Fire Chief

City Of Sterling•Sterling, CO

12d

About The Position

The Fire Chief serves as the executive leader of the City’s fire and emergency services system, providing strategic, administrative, and operational oversight of the City Fire Department, Logan County Ambulance Service, and Rural Fire Protection District. This position is responsible for protecting life and property through effective delivery of fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, fire prevention, and public education. This role emphasizes strategic leadership, organizational development, and regional collaboration. The Fire Chief is expected to establish a clear vision, foster accountability, support personnel, and build strong partnerships across City, County, Rural Fire, and State stakeholders. The position serves at the discretion of the City Manager in accordance with City policies.

Requirements

Knowledge of: Modern fire service administration, leadership, and organizational management principles
Fire suppression, EMS operations, hazardous materials response, and emergency management systems
Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS)
Budgeting, financial management, and capital planning
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations
Fire prevention, investigation, and public education practices
Ability to: Lead a complex organization with a balance of administrative oversight and operational awareness
Build and maintain strong relationships across multiple governing and service entities
Demonstrate situational leadership, adapting approach based on organizational and operational needs
Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including staff, elected officials, and the public
Analyze complex issues and implement strategic solutions
Support and develop personnel while maintaining accountability and performance standards
Operate effectively in both routine and emergency situations
Associate degree or equivalent (60 credit hours) in Fire Science, Fire Administration, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field required.
Minimum of five (5) years of command-level experience with supervisory or management responsibility
Demonstrated leadership experience in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) required
Colorado Firefighter II or equivalent
EMT Basic (or higher certification) transferred to Colorado within 6 months
Fire Instructor I
Hazardous Materials Operations
ICS 300 and ICS 400
Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado driver’s license.
If hired from out of state, must obtain a Colorado driver’s license within six (6) months of hire.
Must establish residency within a three (3) mile radius of the City limits within six (6) months of hire and maintain residency thereafter
Subject to 24-hour call-back and emergency response requirements

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or completion of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer (EFO) program preferred.
Experience in a career or combination fire department preferred
National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program may substitute for educational requirements
Candidates may be considered if missing one (1) of the above certifications; however, the selected candidate must obtain the required certification within six (6) months of hire.
Candidates with out-of-state certifications must also obtain Colorado certification within six (6) months of hire.

Responsibilities

Provide overall leadership and direction of department operations, ensuring effective service delivery within budget and staffing resources.
Develop and implement short- and long-range strategic plans, including capital improvement plans for fleet, facilities, and equipment.
Establish departmental goals, performance standards, and accountability measures; monitor progress and implement improvements as needed.
Lead organizational development efforts, including workforce planning, succession planning, and maintaining shift consistency and operational readiness.
Direct the preparation and administration of the department budget; ensure fiscal responsibility and alignment with strategic priorities.
Provide executive oversight of EMS services, ensuring quality care, compliance, and integration with fire operations.
Oversee fire prevention programs, code enforcement, inspections, investigations, and public education initiatives.
Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and standards.
Serve as Incident Commander or provide command-level oversight during major emergencies, as appropriate.
Strengthen and maintain mutual aid and interagency relationships, ensuring coordinated emergency response capabilities.
Represent the department and City in professional organizations, community groups, and regional/state partnerships, including maintaining strong relationships with state training entities.
Participate as a member of the City’s executive leadership team and provide recommendations to the City Manager and City Council.
Review development plans to ensure compliance with fire and life safety codes and standards.
Promote a safe work environment and ensure adherence to all safety policies and procedures.
Remain available for emergency response and carry communication devices as required.
Perform other duties as assigned by the City Manager.
Respond to fire alarms and participate in fire extinguishment, ventilation, salvage, overhaul, rescue, and other operations, operate various fire fighting/control equipment such as pumps, hose lines; ladders, and extinguishers; lay line and direct water streams into fire; perform cleanup and overhaul work, respond to and participate in situations involving toxic/hazardous waste materials.

Benefits

Retirement you can count on – Membership in the Fire & Police Pension Association of Colorado (FPPA)
Guaranteed monthly retirement benefits based on years of service and highest average salary
Disability and survivor benefits for you and your family
Optional DROP (Deferred Retirement Option Plan) program once eligible
Portability options if you leave FPPA-covered employment
City of Sterling contributes 11% of pay annually (increasing by 0.5% each year until reaching a full 12% match in 2028 ). Employees contribute 12%. FPPA membership replaces Social Security (FICA) contributions.
Additional retirement savings – Access to 457(b) deferred compensation plans through Empower and MissionSquare, with both pre-tax and Roth (post-tax) contribution options.
Health coverage you can trust – Medical, dental, and vision insurance with multiple plan options.
Peace of mind – City-paid life and AD&D insurance, with options to add supplemental coverage.
Time to recharge – Paid time off starting at 7.39 hours per pay period (and growing with service), plus paid holidays.
Wellness perks – Free access for you and your household to the Sterling Recreation Center and Logan County Shooting Range, plus wellness incentives.
Support when you need it – Short- and long-term disability insurance, Employee Assistance Program, and more.