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Fire Chief Jobs in Ridgefield, WA (NOW HIRING)

Police Dispatch * Fire Dispatch * Internal Candidates see below for additional minimum job ... APCO CTO Instructor Certification (for training-focused TQAC) * ACCESS Certification. * Other ...

Water Technician

Portland, OR · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

ServiceMaster Covering the Vancouver and Portland PDX area, is Hiring Immediately for a Water/Fire damage Technician for all positions we are looking for crew chiefs.lead techs,Helpers, with any ...

AME Structures Manager

Portland, OR · On-site

$21.50 - $27.25/hr

... Sikorsky S-61 fire support platforms, we provide first class, rapid response delivery during ... Working with crew chiefs to ensure that applicable signoffs are made in logbooks and form 337 if ...

Showing results 21-40

Fire Chief information

See Ridgefield, WA salary details

$32.9K

$112K

$194.2K

How much do fire chief jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire chief in Ridgefield, WA is $112,027.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,800.00 and $131,600.00 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 cities near Ridgefield, WA are hiring for Fire Chief jobs?

Cities near Ridgefield, WA with the most Fire Chief job openings:

Infographic showing various Fire Chief job openings in Ridgefield, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,027 per year, or $53.9 per hour.

Chief Executive Officer, Port of Camas - Washougal

The Beckett Group

Washougal, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Company Description
The Port of Camas-Washougal (the Port), a political subdivision of the State of Washington, was established in 1935 by a vote of the people to create a favorable climate for economic development in the Camas-Washougal area. It encompasses approximately 102 square miles in the eastern portion of Clark County. The Port owns and operates several commercial and industrial properties, recreational marina, and general aviation airport transportation facilities within its district boundaries. The Port is also a provider of several public amenities, including parks, recreation facilities, and trails throughout the communities it serves. The Port is divided into three geographic districts, each represented by a commissioner elected to a 4-year term by the voters residing in the Port district. The Commission is the Port district's governing body responsible for setting and enforcing established policies. The Commission may exercise only the powers delegated to them by law or under law.
The Port has 23 FTEs, a 2024 operating budget of over $5.6 million, and a five-year capital budget of over $1.3 million. Find out more about our Port at www.portcw.com
Job Description
The CEO serves at the will of and is accountable to the Board of Commissioners and is responsible for implementing policies and resolutions set by the Commissioners while overseeing day-to-day Port activities.
This includes overall direction of the operation, maintenance, administration, and use of the Port's airport, marina, industrial properties, and facilities.
The CEO's authority is delegated by the Port Commission through a Delegation of Authority adopted by Resolution. The CEO is responsible for the execution of contracts, delivery of services essential to the Port's mission, and financial, accounting, and legal matters of the Port. The CEO leads the management team in identifying strategic growth opportunities consistent with the Port's core competencies, the analysis of their viability, and implementation when approved by the Board.
The CEO ensures the Board is kept informed of all current major financial or operational issues and developments, including risk, safety, and security matters. The CEO ensures information on trends, needs, and utilization of resources is gathered and presented to the Board as required. This position facilitates developing and implementing goals, objectives, business plans, budgets, and programs for all business lines and departments supporting the Port's Vision and Mission. They also develop and maintain positive relationships with tenants and customers, community groups, and other public, government, and non-profit agencies.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE
The ideal CEO candidate is experienced in working directly with an elected board or governing body. References will describe them as a trusted advisor to the Commission who works collaboratively with them and other stakeholders energetically and effectively to carry out the Port's mission, objectives, goals, plans, and day-to-day operations. They will exhibit an entrepreneurial spirit by coming up with novel methods to bring in money, make investments, and make the most of the financial potential of the port's current assets while keeping the public, port tenants, stakeholders, and employees fully informed. They will demonstrate a creative and innovative spirit by identifying non-traditional ways to generate revenue, investment capital, and maximize the financial potential of existing port assets while being highly responsive to the public, Port tenants, stakeholders, and staff. They will strive to leverage local resources to achieve amazing results for the community.
They will have knowledge of land use and property development, including industrial and multi-use community-centric development.
Strong candidates must have strong dynamic leadership skills and a willingness to fully commit to the community, the Port, and its goals. They will have a strong sense of public service, be dedicated to outstanding customer service and continuous improvement, and be results-driven. Candidates will have a proven track record of leading, selecting, coaching, motivating, and recognizing high-performing teams that enjoy their work and take pride in organizational accomplishments. They will create a positive and team-oriented working environment, be available to staff, community, and stakeholders, and sincerely solicit and value others' input, opinions, and suggestions.
This individual must demonstrate a caring customer service attitude, a strong commitment to operational excellence, and the ability to display behaviors and a commitment to the organization's core values. We value an individual who also brings an impeccable work ethic and models high integrity. The organization's culture is built on the following values: Respectful and Professional Service to the Community, Transparency, Collaboration, Equity and Inclusion, and Economic, Environmental, and Social Sustainability. The Board seeks candidates who can align and model these values internally and externally and understand what it means to carry them out in their everyday work.
The full job brochure and job description can be found at https://portcw.com/career-opportunities/
Compensation and Benefits:
Salary: $160,000- $191,888
Benefits:
• Medical, Dental, Vision Premiums are covered for employees & dependents.
• Life and long-term disability for employees.
• Paid Holidays
• Sick and Vacation Leave
• Washington PERS Retirement Plan
• Deferred Compensation options
Qualifications
A bachelor's degree in business administration, economics, economic development, marketing, public policy, or similar educational background is required.
At least ten years or more of progressively responsible management experience directing operational activities, research or marketing, economic development, finance, and/or other activities relevant to municipal or Port operations.
Applicants should have strong management and executive leadership experience.
Other qualifying experience that provides an equivalent balance of the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to meet the job requirements will be evaluated which may substitute for the required education and experience.
Must possess a valid driver's license.
Additional Information
The Port of Camas-Washougal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply by March 29, 2024 (first review, open until filled). Cover letters and resumes will only be accepted electronically. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.