Fire Chief - Lead 24/7 Modernization & Growth

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

Job summary

City of Walker seeks a transformative Fire Chief to guide a growing department through organizational change and a shift to 24/7 staffing. You will lead full-time and paid-on-call personnel, build trust with staff, city leadership, and partner agencies, and uphold safety-first operations.

Reporting to the City Manager, you will shape strategy, modernization, and succession planning while ensuring compliance with NFPA standards and applicable regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science or related field.
• At least eight years of upper-level admin experience in fire/public safety.
• Firefighter Training Council Instructor certification.
• Valid Michigan driver’s license with clean driving record.
• Ability to pass comprehensive background, physical, and psychological exams.

Responsibilities

• Serve as department’s chief operating and administrative officer.
• Provide leadership for full-time and paid-on-call personnel.
• Guide organizational change and modernization toward 24/7 operations.
• Establish trust with employees, city leadership, and partner agencies.
• Ensure safety-focused decision making and operational readiness.

Skills

Clear communication

Leadership

Mentoring

Operational judgment

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science or related field

Firefighter Training Council Instructor certification

Fire and Arson Investigator certification, or ability to obtain after appointment

Job description

City of Walker seeks a transformative Fire Chief to guide a growing department through organizational change and a shift to 24/7 staffing. You will lead full-time and paid-on-call personnel, build trust with staff, city leadership, and partner agencies, and uphold safety-first operations.

Reporting to the City Manager, you will shape strategy, modernization, and succession planning while ensuring compliance with NFPA standards and applicable regulations.