Fire Chief

City of Marietta, GA; Marietta (GA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Marietta, GA seeks a Fire Chief to plan, organize and direct all Fire Department programs, staffing, and facilities. The role requires executive capability to manage emergency services, prevention, training, and EMS with a focus on public safety and community welfare.

The Chief will oversee budget development, grant funding, and multi‑agency coordination while directing large-scale emergency responses and ensuring compliance with policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in executive Fire Department leadership and program oversight.
• Experience directing large teams across suppression, prevention, training and EMS.
• Ability to develop and administer department budgets and grants.
• Strong interagency collaboration and community relations skills.

Responsibilities

• Directs Fire Department goals and coordinates resources to fulfill the mission.
• Leads executive and management staff; oversees operations, training, and prevention programs.
• Manages budget and financial controls; secures funding and drafts grant proposals.
• Responds to large-scale emergencies and directs on-scene operations with multi-agency agencies.
• Maintains and improves department policies, competency development, and leadership readiness.

Skills

Executive leadership

Fire suppression

Emergency management

Budget management

Training & development

Interagency coordination

Incident command

Public speaking

Policy implementation

Education

BA degree (Masters preferred) in management/public administration

Job description

Rate of Pay: Based on Qualifications
Status: Open Until December 18, 2026

Under the executive direction of the City Manager, the Fire Chief plans, organizes, directs and controls fire suppression, emergency services, fire prevention, fire training and rescue for the City of Marietta. This position performs in an executive capacity providing for the safety and welfare of the City and the public through the effective direction of all Fire Department programs, activities, stations, personnel, apparatus, equipment, supplies, and facilities.

The Fire Chief directs large-scale fire or emergency scenes, marshalling fire and rescue personnel and equipment, determining and executing the best strategy for rescue of any victims and the mitigation of damage to property.

Work requires mastery of fire suppression and containment, rescue and emergency medical care for fire and accident victims as well as executive management skills.

The Fire Chief works a 40-hour workweek. Work is both mentally and physically challenging as work involves exposure to hazardous situations.

Essential Job Functions:

• Directs, plans, implements all Fire Department goals and objectives; ensures the effective integration and deployment of all department resources to achieve the Fire Department’s mission, goals and objectives.
• Directs and evaluates executive and management staff; directs the work of professional, technical, and support personnel in the operation and administration of fire suppression, rescue, training, information management and prevention programs for the City.
• Ensures that all divisions within the department work together effectively to ensure optimum performance and efficiency in the use of human, physical and financial resources.
• Provides professional direction of the department through Fire Deputy and Assistant Chiefs, Fire Commanders and Lieutenants; ensures that a positive work environment is maintained in all locations.
• Develops and administers the department’s budget consistent with department and City goals and in compliance with City financial management policies; monitors the expenditure of funds and establishes systems and procedures for financial management to ensure proper budgetary and financial controls; researches possible funding sources, drafts grant proposals and administers grant funding to provide resources to support department initiatives and programs.
• Responds to large-scale fire and medical emergencies as needed to direct the fire or emergency scene including direction of fire and rescue personnel, police and other emergency crews, which may include personnel from other jurisdictions according to the demands of the situation.
• Directs maintenance and repair programs for facilities and equipment to ensure proper maintenance and operation at all times and under all circumstances.
• Evaluates the proficiency of department personnel, identifies training and development needs to ensure a well-prepared workforce with personnel ready to assume leadership roles at all levels.
• Performs executive and administrative duties as a member of the City’s executive management team.
• Evaluates department policies and implements changes to existing policies or initiates new policies as needed.
• Maintains current competencies and directs the development, enhancements, and maintenance of current competencies for assigned personnel in management and in fire and rescue as well as specialized areas of assignment.

Competencies for Successful Job Performance:

• Thorough knowledge of current personnel management and training practices.
• Thorough knowledge of professional fire and emergency management and of professional standards for effective fire department management and operations.
• Advanced knowledge and skill in the application of all firefighting and rescue equipment including extrication tools, repelling devices, ropes, air bags, and current techniques and practices.
• Knowledge and skill in administering emergency medical care and CPR.
• Advanced knowledge of fire and smoke fire behavior hazards from various construction materials, petroleum and chemical products.
• Advanced knowledge of chemistry, mechanics, and hydraulics related to fire science.
• Thorough knowledge of fire code regulations and inspection procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable City and Department policies and procedures; skill in interpreting and implementing policies and procedures.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written;
• Skill in preparing accurate and concise technical reports.
• Skill in operating a personal computer to obtain information, complete reports and send e‑mail communications.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relations with department and City personnel as well as personnel in other jurisdictions and professional firefighting associations and organizations.
• Skill in responding to citizen inquiries and complaints; developing and promoting positive community and public relations.
• Skill in managing emergency situations, in a calm and professional manner to include ability to quickly make critical decisions.
• Ability to maintain physical condition according to department standards.
• Thorough knowledge of City roads and the location of water mains and hydrants. Knowledge of fire alarm and water systems.

Job Requirements:

• Possess a BA degree (Masters preferred) in management, public administration or a closely related field that would provide the necessary knowledge and skills for successful job performance.
• Meet all Marietta and Georgia Firefighter standards, certifications and requirements to include achieving and maintaining Firefighter certification and AEMT and CPR certifications.
• Possess knowledge and experience as an instructor related to various topics within the fire service.
• Possess a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience as a certified Firefighter / AEMT with experience in Fire Suppression and Rescue, to include a minimum of five years at the level of Commander or higher.
• Maintain a valid Georgia Driver’s License

Disclaimer

Successful candidates are required to submit to drug screen, and background inquiry.