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Interim Fire Chief Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Interim Fire Chief information

See salary details

$31K

$105.6K

$183K

How much do interim fire chief jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 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:
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.

Firefighter (Paramedic) - Entry Level

City of Montclair, CA

Montclair, CA โ€ข On-site

$85K - $104K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Salary : $85,665.96 - $104,135.52 Annually
Location : 5111 Benito Street, Montclair, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 20240313-1
Department: Fire Department
Opening Date: 04/25/2023
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: MFFA
The contents of the job bulletin should not be construed as an implied contract. All information is subject to change and the City is not bound to any information or errors contained in the bulletin.
This posting may close earlier than the indicated closing date if an excessive number of applications is received. The closing date may also be extended, or the job may be re-posted if an insufficient number of applications is received during the initial posting period.
Job Description
**Eligible firefighters may also receive additional longevity conduct pay of 2.5% for every five years of continuous city service.
Under supervision, responds to fire alarms, rescue, and other emergency calls; protects life and property endangered by fire and other hazards; assists in daily fire prevention inspections; participates in training, drill, and independent study activities; assists in maintenance of fire stations, grounds, and equipment; and performs related duties as required.
Essential Job Duties
Responds to alarms; lays hose; fights fires under departmental procedures and directions; ventilates buildings and directs streams of water; cleans up and does salvage work after fires or other emergency situations; rescues endangered persons; administers first aid; operates fire trucks, resuscitators, and other apparatus; assists in simple maintenance, upkeep, and repairs to fire department apparatus and equipment; inspects commercial and residential structures regularly to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local fire prevention laws, codes, and regulations; maintains fire stations and grounds; attends drills and classes; studies applicable technical publications; makes necessary written and oral reports and maintains simple records. Periodically, a Firefighter (Paramedic) performs in acting positions above classification on a short-term or interim basis; assists in higher-level collateral responsibilities in areas such as recording, research, and development functions; assists in administering public school specialized educational programs; and performs other public relations educational activities in the interest of fire prevention as directed by department supervision.
ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
This class reports to a Company Fire Captain or Battalion Chief and is assigned to companies, stations, and platoons. Firefighters work a stated number of 24-hour rotating shifts per year, but may be assigned special 40-hour work week. Firefighters are subject to recall at any time, may be required to be on duty any combination of hours during emergencies, may be assigned any necessary work; and are expected to develop professionalism, increase their expertise; and prepare for advancement through special training and college courses.
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Knowledge of: Elementary mathematics, physics, chemistry, mechanics, and first aid techniques; federal, state, and local codes, and rules and regulations relating to fire fighting; city and departmental policies and procedures; basics of grounds maintenance and housekeeping functions; equipment operation and maintenance; and proper lifting, carrying, and climbing techniques.
Skills/Abilities to: Read and understand technical manuals and materials regarding fire fighting; learn principles of fire fighting and fire prevention; continue education in field of fire science; understand and follow oral and written directions under conditions of stress and pressures; work effectively and use sound judgment in hazardous situations; work effectively as a team member and individually; maintain cooperative working relations; communicate courteously and effectively with the public; and write simple reports and keep records.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Graduation from High School or completion of G.E.D., preferably supplemented by course work in Fire Science, is required.
Graduation from California State Fire Marshal Accredited Fire Academy or possess a California State Fire Marshal Accredited Firefighter I certificate. (If a Firefighter 1 Academy completion certificate is issued by another state or the Department of Defense, you will be required to provide certificates with IFSAC and/or Pro-Board seals showing you are certified to Firefighter I and HazMat Awareness/FRO).
LICENSE
  • Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license and proof of insurability required
  • Copy of current and valid Paramedic license
  • ACLS certification
  • Copy of current and valid CPR certification
  • Information on where and when the CPAT or Biddle physical ability test was taken (must be within the last 24 months). Test scores will be verified by the City of Montclair

