General Purpose
The City is seeking a highly qualified and experienced leader to serve as Fire Chief. Reporting directly to the Mayor, this pivotal role oversees all aspects of fire prevention, suppression, and emergency response operations. From shaping strategic plans and managing department staffing to coordinating life-saving services, the Fire Chief plays a central role in protecting our community.
This position also involves responding to select fire, medical, and environmental emergencies, ensuring swift and effective action when it matters most. Beyond the front lines, the Fire Chief leads financial planning, training initiatives, and long-term departmental development, crafting policies, programs, and procedures that drive excellence and meet evolving goals.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
As an appointed position, works under the guidance and direction of the Mayor and City Council.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Provides general supervision to Fire Administration/Command Staff. Provides overall leadership to all fire staff in order to develop and retain highly competent and well-trained staff.
The salary for this role will be determined based on the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and overall alignment with the position. The expected hiring salary range is $132,000 - $180,000.
About The Idaho Falls Fire Department & Community
From the city to the county, desert, ice-packed rivers, and rugged backcountry terrain, our highly trained and diverse personnel tackle the toughest circumstances to protect lives and property throughout our community and region.
The Idaho Falls Fire Department is one of the largest combined Fire and EMS departments in the state of Idaho, staffed by 130 full-time professionals working across six stations. Every firefighter is cross trained as either an EMT or paramedic, with many also holding advanced certifications for specialty teams, including swift water rescue, technical search and rescue, hazardous materials response, and all-hazards incident management.
In addition to fire suppression and emergency medical transport, the department provides a Bicycle Response Team, Fire Investigation Team, Regional Hazardous Materials Team, Idaho Technical Search and Rescue Team, and Swift Water Rescue. This broad range of capabilities allows the department to respond with precision and professionalism to any emergency, ensuring the safety of Idaho Falls and the surrounding region.
The City of Idaho Falls serves as a gateway to world-class recreation and natural wonders, with Yellowstone National Park, Jackson Hole, and the Grand Teton Mountain range just a short drive away. Residents enjoy a vibrant community, strong quality of life, and unparalleled access to outdoor adventure.
For more information about the City of Idaho Falls, please visit the link below:
City of Idaho Falls
To Apply: Please submit a completed electronic job application with detailed information about your background and experience. Be sure to
include a resume that highlights how your skills and interests align with this opportunity.
Applicants are also encouraged to attach a cover letter sharing more about their passion for the role.
Essential Functions
Plans, directs and administers fire prevention and suppression programs of the city including fire, emergency medical operations, fire investigations, fire code enforcement programs, utilization of personnel, training, hazardous materials management, communications, safety, rescue, public education, develops policies and procedures, and conducts long-range planning in support of the City's strategic plan.
Coordinates mutual-aid planning with surrounding communities and participates in local, State and national fire associations. Strategically plans for the long range future of the department in conjunction with surrounding communities and the State.
Prepares and administers department budget; approves ordering of equipment and supplies; verifies costs incurred by department; monitors compliance with all financial and internal control procedures adopted by the city; prepares and writes reports on department activity; seeks and applies for alternative funding through grants and other financial programs targeting fire prevention, EMS and safety; administers funds and programs to conform to grant requirements.
Develops standard operating guidelines (SOGs); manages training related to fire prevention, suppression, investigation, emergency medical response, equipment maintenance and hazardous materials handling; serves as member of county EMS council and local emergency planning committee.
Exercises supervision over department personnel; establishes policies, rules and regulations; hires motivates, assigns and evaluates work; promotes, conducts performance evaluations, disciplines and terminates employees when necessary.
Supervises and coordinates the training of new personnel; participates in the planning and implementation of fire drills; conducts department meetings; updates and informs personnel of new policy changes or procedures.
Directs departmental emergency response and emergency medical program; participates in and/or delegates investigation of fires (24 hours a day); determines the magnitude and needs of the fire and/or hazardous material incident to expedite suppression or containment and minimize property loss; manages "invoicing" process to recover resources as needed.
May respond to fires and perform as incident commander, unless delegated; utilizes Unified Command System during large scale emergencies to assure efficient and effective containment and resolution; directs department personnel in the performance of their duties; makes decisions concerning effective fire strategy, water source usage, overhaul, removal of property, and blockading streets or other entrances while a fire is in progress for the protection of life and property; conducts or delegates fire investigations and assures timely completion of reports.
Collaborates in labor-management relations. Administers labor agreements, addresses employee grievances and maintains dialogue with union leadership. Assures compliance with the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement, the civil service rules and regulations, and the City of Idaho Falls personnel policies and procedures and adopted codes, rules and regulations.
Conducts public meetings or issues public notices to inform citizens of fire hazards in the community and activities of the Fire department; enforces rules and regulations established for protection of life and property; may make presentations to schools and civic groups; develops and maintains good public relations with the community.
Performs related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
- Education and Experience:
- Graduation from college with a bachelor’s degree in fire science, public administration, business management or related field;
AND
- Ten (10) years progressively responsible firefighting experience; Four (4) years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity.
Preferred
- Master's degree in fire science, public administration, business management or a related field.
- Twenty years of progressively responsible experience in fire service.
- Seven years of experience in a management and/or command position.
- Completion of U.S. Fire Administration Executive Fire Officer (EFO) program.
- Completion of Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) Chief Fire Officer (CFO) program.
- Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of Incident management, all aspects of safety regulations, fire control and prevention; federal, state, and local laws, ordinances and codes regarding fire and emergency administration, the International Fire Code, principles and practices of fire prevention and suppression; training and staff development, principles and practices of municipal government administration, emergency medical practices and procedures, and policies and procedures established by the Civil Service Commission; principles of personnel management; fire and medical equipment skills including tactics, fire behavior, fire department inspection procedures; sprinkler systems; alarm and communication procedures; operation and maintenance of department apparatus and equipment and safety procedures; budget development and preparation.
Skill in the evaluation of tactical and operational requirements of conflagration and mass casualty situations; organizing, directing and supervising personnel; communicating effectively verbally and in writing; establishing effective working relationships with various individuals and groups including the local elected officials, citizens, employees, local merchants, other governmental agencies, and the public.
Ability to plan, organize and direct the implementation of overall fire department programs and objectives; direct and supervise various employees; evaluate performance without partiality; be a team morale builder and recognize the roles of each member of the fire department; develop and administer department goals, objectives, and procedures; analyze and assess programs, policies and operational needs and make appropriate adjustments; identify and respond to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns, and needs; make quick and accurate decisions in emergency situations; and interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws and regulations.
Must possess EMT Certification
Must be able to obtain IFSAC Fire Officer I-IV within 2 years of employment
Must possess Incident Commend (ICS) 100, 200, 300, 400 and NIMS 700, 800 certifications.
Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to obtain a valid Idaho driver’s license within 60 days of employment.
Work Environment
Functions of the position generally performed in a controlled environment, but subject to all seasonal and weather extremes. Emergency response travel expected in normal course of performing duties. Many functions of the work pose high degree of hazard uncertainty. Various levels of mental application required, i.e.; memory for details, emotional stability, discriminating thinking, creative problem solving. Works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. Continuous use of motor skills.
The City of Idaho Falls offers a highly competitive benefits package including membership in the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho, vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision and life insurance. For further information regarding City of Idaho Falls benefits, visit the Benefits section of our web page.
Temporary jobs and part-time positions that regularly work less than 20 hours per week typically do not qualify for benefits.