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Fire Chief Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Homer Alaska

Deputy Fire Chief

Homer, AK · On-site

$40.88 - $46.98/hr

Fire Chief, Dan Jager (907) 235-3155 or GENERAL FUNCTIONS Assists the Fire Chief with managing and supervising the fire and rescue services, including personnel, training, and operations. JOB ...

City of Anacortes

Assistant Fire Chief

Anacortes, WA

$131K - $166K/yr

The Assistant Fire Chief may be assigned primary roles in operations, prevention, training, or EMS depending on qualifications and the needs of the department. Job Responsibilities Accomplishes the ...

City of Hollister, CA

Fire Chief

Hollister, CA · On-site

$182K - $221K/yr

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS The Fire Chief is the executive management level class within the fire safety class series and has responsibility for managing and overseeing all organizational and ...

Snohomish County

AIRPORT ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF

Everett, WA · On-site

$121K - $155K/yr

The Assistant Fire Chief provides leadership and operational oversight and supports the management of personnel, training, regulatory compliance, and emergency response functions. Job Duties ...

City of Escondido

Fire Chief

Escondido, CA · On-site

$198K - $296K/yr

Summary The City of Escondido has an exciting career opportunity for the position of Fire Chief. Please review the recruitment brochure by clicking here and follow the instructions to apply.

City of Grand Prairie, TX

Fire Chief

Grand Prairie, TX · On-site

Reporting to the City Manager, the Fire Chief ensures the department delivers high-quality services that protect life and property, fosters community engagement, and advances the city's strategic ...

CNIC Careers

FIRE CHIEF

Gulfport, MS · On-site

$89K/yr

You will serve as a FIRE CHIEF in the Fire and Emergency Services Department at various CNRSE installations.Qualifications:Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of Specialized experience at ...

New

City of Escondido, CA

Fire Chief

Escondido, CA · On-site

$198K - $296K/yr

Fire Opening Date: 07/27/2026 Closing Date: 8/23/2026 5:00 PM Pacific Summary The City of Escondido has an exciting career opportunity for the position of Fire Chief Please review the recruitment ...

US Department of the Navy

FIRE CHIEF

Millington, TN · On-site

$89K/yr

You will serve as a FIRE CHIEF in the Fire and Emergency Services Department at various CNRSE installations.Qualifications:Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of Specialized experience at ...

New

City of Chico

Deputy Chief - Fire

Chico, CA · On-site

$196K/yr

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 ...

Oklahoma City

Fire Chief - City

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

$173K - $264K/yr

The Fire Chief directs a metropolitan fire department of sworn and civilian personnel through multiple divisions, including Operations, Fire Prevention Services, Support Services, and the Office of ...

CNIC Careers

FIRE CHIEF

Panama City, FL · On-site

$89K/yr

You will serve as a FIRE CHIEF in the Fire and Emergency Services Department at various CNRSE installations.Qualifications:Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of Specialized experience at ...

New

CNIC Careers

FIRE CHIEF

Millington, TN · On-site

$89K/yr

You will serve as a FIRE CHIEF in the Fire and Emergency Services Department at various CNRSE installations.Qualifications:Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of Specialized experience at ...

New

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All JobsFire Chief Jobs

Fire Chief information

See salary details

$31K

$105.6K

$183K

How much do fire chief jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 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 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 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:
Who are the top companies hiring for Fire Chief jobs? The top employers for Fire Chief jobs are:
What states have the most Fire Chief jobs? States with the most job openings for Fire Chief jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Fire Chief jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Chief jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Fire Chief jobs? For Fire Chief jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Fire Chief jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Chief job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,577 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Deputy Fire Chief

City of Homer Alaska

Homer, AK • On-site

$40.88 - $46.98/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

The City of Homer is accepting applications for a
Full-Time Deputy Fire Chief
Successful applicants must pass the following: pre-employment drug screening, an NFPA approved physical examination, and a comprehensive background investigation. Must be able to annually pass the physical exam, fit test, and meet the physical ability requirements for a Firefighter and EMT as defined in Homer Fire Department policy.
Residency requirement:
Employees of the Homer Volunteer Fire Department are required to live within a 15 minute maximum response/ drive time to Fire Station 1
Homer Volunteer Fire Department recruitment contact:
Fire Chief, Dan Jager
(907) 235-3155 or
GENERAL FUNCTIONS
Assists the Fire Chief with managing and supervising the fire and rescue services, including personnel, training, and operations.
JOB FUNCTIONS AND MAJOR ACTIVITIES
  1. Supervises and directs all paid and volunteer emergency services personnel in the performance of their duties in fire and rescue services, including, but not limited to: structural fire suppression, marine firefighting, wildland fire suppression, airport fire protection, vehicle firefighting, extrication and disentanglement, rope rescue, hazardous materials response and operations, confined space rescue, fire cause investigation/determination and inspection.
  2. Makes recommendations in the hiring, promotion and termination of volunteer and career personnel.
  3. Makes recommendations to the Fire Chief in the development and implementation of standard operating guidelines, standards and recommendations for fire and rescue service practices.
  4. Manage the health and safety program for assigned personnel
  5. Assists the Fire Chief with plan reviews and building and fire code recommendations.
  6. Assists the Fire Chief in preparation of the Fire Department budget.
  7. Responsible for the recruitment and retention of volunteer emergency service personnel.
  8. Develop and supervise the delivery of training programs for emergency service personnel.
  9. Responds to emergency service calls as needed and may assume command at major alarms.
  10. Responsible for the care, maintenance, cleanliness and readiness of all fire and rescue service fire department apparatus, equipment and facilities.
  11. Reviews fire service run reports for quality assurance and quality control, maintains records and reports of fire service activities NFIRS in accordance with generally accepted standards and applicable regulations or guidelines.
  12. Assists in the delivery of public education, injury prevention programs, and community outreach.
  13. Performs the duties of the Fire Chief in his/her absence.
  14. Performs other duties as required by the department or as prescribed by the Fire Chief.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Eight years' experience and extensive knowledge of emergency services, including fire and rescue services with at least three years at Captain or higher rank. Certified as an IFSAC or Pro Board Firefighter II, Certified in Methods of Instruction in Fire with demonstrated instructor competency, EMS experience required (EMT II/III/or paramedic preferred). Associates Degree in Fire Science, Business, Emergency Management or similar field, or equivalent in experience. Enrollment in or graduation from the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer Program preferred. Experience with combination (paid/volunteer) departments desired. Strong interpersonal skills required for training and working with volunteers.
DECISION MAKING RESPONSIBILITIES
Requires ability to exercise independent judgment in the performance of all aspects of duties. Develops procedures at the department level. Responsible for decisions which may involve possible loss of life or destruction of property. Activities are a major source of potential liability to the city. Maximum budget authority at department level.
SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY
Supervises all paid and volunteer emergency service personnel assigned to assist in emergency service activities.
EXTERNAL VISIBILITY/CONTACT
High frequency of contact with key City personnel and frequency of presentations and attendance at public meetings. Moderate frequency of contact with government officials, contact with key service personnel. High frequency of contact with general public.
WORKING CONDITIONS
High frequency of exposure to hazardous situations in the performance of firefighter and EMS duties. Be able to bend, lift overhead, and work in confined spaces. Must be able to meet the fire department's EMS and Firefighter Physical Abilities Test as defined in Homer Fire department policy. Must be able to pass the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) physical. Moderate exposure to adverse weather conditions. May be required to work irregular hours, holidays and overtime. On-call by pager/radio for emergency calls as required.

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