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Volunteer Fire Department Chief Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Employees of the Homer Volunteer Fire Department are required to live within a 15 minute maximum response/drive time to Fire Station 1. Homer Volunteer Fire Department recruitment contact: Fire Chief ...

Deputy Fire Chief

Homer, AK · On-site

$40.88 - $46.98/hr

Employees of the Homer Volunteer Fire Department are required to live within a 15 minute maximum response/ drive time to Fire Station 1 Homer Volunteer Fire Department recruitment contact:Fire Chief ...

Deputy Fire Chief

Homer, AK · On-site

$40.88 - $46.98/hr

Employees of the Homer Volunteer Fire Department are required to live within a 15 minute maximum response/ drive time to Fire Station 1 Homer Volunteer Fire Department recruitment contact: Fire Chief ...

Employees of the Homer Volunteer Fire Department are required to live within a 15 minute maximum response/ drive time to Fire Station 1 Homer Volunteer Fire Department recruitment contact: Fire Chief ...

Fire Chief

Walker, MI · On-site

$111K - $144K/yr

Are you a collaborative, forward-thinking fire service leader who can guide a growing department ... If so, apply to be the City of Walker's next Fire Chief! We're looking for an exceptional ...

Position Overview Department: Fire Reports To: Fire Chief Status: Paid‑On‑Call FLSA Status ... Voluntary Self‑Identification of Disability Completing this voluntary form will not affect your ...

Fire Training Chief

West Fargo, ND · On-site

$81K - $89K/yr

Ensures department training and credentialing complies with applicable local, state, federal ... Regular contact with the public, external civic and volunteer organizations; volunteer fire ...

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Volunteer Fire Department Chief information

See salary details

$33K

$124.4K

$200.5K

How much do volunteer fire department chief jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for volunteer fire department chief in the United States is $124,409.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,000.00 and $146,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the responsibilities of a Volunteer Fire Department Chief?

A Volunteer Fire Department Chief is responsible for overseeing all operations within the fire department, including managing personnel, coordinating emergency responses, and ensuring that all firefighters are properly trained. The chief also develops and enforces department policies, oversees the maintenance of equipment, and acts as a liaison between the department and local government or community organizations. Additionally, the chief is often involved in budgeting, fundraising, and public education initiatives to promote fire safety. Their leadership is essential for effective emergency response and the overall safety of the community.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Volunteer Fire Department Chief?

To thrive as a Volunteer Fire Department Chief, you need extensive firefighting experience, leadership abilities, and formal training in fire science or emergency management, often supported by certifications such as Fire Officer or Incident Command System (ICS) credentials. Familiarity with fire reporting software, emergency communication systems, and safety compliance tools is essential. Exceptional decision-making, communication, and team-building skills help motivate volunteers and coordinate effective emergency responses. These skills are crucial for ensuring community safety, efficient operations, and the well-being of both firefighters and the public.

What are some common challenges faced by a Volunteer Fire Department Chief, and how can they be managed?

A Volunteer Fire Department Chief often faces challenges such as recruiting and retaining dedicated volunteers, securing adequate funding, and balancing administrative duties with emergency response leadership. Effective communication, strong community relationships, and ongoing training programs are key strategies to address these challenges. Chiefs must also ensure compliance with safety regulations and foster a positive team culture to keep morale high and operations efficient. Collaboration with local government and regular outreach can also help in resource acquisition and public support.

What is the difference between Volunteer Fire Department Chief vs Fire Captain?

AspectVolunteer Fire Department ChiefFire Captain
CredentialsFirefighter certification, leadership training, possibly chief officer certificationsFirefighter certification, advanced firefighting and leadership training
Work EnvironmentLeading volunteer team, overseeing operations, community engagementManaging firefighting crews during incidents, on-scene leadership
Employer & IndustryVolunteer fire departments, community-basedFire departments, both volunteer and career
Search & ComparisonOften compared for leadership roles in volunteer settingsCommonly compared for on-scene command roles

The Volunteer Fire Department Chief focuses on leadership, administration, and community relations within a volunteer department, while the Fire Captain primarily manages firefighting crews during emergencies. Both roles require firefighting certifications and leadership skills, but the Chief has broader administrative responsibilities. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in fire service.

