International Association-Fire Chiefs
Fire Chief - Los Alamos County, New Mexico
International Association-Fire Chiefs, Los Alamos, New Mexico, us, 87545
Overview
Los Alamos County, NM (19,675) is seeking highly qualified candidates for the position of Fire Chief. Los Alamos County is a young, incorporated county with a strong local government presence, offering spectacular scenery, diverse wildlife, high-altitude recreational opportunities, small-town friendliness, diverse cultural activities, and a background of science and technology development. There are two communities in Los Alamos County: Los Alamos and White Rock. About 190,000 people live within a forty-mile radius of Los Alamos. The Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is the area's largest employer with an annual budget of $2 billion and about 11,000 employees. Approximately 7,000 people commute to LANL daily. LANL supports job stability, income, and education, with a high concentration of PhDs and a median household income above $80,000 per year. The public school district is among the top in the nation, with a local branch of the University of New Mexico and a large home-schooled population. About the Department and Role
The Fire Chief, reporting to the County Manager, is tasked with planning, directing, and reviewing departmental activities and operations from an all-hazards perspective. This role involves coordinating assigned functions with other county departments and external agencies, and providing comprehensive administrative support to the county’s leadership. Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD) is one of the largest career fire departments in New Mexico, providing fire, technical rescue, emergency medical, hazmat, wildland, public education, and life-safety services to residents and visitors. LAFD protects LANL under a current cooperative agreement with DOE/NNSA and supports the surrounding communities and urban-wildland incidents. LAFD is accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. LAFD operates as an ISO 1 Fire/EMS agency with five stations (two on LANL property) and a training facility, with a career staff of 177 on a 48/96-hour shift. In 2024, there were 2,610 emergency responses with an annual budget of $56+ million. The recruitment is motivated by the retirement of the previous chief after 12 years in the role. Near-term Projects
Fire re-accreditation process with an expected hearing date mid-February. Equipment replacement and vehicle orders per the replacement plan (multiple new engines, ladders, ARFF aircraft fire rescue equipment, ambulances, life packs, and support vehicles); several new stations and construction planning are in progress, including Station 5 completion planned for April 2026 and Station 4 starting Fall 2026. LANL station expansion planning is projected for 2027/2028. Qualifications and Attributes
Bachelor’s degree in fire science, emergency medical services, or a related field; a master’s degree or designations such as Executive Fire Officer (NFA) or Chief Fire Officer (CPSE) are preferred. Must possess or apply for a DOE Q clearance within thirty days of employment and be able to obtain and maintain the clearance with additional federal background investigation. Minimum of 12 years’ experience in a senior EMS/fire service command position in a department of equal or greater size and responsibility. Previous experience with DOE or federal agencies and strong knowledge of NIMS and ICS for large-scale incidents and planning. Proven leadership in strategic planning, emergency management, community risk reduction, and customer service, with a collaborative approach and ability to mentor staff. Experience building teams within a similar department structure; ability to be transparent, adaptable, visible, and relationship-oriented with internal and external stakeholders. Ability to bring fresh ideas and vision with high energy and an ability to engage with the community, county officials, staff, and stakeholders. The salary range for this position is $148,778 to $242,262. A generous benefits and retirement package is offered. Details are available on the Los Alamos County Employee Benefits page. Applicants must submit online by October 10, 2025, with a resume, cover letter, and contact information for five work-related references to GovHRjobs.com (electronic submissions only). Questions may be directed to Sarah McKee, MGT Senior Consultant, at the provided contact number. Los Alamos County is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Diversity and inclusion are critical to success; the county seeks to recruit talented people from a diverse candidate pool and strongly encourages all qualified candidates to apply.
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Los Alamos County, NM (19,675) is seeking highly qualified candidates for the position of Fire Chief. Los Alamos County is a young, incorporated county with a strong local government presence, offering spectacular scenery, diverse wildlife, high-altitude recreational opportunities, small-town friendliness, diverse cultural activities, and a background of science and technology development. There are two communities in Los Alamos County: Los Alamos and White Rock. About 190,000 people live within a forty-mile radius of Los Alamos. The Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is the area's largest employer with an annual budget of $2 billion and about 11,000 employees. Approximately 7,000 people commute to LANL daily. LANL supports job stability, income, and education, with a high concentration of PhDs and a median household income above $80,000 per year. The public school district is among the top in the nation, with a local branch of the University of New Mexico and a large home-schooled population. About the Department and Role
The Fire Chief, reporting to the County Manager, is tasked with planning, directing, and reviewing departmental activities and operations from an all-hazards perspective. This role involves coordinating assigned functions with other county departments and external agencies, and providing comprehensive administrative support to the county’s leadership. Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD) is one of the largest career fire departments in New Mexico, providing fire, technical rescue, emergency medical, hazmat, wildland, public education, and life-safety services to residents and visitors. LAFD protects LANL under a current cooperative agreement with DOE/NNSA and supports the surrounding communities and urban-wildland incidents. LAFD is accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. LAFD operates as an ISO 1 Fire/EMS agency with five stations (two on LANL property) and a training facility, with a career staff of 177 on a 48/96-hour shift. In 2024, there were 2,610 emergency responses with an annual budget of $56+ million. The recruitment is motivated by the retirement of the previous chief after 12 years in the role. Near-term Projects
Fire re-accreditation process with an expected hearing date mid-February. Equipment replacement and vehicle orders per the replacement plan (multiple new engines, ladders, ARFF aircraft fire rescue equipment, ambulances, life packs, and support vehicles); several new stations and construction planning are in progress, including Station 5 completion planned for April 2026 and Station 4 starting Fall 2026. LANL station expansion planning is projected for 2027/2028. Qualifications and Attributes
Bachelor’s degree in fire science, emergency medical services, or a related field; a master’s degree or designations such as Executive Fire Officer (NFA) or Chief Fire Officer (CPSE) are preferred. Must possess or apply for a DOE Q clearance within thirty days of employment and be able to obtain and maintain the clearance with additional federal background investigation. Minimum of 12 years’ experience in a senior EMS/fire service command position in a department of equal or greater size and responsibility. Previous experience with DOE or federal agencies and strong knowledge of NIMS and ICS for large-scale incidents and planning. Proven leadership in strategic planning, emergency management, community risk reduction, and customer service, with a collaborative approach and ability to mentor staff. Experience building teams within a similar department structure; ability to be transparent, adaptable, visible, and relationship-oriented with internal and external stakeholders. Ability to bring fresh ideas and vision with high energy and an ability to engage with the community, county officials, staff, and stakeholders. The salary range for this position is $148,778 to $242,262. A generous benefits and retirement package is offered. Details are available on the Los Alamos County Employee Benefits page. Applicants must submit online by October 10, 2025, with a resume, cover letter, and contact information for five work-related references to GovHRjobs.com (electronic submissions only). Questions may be directed to Sarah McKee, MGT Senior Consultant, at the provided contact number. Los Alamos County is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Diversity and inclusion are critical to success; the county seeks to recruit talented people from a diverse candidate pool and strongly encourages all qualified candidates to apply.
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