Fire-Deputy Fire Chief

The City of Watertown•Watertown, WI

1d•$103,979 - $111,966

About The Position

The Watertown Fire Department is a full-time fire department with a service area of 145 square miles covering approximately 30,000 citizens. The fire department operates out of one station which is staffed with a maximum of 9 personnel working 24-hour shifts. The Watertown Fire Department responds to both city and rural emergency calls, uses a two-paramedic service, and runs approximately 3,000 emergency calls per year.

Requirements

Wisconsin Driver's License
Certified as an NREMT-P and/or State of Wisconsin EMT-Paramedic
Pro-board or State of Wisconsin Emergency Services Instructor 1
Pro-Board or State of Wisconsin Fire Officer I
Pro Board or State of Wisconsin Firefighter I & II
Pro-Board or State of Wisconsin Driver Operator
National Incident Management Systems (NIMS Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800

Nice To Haves

Progressive leadership experience in Fire and EMS fields with a track record of guiding teams through organizational change, growth or modernization efforts.
Experience developing people and building leadership capacity, including mentoring management staff, supporting succession planning, and strengthening organizational culture through intentional workforce development.
Proven ability to lead complex projects such as system redesigns, program development, accreditation preparation, major policy initiatives, technology integration or capital planning.
Working knowledge of accreditation frameworks, performance management systems, or continuous improvement models, with the ability to align internal processes and documentation toward long-term organizational excellence.
Demonstrated skill in data informed decision making, including the use of operational, training, EMS and risk data to guide staffing, resource allocation, policy development and strategic planning.
Experience collaborating with community stakeholders, such as businesses, educational institutions, and neighborhood or civic groups, to advance community risk reduction and public safety initiatives.
Ability to research, interpret, and apply federal, state, and local regulations, and professional standards, with the ability to translate requirements into practical policies and operational practices that support the department's mission and long-term goals.
Demonstrated commitment to professional development and modern leadership practices, including continued education, executive training, and engagement in regional or national professional organizations.