Fire Chief

Gulfshoresal; Walker (MI); On-site; USD 112,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Walker, MI, seeks a collaborative Fire Chief to guide a growing department through organizational change and support a transition to a sustainable 24/7 staffing model. Reporting to the City Manager, the Fire Chief will lead full-time and paid-on-call personnel, strengthen leadership, and ensure safe, efficient operations.

The ideal candidate will be a clear communicator, mentor, and decisive administrator, familiar with budgeting in public safety and NFPA standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Fire Science or closely related field.
• Eight+ years of upper-level administrative experience within a fire department or public safety organization.
• Fire Officer III certification and Firefighter Training Council Instructor certification.
• Ability to complete a comprehensive background, medical, and psychological examination.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Walker Fire Department as chief operating and administrative officer.
• Guide organizational change and modernization while maintaining safety-focused operations.
• Develop leadership structures and succession planning; mentor staff and strengthen organizational capacity.
• Ensure transition to a full-time, 24/7 staffing model with trusted operational judgment.

Skills

Leadership & people mgmt

Strategic planning & change mgmt

Budgeting & financial oversight

Public safety administration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fire Science

8+ years upper-level administrative experience

Fire Officer III certification

Firefighter Training Council Instructor certification

Job description

Are you a collaborative, forward-thinking fire service leader who can guide a growing department through organizational change, strengthen its leadership structure, and support the transition to a sustainable 24/7 staffing model? If so, apply to be the City of Walker's next Fire Chief! We're looking for an exceptional, relationship-focused leader who is:

• A clear communicator who builds trust with employees, City leadership, partner agencies, and the public
• An experienced mentor who develops personnel and strengthens organizational capacity
• A decisive, safety-focused administrator with sound operational judgment
• Adaptable, accountable, and prepared to lead a department through continued modernization

The City of Walker is a thriving suburban community located in Kent County, adjacent to Grand Rapids, Grandville, Ottawa County, and Alpine Township. The Walker Fire Department provides fire suppression, fire prevention, public education, emergency response, training, inspections, investigations, records management, and regional mutual-aid services. Reporting to the City Manager, the Fire Chief serves as the department's chief operating and administrative officer and provides overall leadership for full-time and paid-on-call personnel. The ideal Fire Chief candidate will be both an organizational builder and a steady, experienced operator. Walker needs a Fire Chief who can establish trust, create structure, and promote sustainable performance while the department continues its transition to a full-time, 24/7 operating model.

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Fire Science or a closely related field
• Increasingly responsible experience with a fire department comparable to or larger than the City of Walker's department
• At least eight years of upper-level administrative responsibility within a fire department or public safety organization
• Firefighter Training Council Instructor certification
• Fire Officer III certification
• Valid Michigan driver's license, satisfactory driving record, and ability to maintain both throughout employment
• Knowledge of modern firefighting, emergency response, training, fire prevention, equipment, and apparatus
• Knowledge of budgeting, personnel administration, labor relations, purchasing, and operations management
• Ability to successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation, physical examination, and psychological examination
• Ability to report to the City of Walker within one hour

Preferred:

• Fire and Arson Investigator certification, or the ability to obtain it as soon as possible after appointment
• Experience using data to assess community risk and organizational vulnerabilities
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, change management, succession planning, and organizational innovation
• Experience guiding a department through conversion from paid-on-call operations to a full-time, 24/7 staffing model
• Familiarity with NFPA standards, fire prevention codes, municipal ordinances, and applicable state and federal regulations

The salary range is $111,529.90-$144,988.91, depending on experience and qualifications.

For more information on this position, contact:

Rudy Jackson, Senior Vice President Executive Recruitment

[e-mail] | 817-897-8080