Fire Chief Jobs
Fire chief jobs are open across municipal government, county agencies, military installations, and industrial facilities, at every level from deputy chief to metro fire commissioner, with specializations in emergency management, hazmat operations, and training and development. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Fire Chief JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 7+ Fire Chief jobs
JOB OPENING
CITY OF FARMINGTON
JOB POSTING #193: Deputy Chief of Fire Operations
NUMBER OF VACANCIES: 1
DEPARTMENT: Fire Department
WORK LOCATION: Varied
HOURS WORKED: Varied
DAYS WORKED: Fire Admin Schedule
PAY RANGE: $98,705 - $153,463 annually
PAY GRADE: P, Exempt
TYPE OF POSITION: Regular, Full-Time
APPLICATIONS WILL BE RECEIVED THROUGH: Open Until Filled
JOB DUTIES
Resumes submitted without a City of Farmington Application will not be considered in our job selection process.
Position Summary
The Deputy Chief of Operations serves as a key member of the Fire Department's executive leadership team, overseeing all aspects of emergency operations, personnel management, and resource deployment. This position is responsible for ensuring that fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical services (EMS), hazardous materials response, special operations, community events, and weather-related events are conducted safely, efficiently, and in accordance with departmental mission, policies, industry standards, and applicable state and federal laws.
Works under the direct supervision of the Assistant Fire Chief.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Operational Leadership
- Direct, coordinate, and supervise the daily operations of fire suppression, rescue, EMS, hazardous materials, and special operations units. - Develop, implement, and monitor operational policies, procedures, and performance standards to ensure optimal service delivery.
- Directs and conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence. - Oversee incident command operations at major emergencies and serve as the Incident Commander when required or other IMT functions as needed. - Coordinate mutual aid and automatic aid responses with surrounding jurisdictions.
- Participates on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees.
- Explains, interprets, justifies, and defends department programs, policies, practices, actions and activities for departmental employees and also general public; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
Personnel Management
- Manages and mentors Battalion Chiefs and other assigned staff, ensuring adherence to performance expectations, training requirements, and department policies. - Coordinates recruitment, hirings, promotions, evaluations, and discipline of operational personnel. - Promotes a culture of safety, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Monitor and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocates resources and proposes modifications accordingly.
- Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.
Strategic Planning & Administration
- Assist the Fire Chief in developing and implementing short- and long-term operational goals and objectives. - Responsible for service delivery, call volume trends, staffing models, and operational readiness.
- Prepares and submits periodic reports to the Fire Chief regarding Operations activities and prepares a variety of other reports (i.e., shift effectiveness, performance standards, staffing).
- Participates in reviewing and managing the development and implementation of Departmental goals, objectives, and priorities for each assigned service area; as well as recommending and administering policies, procedures, practices, rules, and regulations.
- Assesses and monitors workload, internal and external relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs and implements changes.
Training & Readiness
- Oversees the development and delivery of training programs to ensure operational personnel maintain required skills, certifications, and competencies based on performance. - Ensure all apparatus, equipment, and facilities are maintained in a state of operational readiness.
- Evaluates operating tactics and strategies, procedures and equipment for effectiveness and efficiency. Assists in directing disaster preparation for the community.
Community & Interagency Relations
- Serve as a departmental representative at meetings, conferences, and public events.
- Using excellent customer service skills, establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other employees, officials, and all members of the general public.
- Attends and participates in professional training and group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the fields of fire prevention, suppression, and EMS, representing the Department in a variety of local, county, state, and other meetings.
- Foster community engagement and support through open communication and public education initiatives.
- Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
Provides a variety of complex administrative, managerial, and professional work in coordinating and directing the activities of the Division of Operations as well as staff assistance to the Fire Chief.
Establish priorities, coordinates support services within the Department and assures program objectives and standards are defined, attained and congruent with the overall mission and goals of the Department.
Responds to major emergencies and may assume command, operations or safety of field operations; performs a management role in the direction of assigning personnel and equipment at the scene of emergencies involving fire, all types of accidents, hazardous materials incidents, and lifesaving and rescue work.
Operates a motor vehicle to assist in carrying out the business of the Department and the City.
Attendance at work is an essential function of this position.
Is assigned the coordination of special projects or committees at the direction of the Fire Chief. Make community presentations.
