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

Camp Dearborn

Chief Plans Examiner

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$84K - $119K/yr

CHIEF PLANS EXAMINER STARTING SALARY : Minimum: $84,936 per year Maximum: $119,165 per year ... Reviews complex and high-value project plans and specifications for structural, fire, accessibility ...

Select Medical

Chief Executive Officer

Pontiac, MI · On-site

Chief Executive Officer - CEO Location: Pontiac, MI Select Specialty Hospital Oakland is a critical illness recovery hospital committed to providing world-class inpatient post-ICU services to chronic ...

Cranbrook

Chief Advancement Officer

Bloomfield, MI · On-site

Chief Advancement Officer Founded by Detroit philanthropists George and Ellen Booth in 1904, Cranbrook Educational Community is one of the world's leading centers of education, science, and art.

W3Global Inc.

Chief Operating Officer

Attica, MI · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

The COO will oversee multiple operational divisions, develop high-performing teams, implement efficient processes, and drive accountability across the organization. This executive leadership role ...

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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 Sep 9, 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 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

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The top searched job categories for Fire Chief jobs in Rochester Hills, MI are:

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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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% 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.

Chief Plans Examiner

Dearborn, MI • On-site

Camp Dearborn
See more jobs at Camp Dearbornexternal

$84K - $119K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Oversees the plan review process and supervises plan review staff for residential, commercial, and industrial projects to ensure compliance with codes and ordinances.

  • Reviews complex project plans and specifications for code compliance in structural, fire, accessibility, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing areas.

  • Coordinates plan review workflow and communication among departments and provides technical guidance and code interpretation to staff and external stakeholders.

Job description

CHIEF PLANS EXAMINER
STARTING SALARY: Minimum: $84,936 per year Maximum: $119,165 per year
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF WORK:
This position is responsible for overseeing all plan review operations within the Building and Safety Department to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with state and local building codes for residential, commercial, and industrial projects. The Chief Plans Examiner provides technical leadership, supervises plan review staff, and coordinates with developers, architects, engineers, and other departments to uphold safety, code integrity, and customer service standards. Reporting to the Assistant Building Official, this role manages division workflows and serves as the primary authority for complex plan reviews and technical code interpretation.
TYPICAL CLASS ESSENTIAL DUTIES: (See online posting for complete job description)
  • Oversees the plan review process and supervises Plan Review staff for residential, commercial, and industrial projects to ensure compliance with state and local codes and ordinances.
  • Reviews complex and high-value project plans and specifications for structural, fire, accessibility, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing code compliance.
  • Coordinates plan review workflow and communication among Planning, Engineering, Fire, and other departments to ensure efficient interdepartmental review.
  • Provides technical guidance and code interpretation to plan reviewers, inspectors, and external stakeholders.
  • Conducts training and mentoring for plan review and inspection staff to ensure consistency, professional development, and compliance with best practices
  • Communicates with architects, engineers, contractors, and property owners to explain code requirements and resolve discrepancies in submittals.
  • Prepares and maintains plan review records, reports, and performance metrics to track accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
  • Participates in the development and implementation of customer service standards, digital permitting processes, and procedural improvements.
  • Serves as acting division lead on plan review matters when the Assistant Building Official is unavailable.
  • Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance, including attendance at required meetings.

This job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Up to one (1) year of specialized or technical training beyond high school and five (5) years of experience in plan review, building inspection, or a related construction/design field, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory or lead capacity; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
LICENSING REQUIREMENTS:
  • Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Act 407 certifications for both PlanReviewandBuilding Official
  • SESC Plan Review certification.

PARTS AND WEIGHTS OF THE EXAMINATION:
Oral 100%
DURATION OF LIST:
This list will be in effect for a period of six months.
POST-EMPLOYMENT OFFER REQUIREMENTS:
  • Satisfactory completion of background check (sex offender registry if applicable) and a pre-employment physical and drug screen that tests for illegal drugs as defined by the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act but not those legalized under Michigan law.

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