Fire Chief: Transformational Leader for 24/7 Fire Service

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

Benefits offered by this job

Retention bonuses

Job summary

The City of Walker is seeking a Fire Chief to guide the Walker Fire Department through organizational change and toward a full-time, 24/7 staffing model. Reporting to the City Manager, the Chief will serve as the department’s chief operating and administrative officer, providing leadership for both full-time and paid-on-call personnel.

The ideal candidate will be a clear communicator, trusted mentor, and experienced operator with strong budgeting, safety, and operational judgment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science or a closely related field.
• Eight years of upper-level administrative experience in a fire/public safety organization.
• Firefighter Training Council Instructor certification and Fire Officer III certification.
• Valid Michigan driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Ability to pass comprehensive background, medical, and psychological examinations.
• Ability to report to the City of Walker within one hour.
• Experience budgeting, personnel administration, labor relations, purchasing, and operations management.

Responsibilities

• Lead department through organizational change and modernization.
• Establish trust, create structure, and promote sustainable performance.
• Oversee both full-time and paid-on-call personnel.
• Serve as the department’s chief operating and administrative officer.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Budgeting

Emergency response

Strategic planning

Change management

Safety-focused administration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science or related field

Job description

The City of Walker is seeking a Fire Chief to guide the Walker Fire Department through organizational change and toward a full-time, 24/7 staffing model. Reporting to the City Manager, the Chief will serve as the department’s chief operating and administrative officer, providing leadership for both full-time and paid-on-call personnel.

The ideal candidate will be a clear communicator, trusted mentor, and experienced operator with strong budgeting, safety, and operational judgment.