Fire Chief

About the role

The Fire Chief administers all operations of the Central City Fire Department and reports to the City Manager. The position also serves as the City's Designated Emergency Response Authority for hazardous materials incidents and holds command responsibility at structural, wildland and interface fire scenes. The next Fire Chief will guide the department through organizational development, including staffing expansion, volunteer recruitment and retention, apparatus and equipment planning, capital projects and the pursuit of a new fire station.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the department budget, monitor expenditures, oversee purchasing, prepare RFPs and pursue federal, state and private funding opportunities such as FEMA SAFER and Assistance to Firefighters Grants.
• Oversee emergency response, fire prevention, public education, training, planning, policy development, interagency coordination and operational readiness.
• Develop and maintain accurate records, prepare reports, track operational data, support compliance and strengthen internal systems for planning, accountability and transparency.
• Work with the City Manager, City leadership, department personnel, volunteers, mutual aid partners, regional agencies and community stakeholders to build a sustainable department infrastructure.

Required profile

• High school diploma or GED; a bachelor's degree in fire science, business management, public administration or another applicable field (a combination of education, training and experience will be considered).
• At least seven years of firefighting experience, including at least three years in a Captain or equivalent leadership role in a full-time fire service organization.
• Experience supervising volunteer fire personnel and a valid driver's license.
• NIMS Incident Command training at the level appropriate for the department, and a credential or equivalent experience for command or support functions in all-hazards or wildfire incidents.
• EMT certification (EMT-B, EMT-B+ or EMT-I).
• Preferred: Colorado Fire Officer Certification, fire science coursework, five years as a Chief Officer, WUI experience, residency in the city or nearby, and the ability to arrive at the scene within 30 minutes.

Required skills

• Broad knowledge of fire department administration, including budgeting, capital expenditures, grants, fleet management, strategic planning, human resources, training and policy development.
• Understanding of Colorado statutes and requirements, including the Colorado Firefighter Safety Act, TABOR and the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control.
• Preferred: Colorado Fire Officer Certification, Executive Fire Officer Certification, IFSAC/Pro Board Fire Officer IV, EMD, BLS, and hazard materials operations training.