Job Information
City of Missoula, MT Fire Chief in Missoula, Montana
Fire Chief
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Fire Chief
Salary
$171,523.00 - $182,022.00 Annually
Location
Missoula, Montana
Job Type
Regular, Full-Time
Job Number
00501
Department
Fire Department
Opening Date
03/05/2025
Closing Date
4/6/2025 11:59 PM Mountain
Description
Benefits
Questions
Overview
The City of Missoula is seeking a proven leader to serve as its next Fire Chief, guiding a dedicated team of professionals in a growing and progressive fire department. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for overseeing all fire department operations, including fire suppression, emergency medical and mental health crisis response, hazardous materials incidents, fire prevention, public education, and training. The Fire Chief also serves as a member of the Mayor's Senior Leadership Team working with all departments in areas such as community growth and planning, behavioral health, and crisis intervention. The Fire Chief will play a crucial role in shaping the department's and the community's future while ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents.
About Missoula
Missoula, widely recognized as one of the most livable cities in the U.S., offers a unique blend of natural beauty, strong community spirit, and a rich cultural scene. The community is known for its strong local economy, entrepreneurship, and educational opportunities, with the University of Montana as a key asset. Beyond work and study, Missoula offers abundant recreational activities, including world-class outdoor adventures, sporting events, and a vibrant arts and culture scene.
About the Missoula Fire Department
TheMissoula Fire Department (https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/240/Fire-Department) was founded in 1887. Today, the department has 120 personnel and staff 5 stations and encompass six divisions:
Administration (https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/828/Administration) - Provides department leadership and oversight.
Operations (https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/831/Operations) - Provides public services response through five stations staffed 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week with an engine company.
Health and Wellness Programs (https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/2752/Health-and-Wellness) - Provides support to the community and our personnel through the Mobile Support Team, the Peer Support Team.
Fire Prevention Bureau (https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/829/Fire-Prevention-Bureau) - Provides development review, inspection, education and incident cause investigation.
Maintenance (https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/830/Maintenance) - Provides in-house service and repairs to our facilities and equipment.
Training and EMS (https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/832/Training-EMS) - Provides safe practices and techniques for operations staff.
At the heart of the department's mission is the commitment to service:
"Save lives, protect property, ease pain and suffering."
About the Role
As Fire Chief, you will develop and implement strategic plans, optimize resource deployment, and collaborate with city leaders and public safety agencies to enhance emergency services. You will be responsible for building a culture centered around community priorities, managing budgets, updating policies, innovating emergency operations, and ensuring the department meets the highest standards of efficiency, preparedness, and safety. This position requires strong leadership, operational expertise, and the ability to inspire and develop teams in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
The ideal candidate will bring extensive fire service experience, a proven track record in leadership and emergency management, and the ability to navigate the complexities of municipal government. This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the Missoula Fire Department and the community it serves.
Join us in leading a dynamic, forward-thinking fire department committed to excellence, innovation, and public safety.
Application Requirements
To be considered for the position of Fire Chief, candidates must submit both an application and a cover letter. The cover letter should specifically address:
Why you are interested in becoming the next Chief of Missoula Fire Department.
Your vision for the future of the fire service.
Applications without a cover letter addressing these points may not be considered.
Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 11:59 pm MST
Resumes will not be reviewed. All details should be entered on the application.
Qualifications and Additional Application Materials
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to 10 years of professional fire service experience including fire suppression and emergency medical response work, including shift supervisor or higher-level managerial experience.
This summary outlines the benefit programs; actual benefits may vary depending on bargaining unit and employment status.
The City of Missoula will reward your contributions to our community with competitive compensation and generous benefits, including but not limited to:
Market-Competitive Salary
Work/life balance, including the possibility of flexible schedules and remote work opportunities
$0 premium for health and dental coverage for employees and affordable premiums for family coverage
$10,000 Employer-sponsored Accidental Death and Dismemberment Life Insurance Policy
Options for supplemental life, disability, critical illness, and accident
Constitutionally guaranteed retirement plan (http://mpera.mt.gov/) with the City contributing 8.77% of salary on your behalf and the ability to contribute to a supplemental deferred compensation program
Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
Pre-tax flexible spending accounts
The City of Missoula may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Look here (https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service) to learn more and understand whether you may be eligible.
Additional benefits package information is available here (https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/DocumentCenter/View/53956/Benefits-at-a-Glance?bidId=) .
01
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Employer
City of Missoula
Address
435 Ryman Street
Human Resources
Missoula, Montana, 59802
Phone
406-552-6130
Website
https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/
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