Established in 1893 the City of Winder located in the center of Barrow County Georgia is seeking an experienced professional to serve as our next Fire Chief, responsible for implementing and overseeing 24/7 emergency services. Winder as of 2026 has a residential population of over 21,100 and has Fort Yargo State Park within its city limits. The City’s Fire Department has two fire stations with an operating budget of +/- $5.3 million and 41 full-time; 6 part-time employees.
The following are the expected qualifications for successful performance:
- Associate’s degree in public administration, fire science, business administration, or closely related field. Additional certifications and years of service may be considered in lieu of an AA degree.
- Minimum of ten (15) years of fire department experience.
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience in a fire department serving at fire officer level (i.e. lieutenant, captain, deputy/assistant chief, or chief).
- Minimum of five (5) years working in a non-voluntary fire department with at least twenty-five (25) full-time fire personnel.
- Local fire department experience in Georgia preferred.
- Successful completion of a background and credit check is required.
- Valid United States driver’s license and the ability to obtain a Georgia license within 30 days of hire.
- Must meet all fitness requirements of the fire department.
- Must hold the following certification at the time of hire:
- GFSTC State Certification
- NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800
Salary range: $101,670 - DOQ**
Note: Full-Time regular employees are eligible for the City's benefit package (shown below).
City Health Insurance Benefits Include:
- Health Insurance - CIGNA
- Dental - CIGNA
- Dental – 100% paid by the City for Single Employee
- Vision - CIGNA
- Short Term Disability – AFLAC - 100% City Paid
- Long Term Disability – AFLAC - 100% City Paid
- Basic Life – AFLAC - 2.5 Times Base Annual Income - City Paid
- Dependent Life – AFLAC - $5,000 for eligible spouse and $2,500 for each eligible child - City Paid
- Voluntary Life - AFLAC
- Group Accident - AFLAC
- Group Cancer - AFLAC
- Group Critical Illness - AFLAC
City Benefits:
- 13 Paid Holidays
- PTO leave starting at up to 3 weeks
- Pay In Lieu of PTO
- Education Assistance Program
- EAP Program
- Wellness Program
Retirement:
- 401 (a) Retirement Plan: City 3% Contribution at 90 days of service
- 457(b) Retirement Plan: City Matching at 90 days of service up to 3% if employee enrolls and contributes at least 3%
Georgia Firefighters Pension Fund:
