Ure Consulting

Seeking Fire Chief to Lead Premier Fire Emergency Service Districts in the

Heart of the Texas Hill Country

The Opportunity

Bulverde Spring Branch Emergency Services (BSBES) is seeking a highly qualified individual to fill the position of Fire Chief for Comal County Emergency Services Districts (ESDs) 1, 4, and 5. The community is seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking leader to serve as its next Fire Chief-someone who understands that modern fire service is as much about people as it is about fire protection and emergency medical services. This is more than a command position; it is an opportunity to shape the future of growing emergency services districts, mentor the next generation of firefighters, and lead a department that values both tradition and innovation.

The Community

Western Comal County is a beautiful area located on the Edwards Plateau in central Texas, just twenty-nine miles northeast of San Antonio and forty-five miles southwest of Austin in the heart of the scenic Texas Hill Country, with spring-fed streams, the Comal and Guadalupe rivers, and Canyon Lake. Beautiful New Braunfels is the county seat.

Comal County, Texas, has a total population of around 175,000, with a median age of 42. The county, as a whole, is experiencing significant growth, with a 5.66% increase in population between 2022 and 2023. Key statistics include a median household income of $99,015, a homeownership rate of 76.9%, and a median property value of $398,800.

The Department

As Western Comal County's emergency services provider, Bulverde Spring Branch Emergency Services (BSBES) covers 216 square miles of the Texas Hill Country, including the cities of Bulverde and Spring Branch, extensive unincorporated areas of Comal County, Guadalupe River State Park, and 22.5 miles of the Guadalupe River.

BSBES is a career department operating 24/7 from six staffed stations and one primary EMS, along with the upcoming opening of a seventh station. Staff are dual-trained firefighter/EMTs. This dual proficiency allows seamless transitions between firefighting and medical duties, ensuring efficient staff utilization and swift assessment of both fire-related and medical emergencies.

BSBES is committed to enhancing our response capabilities through advanced technical training, including swift water, high angle, wildland, rescue dive team, caves and confined spaces, structural collapse, tactical medic, and progressive medical protocols, resulting in an exceptionally high procedural success rate. BSBES also maintains a Community Health Program (CHP) and offers no-cost educational classes such as Stop the Bleed and Hands-Only CPR. These initiatives empower our citizens with life-saving skills, fostering a safer environment for everyone.

The Ideal Candidate

• A proven leader with command-level experience in the fire service.
• Calm under pressure, decisive in action, and collaborative in leadership.
• Passionate about public service and community engagement.
• Skilled in budgeting, planning, and department administration.
• Committed to continuous improvement and innovation.
• Passion for servant leadership.
• Understands the immeasurable importance of working closely with the board.
• Committed to professionally developing those serving in BSBES.

Organizationally

BSBES is a growing organization with over 110 firefighters, 3 Division Chiefs, an Assistant Fire Chief, and, with the recent addition of two dedicated Emergency Vehicle Technicians, BSBES is able to increase operational efficiencies with outstanding apparatus and mechanical prevention initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in public or business administration, fire administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of fully paid, progressively responsible experience in fire and EMS services, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Must possess and maintain an Advanced or Master Firefighter certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) or an out-of-state equivalent.
• Must possess Fire Officer II or greater from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) or International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) equivalent.
• Preferred professional designation from one or more of the following:
  • Chief Fire Officer (CFO) from the Center of Public Safety Excellence.
  • Executive Fire Officer (EFO) from the U.S. Fire Administration.
  • Fire Service Chief Executive Officer (FSCEO) from the Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX).
  • Successful completion of the Texas Fire Chiefs Association Texas Fire Chief Academy.
• Strongly preferred: Possess and maintain an EMT-Paramedic certification in accordance with the Texas Department of State Health Services throughout the course of employment. Should a non-paramedic candidate be selected, the organization will mandate that the Paramedic certification be acquired within 24 months of employment.
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver's License with an acceptable driving record or the ability to obtain a Texas Driver's License within 60 days.
• Successful completion of ICS 300 and 400.

Compensation and Benefits

The annual salary for this position ranges from $150,000 to $210,000, DOQ/DOE. BSBES offers paid time off, health and dental insurance, life insurance, short and long-term disability insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan.

The Application Process

This position will be open until filled. The closing date of applications is August 11, 2026, at midnight.

To apply for this outstanding opportunity, please apply online by clicking here.

Only applications submitted through this link will be considered. Applicants must upload a cover letter, resume, and relevant credentials as part of the application process. Resumes will be screened in relation to the criteria described in this brochure. Applicants deemed to possess the stated qualifications will be invited to participate in a preliminary qualification questionnaire. Candidates deemed to be the best qualified will be invited to a final interview with the BSBES.

• Advertisement Begins: July 13, 2026
• Position Closes: August 11, 2026
• Review of Applications: As received (Questionnaire Distributed: As qualified applicants are identified.)
• Teleconference calls with Top Candidates: Week of September 7, 2026
• Finalist Fire Department Meet & Greet: Week of September 14
• Finalist Community Meet & Greet: Week of September 14
• Finalist On-Site Interviews: Week of September 14
• Anticipated Hire Date: September 28, 2026

For more information about this opportunity, contact:

Bruce Ure, Project Manager

Ure Consulting Group

bruce@ureconsultinggroup.com

https://www.ureconsultinggroup.com

Additional information about the Bulverde Spring Branch Emergency Services can be found here.

A Background Investigation Required for Lone Finalist.