Fire Chief

City of Oak Forest•Oak Forest, IL

1d•$127,021 - $171,851

About The Position

The City of Oak Forest is seeking a Fire Chief to serve as department head and chief commanding officer of the Oak Forest Fire Department. The department has 24 full-time sworn firefighter/paramedics and 3 part-time firefighter/paramedics and serves a community of approximately 6 square miles and 27,000 residents. Under the general supervision of the City Administrator, the Fire Chief directs departmental planning, personnel management, fiscal administration, training, emergency response, equipment and facility needs, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Chief works collaboratively with the Mayor, City Council, City Administrator, other City departments, regional public safety partners, and community stakeholders. The Fire Chief is appointed by the Mayor, with the advice and consent of the City Council. The successful candidate will be an accomplished, forward-thinking fire service leader with operational expertise, administrative judgment, strategic vision, and a strong commitment to public service. The role calls for innovative and results-oriented leadership; collaboration across departments and agencies; and the ability to foster trust, respect, inclusion, accountability, professional standards, and continuous improvement. The Chief must have a thorough understanding of fire service personnel management, including recruitment, training, professional development, promotion, performance management, corrective action, and separation of employment, consistent with applicable laws, policies, and agreements. The Fire Chief directs and evaluates departmental operations and personnel; develops strategic plans, goals, policies, and performance measures; manages the budget and resources; oversees training, safety, procurement, and readiness; and responds to emergency incidents as necessary, including assuming command of major or complex incidents when appropriate. The position advises City leadership on fire protection, emergency medical services, emergency management, and departmental policy; represents the Department in regional organizations and initiatives; pursues grants and other resources; and builds relationships with neighboring departments, public safety agencies, regional partners, and community organizations. The position requires a bachelor's degree in Fire Service Administration, Emergency Management, Public Administration, or a closely related field; professional experience in a Chief Officer capacity; at least 5 years of company officer command experience; and at least 10 years of progressively responsible fire service experience. A master's degree and 10 years of company officer command experience are preferred. Required certifications and credentials include Advanced Certified Firefighter Certification from Illinois OSFM, a National or Illinois Paramedic license, Advanced Company Officer Certification from Illinois OSFM, and Certified Chief Fire Officer Designation from Illinois OSFM and/or Executive Fire Officer Designation. Candidates must possess a valid driver's license. This is a full-time, non-union position. The annual salary is $127,021–$171,851, depending on qualifications. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as paid vacation, sick, and holiday time. Candidates must apply by 5 p.m. on Monday, November 23, submitting a resume and cover letter to the attention of Human Resources Manager Bridget Parfitt.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Fire Service Administration, Emergency Management, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
Professional experience serving in a Chief Officer capacity.
At least 5 years of company officer command experience.
At least 10 years of progressively responsible fire service experience, with demonstrated proficiency in fire suppression, fire prevention, and fire service administration.
Advanced Certified Firefighter Certification from Illinois OSFM.
National or Illinois Paramedic license.
Advanced Company Officer Certification from Illinois OSFM.
Certified Chief Fire Officer Designation from Illinois OSFM and/or Executive Fire Officer Designation.
Valid driver's license.
Extensive knowledge of fire service administration, fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical services, emergency management, incident command, and related public safety functions.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, City ordinances, and statutory requirements governing fire department operations.
Knowledge of municipal budgeting, financial planning, capital improvement planning, procurement, resource management, and fiscal accountability.
Comprehensive knowledge of personnel management, including employee development, performance evaluation, labor relations, conflict resolution, and organizational accountability.
Ability to develop and implement strategic plans, establish measurable objectives, evaluate performance, and lead organizational change.
Demonstrated leadership, sound judgment, decisiveness, and command presence in emergency and non-emergency situations.
Ability to establish clear expectations, maintain professional standards and departmental discipline, and foster mutual respect, accountability, and teamwork.
Excellent oral, written, interpersonal, and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with elected officials, administrators, employees, regional partners, and the public.
Ability to establish and maintain productive relationships with City officials, employees, labor representatives, public safety agencies, and community stakeholders.
Ability to assess complex operational and administrative issues, make informed decisions, and develop practical, cost-effective solutions.
Ability to manage competing priorities, allocate resources effectively, and maintain readiness in a dynamic public safety environment.
Ability to identify funding opportunities, develop grant proposals, and support initiatives that strengthen departmental capabilities.
Record of progressive leadership responsibility, effective personnel management, sound fiscal stewardship, operational competence, and commitment to high-quality fire and emergency services.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree.
Ten years of company officer command experience.

Responsibilities

Direct, supervise, and evaluate all Fire Department activities to ensure effective fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical services, emergency management, and related public safety services.
Develop, implement, and evaluate departmental strategic plans, short- and long-range goals, operational priorities, and performance measures.
Establish and maintain departmental policies, procedures, orders, and operational standards consistent with applicable laws, ordinances, and recognized fire service practices.
Assess departmental needs and recommend capital improvements, apparatus, equipment, facilities, technology, and other resources required for operational readiness.
Prepare and administer the annual departmental budget, monitor expenditures, manage resources, and identify cost-effective service delivery opportunities.
Direct personnel administration, recruitment, training, professional development, employee safety, risk management, equipment procurement, and resource allocation.
Respond to emergency incidents as necessary and assume command of major or complex incidents when appropriate.
Develop and evaluate programs and recommendations to strengthen fire prevention, emergency preparedness, community risk reduction, and public safety.
Advise and consult with the Mayor, City Council, City Administrator, and department heads on fire protection, emergency medical services, emergency management, operations, and policy matters.
Evaluate service delivery, streamline processes, improve operational efficiency, and pursue opportunities to enhance the City's ISO Public Protection Classification.
Represent the Department in regional and intergovernmental organizations, including the MABAS Division 24 Chiefs Association, and participate in mutual aid, emergency preparedness, and regional response initiatives.
Identify and pursue grant funding and other external resources supporting departmental priorities and community safety.
Establish and monitor practices, training, and workplace conditions that promote employee health and safety.
Maintain professional knowledge through continuing education, professional development, conferences, and seminars.
Build effective working relationships with neighboring fire departments, EMS providers, law enforcement agencies, regional partners, and community organizations.
Perform other duties as assigned or required to support the Fire Department's mission and community needs.