Fire Chief

Salary: $45.01 - $54.22 Hourly
Location : Palmer Fire & Rescue, AK
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 25-00124
Department: Palmer Fire & Rescue
Opening Date: 05/25/2026
Closing Date: 6/24/2026 5:00 PM Alaska
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: N/A


Please read the below information carefully. This applies to your application submission.

Attaching a resume or curriculum vitae is not an alternative to filling out the application in its entirety. Leaving sections of the application blank, noting "see resume or CV" or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting.


At time of application, applicants are requested to submit:

• Copy of academic transcripts (unofficial are okay, please ensure that the institution name/URL is listed on the transcript) if using education to meet the minimum qualifications.
• Three (3) professional references, two of which must be from a current or former supervisor .
• Reference requests are automatically sent upon submission of your application.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS

For your application to be evaluated you must answer the Supplemental Questions. Be sure to read each question carefully, answers cannot be changed once your application is submitted. Supplemental questions regarding certification, licenses or experience will be verified against information in your application and/or resume, failing to list required experience may cause your application to be denied.

EDUCATION

If post-secondary education is required to meet the minimum qualifications, you must fill in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials if used to meet the minimum qualifications for a position. Transcripts can be attached at the time of application or within 48 hours of the close of this recruitment to the contact person listed below.

EEO STATEMENT

The City of Palmer complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io. The City of Palmer is an equal opportunity employer.

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY

In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 the City of Palmer prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use by an employee of a controlled substance as defined in Schedules I through V of Section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 USC 812), and as further defined by policy at 21 CFR 1308.11 - 1308.15 is prohibited in any workplace of the city.

Any individual who conducts business for the city, applies for a position or conducts business on the city's property is covered by the drug-free workplace policy. The policy includes, but is not limited to, all employees, contractors, volunteers, interns, and applicants.

NOTICE

If you choose to be contacted by email, please ensure your email address is correct on your application and that the spam filter will permit email from the 'govermentjobs.com' domains. For information on allowing emails from the 'governmentjobs.com' domains, visit the Lost Password Help page located at
General Functions/Distinguishing Characteristics


The Fire Chief is expected to oversee the general administrative responsibilities associated with fire and rescue activities within the City of Palmer and Greater Palmer Fire Service Area, as well as correctly and professionally serve as command officer at the scene of emergencies and disasters directing firefighting and rescue personnel.

• Responsibilities involve ensuring the readiness of all personnel and equipment within the areas.
• Work involves the exercise of judgment and discretion in managing the operation of the service area and ensuring the effective performance of personnel at the emergency scene.
• The position requires a combination of firefighting, public entity management, and leadership skills.
• The Chief must have a comprehensive knowledge of current and advanced firefighting tactics, Standard Operating Guidelines, safety procedures, and Incident Command as standardized in the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
• The Chief must have a thorough knowledge of radio communication and of the geography of the City and Fire Service Area; have extensive knowledge of computer use, including, but not limited to, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and the Internet.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate, lead, and direct the activities of employees and paid-on-call volunteers; ability to maintain cooperative relationships with City officials, borough officials, and the general public.
• Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of the fire service operation and to institute improvements.
• Ability to prepare and review reports.
• Budgeting skills for effective and efficient operations; resourcefulness and sound judgment in emergencies; writing skills and tact.
• The Fire Chief is responsible for ensuring that each firefighter receives the proper training in subject matter mandated by compliance with the State of Alaska Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), including, but not limited to:
  • Department of Public Safety Emergency Response Plan (ERP)
  • Hazard Communication Program
  • Exposure Control Plan
  • Hazardous Materials Awareness program; and
  • Respiratory Protection program.
• The Fire Chief working with the Fire Training Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that all firefighters and rescue technicians are provided with:
  • Policies and programs in printed form, and
  • Training in each of these policies or programs is conducted on an annual basis.
• Fire Chief is also responsible for ensuring that the Standard Operating Guidelines are updated regularly, and that the firefighters and rescue technicians receive annual training covering the Standard Operating Guidelines.
• Fire Chief must have the ability to testify clearly and accurately in court.
• Fire Chief must be characterized by personal and professional integrity.