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
In the performance of daily activities, this position requires the ability to sit, stand, and walk for up to two hours at a time. Must be able to reach, grasp, twist, turn, and bend. The ability to climb, stoop, kneel, squat, run, and jump. Must be able to lift, drag, and pull heavy objects up to 150 pounds. The position must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions including cold, wet, and hot with extreme sun exposure.
SELECTION PROCESS (Read Carefully)
1. All applicants must hold required licenses and certificates as required to be considered.
2. Upload proof of all required licenses/certificates listed belowunder the "Attachments" section of the application:
Required Documents to Attach to the Online Application
  • High school diploma/GED or college degree (transcripts showing equivalency will be accepted).
  • Firefighter I certification from a California Office of the Fire Marshal State Fire Training, proof of successful completion from a California Office of the Fire Marshal State Fire Training accredited Firefighter I Academy, IFSAC Firefighter 1 certificate, or Pro Board Firefighter 1 certificate.
  • Current and Valid Paramedic License
  • Valid Class C Driver's license. (Class A or B Driver's License supersedes this requirement )
  • ACLS Certification
  • Basic Life Support (CPR) for Healthcare Provider card.
  • CPAT or Biddle certification. (Certification must have been obtained within the last 24 months from time of job posting).

Failure to provide proof of the required documents above may lead to disqualification during the screening process.
3. All applications received will be screened in relation to the criteria outline in this job announcement. Candidates will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be the most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Meeting the minimum requirements listed in this job announcement does not guarantee advancement in subsequent phases of the selection process. The selection process may be changed as deemed necessary by the City Human Resources Department.
4. Top candidates will be invited to a written examination on a future date (to be determined). The written examination will be a multiple choice pass/fail examination with a requirement of 70% in order to achieve a passing score. Questions on the written examination are sourced from the following publications: IFSTA Essentials of Fire Fighting 7th Edition.
5. Candidates passing the written examination will be invited to participate in a structured oral interview and paramedic assessment. The oral interview and paramedic assessment scores will be weighted according to the following: (Oral interview - 50% of total score, Paramedic Assessment - 50% of total score). Candidates must maintain a 70% or higher score on each section of the examination process for both the oral interview as well as paramedic assessment in order to move forward in the process.
6. Successful candidates' names will be placed on an eligibility list from which a selection will be made.
7. Candidates will be required to complete a Fire Chief's oral interview after the eligibility list is approved.
8. Final appointments will be made by the City Manager, upon the recommendation of the Fire Chief.
9. Candidate(s) must pass a thorough background investigation and pre-employment physical (including a drug screening) prior to hiring.
10. Station visits or contacting Montclair Fire Department employees will not be permitted during the recruitment process.
11. To complete your application for this position, you will be prompted to respond to supplemental questions. This information will be used as part of the application screening and selection process and is designed to help you present your qualifications for this position. This may include a selection step in which your application and supplemental questions are reviewed.
The City of Montclair is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Full-time employees are currently covered by the California Public Employees' Retirement System. The City contributes to medical, dental, and vision health plans for the employee with family coverage available. A term life insurance policy is paid by the City, as well as a long-term disability plan. To encourage employees to further their education in job-related fields, an educational subsidy is available upon completion of one-year probation.
Nonshift employees receive 80 hours of vacation after one year of service; 120 hours after five years of service; 160 hours after ten years of service; and 200 hours after 20 years of service. Shift employees receive 145.21 hours of vacation after one year of service; 217.79 hours after five years of service; and 290.40 hours after ten years of service. Sick leave accumulates at the rate of eight hours per month. The City may credit an employee who is coming from another governmental agency with one half of his/her accumulated sick leave up to a maximum of 240 hours. Presently, 104 hours of paid holidays are provided each year for nonshift employees and 157.29 hours of paid holidays are provided each year for shift employees.
01
Did you attach all required documentation as outlined in the "Required Documents" section of the job posting? All required documents (photo copies or pictures) are to be attached under the "attachment" section of the application.
  • Yes
  • No

02
By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal.
  • Yes, I understand and agree
  • No, I do not agree

Required Question