Serves as the acting Fire Chief as assigned, acts on behalf of the Fire Chief in the absence of the Fire Chief.
NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The functions and requirements of this job are subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
QUALIFICATIONS
This position is subject to the City of Farmington Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy which includes pre-employment testing, post-accident testing, random testing, reasonable suspicion testing, return to duty testing, and follow-up testing.
Extensive background checks required.
The employee must meet initial medical requirements as outlined in NMAC Reg. 11.5.2.10 C (4), and maintain annual medical requirements outlined in NMAC Reg. 11.5.2.10 C (5) and (6).
Employees in this position are considered confidential. Must maintain the utmost confidentiality in dealing with employee records and business information.
Must possess a minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in the fire service, including at least four (4) years in a supervisory or management capacity, with demonstrated advancement in administrative, operational, and leadership responsibilities. Qualifying experience must include service in a fire department of comparable size and operational complexity.
Must reside within 15 miles of Farmington City Limits and be able to respond after hours (on-call).
Must have IFSAC certification in Fire Officer II or equivalent.
Must be fluent with "Blue Card command" and have a strong understanding in all areas of the Incident Command System.
Must be able to obtain a New Mexico EMT-Basic or higher within the first year of employment.
Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, Emergency Management, Business Administration, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education, professional training, and progressively responsible fire service experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position.
A Master's degree, Executive Fire Officer (EFO) certification, or equivalent advanced executive leadership education is preferred.
Must have the ability to analyze complex fire service and personnel problems and situations and be able to devise effective and reasonable courses of action. Must be able to react quickly, calmly, and with good judgment under emergency conditions.
Must have good oral and written communication skills and the ability to plan, supervise and coordinate the work of subordinates.
Must have a valid driver's license applicable to operating fire apparatus within the state of New Mexico, with acceptable driving record for the past three years.
Must have ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, City officials, and the public.
Works under the general supervision of the Assistant Fire Chief.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:
Standard firefighting equipment, ladders, first aid equipment, radio, pager, computer, phone.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; talk or hear; stand; walk; use hands, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed primarily in offices, vehicles, and outdoor settings, in all weather conditions, including temperature extremes, during day and night shifts. Work is often performed in emergencies and stressful situations. Incumbents may be exposed to hearing alarms and hazards associated with fighting fires and rendering emergency medical assistance, including smoke, noxious odors, fumes, chemicals, liquid chemicals, solvents, and oils.
The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in office settings, and loud at an emergency scene.
TESTING REQUIREMENTS:
May be any or all of the following: written examination; assessment center; tactical exercise; oral interviews.
WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER, M/F/D/V
JOB OPENING
CITY OF FARMINGTON
JOB POSTING #193: Deputy Chief of Fire Operations
NUMBER OF VACANCIES: 1
DEPARTMENT: Fire Department
WORK LOCATION: Varied
HOURS WORKED: Varied
DAYS WORKED: Fire Admin Schedule
PAY RANGE: $98,705 - $153,463 annually
PAY GRADE: P, Exempt
TYPE OF POSITION: Regular, Full-Time
APPLICATIONS WILL BE RECEIVED THROUGH: Open Until Filled
JOB DUTIES
Resumes submitted without a City of Farmington Application will not be considered in our job selection process.
Position Summary
The Deputy Chief of Operations serves as a key member of the Fire Department's executive leadership team, overseeing all aspects of emergency operations, personnel management, and resource deployment. This position is responsible for ensuring that fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical services (EMS), hazardous materials response, special operations, community events, and weather-related events are conducted safely, efficiently, and in accordance with departmental mission, policies, industry standards, and applicable state and federal laws.
Works under the direct supervision of the Assistant Fire Chief.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Operational Leadership
- Direct, coordinate, and supervise the daily operations of fire suppression, rescue, EMS, hazardous materials, and special operations units. - Develop, implement, and monitor operational policies, procedures, and performance standards to ensure optimal service delivery.
- Directs and conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence. - Oversee incident command operations at major emergencies and serve as the Incident Commander when required or other IMT functions as needed. - Coordinate mutual aid and automatic aid responses with surrounding jurisdictions.
- Participates on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees.
