Battalion Chief

Lake Forest•Lake Forest, IL

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Lake Forest Fire Department seeks a Battalion Chief to serve as a key member of the chief officer team. This command-level position provides leadership through shift management, personnel development, and incident command at emergency scenes. The Battalion Chief plays a key cultural role by communicating employee feedback, reinforcing department standards, and fostering a positive, accountable, high performing environment. This leader actively identifies opportunities for improvement and helps carry them forward. Operationally, the Battalion Chief oversees daily operations, shift staffing, supervision, station and apparatus readiness, and emergency response. This position may function as Incident Commander, Safety Officer, or in other command roles, and must be able to perform all essential Firefighter/Paramedic duties. The ideal candidate brings a steady, seasoned presence and excels at leading in dynamic environments. The Battalion Chief will support both operational and organizational development by guiding an ambitious team, strengthening accountability, and maintaining consistency and professionalism across the department. Help guide a department experiencing generational change and organizational evolution. Lead within a professional, community - focused department with strong operational readiness. Coach and develop personnel while promoting teamwork, accountability, and high standards. Contribute to planning, policy implementation, training, and continuous improvement initiatives. Work with a dedicated public safety team committed to service and excellence. Serve in a department that will occupy a fully renovated, state-of-the-art fire station in 2028. Earn overtime as Battalion Chiefs are non-exempt employees.

Requirements

Ability to perform all essential functions of Firefighter/Paramedic and Lieutenant roles.
Extensive knowledge of modern firefighting, EMS, rescue, fire prevention, and emergency operations.
Understanding of mutual aid and emergency communications systems.
Demonstrated resilience, sound judgment, and ability to navigate complex personnel or organizational dynamics.
Ability to assess emergency situations and implement effective, safe courses of action.
Proven ability to lead, supervise, train, and work effectively with personnel at all levels.
Strong judgment, leadership, communication, organization, and administrative skills.
Upon promotion, must obtain an associate degree in a related field and Fire Officer II/Advanced Fire Officer (or equivalent) certification.
Must complete required NIMS courses as determined by the Fire Chief.

Nice To Haves

Managerial Fire/EMS experience preferred.
Bachelor’s degree or advanced fire service leadership qualifications (Fire Officer III, Chief Fire Officer, NFA Executive Fire Officer Program, or CPSE designation) preferred.

Responsibilities

Supervise, coach, evaluate, and support Lieutenants and Firefighter/Paramedics.
Oversee shift staffing, readiness of stations and apparatus, and maintenance of equipment and department property.
Maintain consistent communication across shifts and the chain of command.
Conduct briefings, communicate orders, and coordinate daily assignments.
Assist in developing and implementing department policies, programs, and administrative projects.
Support training, professional development, public service activities, and community engagement.
Model calm, confident decision-making in both routine operations and complex situations.
Provide incident command at fire, EMS, rescue, disaster, and mutual aid events.