Assistant Fire Chief/Fire Marshal

Job Description:

Assistant Fire Chief/Fire Marshal

Description

If you are a current City of Olathe employee, please click this link to apply through your Workday account.

Employment Type
Full Time

Job Summary

Are you a fire service professional with a passion for community safety and leadership? The Olathe Fire Department is seeking a dynamic Assistant Fire Chief/Fire Marshal to lead our Community Risk Reduction division and drive impactful fire prevention programs. If you’re ready to make a difference, this is your chance to step into a key leadership role!

Hiring Range: $113,360 - $175,603 annually

Hiring Bonus: $5,000

What You’ll Do:

• Lead and Manage: Oversee fire prevention, inspections, public education, and fire/arson investigations while ensuring code enforcement and community safety.
• Develop Teams: Hire, train, and coach staff while fostering a collaborative and motivated work environment.
• Shape the Future: Drive strategic initiatives, participate in budget planning, and consult on fire protection services.
• Investigate & Respond: Oversee fire and arson investigations, ensure compliance with safety standards, and respond to critical incidents.
• Build Partnerships: Represent the department at public events, engage with the community, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.

What You Bring:

• 4+ years of fire service experience, including leadership and supervisory roles.
• Bachelor’s degree in fire science, administration, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Completion of National Fire Academy's Executive Officer Program or advanced fire management training preferred.
• Strong certifications, including Fire Inspector I & II, Arson Investigator, and EMT.
• A valid driver’s license and commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Physical and mental readiness to respond to emergencies and work in challenging environments.

What You Get:

• Health, Vision, Life and Dental Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Kansas Public Employee Retirement System (KPERS)
• Deferred 457 Retirement Plans with up to 3% employer match
• Vacation and Sick Leave
• 8 weeks of Paid Parental Leave

Click here for a complete listing of benefits.

If you’re ready to lead with vision, improve community safety, and grow with a forward-thinking department, apply today to join the Olathe Fire Department team!

For more details, review the full job details and requirements below.

The Assistant Fire Chief/Fire Marshal manages and coordinates services and activities in the Fire Department related to community risk reduction programs and services. , The responsibilities for this position include considerable time spent managing and overseeing the daily operations of division personnel, coaching and developing their teams, and participating in strategic functions which include budget preparation, strategic planning, and providing state and local public fire protection consulting.

Key Responsibilities

• Leads and manages the Community Risk Reduction division, to include fire prevention inspections for residential and commercial property, public education, fire and arson investigation, plan review, and code enforcement activities to ensure community safety and compliance with regulations.
  
• Supervises and develops personnel, including hiring, scheduling, training, coaching, and evaluating staff, while fostering collaboration and effective communication with internal and external stakeholders.
  
• Administers the budget and resources for the division, ensuring financial sustainability, efficient allocation, and continuous improvement of risk reduction programs; works collaboratively with other department personnel in planning for the budget and identifying strategic priorities.
  
• Coordinates, oversees, and completes tasks pertaining to fire code compliance and hazard management, including inspections, plan reviews, and responding to incidents involving hazardous materials or explosives.
  
• Oversees and may participate in fire and arson investigations and accreditation efforts, ensuring thorough investigations, adherence to CFAI accreditation standards, and the implementation of policies and procedures to improve service delivery; responds to critical incidents and fires as required.
  
• Conducts and oversees training programs pertaining to community risk reduction; represents the Olathe Fire Department at public events, meetings, and to external stakeholders; builds collaborative community partnerships that help support the accomplishment of Olathe Fire Department goals.
  

Qualifications

Experience: Four years of increasingly responsible fire services experience is required including one year of administrative and supervisory responsibilities.

Education: A bachelor’s degree with major coursework in fire science, fire administration, public administration or a related field is required. A master’s degree is preferred. Completion of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Officer Program (EFOP) or equivalent advanced fire management training is preferred.

Licenses & Certifications: A valid driver’s license and favorable driving record are required. Must have, or complete within one year or as available, Kansas Fire Inspector I certification from the State of Kansas, must meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1031 requirements for Fire Inspector I and II, and shall have completed coursework in Fire Inspection Principles and Structures and Systems offered by the National Fire Academy, Emmitsburg, Maryland, or an equivalent course. Arson Investigator level II certification from the State of Kansas is required within two years after starting this position. Enroll and complete the Executive Fire Officer Program of the National Fire Academy. Fire and/or EMT certification must also be maintained.

Language : Proficiency with verbal and written English language required. Additional proficiency with Spanish and American Sign Language

preferred.

Environmental or Physical Demands : A Fire Marshal must be physically fit to conduct inspections, investigations, and respond to emergencies, often in hazardous or extreme environments. The role demands endurance, good vision, and hearing, along with the ability to manage stress and work under pressure.