Employment Listings: Fire Chief

JOB POSTING: Fire Chief

Department: Gilmer Fire Department
Reports To: City Manager
Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Nature of Work

The Fire Chief is responsible for the operational and training activities of the Gilmer Fire Department. This role is responsible for a broad range of managerial and administrative activities related to the protection of life and property through fire and rescue efforts. The position requires significant management skills in both operational and specialized areas.

After a successful interview process, the candidate who is offered the position must be approved by the Gilmer Volunteer Fire Department and the Gilmer City Council to become Fire Chief.

Essential Functions

• Operational Leadership: Ensures operational readiness by analyzing staff, apparatus, equipment, and supply needs.
• Emergency Response: Responds to and may assume command positions on major emergency incidents at any hour. This includes nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Personnel Management: Collaborates with the Human Resources Department on hiring, policy interpretation, conflict resolution, and disciplinary actions.
• Training & Development: Assists with the training of volunteers and paid fire staff. Ensures the professional development of reports through direct feedback, coaching, and mentorship.
• Budgeting: Plans the operational budgets, controlling expenditures, and establishing long-range goals for cost-effective operations.
• Compliance: Promotes compliance with departmental, city, and Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) rules and regulations.
• Safety: Maintains all equipment and work conditions to prevent accidents and ensure member safety.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of fire/rescue administration, personnel management, and municipal budgeting.
• Expertise in emergency operations including EMS, fire prevention, and incident communications.
• Ability to evaluate staff performance and propose viable solutions to complex administrative problems.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for effective inter-agency collaboration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience: Considerable experience as a fire officer in all aspects of fire and rescue operations, including supervisory and management experience.
• Licensing: Must possess a valid Class “B” Driver’s License.
• Certifications:
• TCFP Basic Firefighter certification.
• TCFP or SFFMA Instructor certification.
• TCFP or SFFMA Driver/Operator (D/O) certification.
• Special Requirement: Ability to assume TCFP Head of Department status as defined by TCFP Rule §449.1.

Benefits

• Retirement: Participation in the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) with a 2:1 City Match.
• Insurance: City-paid Medical, Dental, and Life insurance for employees.
• Time Off: 15 Paid Holidays per year plus accruable vacation and sick time.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should visit the City of Gilmer Employment Page (https://www.gilmer-tx.com/employment/) to download an application or submit a resume to the Human Resources Department at City Hall by end of day, May 1^st, 2026, for consideration. Interviews will begin the first week of May.

The City of Gilmer is an Equal Opportunity Employer.