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Interim Fire Chief Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$52K - $76K/yr

You will be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to ... the Fire Chief. * This position requires the employee to work under adverse environmental ...

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How much do interim fire chief jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for interim 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 an Interim Fire Chief job?

An Interim Fire Chief is a temporary leadership position responsible for managing a fire department until a permanent chief is appointed. They oversee daily operations, personnel, emergency response coordination, and department administration. Their role is to ensure continuity, maintain safety standards, and implement policies effectively. Interim Fire Chiefs may also assist in the hiring process for their successor.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Interim Fire Chief position, and why are they important?

An Interim Fire Chief needs strong leadership abilities, emergency response experience, and thorough knowledge of fire department operations, usually backed by advanced fire service certifications and significant command experience. Familiarity with fire reporting software, incident command systems, and relevant safety regulations is essential. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills help build team cohesion and trust during transitional periods. These abilities are crucial to provide stable leadership, ensure public safety, and maintain departmental efficiency during interim appointments.

What are some common challenges faced by an Interim Fire Chief, and how can I prepare for them?

As an Interim Fire Chief, you may be tasked with maintaining stability, building trust within the department, and guiding teams through periods of organizational change. Challenges often include managing staff concerns, upholding operational standards, and implementing new policies while respecting existing procedures. Preparation involves having strong interpersonal skills, an open communication style, and a thorough understanding of department protocols. Being proactive in engaging with team members and stakeholders helps foster a positive work environment and smooth transition. This experience can also serve as excellent preparation for pursuing permanent chief roles in the future.

More about Interim Fire Chief jobs
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 Interim Fire Chief jobs? States with the most job openings for Interim Fire Chief jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Interim Fire Chief jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Interim Fire Chief jobs are:
Infographic showing various Interim Fire Chief job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,577 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

$143K - $176K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Description
EAST FORK FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
NOW HIRING FOR DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF
Application period closes on June 28, 2026
The East Fork Fire Protection District is seeking an experienced and progressive individual for its next Deputy Fire Chief. The ideal candidate will have a strong fire service background with leadership and decision-making abilities, good communication skills, experience and knowledge of the fire service, problem-solving and critical thinking abilities, integrity and ethics, adaptability, and strong sense of collaboration and teamwork.
The District employs three Deputy Fire Chiefs: the Deputy Fire Chief of Emergency Operations, the Deputy Fire Chief/Fire Marshal, and the Deputy Fire Chief of Business Operations. The current vacancy is for the Deputy Fire Chief of Business Operations, a key executive leadership position responsible for providing strategic direction, leadership, and oversight of the District's business and support functions. Areas of responsibility include but not limited to, facilities management, fleet operations, support services, inventory management, budgeting within assigned programs, and other critical logistical and administrative functions. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Deputy Fire Chief of Business Operations plays an integral role in advancing the District's mission, organizational effectiveness, and long-term strategic objectives.
The salary range is between $143,992 to $176,360 plus the use of a District vehicle. The District also has a generous benefit package that includes a state retirement plan (NV PERS), medical, dental and vision premiums paid by the District for the the whole family, as well as paid vacation, sick and administrative days, uniform pay, and rHRA Retirement Health Account contribution.
Step 1 of the assessment and selection process requires the submission of a resume, cover letter, and response to four essay questions, which will be provided to you by email.
To be considered for the position, you must complete and submit all required materials to HR@eastforkfire.org no later than June 28, 2026.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Responsible for overseeing specific areas of responsibility and implementing strategic goals set by the District Fire Chief within the East Fork Fire Protection District.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Develops and implements goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for assigned areas/programs; assists in coordinating the preparation and administration of the annual budget in assigned areas of responsibility; plans, organizes, administers, reviews, and evaluates the activities of staff directly and through subordinate managers and supervisors.
  • Manages staff and activities within assigned responsibility area.
  • Coordinates training efforts with assigned staff.
  • Manages interaction between functions to ensure efficient and effective services; procures and manages implementation of communications hardware and software; ensures products meet all applicable standards and needs of the District and partner agencies.
  • Coordinates emergency response efforts with other jurisdictions and agencies.
  • Provides/approves discipline, hiring, promotion, and evaluation for personnel assigned as subordinate staff.
  • Works collaboratively with labor representatives and Human Resources to reach decisions and negotiate outcomes.
  • Attends and/or makes presentations at board meetings, interagency, committee, and other meetings and conferences.
  • Directs the conduct of and conducts analytical studies and programs; develops and reviews reports of findings, alternatives and recommendations; directs the maintenance of accurate records and files.
  • Acts as front-line responder and manager of large-scale and complex incidents; acts as Interim District Fire Chief as required or assigned.
  • Responsible for safeguarding District assets.
  • Other duties as assigned. May oversee or be assigned to major functional areas of the District.
  • Contributes to the overall quality of the District's service provision by developing and coordinating work teams and by reviewing and recommending improved policies and procedures.
  • Represents the District with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with town, community, and professional organizations, other fire agencies, districts, departments, county, city and state agencies and offices, federal agencies, and other service organizations.

QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's Degree in fire science, business or public administration, or a related field; AND seven (7) years of fire command experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by the District Fire Chief.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Knowledge of:
  • Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation, and the management of employees through multiple levels of supervision.
  • Principles and practices of developing teams, motivating employees and managing in a team environment.
  • Principles and practices of budget development and administration.
  • Applicable laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations.
  • Principles and practices of developing and administering an effective, all hazard training program for both volunteer and career personnel.
  • Correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
  • Computer applications involving word processing, data entry and/or standard report generation.
  • Standard office practices and procedures, including filing and the operation of standard office equipment.
  • Business letter writing and the standard format for typed materials.
  • Techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals from various socioeconomic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, often in situations that may be stressful.

Skill in:
  • Planning, organizing and administering assigned functions in a comprehensive fire suppression and prevention and emergency medical response system.
  • Administering programs and staff through subordinate supervision.
  • Training others in policies and procedures related to the work.
  • Developing and implementing goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards.
  • Developing effective work teams and motivating individuals to meet goals and objectives and provide customer services in the most cost effective and efficient manner.
  • Interpreting, applying and explaining complex federal, state and local laws related to the areas of responsibility.
  • Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.
  • Using initiative and independent judgment within general policy guidelines.
  • Taking effective action in emergency situations.
  • Enforcing laws, ordinances and regulations with firmness, tact and impartiality.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES:
  • Nevada Valid Class A, B, C (with an "F" endorsement) driver's license or the ability to obtain within 12 months of employment.
  • Nevada or IFSAC Fire Officer I, II, and III Certification, California Chief Fire Officer Certification; OR equivalent Fire Officer Certification as determined acceptable by the District Fire Chief.

PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:
  • Completion of National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer (EFO) OR equivalent Fire Officer Certification as determined acceptable by the District Fire Chief.
  • NWCG Red Card Type 3 Incident Commander (Regional) OR equivalent Fire Officer Certification as determined acceptable by the District Fire Chief.

ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES- APPLIES TO FIRE MARSHAL:
  • Certification as a Plans Examiner, or the ability to obtain certification within one (1) year of employment.
  • Certification as a Fire Inspector II, or the ability to obtain certification within one (1) year of employment.
  • Certification as a Public Information Officer (PIO), or the ability to obtain certification within one (1) year of employment.
  • Ability to obtain State Fire Marshal status within one (1) year of employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Mobility to inspect various residential, commercial or industrial properties or other facilities which may include standing for extended periods of time, stooping, kneeling and walking on uneven terrain at construction sites, climbing ladders, scaffolding and stairs; stamina to serve as emergency incident commander; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone; hear fire alarms, speakers, horns, and bells being tested; regularly lift up to 50 pounds.
Work is subject to performance under adverse environmental conditions in life threatening environments; exposure to bodily fluids, solvents, chemicals, fumes, smoke, electrical current and other hazardous substances.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
  1. Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.
  2. New employees are required to submit to a fingerprint-based background investigation, a drug/alcohol screening and a psychological examination. Employment is contingent upon passing the background investigation, drug/alcohol screening and the drug/alcohol screening, and psychological examination.
  3. EFFPD participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS, with information from each applicant's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered employment must complete Section 1 of the Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity prior to starting employment. Please be prepared to provide required documentation as soon as possible after the job offer is made.