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Fire Chief Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

POSITION OVERVIEW The Frisco Fire Chief is the executive leader of one of the nation's premier all-hazards fire departments, a nationally accredited, ISO Class 1 organization delivering fire ...

Paris/Lamar County EMS is a stand‑alone third city service operating under the direction of the Fire Chief. This position interacts regularly with other City departments, other public agencies ...

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Fire Chief

Dallas, TX · On-site

$96K/yr

Fire Chief Department: Wea Township Fire Department Location: Tippecanoe County, IN Employment Type: Full Time (Exempt) Estimated Salary: $96,000 / year Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision ...

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Directs and facilitates fire suppression, prevention, and natural disaster preparedness for the purpose of minimizing losses of property and lives. Coordinates fire department activity with other ...

The City of Portland is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Chief / Fire Marshal. This position's primary responsibility is the duties of the Fire Marshal, such as fire prevention ...

Issues warnings and citations for fire code violations at the direction or discretion of the Fire Chief.Maintains records, files, and data related to fire inspections and prevention activities ...

SUPERVISION RECEIVEDAND EXCERCISED This position receives supervision and direction from the Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal/Emergency Management Coordinator and Fire Chief. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND ...

Work with the Fire Chief and Fire Training Officer in development of annual budget for inspection and fire prevention activities * Act in accordance with Port Houston core values (respect, excellence ...

May be assigned to step up one level above their current position or any Acting Assignment as deemed necessary by the Fire Chief. When assigned to a step-up or acting position, performs all duties ...

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Fire Chief information

See Texas salary details

$28.9K

$98.4K

$170.5K

How much do fire chief jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire chief in Texas is $98,361.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,700.00 and $115,500.00 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.

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

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

What cities in Texas are hiring for Fire Chief jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Fire Chief job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Fire Chief job openings in Texas as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,361 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

Fire Chief

Frisco, TX • On-site

Other

Posted 22 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Guide a high-performing fire department by setting strategic direction and building trust at all organizational levels.

  • Lead the department in delivering fire suppression, emergency medical services, fire prevention, emergency management, and community risk reduction.

  • Partner across departments, communicate effectively with diverse community members, and make data-informed decisions to improve department operations.


Job description

Acceptance of applications closes at
5 p.m. on September 14, 2026. Materials received after that time will not be considered.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Frisco Fire Chief is the executive leader of one of the nation's premier all-hazards fire departments, a nationally accredited, ISO Class 1 organization delivering fire suppression, emergency medical services, fire prevention, emergency management, and community risk reduction. Reporting to the Deputy City Manager, the fire chief guides a high-performing team that is well resourced and forward leaning.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a nationally recognized department in a city that has not stopped growing. Frisco hosts events of international significance nearly every week, most recently supporting a FIFA team during the World Cup and preparing to welcome the PGA Championship in spring 2027. The next fire chief will set strategic direction, build trust at every level of the organization, cultivate the department's future leaders, advance firefighter health and wellness, and help keep Frisco one of the safest communities in America.

THE IDEAL CHIEF

The ideal fire chief will be an exceptional communicator, from the fire station to the council chamber, who explains the reasoning behind decisions and listens before making them. The fire chief will be humble, operationally credible, a culture builder, and keep his or her word. The fire chief will lead as part of one team, partnering across departments and showing up across Frisco's diverse community. The fire chief will be forward leaning on technology, genuinely committed to firefighter health and wellness, and make data informed decisions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in fire administration, public administration, business administration, emergency management, or a related field.
  • Seven to ten years of progressively responsible executive fire service leadership, or five or more years of experience as a fire chief.
  • Certification as Head of Fire Department through the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, or the ability to obtain certification within twelve months of appointment.
  • A valid driver's license.
PREFERED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Master's degree in a related field.
  • Executive Fire Officer designation through the National Fire Academy.
  • Center for Public Safety Excellence Chief Fire Officer (CFO), Texas Fire Service Chief Executive Officer (FS-CEO), Texas Fire Chiefs Academy Certified Fire Executive (CFE), or comparable executive credentials.
  • Executive leadership experience in a high-growth, high-complexity community.
  • Progressive operational experience through the ranks, with credibility on the fireground and in EMS.
  • Experience in a 911 EMS based system.
  • Demonstrated planning and command experience at major events and mass gatherings.
  • Capital program experience including station design and construction, bond programs, and work with architects and general contractors, with strong budget and finance fluency.
  • Working knowledge of fire prevention, inspections, fire investigations, and public education.
  • Experience leading an accredited agency or guiding a department through a CFAI accreditation, CAAS accreditation, or ISO Class cycle.
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