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Fire Department Chief Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gulfshoresal

Fire Chief

Walker, MI · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Are you a collaborative, forward-thinking fire service leader who can guide a growing department ... If so, apply to be the City of Walker's next Fire Chief! We're looking for an exceptional ...

Moncks Corner Police Department

$60 - $80/hr

JOB SUMMARY A Fire Battalion Chief manages and works with various groups in the fire department, which includes ensuring the safety of the team and providing the necessary equipment or resources in ...

City of Richfield, MN

Fire Chief

Minneapolis, MN

$142K - $186K/yr

Nature of Work Fire Chief - Richfield Fire Department The City of Richfield is seeking a visionary and collaborative leader to serve as its next Fire Chief. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead ...

City of Saint Paul, MN

Fire Chief

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

Unclassified Job Number: 2026 Fire Chief Department: Fire & Safety Services Opening Date: 09/01/2026 Closing Date: 9/30/2026 11:59 PM Central About the Position The City of Saint Paul is seeking an ...

City of Hollister

Fire Chief

Hollister, CA · On-site

$182K - $221K/yr

Evaluate the Fire Department's projected evolution and identify upcoming needs of apparatus and ... Certification as a Fire Officer and Chief Officer by the California Fire Service Training and ...

City of Hollister, CA

Fire Chief

Hollister, CA · On-site

$182K - $221K/yr

Evaluate the Fire Department's projected evolution and identify upcoming needs of apparatus and ... Certification as a Fire Officer and Chief Officer by the California Fire Service Training and ...

Wea Township

Fire Chief

Lafayette, IN · On-site

$96K/yr

Fire Chief Department: Wea Township Fire Department Location: Tippecanoe County, IN Employment Type: Full Time (Exempt) Estimated Salary: $96,000 / year Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision ...

Relocation assistance

Wea Township

Fire Chief

Lafayette, IN · On-site

$96K/yr

Fire Chief Department: Wea Township Fire Department Location: Tippecanoe County, IN Employment Type: Full Time (Exempt) Estimated Salary: $96,000 / year Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision ...

Relocation assistance

Wea Township

Fire Chief

Lafayette, IN · On-site

$96K/yr

Fire Chief Department: Wea Township Fire Department Location: Tippecanoe County, IN Employment Type: Full Time (Exempt) Estimated Salary: $96,000 / year Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision ...

City of Chico

Deputy Chief - Fire

Chico, CA · On-site

$196K/yr

Position Information The Chico Fire Department seeks a Deputy Fire Chief with demonstrated expertise in fire protection, emergency medical services, administration, and training, as well as the ...

City of Homer Alaska

Deputy Fire Chief

Homer, AK · On-site

$40.88 - $46.98/hr

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 ...

City of Homer

Deputy Fire Chief

Homer, AK · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

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 ...

City of Homer Alaska

Deputy Fire Chief

Homer, AK · On-site

$40.88 - $46.98/hr

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 ...

City of Homer Alaska

Deputy Fire Chief

Homer, AK · On-site

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 ...

City of Costa Mesa

Fire Chief

Costa Mesa, CA

$222K - $297K/yr

Are you ready to lead a dynamic, forward-thinking Fire and Rescue Department and step into a ... The typical background for a successful Chief is extensive experience in fire suppression and ...

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Fire Department Chief information

See salary details

$31K

$105.6K

$183K

How much do fire department chief jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire department 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 main responsibilities of a fire department chief?

A Fire Department Chief oversees all operations within a fire department, including managing personnel, developing policies, and coordinating emergency response efforts. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of both firefighters and the public, maintaining equipment and facilities, and developing training programs. Additionally, the Chief represents the department in the community and with local government, manages budgets, and ensures compliance with safety regulations and standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fire department chief, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Department Chief, you need extensive knowledge of fire science, emergency management, leadership experience, and typically a bachelor's degree in fire science, public administration, or a related field. Familiarity with fire incident management systems, emergency communication tools, and relevant certifications such as Executive Fire Officer (EFO) or Chief Fire Officer (CFO) is highly valued. Outstanding interpersonal skills, decision-making under pressure, and strategic vision set strong leaders apart in this role. These skills ensure effective emergency response, efficient department operations, and the safety of both firefighters and the public.

