Description
Lead and manage the fire department, directing strategy, incident command, operations, prevention, EMS, and resources to protect life, property, and the environment.
- • Set department-wide deployment strategies and authorize multi-alarm and mutual-aid responses.
- • Oversee EMS delivery and rescue operations standards and compliance.
- • Assess large-scale incidents and allocate resources, escalating or downgrading responses as needed.
- • Communicate incident status and directives with command staff, dispatch, and partner agencies.
- • Serve as incident commander or operate in unified command at major emergencies.
- • Establish training priorities, standards, and certifications for firefighting, EMS, hazmat, and special operations.
- • Ensure readiness of apparatus, equipment, and facilities through policies, inspections, and maintenance programs.
- • Evaluate and mentor chief officers and supervisors, conducting performance reviews.
- • Direct department-wide training programs, assign instructors, and monitor outcomes.
- • Approve maintenance standards and capital replacement plans, leading procurement proposals and specifications.
- • Establish staffing models, shift schedules, overtime policies, and operational priorities.
- • Develop and manage operating and capital budgets, monitoring expenditures and grants.
- • Lead community risk reduction, fire safety policy development, and evacuation planning.
- • Oversee records management systems, reporting, and data accuracy.
- • Authorize deployment, staging, and movement of resources and apparatus during incidents and events.
- • Inspect stations and operations for safety, professionalism, and compliance, enforcing corrective actions.
- • Establish and audit standard operating guidelines, station procedures, and performance metrics.
- • Set facility maintenance standards and ensure station upkeep through subordinate leaders.
- • Administer personnel actions, discipline, leaves, grievances, and labor relations in coordination with HR.
- • Prepare executive reports, policies, and correspondence for city leaders and stakeholders.
- • Oversee fire investigations and hazard complaints, coordinating with the fire marshal and law enforcement.
- • Set apparatus and equipment specifications and approve purchases and modifications.
- • Oversee fire code enforcement and inspection programs across the jurisdiction.
- • Ensure testing, acceptance, and maintenance of fire protection and detection systems.
- • Establish permitting policies and procedures for hazardous and flammable materials.
- • Lead after-action reviews and incident analysis, implementing operational improvements.
- • Monitor risk, weather, and incident trends to inform planning and resource posture.
- • Maintain and promulgate current laws, standards, and best practices in fire, EMS, and emergency management.
- • Authorize and oversee prescribed burn projects.
- • Lead recruitment, hiring, promotion, and succession planning for the department.
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Public Service & Safety
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
