socket.dev

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

Memphis, TN · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Observes all Fire and Safety Policies and Procedures * Observes all Personnel Policies and ... Fifteen (15) years of leadership experience, ideally including CFO or Director of Operations ...

Ironsmith Fire LLC

Lead Designer

La Vergne, TN · On-site

... Chief of Design and Engineering (CDE) who is in charge of the Engineering Department's processes and procedures. OBJECTIVES * Embrace the Ironsmith Fire slogan of "OLD SCHOOL GRIT, NEW AGE EDGE"

JLL

Chief Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

Chief Engineer - JLL What this job involves: JLL is seeking an experienced and hands-on Chief ... fire safety credentials. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM Compensation: $95,000 ...

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All JobsFire Chief JobsFire Chief Jobs in Tennessee

Fire Chief information

See Tennessee salary details

$28.1K

$95.8K

$166.1K

How much do fire chief jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire chief in Tennessee is $95,823.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,800.00 and $112,500.00 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 Tennessee?

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Fire Chief jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Fire Chief job openings:

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

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

Fire Chief jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Chief job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,823 per year, or $46.1 per hour.

Fire Private II Lateral (FC 131)

Memphis, TN • On-site

City of Memphis, TN
See more jobs at City of Memphis, TNexternal

$73K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Salary Range:$73,556.86 - $73,556.86

Works under the direction of an assigned Lieutenant. Listens for alarm and details of radio message received from alarm office. Searches for victims in smoky areas and determines safest evacuation routes for self and victim. Pries open vehicles, equipment, or structures using specialized equipment such as the hydraulic rescue tool. Drags or carries an unconscious victim down ladders or stairs. Connects hoses and couplings to water sources, pumps, nozzles, etc. and advances charged hose lines to fight fire. Identifies flammable or hazardous materials. Lifts and maneuvers hand-held and hand-raised ladders. Extinguishes fires in areas where there is no visibility and extreme heat. Opens holes in structures using axes, pike poles, or other equipment. Preserves evidence of arson for use by an arson investigator. Develops and maintains current knowledge of well-established firefighting procedures and maintains certifications and licenses. Cleans equipment and inspects or tests equipment on apparatus. Questions patient or other bystanders to gather medical information. Conducts assessments of patients and administers emergency medical care as a pre-hospital care provider. Transports patients to the appropriate hospital for appropriate treatment in response to patient's condition.

State of Tennessee National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) certified Firefighter I, II and EMT or AEMT, or eligible for reciprocity in the State of Tennessee and two (2) years of experience with a full- time Fire Service or five (5) years with a volunteer Fire Service. Candidate's age must be at least nineteen (19) years by the starting date of the hiring class for which he/she is considered; and candidate's age cannot exceed forty-five (45) years by the date of employment in this position. Must pass comprehensive medical examination and a physical ability test. Required to complete coursework/testing to obtain and maintain a Paramedic license by the State of Tennessee within twenty-four (24) months from their date of employment if applicant holds Advanced EMT licensure or within thirty-six (36) months of their date of employment if applicant holds EMT licensure. Must possess and maintain a valid Class D Tennessee Driver's License with Endorsement F, as a condition of employment. Out of State applicants must have a valid driver's license upon entry into the Fire Training Academy and within six (6) months must have a valid Tennessee Driver's License with Endorsement F.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

Performs additional functions (essential or otherwise) which may be assigned.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

Requires walking, running, crawling, standing, climbing, stooping, and lifting and carrying a victim, hose, or other equipment weighing an average of 160-200 lbs. while wearing turnouts, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), air mask, gloves, etc. for long periods of time. Requires the ability to meet all physical demands required to extinguish fires and to make routine inspections of buildings, hydrants, and immediate surroundings for existence of fire hazards.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Will be exposed to extreme heat, thick smoke, and toxic fumes in firefighting situations. May be exposed to contagious infections and diseases in emergency situations. Works from assigned fire station to perform firefighting duties in emergency vehicles, such as aerial trucks, engines, or other apparatus at the scene of fires. Must be able to work a twenty-four (24) hour shift rotation. Exposed to extreme weather conditions. Interacts with the public under possibly stressful and/or dangerous conditions.

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