Assistant Fire Chief

Nature of Work

The current full salary range for this position is $14,407/month - $17,432/month. Employees receive step increases biennially in accordance with the E-Team Handbook and City policy. The City places new employees within the published salary range based on qualifications and professional experience in accordance with City policy. For internal candidates, placement within the range is based on City Pay Placement Procedures.

In the event of compression, the supervising employee shall receive a salary adjustment. The salary adjustment shall remain in effect only during the period in which compression exists. Compression calculations will be based on the highest-paid subordinate employee one rank below the E-Team management position. For Uniformed Fire Management positions, compression shall be calculated based on subordinates’ base salary, plus longevity, plus administrative premium.

At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are well cared for. Here’s a closer look at the outstanding benefits that come with being part of our team. You can find more details on our employment benefits page and labor agreements page.

• 13.33 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time
• 12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year
• 40 hours of sick leave upon hire + 8 hours accrued monthly
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Washington State Retirement plan (LEOFF) for retirement security
• Optional 457 deferred compensation savings plan
• Optional 401(a) Retirement Savings Plan with employer match

Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE, accruals are pro-rated if part-time and require employees to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month.

Closing Date/Time: Fri. 4/10/2026 4:30 PM Pacific Time

• Oversees and supervises the daily operations of the assigned branch of the Fire Department. Develops and/or reviews Department policies and procedures. Compiles regular reports from subordinates concerning Department activities for the Chief's review. Reviews and monitors operations on a regular basis. Oversees and reviews the work of subordinate staff. Provides direction for subordinates’ work plans. Informs staff of operating policies and procedures.
• May assume full administrative responsibility for the Department in the Chief's absence.
• Works closely with the Human Resources Department to ensure all ordinances, rules/policies, and collective bargaining agreements are properly enforced and interprets them for subordinate personnel. Coordinates Departmental records with the City's central record system. Conducts regular performance evaluations of assigned Battalion/Division chiefs and Division Managers. Advises supervisors concerning appropriate disciplinary action when necessary. Oversees assigned subordinates in determining and scheduling assignments, scheduling vacation, holidays and sick leave to ensure minimum staffing levels. Participates and advises in the hiring and promotion of Departmental personnel, including interviewing and background checks.
• Assists the Chief with collective bargaining. May serve as a member of the City bargaining team; develops proposals, presents issues important to the Department, and researches issues in preparation for and during negotiations. Regularly attends labor relations meetings with appropriate bargaining units.
• Represents the Chief at City government and board meetings when necessary. Serves on boards and committees in the City, County, and State at the Chief's request.
• Assists the Chief in preparation of the Departmental budget, budget control, long- and short-range planning, and recommends revisions in operating procedures and/or expenditures.
• Supervises the purchasing, inventory control, and maintenance of facilities, equipment, materials and supplies.
• Responds to all 'involved' emergency operations and assists in emergency strategies. May assume supervisory authority of an area of responsibility within the emergency event or assume overall command and control of the event.

• Attends classes, seminars, conferences, courses, etc., to maintain and improve job knowledge, emergency and non-emergency management and communication skills.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• correctable visual acuity to read a computer screen and a typeset page;
• fine finger dexterity to manipulate computer keyboard and mouse; and ability to talk and hear sufficiently to communicate with employees and the public.

Experience and Training

• Five years progressive responsibility in fire or emergency management services including a minimum of three years’ experience as Battalion or Division Chief or similar position as an administrative staff officer in a municipal fire department with progressive responsibility for a major function and its personnel, exercising significant judgment and authority.
• Bachelor's degree in emergency management, fire service administration, public administration or related field required.
• Current enrollment or completion of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer program preferred.
• Record of successful staff and program management.

Necessary Special Requirements

• Employment contingent upon passing a criminal convictions check, child and adult abuse records check and local background check (See Fair Hiring Practices).
• Must meet required physical ability and medical standards.
• Must pass pre-employment drug test.
• Willingness and ability to report to an emergency scene at any time, including weekends, evenings or nights.
• Valid Washington State driver's license and good driving record. A three-year driving abstract must be submitted at the time of hire, with periodic submission of driving abstract per City policy.
• Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire.

Selection Process

**You are encouraged to print a copy of this job announcement for your reference as the process moves along**

As part of the application process, a cover letter (no more than three pages) is required.
Within the cover letter, please answer the following questions:

• What specific aspects of Assistant Fire Chief at the Bellingham Fire Department excite you, and how do they align with your career aspirations?
• What experiences, skills, and traits make you a great leader?
• What are your top priorities for the first year?

Please ensure your application is complete and all required information has been provided. Standard completeness means all application fields (contact information, personal information, education, work experience, references, and supplemental questions). Application materials should comprehensively document your experience and skills related to the position responsibilities and experience/training requirements. As part of the City’s commitment to reducing bias in the hiring process, Human Resources redacts personally identifiable information for reviewers. Only the documents listed as required will be reviewed.

In-person interviews for the most qualified candidates are tentatively scheduled for May 4 and 5, 2026. Invitations to participate in the interview process will be sent via e-mail on or around April 22, 2026.

Note: Candidates will receive updates regarding application status via email. Please be sure to check your email frequently, including your spam folders for messages filtered by your email providers.

Equal Opportunity:

The City of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not make decisions on the basis of an individual's race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age (40+), disability, retaliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. All are encouraged to apply for employment.

Fair Hiring Practices

• The City provides individuals who have been arrested or convicted of a criminal offense an equal and fair opportunity to obtain employment.
• The City will not inquire about an applicant's criminal history until after a conditional job offer has been made.
• The City will disregard the prior arrest and conviction record of an otherwise qualified individual unless the offense is directly related to the job position for which the individual has applied.
• The City will notify an otherwise qualified applicant about a potentially disqualifying conviction and give the applicant an opportunity to submit information regarding the accuracy of the criminal records as well as evidence of mitigation or rehabilitation, as appropriate.