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Full Time Fire Chief Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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:

Relocation assistance

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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:

Relocation assistance

The Fire Department consists of 22 full-time firefighters along with a Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief (currently vacant), three captains, three Lieutenants and an Administrative Assistant. The Fire ...

Fire Chief

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$191K - $258K/yr

PO Box 1466, Mesa, AZ Job Type: Full Time Job Number: 17579 Department: (H200)Mesa Fire & Medical ... The next Chief will build upon a legacy of operational excellence while shaping the future of ...

Fire Chief

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$152K - $214K/yr

FIRE CHIEF City of Cedar Rapids, Iowa First Review: July 6, 2026 Salary Range: $152,934 - $214,000 ... CRFD is an all-hazards department comprised of 149 full-time personnel responding from nine ...

Fire Chief

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$152K - $214K/yr

FIRE CHIEF City of Cedar Rapids, Iowa First Review: July 6, 2026 Salary Range: $152,934 - $214,000 ... CRFD is an all-hazards department comprised of 149 full-time personnel responding from nine ...

Fire Chief

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$222K - $297K/yr

Costa Mesa, CA, CA Job Type: FULL-TIME Job Number: 0223: 08/26 Department: Fire Opening Date: 08/17 ... The typical background for a successful Chief is extensive experience in fire suppression and ...

The Fire Department consists of 22 full-time firefighters along with a Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief (currently vacant), three captains, three Lieutenants and an Administrative Assistant. Learn more ...

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 ...

Deputy Fire Chief

Homer, AK · On-site

$40.88 - $46.98/hr

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 ...

Fire Chief

Hollister, CA · On-site

$182K - $221K/yr

City of Hollister, CA Job Type: Full-Time (Permanent) Job Number: 26-00035 Department: Fire Opening ... DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS The Fire Chief is the executive management level class within the ...

Deputy Fire Chief

Homer, AK · On-site

$40.88 - $46.98/hr

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 ...

Executive Director Status: Full-time (exempt) Benefits Position Summary: The Fire chief is the Chief Administrative Officer for the Kickapoo Fire Department. Primary areas of responsibility are all ...

Executive Director Status: Full-time (exempt) Benefits Position Summary: The Fire chief is the Chief Administrative Officer for the Kickapoo Fire Department. Primary areas of responsibility are all ...

Executive Director Status: Full-time (exempt) Benefits Position Summary: The Fire chief is the Chief Administrative Officer for the Kickapoo Fire Department. Primary areas of responsibility are all ...

Deputy Fire Chief

Lewiston, ID · On-site

$107K - $117K/yr

Lewiston, ID Job Type: Full Time Job Number: 00336 Department: Fire Opening Date: 08/25/2026 ... Our next Deputy Chief will approach opportunities and challenges with curiosity and creativity ...

Assistant Fire Chief

Fairbanks, AK · On-site

$47.97 - $58.63/hr

... Type: Full-time Job Number: 2026-1811 Department: Fire Opening Date: 08/17/2026 Closing Date ... This position is responsible to the Fire Chief for the administration of a division or multiple ...

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Full Time Fire Chief information

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$31K

$105.6K

$183K

How much do full time fire chief jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time 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 main responsibilities of a full time fire chief?

A Full Time Fire Chief is responsible for overseeing all operations within a fire department, including managing staff, developing and implementing fire safety policies, and coordinating emergency response efforts. They ensure that firefighters are properly trained and that equipment is maintained and ready for use. Additionally, Fire Chiefs often serve as the public face of the department, working with community leaders, developing budgets, and enforcing fire codes. Their leadership is crucial in both daily operations and during major emergencies.

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

To thrive as a Full Time Fire Chief, you need extensive experience in fire service operations, strong leadership abilities, and typically certifications such as Fire Officer and EMT, often supported by a degree in fire science or public administration. Familiarity with incident command systems, emergency management software, and regulatory compliance is crucial. Exceptional decision-making, communication, and team-building skills set top candidates apart. These competencies are vital for ensuring departmental efficiency, public safety, and effective emergency response leadership.

