Fire Chief - City

Oklahoma City

$173K — $264K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in fire service or emergency management.
  • Advanced degree in fire science, public administration, or related field preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local fire regulations.
  • Proven track record in strategic planning and resource management.
  • Demonstrated experience coordinating with community and governmental agencies.
  • Ability to manage a diverse team and foster a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage all operations and initiatives of the Oklahoma City Fire Department.
  • Plan, organize, and evaluate fire and emergency services to meet community needs.
  • Develop and implement department policies and ensure compliance with regulations.
  • Direct multiple divisions including Operations, Fire Prevention, and Support Services.
  • Manage departmental resources and budget effectively.
  • Coordinate with external agencies and stakeholders on fire safety and emergency response.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to lead a major metropolitan fire department.
  • Engagement in strategic initiatives that impact community safety.
  • Broad administrative authority with significant decision-making power.
  • Collaboration with various governmental and community agencies.
  • Potential for professional development and networking opportunities.
Full Job Description
$173,116.08 - $264,612.24 Annually

The Fire Chief serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Oklahoma City Fire Department, responsible for leadership, management, and administration of all departmental operations, personnel, programs, and strategic initiatives. The Fire Chief directs a metropolitan fire department of sworn and civilian personnel through multiple divisions, including Operations, Fire Prevention Services, Support Services, and the Office of the Fire Chief.

The Fire Chief is appointed by the City Manager and functions with broad administrative authority to plan, organize, and evaluate fire and emergency services; develop and implement policy; coordinate with external agencies; manage departmental resources; and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

To be considered for this exceptional career opportunity, complete the application in its entirety, including the application questions. Attach your resume, cover letter, and a list of six work-related references (who will not be contacted without prior notice). Your resume should reflect years and months of employment, beginning/ending dates, as well as size of staff and budgets you have managed. Applications/resumes will be accepted until the position is filled. First consideration will be given to applications received by July 3, 2026.

Click on this link to learn more about this position: Fire Chief Recruitment Brochure

OTHER DETAILS

Pay Method: City employees are required to receive pay electronically, either via direct deposit or pay card.

Former Employees: If this position is open to external applicants and you are a former employee, you must be eligible for rehire to participate in any selection process. If you are unsure of your rehire status, please contact the Human Resources Department at [redacted]. If your rehire status has been coded "Not Eligible," "Eligible 3," or "Conditional," you will need to request a review of your rehire status through the Human Resources Department's Employee and Labor Relations Division.

Background Investigation, Drug Testing, Physical Examination: Upon a conditional offer of employment/acceptance of position, the City of Oklahoma City will conduct a criminal history background check for external applicants. Applicants will be provided contact information for any third-party reporting agencies used to collect background information in connection with conditional offers of employment.

If the position accepted includes a driver license (commercial or non-commercial) Job Requirement, the City of Oklahoma City will obtain a Motor Vehicle Report for internal and external applicants.

If the position accepted is safety sensitive and/or a driving position, internal and external applicants will be provided a copy of the City of Oklahoma City's Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy prior to being directed for a drug test. A copy is also available at the link below:

HRB 25-01 Drug and Alcohol Testing Procedure

If the position accepted is cyber security sensitive, internal and external applicants will be subject to a Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Interstate Identification Index (III) Fingerprint Background check. Additionally, employees in this job classification must complete Level 4 Security Awareness Training and pass an online certification test.

If the position accepted includes a lift/push/pull/carry Physical Requirement of 25 pounds and greater, internal and external applicants will be directed for a physical examination.

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