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Fire Chief Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Utility Plant Shift Lead

Huntsville, AL

$101K - $133K/yr

Kadiak, LLC is seeking a Chief Engineer with a Top-Secret Clearance in Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville ... Should also be familiar with the fire and life safety systems, as well as sprinkler systems.

Deployment Strategist

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$80K - $93K/yr

Some days that means a working session with a prime's chief engineer. Other days it means briefing ... as live fire, and the world of open-air ranges, distributed test networks, and synthetic ...

Some days that means a working session with a prime's chief engineer. Other days it means briefing ... as live fire, and the world of open-air ranges, distributed test networks, and synthetic ...

Showing results 21-32

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 8, 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Fire Chief jobs in Decatur, AL? 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:
Infographic showing various Fire Chief job openings in Decatur, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% 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.

Utility Plant Shift Lead

kgs

Huntsville, AL

$101K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Kadiak, LLC, a Koniag Government Services company, is seeking a Chief Engineer with a Top- Secret clearance to support Kadiak and our government customer in Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, AL. This position is for a Future New Business Opportunity.   
We offer competitive compensation and an extraordinary benefits package including health, dental and vision insurance, 401K with company matching, flexible spending accounts, paid holidays, three weeks paid time off, and more.
Kadiak, LLC is seeking a Chief Engineer with a Top-Secret Clearance in Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, AL to ensure proper operation and maintenance of facility chillers, boilers, cooling towers, and associated equipment. Perform all administrative tasks including but not limited to scheduling, reports, work planning, ensuring personnel perform all tasks safely, efficiently, and effectively. 
Responsibilities:
  •  Ensure staff operate and maintain site-critical Engineering systems and equipment that supply the facility with heat, utility and conditioned power, ventilation, air conditioning and other environmental and critical systems in accordance with diagrams, operating manuals, industry best practices, and manufacturers specifications.
  •  Supervises and lead assigned personnel, maintaining a safe and efficient workplace.
  • Support staff with the engineering systems and drawings and equipment, including boilers, chillers, HVAC equipment, electrical distribution systems, generators, UPS systems, etc.
  • Monitor and control building equipment; operate facility’s Building Automation System.
  • Provide supervision to staff performing the maintenance on systems and equipment to include such items as, but not limited to, boilers, chillers, cooling towers, pumps, air handling units, and water chemistry.
  •  Make periodic inspections of all engineering systems and equipment and monitoring equipment operations, maintain equipment operating logs and operational reports as required.
  •  Proficiently use test equipment and devices pertinent to building operating systems and analyze test results.
  • Record and report all faults, deficiencies, and other unusual occurrences. Respond to emergency situations and perform all tasks necessary for the protection of occupants and property.
  • Ensure staff under minimal supervision perform mission critical environment maintenance activities.
  •  Operate and maintain critical systems such as HVAC, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), generators, batteries, switchgear, life safety and building automated systems, and utility systems.
  •  Lifting and physical exertion required.
  •  Perform other related duties as requested.
  • Ensure site Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are updated and maintained.
  •  Ensure operating staff perform in-house training and are up to date with all facility operational requirements.
  •  Ensure a proactive approach is taken and make recommendations for improving facility operations when required.
  •  Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
  •  Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Work Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  •  A minimum of 10 years of progressive and hands-on experience in an environment of similar proportions and mission as the assigned area of responsibility.
  •  A minimum of 10 years of experience in facilities maintenance with thorough understanding of electrical systems, controls, generators, and life safety systems, including 5 years related experience in data center or complex mission critical environments.
  •  Must possess an active HVAC Master Journeyman or Stationary Engineers License First Grade or higher in Virginia, Maryland or the District of Columbia and EPA – CFC Universal Certification.
  •  Must have a strong HVAC and Controls background for systems and equipment to include such items as, but not limited to: Chillers, Boilers, AHUs, Computer Room Air Conditioners (CRACs), VAV’s, FCU’s and BAS Controls.
  •  Should also be familiar with the fire and life safety systems, as well as sprinkler systems.
  • Proficiently use test equipment and devices pertinent to mechanical systems and analyze test results
  • Top-Secret security clearance 
Our Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
The company is an equal opportunity employer. The company shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity (except where gender is a bona fide occupational qualification), national origin, age, disability, military/veteran status, marital status, genetic information, or any other factor protected by law.  We are committed to equal employment opportunity in all decisions related to employment, promotion, wages, benefits and all other privileges, terms, and conditions of employment.
The company is dedicated to seeking all qualified applicants. If you require accommodation to navigate or to apply for a position on our website, please contact Heaven Wood via e-mail at accommodations@koniag-gs.com or by calling 703-488-9377 to request accommodation. 
Koniag Government Services (KGS) is an Alaska Native Owned corporation supporting the values and traditions of our native communities through an agile employee and corporate culture that delivers Enterprise Solutions, Professional Services and Operational Management to Federal Government Agencies. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Koniag, we apply our proven commercial solutions to a deep knowledge of Defense and Civilian missions to provide forward leaning technical, professional, and operational solutions. KGS enables successful mission outcomes for our customers through solution-oriented business partnerships and a commitment to exceptional service delivery. We ensure long-term success with a continuous improvement approach while balancing the collective interests of our customers, employees, and native communities. For more information, please visit www.koniag-gs.com.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. Shareholder Preference in accordance with Public Law 88-352