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Fire Chief Jobs in Colchester, VT (NOW HIRING)

Saint Michael's College

Fire Unit Chief

Colchester, VT · On-site

$82K - $85K/yr

Responsibilities The Fire and Rescue Department at Saint Michael's College invites applications for Fire Chief.The College is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented professional to join our team as ...

Saint Michael's College

Fire Unit Chief

Colchester, VT · On-site

$82K - $85K/yr

The Fire and Rescue Department at Saint Michael's College invites applications for Fire Chief. The College isseeking a motivated and detail-oriented professional to join our team as a Fire Unit Chief ...

Vtfarmtoplate

Chief Advancement Officer

Shelburne, VT · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Position Summary The Chief Advancement Officer serves as a key leader and member of the Shelburne Farms Management Team, working most closely with the President and Executive Vice President. The ...

PuroClean

Property Damage Restoration

Williston, VT · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Respond to fire, water, and mold damage jobs in homes and businesses * Help with cleanup and ... Compensation: $22.00 - $28.00 per hour "We Build Careers" - Steve White, President and COO With ...

PuroClean

Home Services Production Leader

Williston, VT · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Compensation: $25.00 - $30.00 per hour "We Build Careers" - Steve White, President and COO With ... fire, mold, biohazard, and other conditions resulting in property damage. We operate with a ...

All JobsFire Chief JobsFire Chief Jobs in Colchester, VT

Fire Chief information

See Colchester, VT salary details

$30.9K

$105.2K

$182.4K

How much do fire chief jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire chief in Colchester, VT is $105,222.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,700.00 and $123,600.00 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 cities near Colchester, VT are hiring for Fire Chief jobs?

Cities near Colchester, VT with the most Fire Chief job openings:

Fire Chief jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Chief job openings in Colchester, VT as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% As Needed, and 71% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,222 per year, or $50.6 per hour.

Fire Unit Chief

Saint Michael's College

Colchester, VT • On-site

$82K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Responsibilities
The Fire and Rescue Department at Saint Michael's College invites applications for Fire Chief.The College is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented professional to join our team as a Fire Unit Chief, where you will play a key role in supporting daily operations and driving business success. In this role, you will collaborate cross-functionally, manage core responsibilities such as [key tasks], and contribute to process improvements. The ideal candidate has strong communication skills, proven experience in [relevant field], and a proactive, problem-solving mindset. We offer a supportive work environment, competitive compensation, and opportunities for growth and development. If you are ready to make an impact and grow your career, we encourage you to apply today.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Support student leadership in respective leadership roles
  • Training leadership for membership, drivers, and equipment operation

  • Establish and maintain training requirements for all personnel

  • Provide support as needed on duty schedule

  • Oversees accurate documentation encompassing all department functions

  • Collaborate with Rescue Unit Chief on financial matters including budgets, expenditures, and billing

  • Collaborate with Rescue Unit Chief on risk management including maintaining operating guidelines, insurance, and safety regulatory compliance

  • Sees the value of cultural, ethnic, gender, and other individual differences in people. Helps to create an environment of learning about, valuing, encouraging, and supporting differences

  • Seeks different points of view and leverages diverse perspectives in group processes and decision-making. Checks own views against the views of others

  • Supports fair treatment and equal opportunity for all. Listens to and objectively considers the ideas/input of others. Respects the talents and contributions of all individuals

The salary range for this position is $82k-85k. For the full job description, click here.
We recognize that people assess their skills and experience differently. Studies have shown that some candidates may hesitate to apply for a position unless they feel they meet every qualification listed. However, many of the skills and responsibilities in this role can be developed on the job. If you believe you could bring value to our students and community and meet most of what we're looking for, we encourage you to apply.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
Benefits include health, dental, vision, employer-paid life and disability insurance, voluntary life, critical illness and accident insurance options, parental leave, flexible spending accounts (healthcare and dependent care), 401(k), generous paid time off, paid holidays, employee and dependent tuition benefits, employee and family assistance program, well-being programs and opportunities, discounted gym membership, paid volunteer time, use of the athletic facilities and the library, and countless opportunities to attend presentations, lectures, and other campus activities.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree

  • Operational and leadership experience in Fire and Emergency Services

  • Alumni of Saint Michael's College Fire and Rescue preferred

  • Reads and interprets a wide range of information. May interpret documents to others. Regularly writes reports and correspondence. Able to shift writing style as needed for different audiences. Regularly explains policies, listens to questions, responds, and problem solves. Speaks to individuals and small groups effectively.

Computer/Technology Skills:
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office products

  • Electronic scheduling/records management systems

  • Electronic Patient Care Reporting

  • NERIS online reporting

  • General Emergency Services RMS

Required Licenses, Certifications and Other Requirements:
  • Firefighter I or equivalent

  • EMT or eligible to receive EMT licensure within 12 months of hire

  • ICS 100, 200, 700, 800

  • Must meet driver's eligibility requirements as stated in the Saint Michael's College Vehicle Use Policy

Preferred Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:
  • ICS 300 and 400

  • Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP)

  • Firefighter II

  • Fire Officer I

  • EVOC Certified

  • AEMT or Paramedic

An offer of employment will be contingent upon the successful completion of Popes Exam and background checks.
Application Instructions:
Please be prepared to attach the following documents after clicking on Apply Now button:
  • Resume/CV

Review of applications will start on July 9th, 2026. The position will remain open until it is filled.
For a complete job description, benefits information, and to apply online, please visit: Saint Michael's College Careers.

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