FIRE CHIEF
City of Vancouver, WA

First Review: October 5, 2025
Salary Range: $170,103-$297,680 annually DOQ

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Job Description
Benefits Summary (updated 9/5/25)
Candidate Supplemental Questions


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The City of Vancouver is seeking a Fire Chief for this vibrant and growing community of 200,000—Washington's fourth-largest city. Located alongside the Columbia River across from Portland, Vancouver offers the excitement of a major metropolitan area along with small-town charm and family-friendly neighborhoods. The City spans 50 square miles and operates with a 2025-26 biennial budget of $2.1 billion and a staffing of 1,480 employees. 

THE CITY OF VANCOUVER

The City of Vancouver serves a population of over 200,000 across 50 square miles with a 2025-26 biennial budget of $2.1 billion and a staffing of 1,480 employees. The City operates under a Council-Manager form of government, with a seven-member City Council—including the Mayor—elected at large to four-year terms.  

THE VANCOUVER FIRE DEPARTMENT

The Vancouver Fire Department provides service to over 200,000 residents of the City of Vancouver as well as 100,000 residents of Clark County Fire District 5. The Department operates with a 2025 budget of $86 million and a team of 274 FTEs, including 245 full-time firefighters. Since 2015, the city's population has grown by over 15%, and emergency calls have increased by 50%—making VFD one of the region’s busiest and fastest-growing fire departments. 

WHY APPLY

The Vancouver Fire Department offers an outstanding opportunity for a dynamic, forward-thinking leader. This motivated, well-trained team is committed to industry best practices and thrives on continuous training, with high morale and a family-like culture. The Department has experienced significant growth in staffing and all-hazards service delivery, marking a decade of steady operational improvement. Serving a diverse and growing community with strong council support, the organization is well-positioned for continued success. The next chief will have the opportunity to build on this momentum—developing a command staff, fostering mentorship, reestablishing succession planning, and guiding a young, engaged workforce eager for leadership. 
 

For questions on this position, please contact:

Gordie Olson
GMP Consultants
golson@gmphr.com
720) 518-7420