Fire Chief

Role Overview

The City of Oklahoma City is seeking a Fire Chief to lead the Oklahoma City Fire Department as its top executive. This senior leader will oversee department-wide administration, personnel, programs, and strategic direction while guiding a metropolitan fire service made up of both sworn and civilian staff.

The department is organized across several areas, including Operations, Fire Prevention Services, Support Services, and the Office of the Fire Chief. The position is appointed by the City Manager and carries broad authority over planning, organization, evaluation, policy development, interagency coordination, resource stewardship, and regulatory compliance at the federal, state, and local levels.

Application Instructions

Candidates must complete the application in full, including all application questions. A resume, cover letter, and a list of six job-related references must be attached. References will not be contacted without advance notice.

Applicants should ensure the resume includes employment dates broken out by month and year, along with the size of the teams and budgets they have managed. Applications and resumes will be reviewed until the role is filled, and priority consideration will be given to submissions received by July 3, 2026.

Selection and Employment Conditions

City employees receive compensation electronically, either through direct deposit or a pay card. Former employees applying externally must be eligible for rehire in order to move forward in the selection process. If rehire status is uncertain, candidates may contact the Human Resources Department at (405) 297-2530. Applicants marked as “Not Eligible,” “Eligible 3,” or “Conditional” must request a rehire-status review through Employee and Labor Relations.

After a conditional offer, external applicants will undergo a criminal history background investigation. If the role includes a driver license requirement, a Motor Vehicle Report will be obtained for both internal and external applicants. For safety-sensitive or driving roles, the City will share its Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy before any required drug screening.

If the position is classified as cyber security sensitive, applicants will be subject to a CJIS Interstate Identification Index fingerprint background check. Employees in this classification must also complete Level 4 Security Awareness Training and pass the associated online certification test. If the role involves lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying 25 pounds or more, candidates will be sent for a physical examination.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The City of Oklahoma City is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations during the hiring process upon request. The City does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or expression), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information, including family medical history.

Additional Information

Address: 420 W Main St, Oklahoma City, OK 73102-4437, United States

Population: 745,000

Website: http://www.okc.gov

Form of government: Council-Manager

Application opened on Jun 03, 2026.

The city’s recruitment material also notes that more details about the position are available through a separate informational resource.