Fire Chief Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, Management, or related field.
• Ten (10) years of experience as a full-time firefighter.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience within a fire department comparable in size to the City of Elkhorn or larger, of which were at a command or supervisory level, or any equivalent combination of training or experience.
• Demonstrated experience as an innovative, collaborative, and effective leader in Fire/EMS operations with a focus on staff management.
• Extensive knowledge of modern EMS, fire suppression, hazardous materials, fire prevention, investigation, inspection and training principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment.
• Familiarity with national, state, and local laws, as well as fire safety and building codes.
• Working knowledge of Police and Fire Commission regulations and rules of procedure.
• Working knowledge of Municipal Code and Safety Policies.
• Understanding of NIMS (National Incident Management System) and NRP (National Response Plan) principles.
• Familiarity with Shared Services agreements, Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS), and the State Mutual Aid Plan.
• Working knowledge of NFPA codes, DSPS 330 & 332, ISO audits, and 2% Dues audits.
• Proficiently manage departmental budget, personnel, and Fire-EMS administration.
• Skill in planning and administering fire service programs and operations.
• Ability to organize and direct fire suppression operations utilizing the Incident Command System (ICS) model.
• Ability to maintain composure under highly stressful and potentially hazardous conditions.
• Knowledge of community relations and public education.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing with elected officials, employees, the general public, and media. Maintain effective working relationships.
• Advanced supervisory skills for effective planning, organization, staffing and control.
• Assess fire suppression operations and effectively assign and coordinate firefighter personnel.
• Sound judgement in evaluating situations and making decisions.
• Ability to work well with others in the performance of duties.
• Skill in operating a variety of fire and life safety tools and equipment.
• Skill in report writing and using office equipment (computer, telephone, two-way radio, etc.).
• Proficiency in using common office software applications (e.g. Word, Excel) and job-related including Fire and EMS RMS, fire inspection, training and pre-plan software.
• Working knowledge of modern building construction.
• Familiarity with budgeting processes in a municipal department.
• Uphold the utmost integrity in all aspects of the role.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates who do not meet the exact education and experience criteria may be considered if they possess any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements policies, procedures, and regulations governing all aspects of departmental operations, ensuring alignment with local, state, and federal guidelines. Rules, regulations, and standard operating guidelines promulgated by the Fire Chief shall be approved by the Commission before becoming effective. This shall include operational procedures, policies, and job descriptions for all personnel. The City Administrator, before submission to the City Council, shall review all such documents. All members of the Department shall be provided with access to all such rules, regulations and Standard Operating Guidelines once they become effective.
• Enforces Wisconsin Statues, the Wisconsin Administrative Code, Department Operating Guidelines and the City Code in matters relating to fire prevention, code enforcement, public education and fire suppression within the city and towns served.
• Formulates, executes, and evaluates both short-term and long-range goals and objectives for the Fire Department. Drives continuous improvement by assessing performance metrics and adjusting strategies as needed.
• Organizes, leads, and facilitates the functioning of the Fire Department. Ensures efficient deployment of resources during emergency scene operations and effective incident management.
• Prepares and reviews bid specifications and coordinates the purchase of department vehicles and equipment.
• Serves as the custodian of all official records of the Fire Department, including those required by the Mayor, City Administrator, City Council, City ordinances, and the statutes of the State of Wisconsin.
• Manages payment requests and departmental budget. Reviews and approves departmental purchases while maintaining high standards of quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Participates in the selection and promotion of department employees. Advises and directs subordinates in the performance of their duties.
• Has the power to suspend, demote or terminate any officer or member of the Department for just cause.
• Ensures the department fosters a respectful and supportive atmosphere for all personnel, promoting effective communication and teamwork.
• Ensures state-mandated training and educational requirements are met by department personnel. Prepares and reviews performance evaluations.
• Directs and actively participates in firefighting and emergency rescue activities.
• Attends all fires in the City, towns served and elsewhere when the Department has responded to render mutual aid to another department, or designates a representative.
• Attends rescue calls to which the Fire Department is called, or designates a representative.
• Submits written reports to the Mayor, City Administrator, City Council, and Fire Advisory Board on a monthly and quarterly basis. Submits an annual report detailing the condition of apparatus and equipment, number of fires, EMS calls, total members, training programs, and departmental needs.
• Files a detailed estimate of appropriations needed for the conduct of the Department during the ensuing fiscal year at the direction of the City Administrator.
• Responsible for the conduct and documentation of fire safety inspections within the City and towns served.
• Reports all fires in which arson is suspected to the City Police, Sheriff's Department, and State Fire Marshall.
• Serves as a liaison, representing the Fire Department in meetings and in collaboration with other City departments, outside agencies, local, state, and federal officials, as well as the media and the public. Attends all official meetings of the Department whenever possible.
• Leads community risk reduction initiatives, promoting fire safety awareness.
• Determines the needs of the Fire Department in evaluating the use of current equipment, assessing and researching the need of additional equipment.
• Acts as the City’s Emergency Management Director, overseeing emergency preparedness and response.
• Attends conferences and trainings to stay informed about current trends in the field.
• Performs such other duties as are incumbent upon him or her as the commanding officer of the Fire Department and as may be directed from time to time by the Mayor, City Administrator, and City Council.