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Fire Chief Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

East Hartford Fire Department (EHFD) is a busy, full-service department serving a population of over 50,000 residents from five fire stations. EHFD provides fire, rescue and Paramedic EMS services ...

President

Hartford, CT · On-site

$500K/yr

Marc stays on as founder and CEO and keeps doing what only he can do. You own the operation. He owns his genius. Pinnacle solves complex geotechnical problems: concrete lifting, soil stabilization ...

Marc stays on as founder and CEO and keeps doing what only he can do. You own the operation. He owns his genius. Pinnacle solves complex geotechnical problems: concrete lifting, soil stabilization ...

Showing results 41-59

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.

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:
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.

Firefighter/Paramedic

GovernmentJobs.com

East Hartford, CT • On-site

$73K - $84K/yr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Entry Level Firefighter/Paramedic

The Town of East Hartford is currently accepting applications for the position of entry level Firefighter/Paramedic. East Hartford Fire Department (EHFD) is a busy, full-service department serving a population of over 50,000 residents from five fire stations. EHFD provides fire, rescue and Paramedic EMS services with 5 Engines (ALS), 2 Ladders, 1 Heavy Rescue and a Command Car. Minimum staffing is 26 people per shift.

Application Dates: Continuous

Testing Deadline: Rolling recruitment

Salary Range: $73,379 - $84,653 annually

$33.60 - $38.76 hourly

Paramedic Stipend: $1,000 Sign on Bonus upon hire – one time.

2.5% of top step firefighter/paramedic pay annually

2 STEP APPLICATION AND TESTING PROCESS!

Step 1: Apply with the Town of East Hartford

Go to www.governmentjobs.com/careers/easthartfordct

Step 2: Complete an online Testing and Video Interview

Minimum Qualifications – Entry Level Firefighter/Paramedic

At time of application:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must have a high school diploma or GED
  • Possess a State of Connecticut Paramedic License or National Registry Paramedic Certification

OR

  • Proof of enrollment and expected completion from a paramedic program prior to hire. A signed letter from your paramedic program director is sufficient.

At time of job offer:

  • A CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) certification with a test date not more than one calendar year prior to the date of the job offer.
  • A valid Connecticut Paramedic License or National Registry Paramedic Certification.
  • A valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License

The EHFD's entry level hiring process includes the creation of an eligibility list. This list has an initial certification date, and an expiration date. The duration of the list can be 1 to 2 years. If you require accommodation to access digital resources, contact Human Resources.

The Town of East Hartford is an Equal Opportunity Employer

In the Town of East Hartford, we don't just accept difference — we celebrate it, support it, and thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, residents, and community partners. The Town of East Hartford is proud to be an equal-opportunity workplace.

  • Responds to fire alarms with a fire company.
  • Performs various complex tasks during life threatening emergencies both as a member of a team and independently to control or extinguish fire and other emergency conditions.
  • Administers immediate aid and assistance on the scene to injured; assists in rescue work in various emergencies.
  • In response to medical emergencies, performs a variety of paramedic related tasks including assessing patients conditions, transmitting and receiving information via communication link with the sponsor hospital, and may accompany patients in ambulance or transport patients when necessary.
  • Participates in company drills in firefighting techniques and attends classes in firefighting, medical care and related subjects.
  • Uses manual and power tools in the performance of duties.
  • Performs assigned duties in maintaining apparatus, quarters, building equipment, hydrants, and grounds.
  • Participates in fire surveys and inspectors of all types of occupancies.
  • Cleans, polishes, oils, and greases equipment, makes minor repairs.
  • Serves on a floor watch, maintains station's clerical records.
  • Documents emergency incidents and patient information on appropriate forms.
  • Provides public fire and EMS education.
  • Skill to lay and connect hose lines, hold nozzles, make openings in building for access and ventilation, salvage property and clean up premises.
  • Skill to use chemical extinguishers, pike poles, axes, bars, hooks, and lifelines and nets.
  • Skill to drive and operate various motor-driven equipment including fire trucks, automobiles, and supply trucks.
  • Ability to recognize the need for vehicle and equipment repairs and maintenance.
  • Some knowledge of mechanic's tools and machinery.
  • Knowledge of the rules, regulations, and procedures of the department.
  • Performs medical procedures consistent with training and certification.
  • Ability to analyze problems quickly and act effectively in emergency situations.
  • Ability to give clear, concise written and oral instructions, and work effectively with fellow employees, staff, supervisor and the general public.