Fire Chief

International Association-Fire Chiefs; Chehalis (WA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Washington State LEOFF Retirement

Deferred compensation

Paid holidays

Vacation

Sick leave

Job summary

Lewis County Fire Districts 5 & 6 seeks a Fire Chief to lead two districts with executive oversight of fire suppression, EMS, and all-hazards response. The Chief will partner with Boards to guide strategic planning, budgeting, capital projects, personnel management, and public safety policy across both districts, while ensuring strong interagency collaboration and community service.

Candidates should demonstrate extensive command-level experience and a proven ability to drive organizational

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in fire-related field required or preferred.
• Ten years of progressively responsible fire service experience.
• Experience at Captain/Chief Officer level preferred.
• Experience with collective bargaining, budgeting, strategic planning and organizational leadership strongly desired.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership across Lewis County Fire Districts 5 & 6.
• Oversee fire and emergency medical operations, personnel management, labor relations, training, budgeting and financial management.
• Lead capital planning, fleet and facilities management, fire prevention, policies and procedures, and other administrative functions.
• Collaborate with Boards of Commissioners to set strategic direction and ensure effective service delivery across both districts.

Skills

Executive Leadership

Strategic Planning

Budgeting

Labor Relations

Emergency Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in fire science, fire administration, public administration, business administration, or related field

Job description

Fire Chief

Lewis County Fire Districts 5 & 6

Lewis County, Washington

Salary

$200,000 - $225,000

Located in southwestern Washington along the Interstate 5 corridor between Seattle and Portland, Lewis County offers a combination of welcoming communities, rural character, and exceptional access to the outdoors. The region is surrounded by forests, rivers, mountains, and open landscapes, with Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, and the Cascade Range all within easy reach. Outdoor recreation is an important part of life in Lewis County, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, cycling, rafting, camping, skiing, and other activities throughout the region. Residents also enjoy convenient access to schools, community events, healthcare, shopping, and services in the Centralia-Chehalis area while remaining within reach of the larger metropolitan areas to the north and south.

Lewis County Fire Districts 5 and 6 are neighboring combination fire districts providing fire suppression, emergency medical services, and all hazards emergency response to their respective communities. District 5 serves more than 74 square miles in and around the city of Napavine, responds to approximately 1,300 calls annually, has 10 full-time employees, administrative support, and approximately 10 volunteers. District 6 serves approximately 8,100 residents across 145 square miles surrounding Chehalis and Adna, has 15 FTEs and responds to approximately 1,000 calls annually. Through an Interlocal Agreement, one Fire Chief will provide executive leadership to both organizations, with District 6 serving as the lead agency. Each district will continue to operate as a separate governmental entity with its own Board of Commissioners, employees, budget, and organizational responsibilities.

The Fire Chief serves as the executive fire service leader for Lewis County Fire Districts 5 and 6, and is responsible for the effective management, administration, and delivery of services within both organizations. Working with both Boards of Commissioners, the Chief will provide strategic and operational leadership across the two districts. The Chief oversees fire and emergency medical operations, personnel management, labor relations, training, budgeting and financial management, capital planning, fleet and facilities, fire prevention, policies and procedures, and other administrative functions.

Education & Experience

A bachelor's degree in fire science, fire administration, public administration, business administration, or a closely related field is preferred. The ideal candidate will have at least ten (10) years of progressively responsible fire service experience, including significant command, supervisory, and administrative responsibilities. Experience at the Captain, Chief Officer, or equivalent command level is highly desirable. Experience with a combination fire department, emergency medical services, collective bargaining, budgeting, strategic planning, and organizational leadership is strongly desired. Required certifications and EMT requirements will be established by the districts prior to recruitment. Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform the position may be considered.

Benefits

• Generous medical, dental, and vision benefit package.
• Employee cost sharing of premiums, depending upon plan choice.
• Washington State LEOFF Retirement.
• Deferred compensation available.
• 10 annual paid holidays.
• 15 days of vacation (open to negotiation).
• 12 days of sick leave (open to negotiation).

Lewis County Fire Districts 5 & 6 are Equal Opportunity Employers.

Apply by October 4, 2026.