Job Description

FIRE CHIEF
City of Cedar Rapids, Iowa

First Review: July 6, 2026
Salary Range: $152,934 - $214,000 annually DOQ

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Job Description
Benefits

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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.


For questions on this position, please contact:

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

Job Tags

Full time

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