Fire Chief

In the Arkansas River Valley, near the Collegiate Peaks in the Rocky Mountains, and 20 minutes from Monarch Mountain ski resort, the City of Salida (pop. 6,013, elev. 7,083 ft., 2.77 sq mi) is a picturesque, peaceful, and sophisticated Colorado community. Spanish for “exit” (but pronounced differently), Salida is located where northbound travelers exit the long stretch of canyon formed by the Arkansas River north of Cañon City. Because the city is located in Colorado’s “Banana Belt,” a unique temperate zone, residents enjoy a reasonable climate year-round, spared the frigid temperatures found further west. Tourism drives the economy year-round – on peak weekends, daytime population estimates approach 15,000. The approved 2024 Budget of $49.5 million (GF $14.7M) supports an average of 110.7 FTE.

The chance to be Salida’s fire chief doesn’t come around very often. This career opportunity is available with the recent retirement of the fire chief, who served the city for over 29 years, and as chief since 2012. Reporting directly to the city administrator, the fire chief leads the Salida Fire Department (SFD) and along with the city’s other department heads serves as a member of the city’s leadership team. Through an intergovernmental agreement, the fire chief also serves as chief of the South Arkansas Fire Protection District.  The 2024 departmental budget is $2.1 million, supporting 15 FTE.

A bachelor’s degree (fire administration or related) and seven to ten years of management-level fire department experience, or the equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, is required.

The annual salary range for this position is $125,000 to $155,000 DOQE. In addition, Salida provides the following benefits: medical, dental, vision, and life ($50,000) insurances. Retirement benefits for the fire chief are through the Fire and Police Pension Association of Colorado (FPPA) (mandatory, employee 12%, employer 9.5%). This position does not participate in social security. The FPPA also offers a voluntary 457(b) defined contribution plan and provides AD&D, long-, and short-term disability insurances. The city also provides separate long-, and short-term disability coverage and several EAP plans. This position enjoys paid time off, 14 paid holidays, and one personal day. Other benefits include a family swim pass at the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center, 15% off all recreation programs, free gym access, and either a free round or a reduced annual membership at the Salida Golf Club (nine-holes). Relocation assistance and possible additional incentives are subject to negotiation.

Filing Deadline: December 6, 2023

Contact: Andrew (Drew) Gorgey at (970) 987-1238 (direct)

Full information: https://columbialtd.com/recruitments

Cover letter and resume only to: apply@columbialtd.com