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Fire Chief Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fire Chief

Anacortes, WA

$148K - $187K/yr

The Fire Chief is responsible for setting overall department strategy and directions, collaborating with City staff and elected officials, and building inter-jurisdictional/regional relationships.

Deputy Fire Chief

Fairfield, OH · On-site

$99K - $148K/yr

Description Under general supervision of the Fire Chief, this position serves in a leadership role and assists in the day-to-day operations and administrative functions of the Fire Department.

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 Chief - Austin

Austin, MN · On-site

$103K - $147K/yr

The Fire Chief provides strategic, operational, and administrative leadership for fire suppression, prevention, inspections, training, emergency response, personnel management, budgeting, equipment ...

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 - 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 ...

New

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Assist the Fire Chief in developing long-term objectives and plans for the Department andemergency plans for the area. 2.Inspect and ensure the effectiveness and utilization of departmental ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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

Palmer, AK

$45.01 - $54.22/hr

The Fire Chief is responsible for ensuring that each firefighter receives the proper training in subject matter mandated by compliance with the State of Alaska Occupational Safety and Health ...

Fire Chief

Anacortes, WA · On-site

$148K - $187K/yr

The Fire Chief is responsible for setting overall department strategy and directions, collaborating with City staff and elected officials, and building inter-jurisdictional/regional relationships.

The Fire Chief directs, manages, and oversees all activities of the Fire Department in order to ensure 24-hour emergency service to the citizens of Pocatello and Bannock County. Activities of the ...

The Fire Chief serves as the executive leader of the Fire Department and is responsible for the overall administration, operations, and strategic direction of fire and emergency services within ...

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Fire Chief information

See salary details

$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.
Deputy Fire Chief

Deputy Fire Chief

City of Cape Girardeau

Cape Girardeau, MO • On-site

$91K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

General Definition of Work
Performs work under the general direction of the Fire Chief to plan, supervise, and coordinate the activities of Operations Division personnel. Performs the role of Incident Commander and provides highly responsible and technical staff assistance. Provides leadership in accomplishing the department's fire suppression, rescue, hazardous materials response, and safety goals. Serves as Acting Fire Chief in the absence of the Fire Chief.
Essential Functions
• Commands and coordinates fire department resources on all types of emergencies, including the most complex fires, rescues and hazardous materials incident and other emergency responses.
• Supervises the maintenance and accuracy of departmental administrative, emergency response, inspection and safety records.
• Serves as Fire Department Health and Safety Officer, ensuring compliance with applicable safety standards and promoting safe operational practices.
• Coordinates Fire Department activities with other City, County, State and Federal agencies to support emergency response and community safety initiatives.
• Demonstrates a commitment to ongoing education to include participation in the continuing education and occasional travel out of state for educational courses or conferences.
• Performs prevention activities including but not limited to; developing minimum safety and operational standards; assisting with development of policies and guideline; conducting public relations/education programs; assisting with the investigation into the cause of incidents and injuries; approving training needs of the department based on discussions with supervisors, review of accident reports, post incident analyses, direct observations of emergency operations, trainings, and drills and take appropriate corrective action as necessary; and shares development/improvement information department wide.
• Performs preparation activities designed to prepare for the response to incidents in the most effective, efficient, safe, and professional manner; maintains personal/mental fitness and health; maintains job knowledge and skill of Battalion Chief level and below; maintains apparatus and equipment in a state of readiness. Instructs training classes and education programs on a variety of emergency service related topics ranging from recruit level to advanced officer level based on local, state and national standards.
• Performs response activities designed to ensure the handling of incidents in the most effective, efficient, safe, and professional manner; responds to dispatched alarms without delay; operates apparatus and equipment at incidents within departmental policies, standard operating guidelines, and command system; performs rescues; administers patient care per level of medical certification; performs fire suppression, incident mitigation, and property and environment conservation activities. Responds off duty for staffing requests during emergency recalls and functions within the department's Incident Command System as necessary; serves as or supports the Incident Commander or fulfills needed tasks specific to the incident; as needed, works on a platoon to maintain shift staffing if needed.
• Performs evaluation activities designed to evaluate and improve service delivery, as well as to maintain and improve public opinion; accurately completes any necessary record or report; prepares and reviews department incident, scheduling, and training reports; generates statistical reports and presents those to the Fire Chief; participates honestly in evaluations, reviews, post-incident analyses, and investigations including safety related research; offers input and suggestions regarding improvements to service delivery into strategic planning; maintains apparatus, equipment, stations, and ground in a presentable, clean fashion. Advises the Fire Chief of budgetary needs relating to operational needs; administers annual appropriations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
• Must have an Associate's degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, Emergency Management, or related field with 30 additional credit hours toward a Bachelor's degree. Must complete Bachelor's degree within three (3) years.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ten (10) years' experience with a similar sized department serving 5 years as a chief officer.
• State of Missouri FF1 and FF2 or equivalent.
• Must possess current EMT-B and have the ability to transfer/obtain Missouri EMT-B within 60 days of hire.
• State of Missouri Fire Instruction 1 and Fire Officer 1, 2, 3, & 4 or equivalent.
• State of Missouri Driver/Operator-Pumper or equivalent.
• Hold nine or more certifications from the department's List of Additional Certifications.
Preferred Qualifications
State of Missouri EMT-P License.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in related field.
• Fire Instructor 2 or higher.
• Graduate of the National Fire Academy Managing Officer program.
• Graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program.
• Nationally or State recognized Incident Command, Leadership, Training/Development courses.
• National Fire Academy resident courses.
• Professional Credentialing as Chief Fire Officer (CFO) through the Center of Public Safety Excellence.
Salary per year $91,908, plus a generous benefit package.
  • Bi-weekly pay periods.
  • Thirteen paid holidays per year.
  • 96 hours of vacation - accrued throughout the year.
  • 96 hours of sick leave - accrued throughout the year.
  • 2 days of personal leave per fiscal year. Must be employed on July 1 of the fiscal year to receive.
  • City paid monthly premiums for health and dental insurance - Employee only.
  • City paid monthly life insurance for employee only (1 times annual salary up to $50,000).
  • Optional group term life insurance purchased at employee's expense.
  • Optional vision insurance purchased at employee's expense.
  • Voluntary deferred compensation plan - not matched by the City.
  • Retirement (LAGERS) paid by the City. Missouri LAGERS - A Secure Retirement for All (molagers.org).
  • Total compensation value (Salary starting rate plus benefits value) for this position is $134,822 yearly.

Before final appointment, successful applicant will be required to successfully complete a drug test, background investigation and pre-employment physical and psychiatric evaluation.
The City of Cape Girardeau reserves the right to notify only those individuals selected for an interview as to their status of their application for employment. EOE/ADA/M/F/V