Fire Chief

The Position

Lynchburg is a city where service meets excellence, and we are looking for a Fire Chief (Chief) who embodies both. The Lynchburg Fire Department provides a full range of emergency and non-emergency services to a vibrant community through a team of 220 full-time personnel operating from eight stations, a central administrative office, a training facility, and a logistics center addressing approximately 19,000 annual calls for service. Additionally, a new station is coming online in the summer of 2027 through a private-public partnership. The next Chief will build upon Lynchburg’s reputation as a well-managed city that delivers premier services to all residents and businesses.

The Chief provides leadership and direction to an integrated team of professional staff, firefighters, and emergency medical professionals with responsibility for fire suppression and prevention services, fire investigations, emergency medical services, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, confined space emergency response, and emergency management operations. The Chief also assists with coordinating the fire defense of the region by collaborating with volunteer rescue agencies and neighboring departments through mutual aid agreements. This position ensures the consistent delivery of emergency services and the maintenance of all department facilities, apparatus, and equipment.

The Chief works very closely with the City Manager on developing the department’s annual budget, and monitoring expenditures to ensure fiscal stability. Duties include the development and implementation of major departmental policies, the review of operational activities to ensure compliance with standards, and the preparation of long-range plans for the department. The Chief also prepares technical reports for City officials and state and national organizations on departmental compliance and needs.

The Chief reports directly to the City Manager and serves as a member of the City Manager's Leadership Team. The Chief guides the department through long range planning, plan implementation, and daily operations with a focus on administrative efficiency. The Chief is responsible for overseeing all personnel functions within the department, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, and staff performance evaluations. Additionally, the Chief is responsible for developing and maintaining standard operating procedures, providing technical assistance and presentations to City leadership, and coordinating with other City departments to ensure the continued implementation of seamless service delivery throughout the City of Lynchburg.

Qualifications

Minimum requirements include any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree with major work in fire science, public administration, or a related field. A comprehensive history of progressively responsible administrative experience in fire and emergency medical services is also required.

Additionally, candidates must possess a valid driver’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the ability to meet the requirement to reside within the City of Lynchburg within six months of appointment. Relocation assistance may be provided. Candidates must satisfactorily complete all required background checks.

Required credentials for this position include certifications as an Emergency Medical Technician II, Fire Officer II, and Fire Instructor II. The Chief must also successfully complete IS100 and IS700 National Incident Management (NIMS) training within 90 days of employment. The City values a leader committed to advanced emergency management standards and may require the completion of higher levels of NIMS training as determined appropriate for the position.

Compensation and Benefits

The City of Lynchburg offers a competitive salary package for the Chief position, which will be dependent on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. The hiring range begins at $165,000 depending on qualifications, with an excellent benefits package. In addition to a competitive salary, the City offers a robust benefits package to full-time employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS); paid time off and holidays; and additional programs such as life insurance, deferred compensation, flexible spending accounts, parental leave, and tuition assistance—underscoring the City’s commitment to employee well-being. Review the benefits brochure here and information about the cost of living as well as housing here.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at raftelis.com. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will be open until filled with a first review of applications beginning April 27, 2026.