Fire Chief

The City of Fargo, ND is seeking an experienced fire service administrator and innovative leader with an exceptional record of community engagement and progressive management experience for the position of Fire Chief. The Fargo Fire Department is a 3 time, CFAI Accredited, ISO Class 1 department, consisting of 138 sworn firefighters and 3 civilian employees. In 2024, the Fargo Fire Department responded to 14,222 calls for service from its eight fire stations. With a focus on reducing the rate of emergencies, protecting lives and property and responding to emergencies in a professional and courteous manner, the department has developed numerous programs and services. The department opened Fire Station 8 on October 28, 2024. The department is in the process of conducting its 12th Joint Fire Academy with the West Fargo and Moorhead Fire Departments.

The City of Fargo is the largest city in the State of North Dakota, accounting for nearly 17% of the state’s population. Fargo is also the county seat of Cass County. According to the 2023 United States Census estimate, Fargo’s population is approximately 133,200. The greater Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area population is more than 262,000. Responsibilities of the Fire Chief include providing leadership and direction to all Fire Department operations/services; establishing clear goals and objectives; serving as executive leader overseeing all aspects of fire and emergency services; developing the annual operating budget; and representing the Fire Department at City Commission meetings and to the public. The Fire Chief serves as the department head for the Fire Department and reports to the City Administrator and a liaison City Commissioner.

Minimum Qualifications

The job requires a master’s degree in fire service, fire service administration, public administration, or a related field and ten or more years of progressively responsible fire service experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. Graduate of Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program and Chief Fire Officer Designation from the Commission on Professional Credentialing preferred. A valid driver’s license is also required.

Application Information and Deadline and Conditional Offer Requirements

For a complete job description and to apply for the position, go to https://fargond.gov/apply. Your application must include application, cover letter of application, resume, and minimum of three professional references no later than April 25, 2025. Upon conditional offer, candidates are subject to background investigation, drug screen and other screening requirements to be determined.

Call Camila Van Dyke at 701-476-4125 with questions. For more information about the City of Fargo and the Fargo Fire Department, visit our website at www.FargoND.gov. EOE