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Fire Chief Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Cushman & Wakefield

Chief Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Job Title Chief Engineer Summary The Chief Engineer will be responsible for managing the daily ... Ensures that general safety, fire prevention regulations are enforced, and safe working habits are ...

JLL

Senior Chief Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Senior Chief Engineer - JLL What this job involves: The Senior Chief Engineer will directly ... Oversee all building systemsincluding fire/life safety, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, elevators ...

Port of Huntsville

Chief Operating Officer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$176K - $264K/yr

The Chief Operating Officer ("COO") provides executive leadership, direction, and oversight for the operational functions of the Huntsville-Madison County Airport Authority ("HMCAA"), including ...

Decatur Utilities

Chief Operating Officer

Decatur, AL · On-site

Chief Operating Officer Department: Management Employment Type: Full Time Location: Main Office Reporting To: General Manager Description At Decatur Utilities (DU), we believe in the Power in ...

Decatur Utilities

Chief Operating Officer

Decatur, AL · On-site

$180 - $260/hr

Chief Operating Officer Department: Management Employment Type: Full Time Location: Main Office Reporting To: General Manager Description At Decatur Utilities (DU), we believe in the Power in ...

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Fire Chief information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$29.1K

$99K

$171.6K

How much do fire chief jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire chief in Decatur, AL is $98,973.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,100.00 and $116,200.00 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

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

What job categories do people searching Fire Chief jobs in Decatur, AL look for?

The top searched job categories for Fire Chief jobs in Decatur, AL are:

What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Fire Chief jobs?

Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Fire Chief job openings:

Fire Chief jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Chief job openings in Decatur, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,973 per year, or $47.6 per hour.

Chief Engineer

Cushman & Wakefield

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 18 days ago

Cushman & Wakefield rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 159 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

113th of 206 rated real estate companies

Job description

Job Title
Chief Engineer
Job Description Summary
The Chief Engineer will be responsible for managing the daily operations, preventative maintenance and repairs to plumbing, electrical, HVAC and all other building systems through planning and management of staff, subcontractors and other vendors.
Job Description
Essential Responsibilities:
  • Responsible for the implementation and documentation of site safety plans
  • Provides supervision and is responsible for the implementation of all preventive maintenance and repair operations at the facility
  • Carries out emergency repair activities according to priority
  • Completes planned maintenance tasks according to the contract obligations, either by completing the task by themselves, or delegating to other members of staff and / or specialist sub-contractors and ensuring high standards of workmanship
  • Provides technical advice, encouragement and instruction to subordinates in such areas as electric theory, mechanical systems, hydraulic systems, and safety procedures
  • Perform equipment inspections, noting equipment condition, ensuring that proper maintenance is being performed in accordance with AES standards. Responsible for the implementation of the quality assurance program for all work performed by the department
  • Manage the CMMS for the site to closely monitor preventative maintenance schedules and completions
  • Responsible for completion of monthly reports including labor profiles, utility consumption, and work order & PM results
  • Direct or participate in various facility programs and committees relating to assigned responsibilities such as safety, disaster, fire, and pollution control
  • Formulates, recommends and implements site specific policies and procedures to improve operations
  • Develops a plan and/or procedure for controlling, labeling, recording estimated life expectancy, maintenance and inspecting all capital and non-capital equipment within the facility. This plan includes a long-term engineering capital plan
  • Recommends equipment purchases to replace obsolete equipment items and aids in formulating long-range equipment replacement requirements and coordinates actions with contractors
  • Assists in the development and implementation of operating and extraordinary expense budgets as required
  • Plans and schedules services of department. Establishes standards and work methods; takes steps to assure quality and quantity of performance and evaluates results. Establishes plans for improving departmental work emphasizing efficiency and economy
  • Communicates policies and procedures, discusses job problems, and employee concerns with supervisors and employees. Encourages development of habits and attitudes for improved performance and good employee attitudes. Direct, train, evaluate, and counsel all engineering personnel
  • Ensures that general safety, fire prevention regulations are enforced, and safe working habits are promoted throughout the facility. Ensures that all shop equipment is properly maintained and conforms to safety standards. Promotes good housekeeping principles and supervises housekeeping details
  • Responsible for ensuring that the building systems are operated in the most efficient and effective manner, especially as it relates to utility consumption and environmental responsibility. Implement a systematic program to promote energy awareness and conservation within the facility. Champion energy conservation programs to achieve maximum results from tenants and staff
  • Maintains an on-going self-improvement program to keep abreast of new equipment, standards, codes, and maintenance procedures

Key Competencies:
  • Strong employee relation skills, coaching skills and training skills
  • Exemplary communication skills
  • Ability to perform collaboratively and inspire teamwork
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to work with MS Word, Excel, and Outlook

Education:
  • High School Diploma, GED, Trade, Technical, or Vocational school

Important Experience:
  • Experience that is commensurate with the specific facility for the position of Chief Engineer. Prefer 5 years progressive operations experience as a Chief Engineer
  • Computer skills and building automation systems experience required
  • Certification meeting OSHA training requirements as required
  • Working knowledge of energy conservation required, formal training preferred
  • As required, highest-level relevant state/local license for Stationary Engineer and/or HVAC, plus universal level refrigerant recovery license
  • BOMA accredited courses desirable

AAP/EEO Statement:
C&W provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Further, the company takes affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed and employees during employment are treated without regard to any of these characteristics. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.
OTHER DUTIES
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Cushman & Wakefield also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life, and disability insurance programs, and paid and unpaid time away from work. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees with competitive pay, which may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, total hours worked, job type, business line, and applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
The compensation that will be offered to the successful candidate will depend on factors such as whether the position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the geographic area in which the work will be performed, market pay rates in that area, and the candidate's experience and qualifications.
The company will not pay less than minimum wage for this role.
The compensation for the position is: $39.15 - $46.055288
Cushman & Wakefield is an Equal Opportunity employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position at Cushman & Wakefield, please call the ADA line at 1-888-365-5406 or email Accommodations@cushwake.com. Please refer to the job title and job location when you contact us.
INCO: "Cushman & Wakefield"

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