Vail, CO – Fire Chief

About the Position

Are you a collaborative, people-first fire service leader who can build strong teams, develop future leaders, and foster a culture of trust and accountability? If so, apply to be the Town of Vail’s next Fire Chief! We’re looking for an exceptional, mission-driven leader who is:

• Experienced in developing and empowering command staff and future leaders
• Skilled in fostering a culture of accountability, trust, and professional growth
• Committed to building a robust, operations-aligned training program

Nestled in the Colorado Rockies, the Town of Vail is internationally recognized for its exceptional quality of life, outdoor recreation, and strong sense of community. The Town is committed to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and delivering high-quality public services to residents and visitors alike.

The Vail Fire Department provides comprehensive all-hazards emergency response services, including fire suppression, emergency medical services, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, fire prevention, and public education.

The ideal candidate is a proven leader of people with deep fire service experience and a strong commitment to building a positive, high-performing culture. They bring a balanced background that includes operational credibility and strategic leadership, with the ability to empower teams while maintaining accountability. This individual demonstrates exceptional communication skills, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to transparency and trust. They understand how to align people, training, and resources to achieve organizational goals while maintaining a strong sense of purpose and mission.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration, Public Administration, or related field
• Minimum of 10 years of fire service experience, including 3 years in a management or administrative role
• Strong command-level experience with demonstrated leadership capability

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Public Administration or related field
• Experience in fire prevention and wildland fire management
• Prior experience as a Fire Chief or senior command staff leader

The salary for this position is $161,092 – $241,638 DOE/DOQ. 

For more information on this position contact:

Larry Gilley, Senior Vice President

Strategic Government Resources

[email protected]

325-660-4208

Rudy Jackson, Senior Vice President

Strategic Government Resources

[email protected]

817-897-8080