- Explains, interprets, justifies, and defends department programs, policies, practices, actions and activities for departmental employees and also general public; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
Personnel Management
- Manages and mentors Battalion Chiefs and other assigned staff, ensuring adherence to performance expectations, training requirements, and department policies. - Coordinates recruitment, hirings, promotions, evaluations, and discipline of operational personnel. - Promotes a culture of safety, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Monitor and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocates resources and proposes modifications accordingly.
- Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.
Strategic Planning & Administration
- Assist the Fire Chief in developing and implementing short- and long-term operational goals and objectives. - Responsible for service delivery, call volume trends, staffing models, and operational readiness.
- Prepares and submits periodic reports to the Fire Chief regarding Operations activities and prepares a variety of other reports (i.e., shift effectiveness, performance standards, staffing).
- Participates in reviewing and managing the development and implementation of Departmental goals, objectives, and priorities for each assigned service area; as well as recommending and administering policies, procedures, practices, rules, and regulations.
- Assesses and monitors workload, internal and external relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs and implements changes.
Training & Readiness
- Oversees the development and delivery of training programs to ensure operational personnel maintain required skills, certifications, and competencies based on performance. - Ensure all apparatus, equipment, and facilities are maintained in a state of operational readiness.
- Evaluates operating tactics and strategies, procedures and equipment for effectiveness and efficiency. Assists in directing disaster preparation for the community.
Community & Interagency Relations
- Serve as a departmental representative at meetings, conferences, and public events.
- Using excellent customer service skills, establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other employees, officials, and all members of the general public.
- Attends and participates in professional training and group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the fields of fire prevention, suppression, and EMS, representing the Department in a variety of local, county, state, and other meetings.
- Foster community engagement and support through open communication and public education initiatives.
- Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
Provides a variety of complex administrative, managerial, and professional work in coordinating and directing the activities of the Division of Operations as well as staff assistance to the Fire Chief.
Establish priorities, coordinates support services within the Department and assures program objectives and standards are defined, attained and congruent with the overall mission and goals of the Department.
Responds to major emergencies and may assume command, operations or safety of field operations; performs a management role in the direction of assigning personnel and equipment at the scene of emergencies involving fire, all types of accidents, hazardous materials incidents, and lifesaving and rescue work.
Operates a motor vehicle to assist in carrying out the business of the Department and the City.
Attendance at work is an essential function of this position.
Is assigned the coordination of special projects or committees at the direction of the Fire Chief. Make community presentations.
Serves as the acting Fire Chief as assigned, acts on behalf of the Fire Chief in the absence of the Fire Chief.
NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The functions and requirements of this job are subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
QUALIFICATIONS
This position is subject to the City of Farmington Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy which includes pre-employment testing, post-accident testing, random testing, reasonable suspicion testing, return to duty testing, and follow-up testing.
Extensive background checks required.
The employee must meet initial medical requirements as outlined in NMAC Reg. 11.5.2.10 C (4), and maintain annual medical requirements outlined in NMAC Reg. 11.5.2.10 C (5) and (6).
Employees in this position are considered confidential. Must maintain the utmost confidentiality in dealing with employee records and business information.
Must possess a minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in the fire service, including at least four (4) years in a supervisory or management capacity, with demonstrated advancement in administrative, operational, and leadership responsibilities. Qualifying experience must include service in a fire department of comparable size and operational complexity.
Must reside within 15 miles of Farmington City Limits and be able to respond after hours (on-call).
Must have IFSAC certification in Fire Officer II or equivalent.
Must be fluent with "Blue Card command" and have a strong understanding in all areas of the Incident Command System.
Must be able to obtain a New Mexico EMT-Basic or higher within the first year of employment.
Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, Emergency Management, Business Administration, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education, professional training, and progressively responsible fire service experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position.
A Master's degree, Executive Fire Officer (EFO) certification, or equivalent advanced executive leadership education is preferred.
Must have the ability to analyze complex fire service and personnel problems and situations and be able to devise effective and reasonable courses of action. Must be able to react quickly, calmly, and with good judgment under emergency conditions.
Must have good oral and written communication skills and the ability to plan, supervise and coordinate the work of subordinates.
Must have a valid driver's license applicable to operating fire apparatus within the state of New Mexico, with acceptable driving record for the past three years.
Must have ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, City officials, and the public.
Works under the general supervision of the Assistant Fire Chief.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:
Standard firefighting equipment, ladders, first aid equipment, radio, pager, computer, phone.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; talk or hear; stand; walk; use hands, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed primarily in offices, vehicles, and outdoor settings, in all weather conditions, including temperature extremes, during day and night shifts. Work is often performed in emergencies and stressful situations. Incumbents may be exposed to hearing alarms and hazards associated with fighting fires and rendering emergency medical assistance, including smoke, noxious odors, fumes, chemicals, liquid chemicals, solvents, and oils.
The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in office settings, and loud at an emergency scene.
TESTING REQUIREMENTS:
May be any or all of the following: written examination; assessment center; tactical exercise; oral interviews.
WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER, M/F/D/V
See All 7 Fire Chief Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Fire Chief JobsFire Chief Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in fire chief jobs.
- Current state fire officer certification or equivalent National Professional Qualifications Board credential
- Minimum ten years of progressively responsible fire service experience, including supervisory roles
- Incident Command System 400 and National Incident Management System 700 certifications
- Bachelor's degree in fire science, public administration, emergency management, or a related field
- Experience developing and managing departmental operating budgets and capital improvement plans
- Executive Fire Officer designation from the National Fire Academy or enrollment in progress
Tips for Your Fire Chief Job Search
Tailor your resume to incident command
Fire chief hiring panels look for direct evidence of Incident Command System experience at scale. Quantify the size of incidents you commanded, the number of personnel you supervised, and the budget you managed, rather than listing duties generically.
Get your EFO credential before applying
Many competitive openings require or strongly prefer the Executive Fire Officer designation from the National Fire Academy. If you're mid-career, completing it before you apply signals you're ready for a chief-level seat, not still working toward it.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists fire chief openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Research the department before your interview
Fire chief panels routinely ask how you'd address their specific challenges, whether that's aging apparatus, ISO rating gaps, or strained community relations. Pull the department's annual report and any recent local news before your interview so your answers reflect their actual situation.
Prepare a written policy or strategic plan sample
Many fire chief hiring processes include a written exercise or ask for a work sample. Having a redacted policy update, succession plan, or department strategic initiative ready to reference gives you a concrete artifact that separates you from candidates who only talk about past work.
Negotiate total compensation, not just base pay
Fire chief offers often include vehicle allowances, deferred compensation, housing stipends, and pension contributions that vary significantly by jurisdiction. When you receive an offer, ask for a full compensation breakdown so you can compare offers on an equal basis.
Fire Chief Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most fire chiefs?
The companies hiring the most fire chiefs right now include Vision Quest Solutions, State of Florida, and Spartan Restoration, with the largest share of openings in Florida, New York, and New Mexico, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Municipal governments and county agencies account for the majority of postings, though industrial facilities and federal installations also hire regularly.
How many fire chief jobs are remote?
About 0% of fire chief openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the operational nature of most roles. The sub-areas most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements include training coordination, emergency management consulting, and administrative oversight positions within larger regional authorities.
How do you become a fire chief?
Becoming a fire chief typically requires starting as a firefighter, earning progressively senior certifications, and moving through company officer and battalion chief ranks. Along the way, you complete Incident Command System and National Incident Management System training, pursue a degree in fire science or public administration, and develop budget and personnel management experience. Many chiefs also complete the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer program before pursuing a top appointment.
Can you get hired as a fire chief with limited command experience?
Most jurisdictions require substantial command experience before hiring a fire chief, but smaller volunteer departments and industrial facilities sometimes hire candidates who have held company or battalion officer roles rather than a full deputy chief background. Earning your Executive Fire Officer credential, completing advanced leadership training, and demonstrating budget or policy experience can offset a shorter command history in those contexts.
What does the fire chief interview process look like?
The fire chief interview process typically involves an application review and resume screening, followed by a written exercise or policy work sample, and then one or more panel interviews with elected officials, senior staff, and community stakeholders. Finalists are often asked to present a vision statement or strategic priorities for the department. Background investigations, physical assessments, and reference checks are standard before an offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to fire chief jobs?
You can find and apply to fire chief jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Find the roles that match your experience and location, then apply directly to each listing from the page.
See All 7 Fire Chief Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Fire Chief Jobs