What are some common challenges faced by a full time fire chief in managing both emergency response and administrative duties?

A Full Time Fire Chief often balances the immediate demands of emergency response with the ongoing responsibilities of department administration. Common challenges include ensuring adequate staffing and training, managing budgets and resources, and maintaining compliance with safety regulations. Additionally, the Chief must foster effective communication across shifts, coordinate with local government, and engage in community outreach. These demands require strong leadership, adaptability, and the ability to prioritize tasks under pressure.

What is the difference between Full Time Fire Chief vs Part Time Fire Chief?

AspectFull Time Fire ChiefPart Time Fire Chief
CredentialsFire officer certifications, leadership experienceFire officer certifications, leadership experience
Work EnvironmentFull-time, administrative and operational dutiesPart-time, primarily operational, on-call
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal fire departments, full-time staffingVolunteer or part-time fire departments
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding full-time leadership rolesComparing part-time firefighting leadership

The Full Time Fire Chief typically holds a full-time leadership position within a municipal fire department, overseeing operations, administration, and strategic planning. In contrast, the Part Time Fire Chief usually works on a part-time basis, often in volunteer or smaller departments, focusing on operational management during scheduled hours. Both roles require similar certifications and leadership skills but differ mainly in time commitment and employment structure.

More about Full Time Fire Chief jobs

What cities are hiring for Full Time Fire Chief jobs?

Cities with the most Full Time 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 Full Time Fire Chief jobs?

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

Fire Chief

Lafayette, IN • On-site

Relocation assistance

$96K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

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Job description

Job Title: 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 Insurance (Individual & Family coverage available), Department Take-Home Vehicle

About the Role

The Wea Township Fire Department is seeking a dynamic, strong leader to continue driving the positive growth and modernization of our department. Having fully transitioned from a volunteer force to a thriving combination department in January 2025, we are looking for a Fire Chief to direct daily operations, foster department culture, and ensure top-tier service delivery to our community.

Reporting directly to the Wea Township Trustee, the Fire Chief oversees 11 full-time personnel and 18 volunteer firefighters. You will be responsible for operational effectiveness, financial management, long-term strategic planning, and building strong relationships across local and regional public safety networks.

Key Responsibilities

  • Leadership & Personnel Management: Lead, direct, and mentor full-time and volunteer staff; conduct regular performance evaluations and coordinate ongoing department training (including attending monthly volunteer meetings/trainings).
  • Operational Command: Direct emergency responses, serve as Incident Commander for major incidents (structure fires, natural disasters, etc.) during and after normal working hours, and maintain overall disaster management readiness.
  • Administration & Budgeting: Prepare and manage the department’s annual budget, track expenditures, allocate resources, and provide regular operational and financial updates to the Township Trustee.
  • Community & Prevention: Oversee fire prevention, community risk reduction, public safety education, and incident investigation efforts.
  • Compliance & Logistics: Ensure strict compliance with local, state, and federal regulations while overseeing the maintenance and readiness of all equipment, vehicles, and facilities.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Build collaborative relationships with neighboring departments, community stakeholders, and local government bodies.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Fire Science, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
  • Experience: 8 years of fire service experience, including at least 4 years in an administrative/supervisory role within an organized full-time fire department.
  • Certifications:
    • Indiana or IFSAC Firefighter I/II
    • Indiana or IFSAC Haz-Mat Awareness/Operations
    • Indiana or IFSAC Fire Officer III
    • Indiana or IFSAC Fire Instructor II
    • Indiana or National Registry EMT-Basic
  • Skills & Abilities:
    • Proven leadership in emergency management and budget oversight.
    • Advanced training in emergency management concepts.
    • Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and crisis-decision-making skills.
    • Physical capability to perform firefighting and rescue operations as needed.
    • Thorough knowledge of local, state, and federal fire codes and safety laws.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Indiana or IFSAC Fire Officer IV
  • Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE)
  • Executive Fire Officer (EFO) designation from the National Fire Academy (NFA)