Fire Chief

Position descriptions/specifications are only intended to present a descriptive summary of the range of duties, tasks, and responsibilities associated with a specified position. Therefore, descriptions/specifications may not include all duties performed by the individual. In addition, descriptions/specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the position/class and do not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position/class.

For more information about this opportunity and the City of Sterling, please review our Fire Chief Brochure.

POSITION SUMMARY

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.

KEY LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS

• Provide strategic direction for long-term capital planning, including fleet, facilities, and equipment modernization.
• Serve as a collaborative leader, effectively navigating relationships between the City, Rural Fire District, and County partners.
• Demonstrate political acumen and the ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining alignment and trust.
• Foster a culture of accountability, consistency, and high performance, including clear standards and expectations.
• Act as a supportive and engaged leader, advocating for personnel while promoting professional growth and development.
• Maintain a visible and positive community presence and strong relationships with regional and state partners.
• Promote progressive and modern fire service practices, ensuring the department remains current with evolving tactics, training, and technology.
• Lead with passion, purpose, and integrity, reinforcing a mission-driven organizational culture.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direction of the City Manager, the Fire Chief will:

1. Provide overall leadership and direction of department operations, ensuring effective service delivery within budget and staffing resources.
2. Develop and implement short- and long-range strategic plans, including capital improvement plans for fleet, facilities, and equipment.
3. Establish departmental goals, performance standards, and accountability measures; monitor progress and implement improvements as needed.
4. Lead organizational development efforts, including workforce planning, succession planning, and maintaining shift consistency and operational readiness.
5. Direct the preparation and administration of the department budget; ensure fiscal responsibility and alignment with strategic priorities.
6. Provide executive oversight of EMS services, ensuring quality care, compliance, and integration with fire operations.
7. Oversee fire prevention programs, code enforcement, inspections, investigations, and public education initiatives.
8. Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and standards.
9. Serve as Incident Commander or provide command-level oversight during major emergencies, as appropriate.
10. Strengthen and maintain mutual aid and interagency relationships, ensuring coordinated emergency response capabilities.
11. Represent the department and City in professional organizations, community groups, and regional/state partnerships, including maintaining strong relationships with state training entities.
12. Participate as a member of the City’s executive leadership team and provide recommendations to the City Manager and City Council.
13. Review development plans to ensure compliance with fire and life safety codes and standards.
14. Promote a safe work environment and ensure adherence to all safety policies and procedures.
15. Remain available for emergency response and carry communication devices as required.
16. Perform other duties as assigned by the City Manager.

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

Physical Requirements

• Position performs light physical work which requires the ability to lift a maximum of 20 pounds.  Duties require frequent lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds.  Duties require some walking, standing and some pushing and pulling. 
• Visual acuity sufficient for work which deals largely with preparing/reviewing reports and records, driving response vehicles, and visual inspection which may involve small parts/defects in equipment. 
• Driving and visual inspections may sometimes occur in dim light conditions. 
• Hearing acuity sufficient to hear a variety of warning devices and alarms, gas leaks, or calls for help and to speak and communicate in person. 
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate keyboard devices requiring repetitive arm/hand movements. 
• Physical requirements may be extended dependent upon response circumstances to include: ability to extend hands(s) and arm(s) in any direction; pick, pinch, work with fingers and palm as well as whole hand; exert up to fifty (50) pounds of force; lift over the head and carry weights of at least seventy-five (75) pounds; move about on foot to accomplish tasks; bend body downward and forward by bending leg or spine; bend knees to come to rest on knee or knees; climb ladders, ascend or descend stairs, slide down a fire pole; use upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward; push/pull, lift, move, draw/drag, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion for extended periods of time (e.g. laying hose, acting as nozzle person, positioning ladders and other fire fighting activities); and perform duties while wearing breathing apparatus and other cumbersome equipment.
• Visual acuity sufficient for work which deals largely with, driving heavy trucks, operating pumper control panels, utilizing firefighting equipment, and performing basic lifesaving measures sometimes in dim light conditions.

Working Conditions

Work is generally performed both in an office environment and traveling to meetings. However, work may be performed at the response scene with potential exposure inclement and sometimes extreme weather conditions, and adverse environmental conditions such as; smoke, toxic fumes or chemicals, biological and synthetic hazardous materials, heat, noise, vibration, heights or confining spaces.  The Fire Chief is required to wear protective gear appropriate for the degree of incident involvement including carrying appropriate tools and wearing a self contained breathing apparatus, weighing a combined total of 100 lbs.

Marginal Functions and Physical Requirements

1. May attend evening meetings and work extra hours;
2. May work on stressful negotiations;
3. May serve on special City task forces. 
4. May assist in special projects as needed;
5. Subject to 24 hour call back for emergency conditions.
6. 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.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND TRAINING

Education:
Associate degree or equivalent (60 credit hours) in Fire Science, Fire Administration, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field required.
Bachelor’s degree or completion of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer (EFO) program preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years of command-level experience with supervisory or management responsibility
• Demonstrated leadership experience in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) required
• Experience in a career or combination fire department preferred

Certifications & Training:

• 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
• National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program may substitute for educational requirements

Note: 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.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• 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

WHAT WE OFFER 

• Retirement you can count on – Membership in the Fire & Police Pension Association of Colorado (FPPA), a defined benefit pension plan that provides:
  • 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.

Apply Now – Position Open Until Filled.

The City of Sterling is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who are committed to protecting and serving our community.

Salary : $105,000 - $140,244