The City of Cedar Rapids is seeking a Fire Chief for Iowa's second-largest city, a vibrant community of roughly 139,000 residents located in eastern Iowa along the Cedar River. Positioned in the heart of the Cedar Rapids–Iowa City corridor, the city serves as the economic and cultural center for the region. The City spans 72 square miles and operates with a 2027 total budget of $928 million, a General Fund of $179 million, and staffing of over 1,300 people. Incorporated in 1849, the City of Cedar Rapids operates under a Council-Manager form of government.

THE CEDAR RAPIDS FIRE DEPARTMENT

The Cedar Rapids Fire Department (CRFD) has proudly served the residents, businesses, and visitors of Cedar Rapids since 1869. CRFD is an all-hazards department comprised of 149 full-time personnel responding from nine stations. The Department operates with an annual budget of $26 million and is headquartered in a 67,140-square-foot Central Fire Station built in 2013. In 2025, CRFD responded to 16,310 calls for service.

Operations include primary fire protection and response, non-transport paramedic-level emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, water and ice rescue, confined space rescue, low- and high-angle rope rescue, trench rescue, and urban search and rescue capabilities. All personnel are certified at a minimum EMT level, and 63 personnel are certified paramedics.

WHY APPLY

The next Fire Chief of the Cedar Rapids Fire Department will join a progressive, nationally respected organization with a strong culture, engaged workforce, and deep community support. As Iowa’s second-largest fire department and a two-time accredited agency, Cedar Rapids Fire Department prides itself on professionalism, innovation, and regional leadership in emergency services. The Department operates advanced specialty teams, has a respected USAR program, and maintains a strong labor-management relationship. The organization is trending upward with a young and energized leadership team, supportive City leadership, and a community that values public safety and collaboration. The next Chief will have the opportunity to build upon this momentum and help shape the Department’s future.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Position Profile

Qualifications

Fire Chief Job Description

Supplemental Information

How To Apply

The City of Cedar Rapids has engaged with GMP Consultants to lead this search. To view full details of this opportunity and to apply visit the GMP website: gmphr.com

First Review of Applications will be July 6, 2026

Questions

With Questions Please Contact

Gordie Olson

GMP Consultants

golson@gmphr.com

(720) 518-7420

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement

The City of Cedar Rapids is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All job applicants will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability and genetic information (including family medical history).

Applicants With Disabilities

We respect and value people with disabilities and are committed to providing a workplace culture of disability inclusion. People with disabilities are supported during the hiring process and are encouraged to apply for employment with the City of Cedar Rapids. In support of the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations will be provided to those in need of assistance with the application and interview process. To request an accommodation, contact the City's Human Resources department by phone at 319-286-5000 or by email at hr@cedar-rapids.org.

We offer benefits and beyond for our employees and their families!

Multiple health insurance plans administered by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield with low employee premiums, deductibles, and co-insurance (view our benefits summaries for more information: Choice Plan and Traditional Plan)
Expansive Wellness Program and low cost onsite exercise facilities
Dental Insurance with Delta Dental of Iowa
100% city paid basic life insurance
Other voluntary benefits offered including vision, long-term disability, and supplemental life insurance
IPERS Retirement - Iowa Public Employees Retirement System, with contributions of 6.29% employee/ 9.44% City (IPERS)
Deferred Compensation (IRS Section 457) retirement programs
Generous paid time off AND 11 paid holidays per year
Paid Parental Leave program with 4 weeks of paid time off
Annual salary increases, AND an annual across-the-board increase (determined by available budget)
Longevity Pay for years of service
Educational assistance up to $3,000 per year
A culture that is supportive and committed to professional development opportunities
Public Service Loan Forgiveness – Employees may qualify for the PSLF program which forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer. See more information here

City of Cedar Rapids

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