Fire ChiefSchweitzer Fire District

We're looking for a fire officer with10 years of full-time firefighting experience with a handful of years as Capt. or above. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in fire suppression, EMS and emergency management, and a proven track record of leadership and decision-making skills. In this role, you will be responsible for managing fire suppression activities, coordinating emergency responses, and providing strategic leadership to our team of firefighters. See below for more...

fire fighter

• Manage fire suppression activities and ambulance transports ensuring compliance with safety protocols
• Coordinate emergency responses and provide strategic leadership
• Oversee training, development and recruitment of firefighters to ensure readiness for emergency situations

• Proven experience in a leadership role within a fire department
• Strong decision-making skills and ability to work under pressure
• Excellent physical fitness and ability to pass a physical agility test

Notice of Fire Chief Position

The Schweitzer Fire District in Sandpoint ID is currently accepting resumes for an Assistant Fire Chief that will quickly evolve into the Fire Chief's position upon the current chief's retirement by the end of 2024. The new chief will lead the fire district's operations to protect this unique community with its vast influx of guests, in a customer-oriented and cost-effective manner. This position requires a self-motivated individual who is capable of working on all aspects of Fire/EMS administration, operations, maintenance, and repairs. This is a hands-on position and is not suited for a desk only oriented person. Applicant must be physically capable of handling all expected call types in adverse winter conditions. This is a 24/7, performance-based position with no set office hours with the necessity to work and provide coverage as the job requires. Ensuring appropriate district coverage 24/7/365 is the foremost challenge of this position. The Chief answers to a Board of three local Fire Commissioners.

The Fire District has a primary taxing district of approximately 3 square miles with an automatic additional response area of approximately 10 square miles when called upon. The district is comprised of a growing rural/suburban ski resort development of approximately 800 units, with a fluctuation of 500 to 6,000 people daily, weekly, and seasonally. The fire district call volume is approximately 100 to 150 calls yearly, out of one fire station. Front-line service providers consist of 6 to 9 full-time resident volunteer firefighters/EMTs in an extensive residency program, with a seasonal handful of non-resident volunteers. Primary Response Vehicles include two engines, one 100 ft aerial, two ambulances, one type 6 brush truck/plow truck, one auxiliary traffic control/off-road rescue, and one chief's QRU.

The starting salary range for this position is $70-80k, depending on experience and/or need for housing. Full time residency within the fire district boundaries is required. Housing or a housing stipend may be available depending on individual or family circumstances. PERSI and ski pass are included, medical and other perks are negotiable. Minimum qualifications are 10 years of fire/EMS experience with a handful of years as a Captain or above, Active EMT-B, FF-1, successful experience with the fire code, grant writing, and budgets. Familiarity with QuickBooks, levies, along with interacting firsthand with dozens of various agencies, entities, associations, and businesses is preferred.

This is a great opportunity for the right person who wants to become an integral member of this community and fully understands the advantages and disadvantages of this position in this unique area. If you're not an active/interested winter sports type of individual, this job is probably not for you. For additional information, contact Chief Newton @ 208-290-5588. Send resumes to [email protected] or mail them to, 7094 Schweitzer Mtn. Rd., Sandpoint, ID 83864