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City of Greeley, CO - Fire Marshal/Assistant Chief
Please follow this link to view the full brochure: https://www.affionpublic.com/position/fire-marshal-assistant-chief-city-of-greeley-co/.
The Community
Located just 52 miles northeast of Denver and 30 miles from the Rockies, Greeley, Colorado is a dynamic, fast-growing community with a population of over 116,000 and projections to double by 2050. It is among the top 10 largest cities in the state and ranks as one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the U.S. Greeley’s strategic location near major highways and Denver International Airport makes it a regional hub for commerce, education, and culture.
Greeley’s economy is as diverse as it is vibrant, with strengths in agriculture, energy, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The city is home to industry leaders like JBS USA, Chevron, and Leprino Foods, along with educational powerhouses such as Aims Community College and the University of Northern Colorado. A strong commitment to workforce development, innovation, and infrastructure fuels the city’s long-term vision for sustainable growth.
As one of Colorado’s certified Creative Districts, Greeley boasts a rich arts and culture scene—from nationally recognized orchestras and civic centers to lively festivals like the Greeley Stampede and OktoBREWfest. The city’s recreational offerings are just as impressive, with over 650 acres of parks, a 21-mile trail system, and quick access to both the Pawnee National Grasslands and Rocky Mountain National Park.
With accolades such as “2025 Community of the Year” and a robust public safety investment strategy, Greeley is not just a place to live, it’s a place to thrive. A newly approved 300-acre entertainment district and expanded transit infrastructure are setting the stage for the city’s next exciting chapter.
Government
Greeley operates under a council-manager form of government as a home rule city. Its elected City Council consists of a mayor and six members, four from wards and two at-large who serve staggered terms. The Council is responsible for setting city policy, while the appointed City Manager oversees the day-to-day administration of city operations. The City Manager, Raymond C. Lee III, has led the organization since 2022 and works closely with a collaborative council.
With a 2024 budget of $311 million and a workforce of approximately 1,161 full-time employees, Greeley is focused on seven key priorities: business growth, community vitality, high-performance government, housing, infrastructure, quality of life, and public safety. Major capital projects, including a new city hall, hotel and conference center, and downtown revitalization efforts, reflect the City’s commitment to innovation, service, and strategic growth.
The Fire Department
The Greeley Fire Department (GFD), established in 1871, provides professional, all-hazards emergency response and prevention services across a 64.5-square-mile area. Operating from seven fully staffed stations, GFD handles approximately 18,000 calls annually with a frontline team of 139 full-time employees and a daily minimum staffing of 31. The department holds an impressive ISO Class 2 rating and consistently exceeds national benchmarks in EMS response and cardiac save rates.
GFD provides Advanced Life Support (ALS) services at the paramedic level, while transport is contracted through UCHealth EMS. In addition to serving the City of Greeley, GFD also supports the Western Hills Fire Protection District through an intergovernmental agreement. Specialized services include hazardous materials response, dive rescue, wildland firefighting, and technical rescue operations.
Committed to prevention as much as response, GFD oversees fire code enforcement, public education, and fire investigations. The department also runs a community paramedic program focused on follow-up care and mental health support, designed to reduce non-emergency 911 call volume.
With a strong foundation and future-focused goals, including pursuing international accreditation and implementing a new master plan, GFD exemplifies professional, compassionate service rooted in operational excellence, leadership, and community trust.
The Position
The Fire Marshal / Assistant Chief is a key member of the Greeley Fire Department’s Executive Leadership Team and plays a vital role in shaping the safety and resilience of the city. Reporting directly to Fire Chief Brian Kuznik, this position leads the department’s Fire Prevention Bureau and serves as a visible ambassador for the department throughout the community. The Fire Marshal supervises a Deputy Fire Marshal, Administrative Assistant, two Fire Inspectors, and a Community Education and Risk Reduction Specialist, and works closely with internal departments, contractors, and partner agencies to ensure fire and life safety across the city.
The Fire Marshal is responsible for overseeing fire code enforcement, building and site plan reviews, fire inspections, public education, and fire investigations. In addition to managing the division’s personnel and budget, this individual also contributes to the department’s broader strategic initiatives, including accreditation preparation, interdepartmental coordination, and emergency response leadership. The Fire Marshal also serves in the on-call Duty Officer rotation and may act on behalf of the Fire Chief when needed.
Upcoming Opportunities and Challenges:
Duties and Responsibilities
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Education and Experience
Qualified applicants will have a bachelor's degree in Fire Administration, Fire Science, Fire Protection Engineering, or a related field, and a minimum of two (2) years of experience at the rank of Lieutenant or higher in a comparable or larger department; a master’s degree is preferred. A minimum of ten (10) years of relevant fire service experience, and a minimum of five (5) years in management or command-level roles (Battalion Chief or above) is preferred.
Required License/Certifications
*Any combination of education, training, and experience demonstrating proficiency and ability to fulfill the responsibilities may be considered.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned fire service professional who blends technical knowledge with visionary leadership. The ideal candidate should be a strategic thinker and problem solver with a deep understanding of fire prevention codes, inspection programs, fire investigation, and plan review. This person should be a forward-thinking leader who is comfortable with data, budget development, policy implementation, and thrives in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.
The ideal candidate should be good at building relationships with strong interpersonal and communication skills who can lead a high-performing team, navigate political dynamics, and collaborate across departments and external agencies. With the ability to mentor staff and uphold accountability, the successful candidate will be approachable, ethical, and service-oriented. Experience working in a union environment, implementing performance-based systems, and managing organizational change is highly desirable.
Above all, the next Fire Marshal will embody Greeley’s values of professionalism, compassion, and service - balancing tradition with innovation and supporting the Fire Department’s commitment to community excellence.
Salary
The City of Greeley is offering a salary range between $131,700 - $184,400, commensurate with experience, and a comprehensive benefits package. Relocation assistance will be available for the successful out of area candidate.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should forward a cover letter and resume to:
resumes@affionpublic.com
Reference: GREELEYFMAC
Affion Public
PO Box 794
Hershey, PA 17033
717-214-4922
www.affionpublic.com
*The deadline to receive resumes is July 09, 2025*
The City of Greeley is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.
Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.