JOB
The City of Columbus, OH (pop. 933,263), invites nationally accomplished fire service executives to be considered for the position of Fire Chief, leading one of the largest, most complex, and most respected municipal fire and emergency medical services organizations in the United States.
Columbus is the capital of Ohio, the 15th largest city in the country, the largest city in the state and among the fastest‑growing cities in the Midwest known for its economic vitality, innovation, and strong commitment to public service. It’s a city on the rise with bold, innovative, and unapologetic approaches and commitment to forward-thinking progress. While well known for being the home of Ohio State University, it also has a booming tech and innovative corridor, nationally recognized art districts, and more stretching from the buzz of the Short North to the green stretch of the Scioto Mile - Columbus feels alive – ambitious, collaborative, and constantly evolving.
The Fire Chief serves as a Charter‑appointed executive, accountable to the Mayor and Director of Public Safety, and operates within a civil service environment that values professionalism, transparency, equity, and operational excellence. The department is a full‑service, all‑hazards urban fire and EMS department providing emergency response, prevention, education, and specialized services to a diverse population, with regional impact across Central Ohio exceeding two million residents and visitors.
This recruitment seeks an experienced, strategic, and collaborative leader with the vision and executive capability to guide the Columbus Fire Department (CFD) through continued growth, modernization, and service evolution—while honoring the Department’s proud history, strong labor relationships, and deep community trust.
Columbus Fire Department – At a Glance
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Department Type: All‑hazards, career fire, and EMS department
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Annual Operating Budget: Approximately $300+ million
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Staffing: Approximately 1,700+ sworn uniformed personnel, supported by civilian professional staff across communications, logistics, and administration
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Fire Stations: 35 strategically located fire stations providing citywide coverage
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Apparatus & Resources: Engine, ladder, rescue, and medic companies, specialized units supporting technical rescue, hazardous materials, and specialty medical response
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Call Volume: Over 180,000 annual incidents, with EMS comprising the majority of responses
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Automatic Aid & Regional Collaboration: Robust automatic and mutual aid partnerships throughout Franklin County and Central Ohio
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Dispatch & Communications: Emergency calls are processed through the City’s Fire Alarm Office / Emergency Communications Center
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ISO Public Protection Classification: ISO Class 1
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Accreditation: Internationally accredited through the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE)
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Emergency Medical Services (EMS): Fire‑based ALS transport system with a strong reputation for clinical excellence, including their Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit (MSTU), one of a limited number of fire‑based mobile stroke units in the United States.
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Specialized Teams Include: Hazardous Materials Response Team, Technical Rescue (collapse, rope, trench, confined space), Dive and Water Rescue, Bomb Squad and K‑9 Unit, Tactical EMS (TEMS)
Leadership Blueprint
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Proven ability to demonstrate executive‑level leadership in a large complex urban fire/EMS system
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Values civil service principles, ethical governance, and transparency
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Has a proven record of organizational leadership, building strong labor relations and collaboration, and fiscal stewardship
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Demonstrated commitment to innovation in EMS delivery, firefighter safety, disaster planning, and community risk reduction
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Is considered a highly motivated, visionary, goal-oriented leader with a proven ability to gain cooperation and communicate in a clear direction
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Demonstrated ability to foster an inclusive, respectful, and high‑performing organizational culture with an emphasis on personnel safety, wellness, professional growth, and a strong desire to invest in people.
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Commitment to fair, consistent, and legally sound agency wide practices
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Demonstrates proficiency and the need to use data for problem solving, assessing community risk and vulnerabilities
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Experience in leadership of an agency that protects a diverse, dense population including the constant evolution of a large campus community uniting partners, strengthening operational readiness, and planning, or an equivalent
Credentials for Executive Leadership:
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MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Possession of a bachelor’s degree and one (1) year of service as a permanent appointee in the class of Fire Assistant Chief OR five (5) years with any combination of service as a Fire Assistant Chief, Fire Deputy Chief, and/or Fire Battalion Chief or comparable experience elsewhere. Possession of a valid driver’s license. Must obtain (or maintain) valid Firefighter II and Fire Safety inspector certifications issued by the State of Ohio by the completion of the probationary period.
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Master’s degree preferred
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Prefer 10 or more years of progressively responsible fire management and/or command experience at the Assistant Chief level or higher.
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In addition to Valid FFII and Safety Inspector certification from the State of Ohio within the first year of employment, the successful applicant must also possess at least an EMT-Basic certification from the State of Ohio within the first year of employment.
The salary range for this position is: $161,866 to $242,778 DOQ.
The City of Columbus offers a robust benefits package including high‑value medical, dental, and vision coverage, vacation, sick leave, personal days, participation in the Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund (OP&F), deferred compensation plans (Ohio 457), city‑paid life insurance, long‑term disability protection, wellness incentives, employee assistance programs, tuition reimbursement and professional development support. Residency within the corporate limits of the city is highly desirable.
There is a first-year, 365-day probationary period. Once the initial 1-year probationary period is completed, the incumbent can only be terminated for cause. The city has the option to reappoint the incumbent for one additional 5-year period.
Notice: In accordance with Ohio law, all applications and resumes for public positions are a matter of public record and will be disclosed to the media or public upon proper request through the City of Columbus.
Candidates should apply online at www.GovHRjobs.com by July 31, 2026, with resume and cover letter. Contact Jon Fehlman MGT Senior Consultant with any questions at (847) 380-3240 x142. The City of Columbus, OH is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
