Fire Chief - Fire & Rescue Department

Denton County; Denton (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Denton County is seeking a Fire Chief to lead the Fire & Rescue Department, directing fire protection, EMS coordination, hazardous materials response, and training. The Chief will guide strategy, staffing, and performance across the ERZ, ensuring readiness for major emergencies and disasters.

Responsibilities include developing policies, managing budgets, recruiting and developing personnel, and collaborating with municipal partners and emergency management entities to advance public safety and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 10 years in fire/public safety with 5+ in supervisor/exec role.
• TCFP/IFSAC Advanced Structural Firefighter required; Master Structural Firefighter preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership for fire protection, EMS coordination, and training.
• Develop and implement department goals, policies, procedures, and performance standards.
• Oversee budgets, capital planning, facilities, equipment, and grants.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budget management

Policy development

Staff development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fire Science/Fire Administration/EMS/Public Administration/Business Admin

TCFP/IFSAC Advanced Structural Firefighter

Head of Suppression Department certification

EMT-B certification

Job description

The Fire Chief serves as the executive leader of the Denton County Fire & Rescue Department and is responsible for the overall direction, management, and performance of fire protection and emergency medical services within the assigned emergency response zone (ERZ). This position provides strategic, operational, financial, and administrative leadership while ensuring the department remains prepared to protect lives, property, and community resources. The Fire Chief will be responsible, during the first two years of employment, for developing, establishing, licensing, and staffing a newly created fire department. The Fire Chief oversees fire suppression, rescue operations, emergency medical services coordination, hazardous materials response, community risk reduction, and training. The Fire Chief collaborates with the County Fire Marshal’s Office and Office of Emergency Management for fire prevention, fire investigation, community risk reduction, and disaster response. The position serves as a key advisor to the Commissioners Court and County leadership on public safety priorities, operational risks, resource needs, and long-term planning.

Directs the day-to-day and long-range operations of the County Fire & Rescue Department by leading and developing personnel, providing clear direction, coaching, mentoring, and accountability.

• Provides leadership for fire suppression, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, emergency medical services, and training activities.
• Develops and implements departmental goals, policies, procedures, response protocols, and performance standards.
• Ensures personnel, facilities, apparatus, equipment, technology, and communications systems remain operationally ready.
• Provides command leadership or executive oversight during major emergencies, disasters, and critical incidents.
• Advises the Commissioners Court regarding public safety priorities, operational capabilities, staffing needs, service delivery, and strategic initiatives.
• Directs workforce planning, recruitment, employee development, succession planning, performance management, and employee relations.
• Oversees departmental budgets, capital planning, facilities, apparatus replacement planning, grants, and resource allocation.
• Maintains collaborative relationships with municipal fire departments, emergency service districts, law enforcement agencies, emergency management organizations, healthcare providers, and regional partners.
• Supports the Office of Emergency Management with disaster recovery, continuity planning, and countywide preparedness efforts.
• Establishes accountability measures and performance metrics to evaluate organizational effectiveness.
• Ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, standards, certifications, policies, and records management requirements.
• Represents the County in public meetings, regional committees, community events, and professional organizations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Fire Administration, Emergency Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field. Ten years of progressively responsible full-time experience in fire service, emergency services, or public safety, including at least five years in a supervisory, command-level, senior management, or executive leadership capacity.

• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered when it provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. TCFP / IFSAC Advanced Structural Firefighter required, Master Structural Firefighter preferred, or equivalent credential acceptable to the County.

• Must obtain within twelve (12) months of appointment a certification as Head of Suppression Department issued by TCFP.

• EMT-B Certification from the Texas Department of State Health Services is required / EMT-P Certification is preferred.

• Valid driver's license required.

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