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Fire Division Chief Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Chief Plans Examiner

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$111K - $147K/yr

Makes proactive and strategic recommendations to the Building Division Manager regarding code ... OIC) Fire and Life Safety Plans Examiner (Oregon PEF or ICC F3) Building Plans Examiner A-Level ...

Chief Plans Examiner

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$111K - $147K/yr

Makes proactive and strategic recommendations to the Building Division Manager regarding code ... Fire and Life Safety Plans Examiner (Oregon PEF or ICC F3) * Building Plans Examiner A-Level ...

Fire Division Chief information

See Oregon salary details

$32.8K

$111.6K

$193.5K

How much do fire division chief jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire division chief in Oregon is $111,625.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,500.00 and $131,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fire division chief?

Fire Division Chiefs are senior leaders within fire departments who oversee specific divisions or operational areas, such as emergency response, training, or fire prevention. They are responsible for managing personnel, developing policies, coordinating with other agencies, and ensuring the effective delivery of fire services. Fire Division Chiefs often serve as part of the department’s leadership team, reporting directly to the Fire Chief and playing a key role in strategic planning and emergency management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fire division chief?

To thrive as a Fire Division Chief, you need extensive experience in fire service operations, strong leadership abilities, and typically a degree in fire science, public administration, or a related field. Familiarity with incident command systems, emergency management software, and certifications such as Fire Officer and EMT are commonly required. Outstanding communication, decision-making, and crisis management skills help a Fire Division Chief lead teams effectively and coordinate with other agencies. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure public safety, efficient emergency response, and the successful management of fire department operations.

What are the main leadership challenges faced by a fire division chief, and how are they typically addressed?

A Fire Division Chief often manages multiple teams and oversees complex emergency responses, which can present challenges in coordinating resources, maintaining effective communication, and balancing administrative duties with operational needs. Successfully addressing these challenges involves fostering strong teamwork, implementing clear protocols, and providing ongoing training to ensure readiness. Additionally, Fire Division Chiefs work closely with other emergency services and community leaders to plan for large-scale incidents and improve departmental efficiency.

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

AspectFire Division ChiefFire Captain
CertificationsFire Officer certifications, EMT/Paramedic licensesFirefighter certifications, EMT/Paramedic licenses
Work EnvironmentAdministrative, strategic planning, overseeing multiple stationsOn-scene incident command, firefighting operations
ResponsibilitiesManaging divisions, policy development, resource allocationLeading firefighting teams, direct fire suppression

The Fire Division Chief typically holds higher administrative responsibilities, overseeing multiple units and focusing on strategic planning. In contrast, the Fire Captain is more involved in on-the-ground firefighting and incident command. Both roles require similar certifications but differ in scope and daily duties, with the Division Chief focusing on management and the Captain on operational leadership.

Infographic showing various Fire Division Chief job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $111,625 per year, or $53.7 per hour.

Deputy Chief of Operations

Klamath Falls, OR • On-site

$155K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Oversee the planning and coordination of fire and EMS operations to ensure effective resource management and operational readiness.

  • Provide strategic leadership for emergency response operations, organizational culture, and operational excellence.

  • Support personnel development, foster leadership, accountability, and build strong labor and community partnerships.


