Fire Chief: Strategic Leader for 24/7 Modernization

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

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.