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Full Time Fire Chief Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Town of Vail

Fire Chief

Vail, CO

Position Overview Fire Chief IMPORTANT: To be considered for employment, applicants must click the ... Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Town of Vail

Fire Chief

Vail, CO · On-site

$161K - $201K/yr

Minimum of 10 years of progressive full-time fire service experience in a comparably complex ... Chief Fire Officer designation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence * National Fire ...

Town of Vail

Fire Chief

Vail, CO · On-site

Minimum of 10 years of progressive full-time fire service experience in a comparably complex ... Chief Fire Officer designation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence * National Fire ...

League of Minnesota Cities

Fire Chief - Andover

Andover, MN · On-site

$129K - $159K/yr

The Chief oversees a 24/7 combination department of full-time, duty crew, and paid-on-call personnel. Responsibilities include directing fire and EMS operations, leading recruitment and retention ...

City and Borough of Sitka, AK

Fire Chief

Sitka, AK · On-site

$117K/yr

Sitka, AK Job Type: Full-Time Department: Fire Department Opening Date: 12/01/2025 FLSA: Exempt ... The Fire Chief is a management employee who assists and acts in a confidential capacity to the ...

City of Cedar Rapids

Fire Chief

Cedar Rapids, IA

$147K - $206K/yr

CRFD is an all-hazards department comprised of 149 full-time personnel responding from nine ... WHY APPLY The next Fire Chief of the Cedar Rapids Fire Department will join a progressive ...

City of Homer Alaska

Deputy Fire Chief

Homer, AK · On-site

$40.04 - $46.01/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 ...

City of Homer Alaska

Deputy Fire Chief

Homer, AK

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 ...

League of Minnesota Cities

Fire Chief - Austin

Austin, MN · On-site

$103K - $147K/yr

The department includes 9 fulltime firefighters, an administrative assistant, and 14 paid-on-call firefighters, with an annual budget of approximately $2.5 million. The Fire Chief provides strategic ...

City of Homer Alaska

Deputy Fire Chief

Homer, AK · On-site

$40.04 - $46.01/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 ...

City of Onalaska, WI

Fire Chief

Onalaska, WI · On-site

$107K - $141K/yr

CITY HALL, 415 Main St., Onalaska, WI Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 2026-00027 Department: Fire ... The Chief is responsible for managing the physical facilities and equipment; promoting fire ...

City of Chico, CA

Deputy Chief - Fire

Chico, CA · On-site

$196K/yr

Salary: $196,476.80 Annually Location : 411 Main Street, Chico, CA Job Type: Full Time Job Number ... Continuous Position Information The Chico Fire Department seeks a Deputy Fire Chief with ...

City of Cedar Rapids, IA

Fire Chief

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$147K - $206K/yr

Central Fire- 713 1st Ave SE Cedar Rapids, IA Job Type: Full-Time Department: Fire Opening Date: 06 ... NON_BARGAINING The City of Cedar Rapids is seeking a Fire Chief for Iowa's second-largest city, a ...

City of Anacortes, WA

Fire Chief

Anacortes, WA · On-site

$148K - $187K/yr

Anacortes, WA Job Type: Full-Time Department: Fire Opening Date: 03/10/2026 Closing Date ... The Fire Chief is responsible for setting overall department strategy and directions, collaborating ...

Seminole Tribe of Florida

Fire Chief

Hollywood, FL · On-site

Fire Chief Job Type: Full Time Department: Fire Rescue Location: HOLLYWOOD Posted: 05/19/2026 The incumbent in this position directs all the Seminole Tribe of Florida's emergency services operations ...

City of Hemet, CA

FIRE CHIEF

Hemet, CA · On-site

$210K - $281K/yr

City of Hemet, 510 E Florida Ave., Hemet, CA Job Type: Full Time Job Number: 25/26-030 Department ... to serve as Fire Chief. The ideal candidate will have a passion for delivering high-quality ...

City of Palmer, AK

Fire Chief

Palmer, AK · On-site

$45.01 - $54.22/hr

Palmer Fire & Rescue, AK Job Type: Full-time Job Number: 25-00124 Department: Palmer Fire & Rescue ... The Chief must have a comprehensive knowledge of current and advanced firefighting tactics ...

City of Los Banos, CA

Fire Chief

Los Banos, CA · On-site

$163K - $209K/yr

Los Banos, CA Job Type: Full-time Job Number: 04-2026 Department: Fire Opening Date: 03/26/2026 ... Serve as the Chief Building Official; ensure that new construction within the City meets building ...

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All JobsFull Time Fire Chief Jobs

Full Time Fire Chief information

See salary details

$31K

$105.6K

$183K

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

As of Jun 9, 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 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.

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, and why are they important?

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.
More about Full Time Fire Chief jobs
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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:
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Full Time Fire Chief jobs near you
Fire Chief

Fire Chief

Town of Vail

Vail, CO

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Position Overview

Fire Chief 

IMPORTANT: To be considered for employment, applicants must click the application link below and complete their application through our official recruitment system. Applications submitted directly through this job posting will not be accepted.

Apply Here

The Town of Vail seeks a highly motivated and experienced fire service professional to serve as the next Fire Chief.  The Vail Fire Chief will provide vision, direction, and leadership in developing innovative approaches to delivering quality emergency response services.  The Chief oversees a full range of re and emergency services, including: Structural and Wildland Fire Suppression, Emergency Medical Care, Community Safety Awareness, Hazardous Material Response, Fire Code Enforcement, Technical Rescue, and Community Partnerships.  As a member of the Town Manager's Senior Leadership Team, the Chief will actively bring professional insights and an overall desire to continually improve our community.

VFES consists of three divisions: Fire Prevention/Administration/Fire Suppression and Wildfire Response/Mitigation. 

Additional details regarding the position, requirements & our community can be found here: Vail Fire Chief Recruitment Brochure. 

Skills / Requirements

Vail is a guest service-oriented, world-class resort community. We know that our employees make all the difference in setting the standard for excellence in alpine destinations. That's why we're seeking passionate individuals who take pride in their work and strive for excellence in everything they do.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Fire Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressive full-time fire service experience in a comparably complex organization
  • At least 3 years in an administrative or managerial leadership role (typically Battalion Chief or higher)
  • ICS-400 certification
  • Hazardous Materials Incident Commander certification
  • Valid driver's license (Colorado driver's license required within 30 days of appointment)
  • Ability to successfully pass a criminal background check, psychological evaluation, drug screen, and physical examination

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Public Administration or related field
  • Experience in wildland fire management and fire prevention
  • Chief Fire Officer designation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence
  • National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program completion
  • NFPA Fire Officer II and/or III certifications
Culture / Lifestyle / Benefits

The Town of Vail is a values-based culture that is nurtured by our employees' strong desire to foster teamwork, take ownership in Vail's future, and an overall pride in serving their community. To find out more about our community, please visit our website www.vail.gov and click on Vail Information.  

The Town of Vail offers a competitive benefits and compensation package including medical, dental, vision, employer-paid life and disability retirement plans, generous vacation benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional development opportunities, and lifestyle benefits that range from a tennis pass, golf pass, and other ski pass/wellness benefits. 

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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