Job description

Klamath County Fire District 1143 N. Broad StreetKlamath Falls, OR 97601The current annual salary range for this position is $155,427.28-$160,090.10. Salary placement is de-pendent upon experience and qualifications.HIRING TIMELINECandidates will initially be screened based on their qualifications for this position as evidenced by their education and experience.Application deadline: October 18th, 2026*Assessment Center Date: November 19th, 2026Chiefs Interview (Successful & Invited):  Tentatively November 20th, 2026*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates selected to progress to the assessment center will be notified as soon as possible to allow sufficient time for travel arrangements, particularly for those traveling from outside the area.POSITION OVERVIEWThe Deputy Chief of Operations is a key member of Klamath County Fire District 1's Executive Leadership Team, reporting directly to the Fire Chief and providing strategic leadership for emergency response operations, organizational culture, and operational excellence. Beyond emergency response, the Deputy Chief fosters a culture of leadership, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement. The role includes developing future leaders, building strong labor and community partnerships, supporting data-driven decision-making, and maintaining operational readiness through effective training, performance management, and resource deployment.  The Deputy Chief oversees the planning and coordination of the District's fire and EMS operations, ensuring compliance, effective resource management, and strong personnel development. The Operations Division provides all-hazards emergency services, including fire suppression, EMS, ambulance transport, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, wildland firefighting, and incident management. SCHEDULEThis is a full-time, 40 hours a week, Monday-Friday position; however, this position participates in the Duty Chief Rotation and evening and weekend work is required. This is a uniformed, salaried position and frequently results in working greater than 40 hours a week.BENEFITS100% Employer paid Medical/Dental/Vision (employee & family)Voluntary Long & Short Term Disability InsuranceEmployer paid Life and AD&D Insurance - Policy Value of $20KVoluntary Accident/Hospital/Cancer CoverageHealth Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA-VEBA) employer contribution ($1,401- $6,495 annually)Flexible Spending Accounts FSA Medical and Dependent CareVacation, Sick, Holiday, Personal Leave Benefits Vacation is accrued at 18.67 hours per month/ 224 per yearSick leave/PTO is accrued at 12 hours per month40 hours per year personal leave10 compensated holidays per yearAdditional BenefitsVehicle providedCell phone providedRetirement BenefitsOregon Public Employee Retirement System (PERS); employer pickup of 6% employee contributionDeferred compensation (Section 457b Plan) for employee's retirement planning- optional HIRING PROCESS:Application ReviewOnsite Skills Assessment CenterOnsite Panel Interview - (scored)Chiefs Interview (if invited) Conditional Offer *pre-screeningsFinal offer QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS EXPERIENCETo qualify for this position, you will need three (3) years of supervisory experience with at least one (1) year as an AIC Battalion Chief or Battalion Chief, or equivalent. Eight (8) years paid full-time emergency response experience with a paid or combination fire agency of equal or greater size complexity.Basic working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Excel, Fire/EMS reporting and staffing systems and the ability to operate within a networked environment. EDUCATIONEducation: An Associate or Bachelor's degree in Fire, Business or EMS Administration or closely related field. *A combined education and experience level may commensurate with a Bachelor's degree, as determined by the Board, in its sole discretion.CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSESNFPA HazMat Operations Level ResponderNFPA Fire Officer 2 or equivalentNWCG Engine Boss or equivalentOregon Basic or National Registry EMT LicenseNIMS - ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800Blue Card IC (or ability to obtain within 1 year)Possession of a driver's license valid in Oregon (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire) Insurable driving record  RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTA residency requirement applies to this position. This position requires performance as a responder to emergency scenes and at times will act and respond as a Duty Officer. Residency with 15 minutes normal driving time of the Fire Districts boundaries is required. ABOUT KLAMATH COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT 1KCFD1 is a progressive, high performing Special District governed by an elected, five-member Board of Directors. The District provides all hazard fire protection to 192 square miles in and around the City of Klamath Falls serving roughly 60,000 patrons with an ISO rating of 2/10. The District also provides ALS Transport services and is assigned Klamath County Ambulance Service Area #5 that covers a total of 490 square miles. The diverse area covered includes urban/suburban areas and rural/frontier as well. KCFD1 employs 69 line personnel assigned to emergency response operations. Members work from 4 stations operating on a 48/96 schedule and respond to a diverse range of incidents. In 2025 KCFD1 personnel responded to mitigate 9,346 calls for service which included structure fires, technical rescues, critical EMS calls and interfacility transports. As the largest career fire department in Klamath County (KC), District personnel regularly play a role in regional emergency services. Personnel routinely interface with local and state partner agencies and serve on leadership positions across organizations such as KC Fire Defense Board, KC Ambulance Advisory Board, Klamath Fire Prevention Cooperative, 911 Advisory Committee, Klamath Interoperable Communications Group.MISSIONWe at Klamath County Fire District 1 are devoted to safeguarding the lives and property of our community, visitors and neighbors by providing professional emergency services, with compassion, courtesy, integrity and fiscal responsibility. For questions about the position or application process, contact Human Resources at ehermann@kcfd1.com or by calling 541-885-2056 x126PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS Employment for this position is contingent on clearance of the following: X Pre-Employment Drug Screen (includes Marijuana) X Background Investigation X Physical Examination