Fire Chief

Date Posted:

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Department:

Fire

Compensation:

Starting: $125,400; Step #1: $136,320; Step #2: $147,240; Step #3: $158,160; Step #4: $169,080; Step #5: $180,000. FLSA: Exempt

Hours:

4 - 10 hour shifts

Deadline:

Open until filled, First Review: October 31, 2026, 5:00pm

Position Objectives:

Under administrative direction, administers and directs all activities of the City of Federal Heights Fire Department.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following duties are not intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by position. Shown are duties intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Position will be required to perform additional duties as assigned.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Directs and manages all activities and operations of the Fire Department including administration, training, fire prevention, public education, fire fighting, hazardous materials incidents, technical rescues, and emergency medical services. Responds to major incidents and personally directs fire suppression activities as necessary. This position also directs and manages the Fleet Department and Special Events.

• Develops and implements rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to advance the Department’s mission, goals, and objectives,and provides efficient and effective fire services to the City. Strategical planning for the future of the department. 

  • Supervises and directs the activities of assigned staff; makes recommendations regarding hiring, discipline, termination or advancement. Schedules employees, assigns work, and monitors progress; guides, trains and develops employees in the accomplishment of their duties and professional growth; writes and conducts annual evaluations.Directs personnel-related activities which include hiring, termination, training, and promotion of employees.

  • Maintains a thorough knowledge of Federal and State laws and local statutes, ordinances procedures, and trends related to fire services and ensures their implementation. Prepares a variety of technical and departmental activity reports and records. Provides various reports to City Manager and City Council as needed. Researches and responds to the more difficult or sensitive issues or concerns.

  • Administers Department budget; forecasts funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitors/approves expenditures. Determines levels of staff, equipment, and other resources needed to effectively and efficiently provide departmental services and programs. Coordinates Department activities with other City departments and other public agencies.

  • Represents the City in relationships with the public, community groups, professional organizations, and public agencies. Provide direction to subordinate supervisors and other personnel in the administration of policies, procedures and programs. Demonstrate behavior and attitude that models a positive example for teamwork, stewardship, integrity, personal accountability and professionalism. Model safe work practices and ensure a safe work environment.

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KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of applicable city, state and federal statutes, regulations, ordinances and codes.

  • Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, statutes, and ordinances, related to fire prevention, inspection, and suppression.

  • Knowledge of the policies, goals and procedures of the City of Federal Heights.

  • Knowledge of the City’s personnel policies and procedures.

  • Knowledge of the general organization and operations of the City of Federal Heights.

• Knowledge of safety rules and policies.

• Knowledge of the boundaries, streets, neighborhoods and business areas of the City of Federal Heights.
• Knowledge of the methods and practices of urban firefighting, hazardous materials incidents, emergency medical provision, and technical rescues.
• Knowledge of safe and proper use of all firefighting apparatus and equipment.
• Skill in the safe and lawful operation of a motor vehicle.

• Skill in leading and maintaining a cohesive fire fighting team.

• Skill in analyzing and interpreting information and making independent decisions.

• Skill in the development and preparation of annual budgets.

• Ability to supervise and train employees.

  • Ability to respond effectively to citizen inquiries or concerns.

  • Ability to develop, evaluate, and apply policies and procedures.

  • Ability to effectively perform strenuous physical labor in threatening and stressful situations.

• Ability to present information to various audiences in a clear, articulate manner.

• Ability to read and comprehend detailed or complex information.

• Ability to use standard computer equipment and software including word processing, data base management, spreadsheet application.

  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected and appointed officials, City management and employees, other pubic safety agencies, community members, and the general public.

 

Minimum Requirements:

• Minimum offive years of experience at Fire Officer level or higher.
• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration or related field from and accredited college or university.

Certifications required:

• Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT/B);
• Firefighter I, II;
• Fire Officer I, II;
• Colorado EMT/B;
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR);
• Hazardous Materials Operations.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

 

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DESIRED Qualifications:

• Certification or recognition as a Chief Fire Officer.

• Direct experience and responsibility for budget development and management, strategic planning, grant management, and policy development.

• Experience working directly with elected governing bodies and being supervised by a City Manager or another governing board.

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ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid Colorado Drivers License and good driving record.

• Physical fitness to perform the functions of the job.

• Incident Command System training within one year of appointment.

 

WORKING ENVIRONMENTS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Physical activities include regular standing, walking; frequent sitting; occasional kneeling, crouching, crawling, twisting upper body, climbing; occasional lifting and dragging 50-250 pounds, carrying 70-250 pounds; agility, balance, coordination, endurance, hearing, speaking, vision and manual dexterity. 

• Work environment includes outdoors in cold and extreme heat, smoke, airborne pathogens, blood-borne pathogens, noise, confined working space, electrical hazards, chemicals, toxic waste, explosive materials and mechanical hazards.

• Frequent driving required.

Benefits:

The City of Federal Heights provides the following benefits to employees: 11 holidays, vacation accruals for full-time employees are based on years of service from 6.67-13.33 hours per month. Full-time firefighters accrue vacation based on years of service from 12-18 hours per month.  Full-time employees accrue sick leave at the rate of 8 hours per month of service to a maximum of 960 hours. Part-time employees accrue sick leave at a rate of 1 hour per 30 hours worked. Regular full-time employees, except for police officers and firefighters, are required to participate in the City’s 401(a) retirement plan. A voluntary 457 plan is also available to all regular employees.  Police Officers and firefighters participate in a State-approved retirement plan, FPPA.  The City of Federal Heights offers both short-term disability and long-term disability to its regular and part-time employees. Police officers and firefighters are eligible for long-term disability benefits in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth by the State of Colorado’s Fire and Police Pension Association (FPPA).  The City of Federal Heights offers life insurance benefits to all full- and part-time employees. Part-time employees must work a minimum of 30 hours per week to be eligible for life insurance benefits. The City also offers a voluntary life insurance plan for employees to purchase additional life insurance.  Regular and part-time employees are eligible for City of Federal Heights benefits the first of the month after their hire date. Part-time employees must work at least 30 hours per week to be eligible for pro-rated benefits.   Medical benefits are offered through Colorado Employers Benefit Trust (CEBT), which is self-funded multiple employer trust that currently provides employee benefits for over 300 public entities, school districts, and colleges. The City of Federal Heights offers the choice of three medical plans through CEBT. Employees can choose from an EPO, PPO, or Kaiser HMO plan.  Vision insurance is provided through VSP, and dental benefits are offered through Delta Dental.

More Information:

Colorado Residents: In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

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How to apply:

1. Complete Federal Heights online employment application here:  Employment Application.  

2.  Send letter of interest and

3.  Send resume to Human Resources:

• hr@fedheights.org
• Mail or drop off to 2380 W. 90th Avenue, Federal Heights, CO 80260;
• Fax to 303-428-3298

 

Successful applicants for all positions must pass a pre-employment drug screening and background check. Police and Fire Department positions require additional pre-employment testing. 

T he City of Federal Heights is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Fire_Chief_Recruitment_Flyer.pdf