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Fire Chief Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fire Chief Responsible to direct the overall operations in an all-hazard organization to deliver essential emergency and non-emergency services to the community and greater area to include fire ...

Fire Chief, Dan Jager (907) 235-3155 or djager@ci.homer.ak.us GENERAL FUNCTIONS Assists the Fire Chief with managing and supervising the fire and rescue services, including personnel, training, and ...

Deputy Fire Chief The Department of Military Affairs is seeking a Deputy Fire Chief to share fully with the Fire Chief the overall management and control of the Fire Protection Flight through the ...

This senior leadership role assists the Fire Chief in directing daily operations, supervising personnel, managing emergency response activities, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws ...

Fire Chief, Dan Jager (907) 235-3155 or djager@ci.homer.ak.us GENERAL FUNCTIONS Assists the Fire Chief with managing and supervising the fire and rescue services, including personnel, training, and ...

Fire Chief

Leesburg, VA

$45 - $62.50/hr

The Fire Chief provides direction for departmental planning, budgeting, policy development, and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. This position requires strong leadership ...

Department of Military Affairs is seeking a Deputy Fire Chief to fully share with the Fire Chief the overall management and control of the Fire Protection Flight through the Assistant Fire Chiefs in ...

Fire Chief - Austin

Austin, MN · On-site

$103K - $147K/yr

Job Posting The City of Austin is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking Fire Chief to lead a combination department serving approximately 28,700 residents across Austin and two surrounding ...

Fire Chief

Onalaska, WI · On-site

$107K - $141K/yr

The Chief is responsible for managing the physical facilities and equipment; promoting fire prevention; developing and improving the City firefighting and emergency medical response; improving the ...

Fire Department Chief To plan, organize, direct and review the activities and operations of the Fire Department including fire suppression, hazardous material mitigation, fire and life safety, code ...

To assist the Fire Chief to direct, plan, supervise, and coordinate the operational, administrative, training and personnel activities of a Fire Department Division; perform the role of Battalion ...

New

Department of Military Affairs is seeking a Deputy Fire Chief to fully share with the Fire Chief the overall management and control of the Fire Protection Flight through the Assistant Fire Chiefs in ...

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Fire Chief information

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$31K

$105.6K

$183K

How much do fire chief jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire chief in the United States is $105,577.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $124,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are Fire Chiefs?

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 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 are hiring for Fire Chief jobs? Cities with the most Fire Chief job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Chief jobs? The most popular types of Fire Chief jobs are:
What states have the most Fire Chief jobs? States with the most job openings for Fire Chief jobs include:
Infographic showing various Fire Chief job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,577 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

$143K - $176K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 hours ago


Job description

EAST FORK FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

NOW HIRING FOR DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF

Application period closes on June 28, 2026

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The East Fork Fire Protection District is seeking an experienced and progressive individual for its next Deputy Fire Chief. The ideal candidate will have a strong fire service background with leadership and decision-making abilities, good communication skills, experience and knowledge of the fire service, problem-solving and critical thinking abilities, integrity and ethics, adaptability, and strong sense of collaboration and teamwork.

The District employs three Deputy Fire Chiefs: the Deputy Fire Chief of Emergency Operations, the Deputy Fire Chief/Fire Marshal, and the Deputy Fire Chief of Business Operations. The current vacancy is for the Deputy Fire Chief of Business Operations, a key executive leadership position responsible for providing strategic direction, leadership, and oversight of the District's business and support functions. Areas of responsibility include but not limited to, facilities management, fleet operations, support services, inventory management, budgeting within assigned programs, and other critical logistical and administrative functions. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Deputy Fire Chief of Business Operations plays an integral role in advancing the District's mission, organizational effectiveness, and long-term strategic objectives.

The salary range is between $143,992 to $176,360 plus the use of a District vehicle. The District also has a generous benefit package that includes a state retirement plan (NV PERS), medical, dental and vision premiums paid by the District for the the whole family, as well as paid vacation, sick and administrative days, uniform pay, and rHRA Retirement Health Account contribution.

Step 1 of the assessment and selection process requires the submission of a resume, cover letter, and response to four essay questions, which will be provided to you by email.

