Fire Chief - Williamson County ESD 1/Jollyville Fire Department

Ure Consulting Group; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 160,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Take-home vehicle

Job summary

Williamson County ESD #1 seeks a Fire Chief to lead a department serving ~18,500 residents in an 11-square-mile district with one station and a full apparatus complement. The role emphasizes leadership, relationships, and service alongside emergency response and innovation.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, strategic thinker who mentors future leaders, balances operational excellence with long-term planning, and represents the department with integrity to the ESD Board and the public.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in fire and EMS, with at least five years in a senior leadership role.
• High school diploma or GED; Associate/Bachelor's preferred.
• Texas Commission on Fire Protection Advanced Firefighter Certification or out-of-state equivalent.
• Fire Officer II or greater.
• Executive Fire Officer (EFO) preferred.
• Texas DSHS EMT or Paramedic Certification.
• TCFP Head of Department Certification, or ability to obtain within one year of hire.

Responsibilities

• Shape the department's identity and future direction.
• Develop and mentor the next generation of fire service leaders.
• Strengthen regional partnerships and community engagement.

Skills

Collaborative leader

Mentor

Strategic thinking

Public safety focus

Operational readiness

Community engagement

Education

Fire Protection Technology degree

Public Administration degree

Advanced Firefighter Certification

Fire Officer II or higher

Executive Fire Officer (EFO)

EMT or Paramedic Certification

Head of Department Certification eligibility

Job description

The Jollyville, Texas community is seeking a dynamic, visionary leader to serve as its next Fire Chief-someone who recognizes that today's fire service is built as much on leadership, relationships, and service as it is on emergency response.

This is more than a command position; it is an opportunity to shape the future of a community with significant development potential, inspire and develop the next generation of firefighters, and lead a department that honors its proud traditions while embracing innovation.

The ideal candidate will be a collaborative leader, trusted mentor, and strategic thinker committed to excellence, operational readiness, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement.

Why Jollyville?

The Jollyville Fire Department provides fire protection and emergency medical services to approximately 18,500 people within an 11-square-mile response district. The department operates from one station serving a combination of suburban residential, commercial, and wildland areas.

The department operates one engine and one ladder staffed 24 hours a day. In addition, there are two brush trucks, one Battalion Chief vehicle, and one Fire Chief vehicle. The department has grown to 20 paid firefighters and responds to an average of three to four calls per day.

Jollyville is served by the highly rated Round Rock Independent School District and offers residents the best of both worlds: the connection and agility of a smaller community with access to the resources, opportunities, and innovation of the greater Austin metropolitan area.

With future development potential within the response area, the Fire Chief will have a meaningful seat at the table as the department plans for the future.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Shape the department's identity and future direction.
• Work alongside engaged community and District leaders who value public safety.
• Develop and mentor the next generation of fire service leaders.
• Strengthen regional partnerships and community engagement.
• Leave a legacy that directly impacts lives, property, and community resilience.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an approachable leader with a demonstrated record of success in progressive fire service management. They are a strategic thinker who can balance operational excellence with long-term planning while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

This individual is committed to developing people, empowering future leaders, and building a high-performing organization where professionalism, innovation, and service are valued at every level. They communicate transparently, lead with integrity, and inspire confidence through sound judgment and decisive leadership.

The successful candidate understands the importance of community engagement and values strong partnerships with the ESD Board, employees, neighboring agencies, community stakeholders, and the public. They are equally confident managing complex emergency operations, overseeing organizational and financial priorities, and representing the department as a trusted ambassador within the community.

Above all, the next Fire Chief will be a servant leader-someone who embraces change while honoring tradition, values teamwork over ego, and is dedicated to protecting the lives, property, and quality of life of those who live, work, and visit Jollyville.

Required and Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required. An Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Fire Protection Technology, Public Administration, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in fire and EMS services, with at least five years in a senior leadership role.
• Texas Commission on Fire Protection Advanced Firefighter Certification or out-of-state equivalent.
• Fire Officer II or greater.
• Executive Fire Officer (EFO) from the U.S. Fire Administration preferred.
• Texas DSHS EMT or Paramedic Certification.
• TCFP Head of Department Certification, or the ability to obtain certification within one year of the date of hire.

Residency and Response Requirement

The successful candidate must be able to respond to emergency situations at any hour and must reside in Williamson or Travis County or relocate to Williamson or Travis County within 90 days of hire.

Compensation and Benefits

Williamson County ESD #1 offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Fire Chief Salary Range: $160,000–$175,000, based on experience.

Benefits include health insurance, retirement benefits, and a take-home vehicle.

Application Deadline: September 30, 2026