Fire Chief

City of Sterling Heights

$152K — $178K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Public Safety Leadership, Public Administration, or related field is required; Master's preferred.
  • 2 years as an Assistant Chief (or equivalent) and 10 years of senior officer leadership experience.
  • Experience serving a population of 50,000+ with a comparable budget and staffing.
  • Strong background in modern fire and EMS practices, emergency management, and all hazards.
  • Graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer or Chief Fire Officer Designation is preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Establish and administer policies for the Fire Department.
  • Plan and implement fire prevention and extinguishment techniques.
  • Ensure protection of life and property from fire hazards.
  • Direct ALS response, treatment, and transport operations.
  • Oversee planning and development of departmental programs.

Benefits

  • Participation in state and/or national professional organizations encouraged.
  • Opportunity for career advancement within a well-structured fire department.
  • Engagement in a rigorous selection process that promotes competency and preparedness.
Full Job Description
Description

Position Summary

Under the executive direction of the City Manager, the Fire Chief is in charge of the Fire Department. Responsible for establishing and administering policy and planning for the Fire Department, prevention and extinguishment of fire, the protection of life and property against the hazard of fire and other hazardous threats, and ALS response, treatment, and transport. Directs planning and development of Fire Department programs.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Public Safety Leadership, Public Administration or related field from an accredited college or university is required. A master's degree is highly desired.
  • 2-years as an Assistant Chief (or equivalent) and an inclusive of 10 years of senior officer leadership serving a population of 50,000 or greater residents with a comparable budget and personnel staffing levels is required.
  • Strong background in modern fire, EMS, emergency management, and all hazards practices.
  • A graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer, Chief Fire Officer Designation, or similar certifications preferred.
  • Participation in state and/or national professional organizations is preferred.


Candidates being considered and moving on to the next steps will be invited to participate in an assessment center on Wednesday, August 26 and Thursday, August 27, 2026. An orientation for the assessment center is scheduled for Thursday, August 13, 2026.

If candidates have any questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [redacted] or call [redacted].

Check out the recruitment brochure for further information and details via the following link: Fire Chief Recruitment Brochure

To view the Summary of Compensation and Benefits document, please click the following link: Summary of Compensation and Benefits - Fire Chief

To learn more about the City of Sterling Heights and our Fire Department, please click HERE

Applicants must apply by Sunday, August 9, 2026.

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