What cities are hiring for Volunteer Fire Department Chief jobs?

Cities with the most Volunteer Fire Department Chief job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Volunteer Fire Department Chief jobs?

For Volunteer Fire Department Chief jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Deputy Fire Chief

Homer, AK • On-site

Other

Re-posted 7 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Supervises and directs all paid and volunteer emergency services personnel in fire and rescue services.

  • Assists the Fire Chief with managing personnel, training, operations, and budget preparation.

  • Responds to emergency service calls as needed and may assume command at major alarms.


Job description

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 a comprehensive background investigation. Must be able to annually pass the physical exam, fit test, and meet the physical ability requirements for a Firefighter and EMT as defined in Homer Fire Department policy.

Residency requirement: Employees of the Homer Volunteer Fire Department are required to live within a 15 minute maximum response/drive time to Fire Station 1.

Homer Volunteer Fire Department recruitment contact: Fire Chief, Dan Jager (907) 235-3155 or djager@ci.homer.ak.us

GENERAL FUNCTIONS

Assists the Fire Chief with managing and supervising the fire and rescue services, including personnel, training, and operations.

JOB FUNCTIONS AND MAJOR ACTIVITIES
  1. Supervises and directs all paid and volunteer emergency services personnel in the performance of their duties in fire and rescue services, including, but not limited to: structural fire suppression, marine firefighting, wildland fire suppression, airport fire protection, vehicle firefighting, extrication and disentanglement, rope rescue, hazardous materials response and operations, confined space rescue, fire cause investigation/determination and inspection.
  2. Makes recommendations in the hiring, promotion and termination of volunteer and career personnel.
  3. Makes recommendations to the Fire Chief in the development and implementation of standard operating guidelines, standards and recommendations for fire and rescue service practices.
  4. Manage the health and safety program for assigned personnel.
  5. Assists the Fire Chief with plan reviews and building and fire code recommendations.
  6. Assists the Fire Chief in preparation of the Fire Department budget.
  7. Responsible for the recruitment and retention of volunteer emergency service personnel.
  8. Develop and supervise the delivery of training programs for emergency service personnel.
  9. Responds to emergency service calls as needed and may assume command at major alarms.
  10. Responsible for the care, maintenance, cleanliness and readiness of all fire and rescue service fire department apparatus, equipment and facilities.
  11. Reviews fire service run reports for quality assurance and quality control, maintains records and reports of fire service activities NFIRS in accordance with generally accepted standards and applicable regulations or guidelines.
  12. Assists in the delivery of public education, injury prevention programs, and community outreach.
  13. Performs the duties of the Fire Chief in his/her absence.
  14. Performs other duties as required by the department or as prescribed by the Fire Chief.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Eight years' experience and extensive knowledge of emergency services, including fire and rescue services with at least three years at Captain or higher rank. Certified as an IFSAC or Pro Board Firefighter II, certified in Methods of Instruction in Fire with demonstrated instructor competency, EMS experience required (EMT II/III or paramedic preferred). Associates Degree in Fire Science, Business, Emergency Management or similar field, or equivalent in experience. Enrollment in or graduation from the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer Program preferred. Experience with combination (paid/volunteer) departments desired. Strong interpersonal skills required for training and working with volunteers.

DECISION MAKING RESPONSIBILITIES

Requires ability to exercise independent judgment in the performance of all aspects of duties. Develops procedures at the department level. Responsible for decisions which may involve possible loss of life or destruction of property. Activities are a major source of potential liability to the city. Maximum budget authority at department level.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY

Supervises all paid and volunteer emergency service personnel assigned to assist in emergency service activities.

EXTERNAL VISIBILITY/CONTACT

High frequency of contact with key City personnel and frequency of presentations and attendance at public meetings. Moderate frequency of contact with government officials, contact with key service personnel. High frequency of contact with general public.

WORKING CONDITIONS

High frequency of exposure to hazardous situations in the performance of firefighter and EMS duties. Be able to bend, lift overhead, and work in confined spaces. Must be able to meet the fire department's EMS and Firefighter Physical Abilities Test as defined in Homer Fire department policy. Must be able to pass the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) physical. Moderate exposure to adverse weather conditions. May be required to work irregular hours, holidays and overtime. On-call by pager/radio for emergency calls as required.

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