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Fire Chief Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

Cushman & Wakefield

Chief Engineer

Bloomfield, CT · On-site

Job Title Chief Engineer Summary POSITION SUMMARY Chief Engineer is responsible for the effective ... fire/life safety, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical issues; must remain current with latest HVAC ...

TicketNetwork

Chief Operating Officer

South Windsor, CT · On-site

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for driving operational excellence, scalability, and innovation across RCN Capital's nationwide private lending platform. As a leading direct lender ...

RCN Capital, LLC.

Chief Operating Officer

Windsor, CT · On-site

$150 - $250/hr

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for driving operational excellence, scalability, and innovation across RCN Capital's nationwide private lending platform. As a leading direct lender ...

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All JobsFire Chief JobsFire Chief Jobs in Springfield, MA

Fire Chief information

See Springfield, MA salary details

$30.9K

$105.2K

$182.4K

How much do fire chief jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire chief in Springfield, MA is $105,208.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,700.00 and $123,600.00 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 Springfield, MA? For Fire Chief jobs in Springfield, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fire Chief jobs in Springfield, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Chief jobs in Springfield, MA are:
What cities near Springfield, MA are hiring for Fire Chief jobs? Cities near Springfield, MA with the most Fire Chief job openings:
Fire Chief jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Chief job openings in Springfield, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,208 per year, or $50.6 per hour.

Fire Marshal/Deputy Director Emergency Management

Town of South Windsor

South Windsor, CT

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

NATURE OF WORKThis is highly responsible work involving planning, organizing, and administering a comprehensive fire inspection, investigation, and prevention program in accordance with Connecticut State Statutes. Conducts construction plan reviews for code compliance. Interacts with town staff, state agencies, and the public to accomplish major responsibilities.

Works independently and provides professional-level services, exercising discretion and judgment in establishing priorities and managing workload.Performs specialized and operational work developing, coordinating, and implementing plans, programs, and systems for disaster preparedness and emergency management for the Town; develops and maintains programmatic area for all hazards; ensures alignment with the local, state and federal plans and policies.An essential part of the duties of this position is developing a flexible and anticipatory organization, which will provide cost-effective and customer-friendly delivery of quality services to the community; plus developing and utilizing the potential of each employee to successfully find new ways to deliver both the short and long-term needs of South Windsor consistent with the Town's goals and objectives.Work is performed under the general direction of the Town Manager. Work is reviewed through conferences and reports for overall program effectiveness.EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS - FIRE MARSHALSchedules, supervises, and conducts inspections of existing structures, facilities, sites and equipment for compliance with fire and life safety codes. Resolves compliance issues with owners within scope of knowledge and authority.Reviews new construction/renovation plans and related documents for compliance with applicable fire codes and related ordinances

Works closely with the Building Official and Planning Department on such reviews.Coordinates with the Building Official for fire related code review and approval of occupancy permits and business licenses.Provides technical fire protection assistance to builders, contractors, developers and facility owners of fire-safe construction, installation of fire control systems, and compliance with codes and standards.Responds to complaints regarding fire hazards and fire code violations. Issues warnings and citations for unabated hazards. Investigates origin and cause of all major fires

Works with Human Services to conduct educational intervention and screening of juvenile fire setting problems.Recommends and develops proposed fire prevention policies, procedures, and ordinances. Supervises administrative and fire inspection staff.Coordinates with the Fire Chief the installation of fire hydrants and Knox boxes, fire lanes and building access, and the naming of streets and roads, and other fire suppression issues.Maintains certification and knowledge through regular attendance and meetings and seminars.Schedules and witnesses testing of fire suppression and alarm systems at protected properties to assure operability and to reduce the incidence of inadvertent alarms.Prepares written reports and documentation required by statute and policy for efficient and effective operation. Submits fire reports to the State as required.Conducts first aid fire suppression and fire prevention training at buildings and facilities as requested or deemed appropriate.Prepares and manages budget for Fire Marshal Office.EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS - EMERGENCY MANAGEMENTPerforms related work as required by the Town Manager/Director of Emergency Management.Plans, organizes, and coordinates the Emergency Management activities.Assists with the development of an Emergency Management operating budget.Assisting in the updating and conforming the town's Emergency Operations Plan to state and federal criteria.In the absence of the Director, serves as the communications planning coordinator for all town emergency direction and control communications insuring proper design, coordination, maintenance and suitability for emergency operations.During emergencies, the Deputy Emergency Management Director shall assist in the overall responsibility for the operation of the Emergency Operating Center (EOC) and for advising the Town Manager/Emergency Management Director on local government emergency operation.

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