Fire Chief

Job Description:

Fire Chief

Description

Distinguishing Features of the Class

A national search is underway to attract an exceptionally qualified individual to serve as the Fire Chief for the Des Moines Fire Department (DMFD). Des Moines seeks a leader who is seasoned with extensive experience in emergency operations, fire administration, and public safety leadership on a large metropolitan scale.

The new Fire Chief will be tasked with leading a department dedicated to service excellence. A successful candidate must be a skilled communicator, and able to foster trust and collaboration with employees, community members, elected officials and regional partners. This individual will have the chance to implement innovative and long-term strategies that enhance operational excellence within the fire service. This includes embracing new technologies, fostering community partnerships and inspiring a dedicated workforce.

Interested candidates are encouraged to further review the recruitment brochure and submit an application by Monday, November 3, 2025 at 4:00pm CST .

Click Here >>> Fire Chief Recruitment Brochure

The City of Des Moines' Residency Requirement is in effect for this position. Applicant must be a resident of the City of Des Moines within seven (7) months of the appointment date and maintain residency within the City of Des Moines while employed in this position.

The principal function of an employee in this class is to provide administrative oversight to all operations and activities of the Fire Department. The work is performed under the direct supervision of the City Manager but extensive leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgement and initiative. Supervision is exercised over the work of all employees within the Fire Department, in coordination with a management team consisting of the positions of Assistant Chief or Fire Marshal. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City employees, the City Council, business and community groups, other emergency personnel, state and federal officials, representatives of the media and the public. The principal duties of this class are performed in a general office environment.

Acceptable Experience and Training

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration or industry related degree; and
• Extensive experience in Fire Department Emergency Operations and Administration; and
• Considerable progressive management experience in a department of equal or greater size and responsibility; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Required Special Qualifications

• Possession of a valid Iowa Class C - Operator driver’s license or evidence of equivalent mobility.
• Residency within the City limits of Des Moines.

Examples of Essential Work (Illustrative Only)

• Plans, organizes, directs and evaluates the work of Assistant Chiefs and Fire Marshal in implementing the expressed goals, policies and directives of the Fire Department;
• Develops policies and procedures designed to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of Departmental operations and address emergency services needs within the City of Des Moines;
• Develops and administers the Departmental budget;
• Confers with Department management team to track implementation of policies and receive specific recommendations and suggestions on Departmental operations;
• Provides status reports to the City Manager on Departmental operations, any major shift in policies or procedures and recommendations for future development;
• Reviews and analyzes methods, equipment utilized and performance to increase program effectiveness and forecast long-term needs and commitments;
• Presents fire operational issues to legislative committees, special interest groups, citizen groups and service organizations;
• Reviews and coordinates station construction and service expansion projects to coordinate resources and planning objectives;
• Participates in various aspects of personnel administration within the Departments, including hiring, termination, grievance procedures and coordinating employee training;
• Serves as the chief spokesperson for the Fire Department;
• Performs special projects for the City Manager as requested;
• Provides needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees in the same or similar class of positions;
• Keeps City Manager fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems;
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions and reviews publications and audio-visual materials to become and remain current on the principles, practices and new developments in assigned work areas;
• Responds to citizens’ questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner;
• Communicates and coordinates regularly with appropriate others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities;
• Performs other directly related duties consistent with the role and function of the classification.

Click here for Benefit Summary

Closing Date/Time: 11/3/2025 4:00 PM Central

Salary:

$152,921.60 - $218,441.60 Annually