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Fire Chief Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

This position, under the supervision of the Battalion Chief acts as a supervisor of a wildland fire module/hand crew with multiple firefighters that participate in all functional areas of wildland ...

The Data Center Chief Engineer (CE) is responsible for ensuring that all electrical, mechanical, and fire/life safety equipment within the data center is operating at peak efficiency. This involves ...

The Data Center Chief Engineer (CE) is responsible for ensuring that all electrical, mechanical, and fire/life safety equipment within the data center is operating at peak efficiency. This involves ...

The Data Center Chief Engineer (CE) is responsible for ensuring that all electrical, mechanical, and fire/life safety equipment within the data center is operating at peak efficiency. This involves ...

The Data Center Chief Engineer (CE) is responsible for ensuring that all electrical, mechanical, and fire/life safety equipment within the data center is operating at peak efficiency. This involves ...

The Data Center Chief Engineer (CE) is responsible for ensuring that all electrical, mechanical, and fire/life safety equipment within the data center is operating at peak efficiency. This involves ...

The Data Center Chief Engineer (CE) is responsible for ensuring that all electrical, mechanical, and fire/life safety equipment within the data center is operating at peak efficiency. This involves ...

The Data Center Chief Engineer (CE) is responsible for ensuring that all electrical, mechanical, and fire/life safety equipment within the data center is operating at peak efficiency. This involves ...

The Data Center Chief Engineer (CE) is responsible for ensuring that all electrical, mechanical, and fire/life safety equipment within the data center is operating at peak efficiency. This involves ...

The Data Center Chief Engineer (CE) is responsible for ensuring that all electrical, mechanical, and fire/life safety equipment within the data center is operating at peak efficiency. This involves ...

The Data Center Chief Engineer (CE) is responsible for ensuring that all electrical, mechanical, and fire/life safety equipment within the data center is operating at peak efficiency. This involves ...

The Data Center Chief Engineer (CE) is responsible for ensuring that all electrical, mechanical, and fire/life safety equipment within the data center is operating at peak efficiency. This involves ...

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Showing results 1-20

Fire Chief information

See Reno, NV salary details

$30.9K

$105.3K

$182.5K

How much do fire chief jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire chief in Reno, NV is $105,267.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,800.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Fire Chief jobs in Reno, NV?

For Fire Chief jobs in Reno, NV, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Fire Chief jobs in Reno, NV look for?

The top searched job categories for Fire Chief jobs in Reno, NV are:

What cities near Reno, NV are hiring for Fire Chief jobs?

Cities near Reno, NV with the most Fire Chief job openings:

Infographic showing various Fire Chief job openings in Reno, NV as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,267 per year, or $50.6 per hour.

$60K - $89K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


State Of Nevada rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 50 rated states


Job description

***THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE DEPENDING ON THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED. APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE*** Job Summary The Nevada Division of Forestry (NDF) is recruiting for one Fire Captain position located at the Ely Industrial Shop. This position, under the supervision of the Battalion Chief acts as a supervisor of a wildland fire module/hand crew with multiple firefighters that participate in all functional areas of wildland fire and resource management.

This includes wildfire prevention, suppression and rehabilitation, fuels reduction treatments, natural resource restoration, and public education. Incumbents function as first-line supervisors who train, supervise and evaluate performance of assigned staff; assign and review work; and initiate disciplinary action. Applicants must be qualified as an NWCG Firefighter I (FFT1 or higher) and have an NWCG Single Resource Boss qualification at the time of application and maintain these qualifications for the duration of employment.

Positions in this series manage, supervise, and participate in wildland fire suppression; fire prevention and education; presuppression; equipment and facility maintenance; and forestry and fire law enforcement. Assist the Forestry Program Manager - Fire to ensure that the components of the divisions Wildland Fire Protection Program are managed and operated in an efficient, accurate and safe manner consistent with federal, State, and division regulations, policies and procedures. Essential Qualifications Associate's degree in fire science or closely related field and three years of firefighting experience; OR Graduation from high school or equivalent education and four years of firefighting experience; OR one year as a Firefighter II in Nevada State service; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.

Job Duties Manage, supervise and participate in functional areas of fire protection; compile information, develop plans and make recommendations concerning training, prevention, suppression, emergency operations, fuels management, support services and administration; develop plans, regulations, guidance documents and reports on regional wildfire activities; implement and coordinate regional wildfire activities with federal, State, and local partners. Exercise leadership through direct command or implementation of the Incident Command System (ICS). Respond to wildland fires, floods, and other emergencies.

Control wildland fires; build hand lines, fall trees, lay hose lines and direct nozzles; lead dozers; set backfires; direct aerial drops; provide structural protection; and mop up and patrol fire areas to safeguard life, natural resources and structures. Supervise and/or participate in presuppression activities; develop preplans and preattack fire plans; check fire access roads, gates, and water supplies; and review and update dispatch response cards. Supervise and/or participate in hazardous fuels mitigation; determine fuel types and fuel loading; and plan, direct and implement fuels management activities including prescribed burning.

Supervise and/or participate in fire prevention activities; inspect areas designated for prescribed burning; advise land owners of regulations; determine approval/denial of fire permit; check campfires; advise the public of fire danger, safety and fire restrictions; make safety presentations to homeowners, students and civic groups; conduct defensible space inspections; and post signs to educate the public and reduce fire occurrence. Train volunteer fire departments, cooperative fire agencies, and various firefighting personnel; schedule classes or demonstrations; review materials, techniques, and strategies; and provide on-the-job training to improve firefighting techniques and effectiveness. Supervise or maintain fire apparatus and equipment to maintain constant readiness; make daily inspections and follow preventive maintenance schedules; check, clean, sharpen, adjust and make minor repairs to equipment; report mechanical problems and arrange for repairs; and replace used equipment and supplies.

Perform related duties as assigned. Under general supervision of a Battalion Chief, incumbents serve as a shift supervisor with responsibility for utilizing personnel and equipment during emergencies and supervise assigned personnel. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities This job specification lists the major knowledge, skills and abilities of the job and is not all inclusive.

Incumbent(s) will be expected to have knowledge, skills and abilities from a previous level. Working knowledge of: tactics and strategy used in wildland firefighting. Ability to: supervise a fire crew or Engine Company in any call-out situation; apply the principles of the ICS in incidents of moderate to high complexity; evaluate complex situations and request appropriate additional resources; provide firefighting training to assigned personnel; inspect, test and ensure proper operation of all firefighting equipment within a company; maintain records and prepare reports; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; apply principles of fire prevention, inspection and investigation; deal effectively with victims, bystanders and responding personnel in emergency situations.

Recruiter Contact Information: Quinn Ashley - q.ashley@admin.nv.gov The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages. Please send direct Inquiries or correspondence to the recruiter listed on this announcement.


What State Of Nevada employees say

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About State of Nevada

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Nevada isn't a company in the traditional sense, but rather a governing body that manages and directs the operations of the state of Nevada. Its headquarters are located in Carson City, NV, United States. The organisation is engaged in various sectors like education, transportation, business and industry, health and human services, conservation and natural resources, and many more. It is responsible for implementing and maintaining the law and order of the state, in addition to providing essential services to its residents.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Carson City, NV, US

Year founded

1864