Fire Chief

City of Colorado Springs; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 183,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Colorado Springs seeks an exceptional Fire Chief to lead a progressive, accredited fire and emergency services organization. This at-will executive role reports to the Mayor and oversees CSFD operations, budgeting, and policy direction.

A targeted market adjustment for 2027 may influence a hiring range of $183,244 to $219,981 annually. The leader will guide organizational direction, strengthen emergency readiness, and build strong partnerships with city departments and regional agencies

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in fire science, engineering, management, public administration, or a related field.
• Seven (7) years or more of progressively responsible full-time, professional fire and EMS experience including at least five (5) years of administrative, leadership, and supervisory experience.
• Possess, or obtain upon hire, and maintain a valid, non-probationary driver’s license not subject to restrictions.
• One year of relevant work experience may be substituted for one year of required education.
• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field.
• Experience as a Fire Chief or Deputy Fire Chief of a municipal fire department or fire protection district/authority.
• Experience working in a fire department accredited by the CPSE.
• Credentialed as a Chief Fire Officer.
• Completion of the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy.
• Completion of Incident Command System (ICS) certifications such as ICS 100, ICS 200, ICS 300, ICS 400, IS 700, and IS 800.
• Completion of the Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI) program.

Responsibilities

• Setting organizational direction by developing and implementing goals, policies, priorities, and service strategies aligned with City priorities and community needs.
• Leading department operations across fire suppression, emergency medical response, fire prevention, hazardous materials, disaster preparedness, and public education.
• Ensuring operational readiness and leading efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness, response capabilities, and the department’s ability to protect life and property.
• Leading and developing people by selecting, developing, motivating, and evaluating employees while fostering a culture of accountability, professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Managing fiscal and operational resources, including development and administration of the department budget, staffing, equipment, facilities, and other resources necessary to deliver effective public safety services.
• Driving organizational improvement by evaluating service delivery, administrative systems, staffing models, and internal processes and implementing changes that improve effectiveness and efficiency.
• Advising the Mayor and City leadership on public safety, emergency management, organizational, policy, and operational matters.
• Building strong partnerships with City departments, elected officials, regional public safety agencies, community organizations, and other external partners.
• Representing the City and Fire Department before boards, commissions, professional organizations, community groups, and the public.
• Responding to complex and sensitive issues involving public safety, employees, community members, elected officials, and other stakeholders with sound judgment and diplomacy.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Public safety

Budget management

Strategic planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in fire science/public administration/engineering

Master's degree in related field

CPSE accreditation

Chief Fire Officer credential

Executive Fire Officer Program

ICS certifications (ICS 100-800)

FSEDI program

Job description

Fire Chief

The City of Colorado Springs is seeking an exceptional Fire Chief who is a strong leader, possesses vision and creativity, and has a demonstrated track record of successfully leading a progressive, accredited fire and emergency services organization. The Fire Chief is a at-will executive position reporting to the Mayor. The Fire Chief oversees the activities and operations of the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD). Working with the Mayor, the Fire Chief will participate in setting goals and recommend policy options to help establish future direction and delivery of fire and emergency services.

The position is advertised at the current salary range. A targeted market adjustment is being considered for 2027 and, if approved by City Council, would result in a hiring range of $183,244 to $219,981 annually. Additional information will be provided to applicants once available.

The City of Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is Olympic City USA, where a timeless culture of achievement, national pride and dedication sits comfortably alongside the awe-inspiring beauty of some of America’s most beautiful mountains. Colorado’s second largest city boasts a thriving community, rich in business experience, with a historic background of achievement. With short commute times, affordable housing, great schools and friendly neighbors, it’s no wonder Colorado Springs consistently ranks as one of the best places to live.

The City operates under a Council-Mayor form of government, led by a popularly elected Mayor and a nine-member City Council.

Learn more about the City’s Strategic Plan and the Mayor here: Mayor's Office | City of Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs Fire Department

The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) helps protect Colorado Springs' residents through emergency response, fire suppression, emergency medical services, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, fire prevention, and community education.

CSFD operates a comprehensive emergency response system designed to reach the site of an incident within 8 minutes of a 911 call 90% of the time, with 25 engine companies, 6 truck companies, 1 Hazmat Team, and 1 Heavy Rescue Team, along with specialized resources for wildland firefighting, technical rescue, and other emergency response needs. The department also leads critical prevention and preparedness efforts through fire code plan review, inspections, hazardous materials programs, and community education.

Key responsibilities include:

• Setting organizational direction by developing and implementing goals, policies, priorities, and service strategies aligned with City priorities and community needs.
• Leading department operations across fire suppression, emergency medical response, fire prevention, hazardous materials, disaster preparedness, and public education.
• Ensuring operational readiness and leading efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness, response capabilities, and the department’s ability to protect life and property.
• Leading and developing people by selecting, developing, motivating, and evaluating employees while fostering a culture of accountability, professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Managing fiscal and operational resources, including development and administration of the department budget, staffing, equipment, facilities, and other resources necessary to deliver effective public safety services.
• Driving organizational improvement by evaluating service delivery, administrative systems, staffing models, and internal processes and implementing changes that improve effectiveness and efficiency.
• Advising the Mayor and City leadership on public safety, emergency management, organizational, policy, and operational matters.
• Building strong partnerships with City departments, elected officials, regional public safety agencies, community organizations, and other external partners.
• Representing the City and Fire Department before boards, commissions, professional organizations, community groups, and the public.
• Responding to complex and sensitive issues involving public safety, employees, community members, elected officials, and other stakeholders with sound judgment and diplomacy.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in fire science, engineering, management, public administration, or a related field
• Seven (7) years or more of progressively responsible full-time, professional fire and EMS experience including at least five (5) years of administrative, leadership, and supervisory experience.
• Possess, or obtain upon hire, and maintain a valid, non-probationary driver’s license not subject to restrictions.
• One year of relevant work experience may be substituted for one year of required education (OR) one year of relevant academic coursework beyond the minimum requirement may be substituted for one year of required professional experience.
• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field.
• Experience as a Fire Chief or Deputy Fire Chief of a municipal fire department or fire protection district/authority.
• Experience working in a fire department accredited by the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE).
• Credentialed as a Chief Fire Officer.
• Completion of the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy.
• Completion of Incident Command System (ICS) certifications such as: ICS 100, ICS 200, ICS 300, ICS 400, IS 700, and IS 800.
• Completion of the Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI) program.