Fire Chief

The City of Fairfield is seeking candidates for the position of Fire Chief. Located 25 miles north of Cincinnati in southwest Ohio, Fairfield has a population of approximately 45,000 with a landmass of 21 square miles. The Fairfield Fire Department currently has a staff of:

• 1 Fire Chief
• 3 Deputy Chiefs
• 3 Battalion Chiefs
• 3 Captains
• 6 Lieutenants
• 9 Fire Apparatus Operators
• 45 Firefighter/Paramedics (Full-Time)
• 2 Firefighter/EMTs (Part-Time)
• Clerk II

The department’s 2026 budget is in excess of $12.9 million. The salary range for the position is $111,018 to $166,527.

Candidates must have demonstrated skills in the following five areas:
leadership, communication, management, budgeting
and community relations.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science or appropriate combination of education and experience in Fire operations and management is preferred.
• At least ten years of full-time fire service and the rank of Battalion Chief or equivalent in a municipal fire department.
• Graduate of the National Fire Academy desired.
• Must possess a current Firefighter II and Paramedic certification transferrable to State of Ohio.
• Must possess a demonstrated ability to work well with others.

The civil service selection process will be assisted by consultants. Selected candidates will be invited to participate in an Assessment Center. The assessment will be scheduled to take place during the period March 13 to March 30, 2026. Those invited to the Assessment Center will be notified by March 13. The Assessment Center’s top five finishers will each be invited to participate in an interview process to be scheduled the week of March 23, 2026.

Applicants must apply online at  and submit the documents listed below with the online application no later than midnight on March 12:

If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources Manager, Tami Moore, at  or at tmoore.

• The Fire Chief manages the delivery of fire and emergency medical services to the community and coordinates, as primary incident commander, the City's Emergency Operations Plan.
• Lead and manage the employees of the Department; provide for employee training and development and performance evaluations. Assure adequate staffing to meet community needs within the constraints of the City budget.
• Maintain and continue to develop a positive firehouse culture for future recruitment and retention of firefighters.
• Manage the current labor management agreement and negotiate future agreements.
• The ability to work cooperatively with the IAFF local 4010.
• Manage and coordinate all aspects of emergency services. Develop and manage an annual operating and capital budget. Develop specifications and recommendations for fire apparatus, EMS vehicles, personal protective equipment and facility construction and maintenance.
• Respond to fire, EMS and other emergency situations as appropriate and perform essential functions of a Firefighter/EMT as required, being primarily responsible for management of the fire scene.
• Develop operational policies and procedures to meet community needs. Ensure compliance with local, state and federal laws and regulations for the protection of citizens and their property and the safety of Firefighters.
• Coordinate the City's emergency operations plan, conducting drills and exercises to ensure readiness.
• Participate in meetings, seminars, and events, etc., as appropriate.
• Coordinate with area Fire agencies, as needed.

Bachelor's Degree in Fire Science or appropriate combination of education and experience in Fire operations and management. At least five years career experience as a Battalion Chief or equivalent senior officer in a municipal fire department. National Fire Academy graduate desirable. Current Firefighter II and Param edic certifications transferable to the State of Ohio required. Knowledge of fire characteristics, fire suppression and management of fire scene.

Requires leadership skills, oral and written communication…