What are some common challenges faced by a fire department chief in managing personnel and resources?

A Fire Department Chief often faces the challenge of balancing limited resources while ensuring optimal emergency response and firefighter safety. Managing a diverse team, addressing training needs, and maintaining high morale can be demanding, especially during periods of budget constraints or high call volumes. Chiefs must also stay updated on best practices and regulatory changes, and foster strong relationships with community leaders and other emergency response agencies to coordinate efforts effectively.

What is the difference between Fire Department Chief vs Fire Captain?

AspectFire Department ChiefFire Captain
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire fire department operations, strategic planning, and policy developmentSupervises fire crews during emergency responses and daily station activities
Required CredentialsFire science degree, extensive firefighting experience, leadership certificationsFire science training, firefighting experience, leadership skills
Work EnvironmentAdministrative office, command centers, department meetingsFire stations, emergency scenes, training grounds
Industry UsageHigh-level leadership in fire departmentsMid-level management within fire departments

The Fire Department Chief holds executive leadership responsibilities, overseeing the entire department, while the Fire Captain manages daily operations and firefighting crews. Both roles require firefighting experience and leadership skills, but the Chief focuses on strategic planning and policy, whereas the Captain is more involved in on-the-ground incident management.

What cities are hiring for Fire Department Chief jobs?

Cities with the most Fire Department Chief job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Fire Department Chief jobs?

The top employers for Fire Department Chief jobs are:

What states have the most Fire Department Chief jobs?

States with the most job openings for Fire Department Chief jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Fire Department Chief jobs?

For Fire Department Chief jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Fire Department Chief jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Department Chief job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. 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.

Fire Chief

Walker, MI • On-site

Gulfshoresal
See more jobs at Gulfshoresalexternal

$125 - $150/hr

Other

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Are you a collaborative, forward-thinking fire service leader who can guide a growing department through organizational change, strengthen its leadership structure, and support the transition to a sustainable 24/7 staffing model? If so, apply to be the City of Walker's next Fire Chief! We're looking for an exceptional, relationship-focused leader who is:

  • A clear communicator who builds trust with employees, City leadership, partner agencies, and the public
  • An experienced mentor who develops personnel and strengthens organizational capacity
  • A decisive, safety-focused administrator with sound operational judgment
  • Adaptable, accountable, and prepared to lead a department through continued modernization

The City of Walker is a thriving suburban community located in Kent County, adjacent to Grand Rapids, Grandville, Ottawa County, and Alpine Township. The Walker Fire Department provides fire suppression, fire prevention, public education, emergency response, training, inspections, investigations, records management, and regional mutual-aid services. Reporting to the City Manager, the Fire Chief serves as the department's chief operating and administrative officer and provides overall leadership for full-time and paid-on-call personnel. The ideal Fire Chief candidate will be both an organizational builder and a steady, experienced operator. Walker needs a Fire Chief who can establish trust, create structure, and promote sustainable performance while the department continues its transition to a full-time, 24/7 operating model.

Required qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Fire Science or a closely related field
  • Increasingly responsible experience with a fire department comparable to or larger than the City of Walker's department
  • At least eight years of upper-level administrative responsibility within a fire department or public safety organization
  • Firefighter Training Council Instructor certification
  • Fire Officer III certification
  • Valid Michigan driver's license, satisfactory driving record, and ability to maintain both throughout employment
  • Knowledge of modern firefighting, emergency response, training, fire prevention, equipment, and apparatus
  • Knowledge of budgeting, personnel administration, labor relations, purchasing, and operations management
  • Ability to successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation, physical examination, and psychological examination
  • Ability to report to the City of Walker within one hour
Preferred:
  • Fire and Arson Investigator certification, or the ability to obtain it as soon as possible after appointment
  • Experience using data to assess community risk and organizational vulnerabilities
  • Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, change management, succession planning, and organizational innovation
  • Experience guiding a department through conversion from paid-on-call operations to a full-time, 24/7 staffing model
  • Familiarity with NFPA standards, fire prevention codes, municipal ordinances, and applicable state and federal regulations

The salary range is $111,529.90-$144,988.91, depending on experience and qualifications.

For more information on this position, contact: Rudy Jackson, Senior Vice President Executive Recruitment

RudyJackson@governmentresource.com | 817-897-8080

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