Fire Chief

Are you a seasoned fire service executive who can lead a modern, full-service fire department while advancing community safety and organizational excellence? If so, apply to be the City of Temple’s next Fire Chief.

We are seeking an experienced, forward-thinking leader who is:

• A proven department executive with command-level experience
• Skilled in budget administration and capital planning
• Experienced in emergency management, EMS, and inter-agency coordination

Temple, Texas, is a vibrant Central Texas community of nearly 100,000 residents, offering a high quality of life, a diverse economy, and strong regional connectivity. Located along Interstate 35 between Austin and Dallas–Fort Worth, Temple provides convenient access to major metropolitan areas while maintaining a welcoming, community-oriented feel. The City of Temple operates under a Council–City Manager form of government. The City Council consists of a mayor elected at-large and four council members elected from single-member districts.

The ideal candidate is a respected fire service professional with extensive command-level experience in a complex municipal environment. They bring a collaborative leadership style and a strong commitment to service, safety, and accountability. This individual demonstrates excellent judgment under pressure, communicates effectively with elected officials and the public, and builds trust within the organization. They are comfortable managing budgets, leading personnel, and navigating regulatory requirements while remaining focused on continuous improvement. Experience in emergency management, EMS systems, and inter-agency coordination is highly valued. The successful candidate will align with Temple’s mission, vision, and core values and serve as a visible, engaged leader within both the organization and the community.

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field
• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible fire service experience
• Five (5) years of departmental supervisory or command-level experience
• Valid driver’s license

PREFERRED:

• Master’s degree in Public Administration, Business, or related discipline
• Experience in emergency management, inspections, and building code administration
• Executive Fire Officer or equivalent credential

CERTIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Executive Fire Officer designation from the National Fire Academy or equivalent Texas certification
• Chief Officer designation by the Commission on Professional Credentialing
• Eligible for Head of Department certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection within one year
• Eligible for Master Firefighter certification within one year
• EMT-level emergency medical services training
• ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800