Loveland Fire Rescue Authority (LFRA) is seeking a visionary fire service leader who excels at building collaborative relationships, developing engaging teams, and contributing to a strong and service-driven organizational culture to serve as its next Fire Chief.
To be successful in this role, the ideal candidate will be:
· Experienced leading combination career and volunteer fire organizations
· Skilled in organizational culture development and stakeholder engagement
· Proven in strategic planning, fiscal management, and regional collaboration
Loveland, Colorado, is a vibrant Front Range community known for its outstanding quality of life, thriving arts scene, strong economy, and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Located approximately one hour north of Denver and just south of Fort Collins, Loveland offers residents and visitors an exceptional Colorado lifestyle.
LFRA serves both the City of Loveland and the Loveland Rural Fire Protection District, providing fire suppression, EMS, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, fire prevention, community risk reduction, public education, and emergency management services.
Reporting directly to the Authority Board, the Fire Chief provides executive leadership for all organizational operations, personnel, and strategic initiatives. Key priorities include continuing organizational stabilization efforts, strengthening relationships with governing boards and labor groups, supporting implementation of the collective bargaining agreement, enhancing workforce development and wellness initiatives, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
The ideal candidate is a collaborative, highly visible leader who fosters trust, accountability, professionalism, and teamwork. They will possess strong communication and relationship-building skills, financial and strategic planning expertise, and experience leading organizational change in a complex public-sector environment.
Required Qualifications
· Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Fire Management, Public Administration, or closely related field; equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered
· Ten (10) years of progressively responsible fire service command and supervisory experience
· Minimum of five (5) years serving in a chief officer level or executive role
· State or national fire officer certifications
· NIMS ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, and 700 certifications
· Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record
Preferred Qualifications
· Experience working in a unionized environment and collective bargaining
· Demonstrated experience managing a combination of career and volunteer personnel
· CFAI accreditation leadership experience
· National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program graduate or participant
· Chief Fire Officer Designation (CFOD)
· NIMS ICS 800, G-402, and G-191 certifications
· Experience working within a fire authority governance model
The salary range for this position is $237,000–$257,000 DOE/DOQ.
For more information about this position, contact:
Rudy Jackson, Senior Vice President | Strategic Government Resources
RudyJackson@governmentresource.com
(817) 897-8080