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Fire Chief Jobs in Rochester Hills, MI (NOW HIRING)

City of Sterling Heights

Fire Chief

Sterling Heights, MI · On-site

$152K - $178K/yr

The City of Sterling Heights is seeking an innovative and experienced fire service leader to serve as its next Fire Chief! * Pay range is $152,250 - $178,640 annually * Defined Benefit Pension

City of Sterling Heights

Fire Chief

Sterling Heights, MI · On-site

$152K - $178K/yr

Description The City of Sterling Heights is seeking an innovative and experienced fire service leader to serve as its next Fire Chief! * Pay range is $152,250 - $178,640 annually * Defined Benefit ...

City of Livonia, MI

Firefighter (Paramedic)

Livonia, MI · On-site

$61K - $85K/yr

The CPAT or equivalent requirement may be waived, at the discretion of the Fire Chief, if the applicant has previously passed the CPAT or equivalent test, and was employed as a certified Firefighter ...

City of Livonia

Firefighter (Paramedic)

Livonia, MI · On-site

$61K - $85K/yr

The CPAT or equivalent requirement may be waived, at the discretion of the Fire Chief, if the applicant has previously passed the CPAT or equivalent test, and was employed as a certified Firefighter ...

City of Dearborn

Chief Plans Examiner

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$84K - $119K/yr

The Chief Plans Examiner provides technical leadership, supervises plan review staff, and ... Coordinates plan review workflow and communication among Planning, Engineering, Fire, and other ...

Schulte Companies

Chief Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI

Schulte Hospitality Group is seeking a dynamic, service-oriented Chief Engineer to join our team ... Be aware of fire, safety, and protection equipment/hazards * Perform various other duties as ...

Schulte Companies

Chief Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI

Schulte Hospitality Group is seeking a dynamic, service-oriented Chief Engineer to join our team ... Be aware of fire, safety, and protection equipment/hazards * Perform various other duties as ...

Schulte

Chief Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

Schulte Hospitality Group is seeking a dynamic, service-oriented Chief Engineer to join our team ... Be aware of fire, safety, and protection equipment/hazards * Perform various other duties as ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsFire Chief JobsFire Chief Jobs in Rochester Hills, MI

Fire Chief information

See Rochester Hills, MI salary details

$28.5K

$97.2K

$168.4K

How much do fire chief jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire chief in Rochester Hills, MI is $97,179.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,800.00 and $114,100.00 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.

More about Fire Chief jobs
What are popular job titles related to Fire Chief jobs in Rochester Hills, MI? For Fire Chief jobs in Rochester Hills, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Rochester Hills, MI are hiring for Fire Chief jobs? Cities near Rochester Hills, MI with the most Fire Chief job openings:
Fire Chief jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Chief job openings in Rochester Hills, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,179 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

Fire Chief

City of Sterling Heights

Sterling Heights, MI • On-site

$152K - $178K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

The City of Sterling Heights is seeking an innovative and experienced fire service leader to serve as its next Fire Chief!

  • Pay range is $152,250 - $178,640 annually
  • Defined Benefit Pension
  • Medical with a VERY LOW premium share
  • Dental at NO COST
  • Vision with a VERY LOW premium share
  • $2,500 annual contribution into a Retiree Post Employment Health Plan!
  • 12 Paid holidays
  • Vacation, sick, and personal time
  • Clothing allowance
  • Every other Friday off!
  • Access to an onsite Employee Health & Wellness Center staffed with a physician and nurse for you and any dependents + incentive for employee and spouse to utilize the center!
  • ...and so much more!

Position Summary

Under the executive direction of the City Manager, the Fire Chief is in charge of the Fire Department. Responsible for establishing and administering policy and planning for the Fire Department, prevention and extinguishment of fire, the protection of life and property against the hazard of fire and other hazardous threats, and ALS response, treatment, and transport. Directs planning and development of Fire Department programs.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Public Safety Leadership, Public Administration or related field from an accredited college or university is required. A master's degree is highly desired.
  • 2-years as an Assistant Chief (or equivalent) and an inclusive of 10 years of senior officer leadership serving a population of 50,000 or greater residents with a comparable budget and personnel staffing levels is required.
  • Strong background in modern fire, EMS, emergency management, and all hazards practices.
  • A graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer, Chief Fire Officer Designation, or similar certifications preferred.
  • Participation in state and/or national professional organizations is preferred.

Candidates being considered and moving on to the next steps will be invited to participate in an assessment center on Wednesday, August 26 and Thursday, August 27, 2026. An orientation for the assessment center is scheduled for Thursday, August 13, 2026.

If candidates have any questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at hr@sterlingheights.gov or call 586-446-2338.

Check out the recruitment brochure for further information and details via the following link: Fire Chief Recruitment Brochure

To view the Summary of Compensation and Benefits document, please click the following link: Summary of Compensation and Benefits - Fire Chief

To learn more about the City of Sterling Heights and our Fire Department, please click HERE

Applicants must apply by Sunday, August 9, 2026.

EOE/M/F/D/V

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