Essential Functions & Duties

• Provides for and coordinates administrative and operational planning and activities to ensure readiness in responding to rescue, and fire emergencies; oversees drills and training of emergency part-time and paid on-call personnel.
• Supervises any full-time City of Palmer fire employee, as well as part -time and paid on-call volunteers; conducts timely performance evaluations of staff.
• It has the ultimate responsibility for maintaining a variety of district reports and records, e.g., NFIRS, training, equipment, firehose testing, fire hydrant testing, pumper-service testing, ladder service testing and SCBA testing.
• Performs fire service area master planning and pre-fire planning as resources are available.
• Prepares an annual operating budget for the fire service and manages the budget within the guidelines and directives of the City of Palmer.
• Plans and coordinates with other departments and other public safety organizations for mutual assistance; with the City Manager, arranges for mutual assistance agreements.
• Maintains fire and rescue reports and records as they apply to calls for service and to various equipment testing procedures.
• Establishes a program to ensure the City and fire service area maintains or improves their ISO ratings.
• Oversees housekeeping, safety, and repair of emergency services facilities and grounds.
• Responds to major fire/rescue incidents as senior command officer within the fire service; serves as member of the City Incident Management Team as assigned.
• Formulates recommendations for the adoption of new city ordinances or legislation.
• Ensures the maintenance of fire vehicles, apparatus, and any other equipment needed for the operation of the department.
• Prepare periodic and special reports and ensure adequate records are maintained of all department activities.
• Attends civic and school meetings to explain the activities and functions of the fire and rescue services and establishes favorable public relations.
• Formulates policies and regulations governing fire and rescue activities.
• Establish a routine of daily duties to be performed by each department employee.
• Ensures that all members have copies of and are trained in the department's Standard Operating Guidelines, Emergency Response Plan, as well as all other department specific policies, including OSHA compliance policies.
• Investigates all cases of alleged or apparent misconduct by department personnel.
• Maintains a personnel record system in which shall be kept all pertinent information on all departmental members and employees.
• Establishes a training program for all firefighters and fire officers; ensures that accurate and timely training records are maintained.
• Ensures that fire and rescue buildings, policies, practices, and procedures are consistent with the State of Alaska Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) requirements.
• Oversees the City's compliance with the fire services and rescue services contract between the City of Palmer and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Personal Qualifications

• Minimum of two (2) years of college or equivalent in an applicable field of study. AAS in Fire Science preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of fire department experience in management or supervisory capacity in fire services or in a related field such as structure and/or wild land firefighting, rescue, or disaster services. Must be International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (I FSAC) certified to at least the Firefighter II and obtain the Officer I level when that is available and be a State of Alaska approved Instructor II or obtain such certification within twenty-four (24) months of hire, if training is available.
• Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing.
• Must maintain required certifications and obtain ongoing education as may be required. Examples of but not limited to: Firefighter II, Officer I, National Incident Management Systems, Personnel law and policies, Civil Liability, Critical Incident Management in Public Safety, Communication and Public Relations
• Valid Alaska Driver's License.

Supplemental Information
THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY PERSON(S) ASSIGNED TO THIS POSTION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILTIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL IN THIS POSTION. ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILTIES.
The benefits outlined below are for eligble full-time employees who are regularly scheduled to work 30 or more hours per week.

Health, dental and vision insurance is available thru Premera BCBS. The City provides a life insurance policy thru MetLife as well as a short-term disability (STD) policy and an employee assistance program is available to all City employees (regardless of the number of hours worked) in addition to thier eligible dependents.


All employees in this category are enrolled in the State of Alaska Division of Retirement PERs program.

Supplemental benefits are available from Colonial Life, AFLAC, Allstate and MetLife as well as several 457 plans. These supplemental benefits are employee paid.

Information regarding leave benefits can be viewed in Palmer Municipal Code, Title 4 at or by contacting Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io
01


Do you have State of Alaska Fire Apparatus Driver Operator certification or experience as a fire apparatus driver/operator?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you have CPR and First Aid credentials?

• Yes
• No

03


Do you have at least five years of experience in fire suppression?

• Yes
• No

04


Are you knowledgeable with the approved Standard Operating Guidelines for their role as a member within the department, or are you able to become knowledgeable within 30 days?

• Yes
• No

Required Question