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Fire Chief Jobs in Lexington, SC (NOW HIRING)

NORTHSTAR EMS INC

INDUSTRIAL FIREFIGHTER

Blythewood, SC · On-site

... by the Fire Chief., • Performs assigned shift activities to include equipment checks, apparatus checks and safety inspections. Identified problems are to be immediately reported. • Performs ...

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All JobsFire Chief JobsFire Chief Jobs in Lexington, SC

Fire Chief information

See Lexington, SC salary details

$26.5K

$90.4K

$156.6K

How much do fire chief jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire chief in Lexington, SC is $90,369.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,800.00 and $106,100.00 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 are popular job titles related to Fire Chief jobs in Lexington, SC?

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

What job categories do people searching Fire Chief jobs in Lexington, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Fire Chief jobs in Lexington, SC are:

What cities near Lexington, SC are hiring for Fire Chief jobs?

Cities near Lexington, SC with the most Fire Chief job openings:

Fire Chief jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Chief job openings in Lexington, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,369 per year, or $43.4 per hour.

Fire Safety Off IV - 60011778 - App 24

State of South Carolina

Columbia, SC • On-site

$58K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

State Of South Carolina rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 50 rated states

Job description

Job Responsibilities Plans, schedules and supervises fire protection activities. Position assumes duties and responsibilities of Assistant Chief in his/her absence. Directs, operates and maintains aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) support and structural vehicles.

Duties include firefighting, control and extinguishment aircraft and structural fires, aircraft emergencies: pinning, safing, shutdown, safety and rescue/egress operations. Directs and performs inspection and operation of the aircraft arresting system. Directs and performs as team leader for crash rescue, structural, medical, confined spaces, hazardous materials, vehicular and other emergency operations.

Assumes operational duties of Assistant Chief in his/her absence. Minimum and Additional Requirements A high school diploma and progressively responsible experience in the fire service. Must have a valid state driver's license and be able to possess and maintain a government driver's license.

Must meet NFPA-1582 physical standards with the ability to wear self-contained breathing apparatus. Additional Comments Must possess International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) of Pro-Board certifications, or verifiable equivalents to include Fire Safety Officer II, Fire Instructor II, Fire Inspector II, ICS 300/400, Incident Safety Officer, Airport Firefighter, Hazardous Material Incident Command, and Emergency Medical Responder Certifications. Must possess the ability to provide guidance to a diverse subordinate staff.

Must be able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance to access the LAN and use computer-based training programs, and to develop and enforce Fire Department Standard Operational Guidelines, (SOG's) and operational instructions for staff. Must be able to manage an operation that provides 24/7 fire coverage for three, 8 person shifts, each working 48 on 96 off with an average 56-hour workweek. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of an online South Carolina State Employment Application.

Only those applicants chosen for interview will be notified of job filled status. Note: Applicants indicating college credit, degree(s) or specialized training on the application shall provide an official copy of transcripts upon notification of selection for hire. This serves as verification of credentials listed on the application.

What State Of South Carolina employees say

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About State of South Carolina

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

State of South Carolina is not a typical corporation, but the governing body of the US state of South Carolina, located in the capital city of Columbia. Its industry focuses on public administration, providing key essential services to ensure the efficient functioning of the state. These services range from public safety and environment protection to education, healthcare, and economic development. The state was founded in 1788, grounded in democratic principles meant to support the overall well-being of its citizenry. Its core values revolve around service, integrity, accountability, and transparency. The mission of the State of South Carolina is to improve the quality of life for all its people, with a focus on education advancement, economic growth, and improved healthcare.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbia, SC, US

Social media

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