Fire Chief

City of Owatonna • 107 West Main St., MN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Fire Director is responsible for the comprehensive leadership and strategic oversight of the City of Owatonna’s Fire Department and related public safety programs. This role oversees all fire, rescue, and EMS operations, including emergency response, staffing, scheduling, training, budgeting, regulatory compliance, and operational readiness. The Director serves as the City's Emergency Manager and Incident Commander, oversees fire code enforcement and inspection programs, provides guidance to the Building Inspections and Community Development Department, manages township contracts and budget reporting, works with the Civil Service Commission, and coordinates emergency response with local, regional, and state partners to ensure effective service delivery and public safety.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, or related field; 5 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
• Possession of a valid driver's license
• Currently licensed firefighter (firefighter I/II certifications) in Minnesota or ability to obtain firefighter license immediately upon hire.
• Currently certified in NIMS 100, 200, 700 and 800.

Nice To Haves

• Emergency Medical Responder Certification (or higher)
• Fire Inspector II certification
• Fire Plan Reviewer certification
• Fire Investigator (CFI certification preferred)
• National Incident Management 300 & 400

Responsibilities

• Provides direction and leadership to staff, including assigning work, training staff, conducting performance counseling, conducting performance evaluations and making disciplinary, hiring and promotion decisions
• Provides leadership in directing the operations of the department, including strategic planning; evaluating plans to ensure needs are being met; developing, approving, planning, coordinating, evaluating and administering projects, processes, policies, procedures, standards, programs and services; and coordinating activities between multiple departments, programs or functions.
• Manages department compliance with federal, state and local laws, regulations, codes and standards.
• Serves as a representative of the City in negotiations, on committees, in meetings, on boards, or in other public groups
• Manages department financials, including developing budgets; monitoring use of funds; allocating funds to correct programs and services; and approving use of funds.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager