Chief of Department – Summit Fire & EMS, CO

Colorado City & County Management Association; Colorado; On-site; USD 195,000 - 235,000; Full time

Job summary

Summit Fire & EMS Fire Protection District in Colorado's High Country is actively seeking an experienced Chief of Department to lead a 115-member team, oversee a $32 million budget, five stations, and comprehensive all-hazards emergency services across 479 square miles.

The Chief will report to a five-member Board, serve as CEO, and drive strategic planning, accreditation, and interagency collaboration to maintain excellence in operations and fiscal stability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, or a related field is required.
• 10–12 years of Fire and EMS experience, including at least five years in a Chief Officer role, with at least two years in a non-operational/administrative role.
• Executive Fire Officer (EFO) certification from the National Fire Academy or Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence.
• ICSe 300 certification required.
• Must reside within Summit County within nine months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all-hazards emergency operations and organizational strategy.
• Lead long-range financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and fiscal sustainability efforts.
• Guide capital planning, including station replacement and future land needs.
• Evaluate staffing, apparatus deployment, and service-delivery models.
• Develop the executive leadership team and establish succession and accountability systems.
• Strengthen recruitment, retention, labor, community, and interagency relationships.
• Maintain CFAI accreditation and the District’s current ISO rating while evaluating CAAS accreditation.
• Lead development of the District’s next strategic and vision plan.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, or a related field

Master’s degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, or a related field

Tools

ICSe 300 certification

ICSe 400 certification

Colorado Fire Officer III certification

Chief EMS Officer (CEMSO) credential

Executive Fire Officer (EFO) certification

CFO designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence

Job description

Summit Fire & EMS Fire Protection District is seeking an experienced, fiscally disciplined, and collaborative fire and emergency services executive to serve as its next Chief of Department. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a respected, community-centered organization in Colorado’s High Country while enjoying an exceptional mountain lifestyle.

Reporting directly to a five-member elected Board of Directors, the Chief serves as the District’s CEO, overseeing approximately 115 employees, a $32 million budget, five stations, and comprehensive all-hazards emergency services across 479 square miles.

The new Chief will:

• Direct and oversee all-hazards emergency operations and organizational strategy
• Lead long-range financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and fiscal sustainability efforts
• Guide capital planning, including station replacement and future land needs
• Evaluate staffing, apparatus deployment, and service-delivery models
• Develop the executive leadership team and establish succession and accountability systems
• Strengthen recruitment, retention, labor, community, and interagency relationships
• Maintain CFAI accreditation and the District’s current ISO rating while evaluating CAAS accreditation
• Lead development of the District’s next strategic and vision plan

The successful candidate will be a visible, transparent, and a credible leader with strong command experience and a demonstrated understanding of the operational and financial complexities of an all-hazards organization. Experience should include fire suppression, EMS, hazardous materials, technical rescue, and wildland/WUI operations, along with the ability to build trust across the organization and community.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, or a related field
• 10–12 years of Fire and EMS experience, including at least five years in a Chief Officer role, with at least two years in a non-operational and/or administrative role
• Executive Fire Officer (EFO) certification from the National Fire Academy or Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence
• ICSe 300 certification
• Must reside within Summit County within nine months of hire

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, or a related field
• ICSe 400 certification
• Colorado Fire Officer III certification
• Chief EMS Officer (CEMSO) credential from the Center for Public Safety Excellence

All required certifications must be held at the time of hire. The CFO designation is particularly important to the Board.

The salary range for this position is $195,000–$235,000 annually.