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Fire Chief Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Works with the Fire Chief to address all performance concerns in the Fire House. * Performsadditionalduties as assigned by the Assistant Chief. RequiredEducation, Experience, Certificates and ...

Fire Inspector

Maywood, IL · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Majority of inspections are on a yearly schedule; however, special inspections may be ordered by the Fire Chief. Work is frequently performed on-site at various industrial, commercial, multi-family ...

New

Eligible for overtime As a Contents Crew Chief , you will play a key role in restoring customers' personal belongings following fire, water, mold, storm, or other property damage. You will lead and ...

Content Crew Chief

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Eligible for overtime -- _____ As a Contents Crew Chief , you will play a key role in restoring customers' personal belongings following fire, water, mold, storm, or other property damage. You will ...

Eligible for overtime --_____ As a Contents Crew Chief , you will play a key role in restoring customers' personal belongings following fire, water, mold, storm, or other property damage. You will ...

Restoration Crew Chief

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Restoration Crew Chief $22-$25/hour, negotiable based on experience, certifications, and ... This position is for residential and commercial fire and water clean-up and restoration. Job ...

Fire Chief Department: Fire Employment Type: Contract Seasonal Amentum is a global leader in advanced engineering and innovative technology solutions, trusted by the United States and its allies to ...

Fire Chief Department: Fire Employment Type: SeasonalContract Amentum is a global leader in advanced engineering and innovative technology solutions, trusted by the United States and its allies to ...

Chief Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$102K - $104K/yr

The Chief Engineer will implement and manage all aspects of the fire/life safety, mechanical (HVAC, plumbing, controls), and electrical preventive maintenance programs. Duties and Responsibilities

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Fire Chief information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$32K

$108.8K

$188.7K

How much do fire chief jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire chief in Chicago, IL is $108,845.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,400.00 and $127,800.00 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Fire Chief jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Fire Chief jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Fire Chief job openings:

Infographic showing various Fire Chief job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,845 per year, or $52.3 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Amentum is a global leader in advanced engineering and innovative technology solutions, trusted by the United States and its allies to address their most significant and complex challenges in science,securityand sustainability. Our people apply undaunted curiosity, relentlessambitionand boundless imagination to challenge convention and drive progress. Our commitments are underpinned by the belief that safety,collaborationand well-being are integral to success.Headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia, we have approximately 50,000 employees in more than 70 countries across all 7 continents.

Summary:

Supervises a shift of firefighters that control and extinguishesaircraft, structures, and other fires to protect people,resources,and the environment.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Maintains a safe workplace program and ensures that safety is the highest priority in the workplace.

  • Complies withall ASC Environmental, Safety and Health (ESH), Waste Management and Quality Assurance requirements, goals,policiesand procedures, providing documentation to thesedivisionsas necessary.

  • Implements fire protection programs that conform to the United States Antarctic Program, including the operation of contract locations inAntarctica.

  • Responds to and/or supervises fire/EMS/Aircraft and hazardous material emergencies, asnecessary.

  • Manages emergenciesin accordance withthe CEMP andassiststhe chief with management of the fire prevention and training programs.

  • Supervises and performs evaluations of fire department lieutenants.

  • Ensures that emergency equipment under the control of the fire department is operational and in a constant state of readiness.

  • Interacts with agency officials and the community.

  • Trains and orients fire department personnel on policies and procedures.

  • Performs duties in support of the Operations Division metrics.

  • Works with the Fire Chief to address all performance concerns in the Fire House.

  • Performsadditionalduties as assigned by the Assistant Chief.

RequiredEducation, Experience, Certificates and Licenses:

  • High School diploma orGED

  • Eight yearsfull timefirefighting experience, volunteer experience or paid on-call time.

  • At least fourof the eightyearsrequired experience must be in asupervisoryrole,or two as a Lieutenant with the Antarctic Fire Department.

  • IFSAC, Pro-Board/DoD, or State Certified Fire Officer II

  • IFSAC, Pro-Board/DoD, or State Certified FirefighterI &II

  • IFSAC, Pro-Board/DoD, or State Certified Fire Inspector I

  • IFSAC, Pro-Board/DoD, or State Certified Fire Instructor I

  • IFSAC, Pro-Board/DoD, or State Certified Airport Fire Fighter

  • IFSAC, Pro-Board/DoD, or State Certified Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations Level.

  • CPR Certification

  • National Incident Management System (NIMS): ICS 100,200,700and800.

ExpectedSkills and Competencies:

  • Physical activities to includelifting upto the safety regulation maximum, climbing,crawlingand dragging hose. Duties will be performed indoors and outdoors, and work may be performed in a variety of weather conditions including severe cold, wind, and limited visibility.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills arerequired

Preferred:

  • Associate of Science degree in Fire Science.

  • EMT-B orhigher

  • IFSAC, Pro-Board/DoD, or State Certified Fire Officer III.

  • IFSAC, Pro-Board/DoD, or State Certified Fire Inspector II.

  • IFSAC, Pro-Board/DoD, or State Certified Fire Instructor II.

  • IFSAC, Pro-Board/DoD or State Certified Driver Operator Pumper / Mobile Water Supply.

  • IFSAC, Pro-Board/DoD or State Certified Driver Operator ARFF.

  • National Incident Management System (NIMS): ICS 300 and 400.

  • IFSAC, Pro-Board/DoD, or State Certified Hazardous Materials Incident Commander.

  • PreviousUSAP experience.

Physical and/or Other Requirements:

  • Willingness and ability to deploy to Antarctica for extended periodsSuccessful completion of Medical and Dental examinations required by the NSF for deployment to Antarctica

  • Successful completion of drug screening and background check required by employer

  • Successful completion of Federal Background Check required by the NSF

  • Must be willing and able to lift and move items, parts, assemblies, and equipment up to the safety regulation maximum as required by the position.

  • Must be willing and able to perform physical activities including heavy lifting, climbing in and out of equipment, crawling, and working outdoors in extreme cold as required by the position.

  • Mustparticipatein community programs, such as "house-mouse" (chores), "daisy-picking" (cleaning-up around the station), recycling efforts & safetyobjectives.

  • Valid Driver's License issued in the United States

  • Must be able to obtain andmaintainfacility credentials/authorization. Note: US Citizenship isrequiredfor facility credentials/authorization at this work location.

We are an equal opportunityemployerand all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Amentum is a drug free workplace.

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