To be considered for the position, you must complete and submit all required materials to HR@eastforkfire.org no later than June 28, 2026.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

POSITION SUMMARY:

Responsible for overseeing specific areas of responsibility and implementing strategic goals set by the District Fire Chief within the East Fork Fire Protection District.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Develops and implements goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for assigned areas/programs; assists in coordinating the preparation and administration of the annual budget in assigned areas of responsibility; plans, organizes, administers, reviews, and evaluates the activities of staff directly and through subordinate managers and supervisors.
  • Manages staff and activities within assigned responsibility area.
  • Coordinates training efforts with assigned staff.
  • Manages interaction between functions to ensure efficient and effective services; procures and manages implementation of communications hardware and software; ensures products meet all applicable standards and needs of the District and partner agencies.
  • Coordinates emergency response efforts with other jurisdictions and agencies.
  • Provides/approves discipline, hiring, promotion, and evaluation for personnel assigned as subordinate staff.
  • Works collaboratively with labor representatives and Human Resources to reach decisions and negotiate outcomes.
  • Attends and/or makes presentations at board meetings, interagency, committee, and other meetings and conferences.
  • Directs the conduct of and conducts analytical studies and programs; develops and reviews reports of findings, alternatives and recommendations; directs the maintenance of accurate records and files.
  • Acts as front-line responder and manager of large-scale and complex incidents; acts as Interim District Fire Chief as required or assigned.
  • Responsible for safeguarding District assets.
  • Other duties as assigned. May oversee or be assigned to major functional areas of the District.
  • Contributes to the overall quality of the District's service provision by developing and coordinating work teams and by reviewing and recommending improved policies and procedures.
  • Represents the District with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with town, community, and professional organizations, other fire agencies, districts, departments, county, city and state agencies and offices, federal agencies, and other service organizations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's Degree in fire science, business or public administration, or a related field; AND seven (7) years of fire command experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by the District Fire Chief.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Knowledge of:

  • Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation, and the management of employees through multiple levels of supervision.
  • Principles and practices of developing teams, motivating employees and managing in a team environment.
  • Principles and practices of budget development and administration.
  • Applicable laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations.
  • Principles and practices of developing and administering an effective, all hazard training program for both volunteer and career personnel.
  • Correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
  • Computer applications involving word processing, data entry and/or standard report generation.
  • Standard office practices and procedures, including filing and the operation of standard office equipment.
  • Business letter writing and the standard format for typed materials.
  • Techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals from various socioeconomic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, often in situations that may be stressful.

Skill in:

  • Planning, organizing and administering assigned functions in a comprehensive fire suppression and prevention and emergency medical response system.
  • Administering programs and staff through subordinate supervision.
  • Training others in policies and procedures related to the work.
  • Developing and implementing goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards.
  • Developing effective work teams and motivating individuals to meet goals and objectives and provide customer services in the most cost effective and efficient manner.
  • Interpreting, applying and explaining complex federal, state and local laws related to the areas of responsibility.
  • Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.
  • Using initiative and independent judgment within general policy guidelines.
  • Taking effective action in emergency situations.
  • Enforcing laws, ordinances and regulations with firmness, tact and impartiality.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES:

  • Nevada Valid Class A, B, C (with an "F" endorsement) driver's license or the ability to obtain within 12 months of employment.
  • Nevada or IFSAC Fire Officer I, II, and III Certification, California Chief Fire Officer Certification; OR equivalent Fire Officer Certification as determined acceptable by the District Fire Chief.

PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

  • Completion of National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer (EFO) OR equivalent Fire Officer Certification as determined acceptable by the District Fire Chief.
  • NWCG Red Card Type 3 Incident Commander (Regional) OR equivalent Fire Officer Certification as determined acceptable by the District Fire Chief.

ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES- APPLIES TO FIRE MARSHAL:

  • Certification as a Plans Examiner, or the ability to obtain certification within one (1) year of employment.
  • Certification as a Fire Inspector II, or the ability to obtain certification within one (1) year of employment.
  • Certification as a Public Information Officer (PIO), or the ability to obtain certification within one (1) year of employment.
  • Ability to obtain State Fire Marshal status within one (1) year of employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Mobility to inspect various residential, commercial or industrial properties or other facilities which may include standing for extended periods of time, stooping, kneeling and walking on uneven terrain at construction sites, climbing ladders, scaffolding and stairs; stamina to serve as emergency incident commander; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone; hear fire alarms, speakers, horns, and bells being tested; regularly lift up to 50 pounds.

Work is subject to performance under adverse environmental conditions in life threatening environments; exposure to bodily fluids, solvents, chemicals, fumes, smoke, electrical current and other hazardous substances.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

  1. Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.
  2. New employees are required to submit to a fingerprint-based background investigation, a drug/alcohol screening and a psychological examination. Employment is contingent upon passing the background investigation, drug/alcohol screening and the drug/alcohol screening, and psychological examination.
  3. EFFPD participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS, with information from each applicant's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered employment must complete Section 1 of the Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity prior to starting employment. Please be prepared to provide required documentation as soon as possible after the job offer is made.