Field Fire Operations Chief
Listed on 2026-07-27
-
Management
Emergency Crisis Mgmt/ Disaster Relief, Project & Program Management -
Government
Emergency Crisis Mgmt/ Disaster Relief
Field Fire Operations Chief
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS):
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) leads Indiana's emergency planning and operations, first responder training, and fire and building safety. The Indiana State Fire Marshal leads the Division of Fire and Building Safety (within IDHS), which oversees the enforcement of building codes and includes a fire investigations unit. The agency certifies and trains thousands of first responders and also hosts state-level exercises each year.
IDHS also supports the state Emergency Operations Center (EOC), which leads response and coordination efforts for large-magnitude incidents.
Role Overview:
As a Field Fire Operations Chief, you are an integral component to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) and the team concept of the Fire and Building Safety Division. You serve as a member of the team responsible for the assessment, development and implementation of the Fire & Public Safety Academy Training System which involves providing comprehensive Homeland Security/First Responder guidance, assistance, training, and coordination to Indiana Fire or EMS service personnel.
You will function within the Academy Division but will be required to work with all divisions of IDHS. The Academy Field Fire Operations Chief will travel throughout the State of Indiana for related job duties and functions. Travel will be throughout the State with occasional travel throughout the United States to coordinate fire service training activities such as travel to National Fire Academy or other training locations.
This position is also responsible for managing all fire and public safety training in the region they are assigned to and supervising multiple state staff fire instructors to ensure compliance with federal and state laws, procedures, rules, guidelines, and standards. The Academy Field Program Manager will coordinate training with local fire departments and first responder agencies throughout Indiana. The Academy Field Fire Operations Chief should be a State Certified Fire Instructor I or equivalent or hold a higher education degree in related public safety field.
The Academy Field Fire Operations Chief may deliver fire training courses at times when need arises.
Salary Statement:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $59,800.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this role are as follows:
Establish and monitor program objectives, KPIs, and actions to achieve them. Direct, plan, or implement policies, objectives, or activities of organizations or businesses to ensure continuing operations, or to increase productivity. Interpret and explain policies, rules, regulations, or laws to organizations, government or corporate officials, or individuals. Recommend and implement corrective action plans to solve program problems. Prepare reports for approval, including those for funding or implementation of services.
Direct or coordinate the financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency in the specified program. Ensure program requirements meet federal and state policies and grants compliance. Develop, train employees or agency consultants on program requirements and usage. Coordinate and deliver communication plans and communications. Serve on boards of directors and management committees. Serve on management committees or other governing boards.
Recruit, select, onboard, and train employees to ensure role responsibilities and expectations are clearly understood while providing opportunities to continue professional development. Set expectations, measure progress, provide ongoing feedback, and evaluate the performance of employees. Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures.
What You'll Need for Success:
Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:
Specialized knowledge in program subject matter obtained through experience and/or education. Extensive knowledge of provider agencies and their programs and services. Extensive knowledge of all source materials and references including federal and state laws governing the programs. Ability to develop and implement new principles and policies and discern any far-reaching implications. Ability to present to both internal and external customers, the public, government officials, and other stakeholders.
Analyzing information…
(If this job is in fact in your jurisdiction, then you may be using a Proxy or VPN to access this site, and to progress further, you should change your connectivity to another mobile device or PC).