FIRE CHIEF

VACANCY ANN#:    STOI-25-098

TITLE:                           FIRE CHIEF

DEPARTMENT:         PUBLIC SAFETY

SUPERVISOR:           CHIEF OF POLICE

LOCATION:                WELLPINIT, WA

STATUS:                      FULL-TIME, SALARY

RATE OF PAY:            DOE/DOQ

OPENING DATE:       NOVEMBER 14, 2025

CLOSING DATE:       DECEMBER 1, 2025

INTRODUCTION:

The Spokane Tribe of Indians is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Fire Chief to lead the Spokane Tribal Fire Department. The Fire Chief is responsible for executive leadership, administration, and operational command of fire suppression, wildland fire, prevention, and community risk reduction services for the Spokane Indian Reservation and Tribal trust lands.

This position requires both modern professional fire management skills and the ability to work respectfully within the cultural framework of the Spokane Tribe of Indians.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Direct all fire department operations, planning, training, and budgeting.
• Serve as Incident Commander for major structural, and wildland emergencies.
• Maintain compliance with NIMS/ICS requirements (ICS-100/200/300/400; IS-700/800).
• Develop and manage the department budget; pursue grant funding opportunities.
• Oversee apparatus, equipment, facilities, and PPE readiness.
• Direct fire prevention, public education, inspections, and investigations.
• Recruit, train, and retain volunteer firefighters.
• Maintain strong working relationships with Tribal Council, BIA, neighboring agencies, and the community.
• Ensure operations respect Tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, and cultural resources.
• Maintain all fire apparatus, vehicles, and firefighting equipment to operational standards to ensure readiness and personal safety.
• Conduct building inspections and educate as needed on fire code compliance and/or safety standards.
• Serve as the department’s incident commander during structure fires.
• Draft and/or update fire code/policy.
• Ensures effective emergency response for residential and commercial structure fires including equipment and personnel.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED FOR POSITION:

• Ability to perform essential duties
• Ability to communicate both verbally and written
• Ability to work closely with all departments within the Spokane Tribe, including the Emergency Manager.

• The Full-time administrative duties with frequent evening and weekend work.
• 24/7 recall availability for emergencies.
• Participation in field operations during major fire/EMS/wildland incidents.
• Residency within an agreed Tribal response radius (Wellpinit or surrounding area) within 6 months of hire.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• 10 years progressive fire service experience, with at least 3 years in a chief officer role (Battalion/Division/Assistant Chief or higher).
• Fire Officer II (IFSAC/ProBoard) or equivalent (must obtain WA recognition within 12 months).
• Fire Instructor I and Fire Inspector I (or ability to obtain within 12 months).
• Current Washington State EMT certification (or reciprocity within 6 months).
• NIMS/ICS certifications: ICS-100, 200, 300, 400; IS-700, 800.
• Valid Washington driver’s license with insurable driving record.
• Completion of EVIP/EVAP driver training within 6 months.

• Must pass background check and meet physical/emergency response requirements.
• Advanced certification: Fire Officer III/IV, CPSE Chief Fire Officer (CFO), or NFA Executive Fire Officer (EFO).
• NWCG FFT2 “Red Card” with wildland response experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration, Emergency Management, or related field.
• Experience working with Tribal governments or rural communities.

• Demonstrated success in volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention.

*Tribal Preference Applies - Tribal Preference grants preference in employment to qualified enrolled Spokane Tribal Citizens, Spouses of Spokane Tribal Citizens, First Line Descendants of Spokane Tribal Citizens, and Citizens of other Tribes and Other Applicants, in that order.

*Safety Sensitive Background – Requires a higher standard of performance and behavior.

Confirmation receipt of on-line application submission and interview status will be sent to all applicants e-mail address used when applying. Applicants are responsible to regularly monitor their e-mail for interview notifications.

Contact: Empero Corral or Kammi Rosenbaum

(509) 458-6527  

 E-mail:   hrfrontdesk@spokanetribe.com

Applications Must Be Received In The Human Resources Department No

 Later Than 4:30 p.m. on the Closing Date

The Spokane Tribe Reserves The Right To Hire According To Its Indian Preference Policy

Applicants May be Subject To A Pre-Employment Drug Test Positions

All Positions With The Spokane Tribe Are Subject To A-90 Day Orientation