Assistant Fire Chief

City of Rhinelander Position Description

Job Title: Assistant Fire Chief

Department: Fire Department

Immediate Supervisor: Fire Chief

SUMMARY:

Under limited supervision, this position assists the Fire Chief in the overall leadership, management, and administration of the Fire Department. Responsible for developing and administering programs and systems to support and promote high performance strategies to meet the organizational needs, vision, and values in an assigned area, which may include Support Services, Operations/EMS, and Professional Development. Reports directly to the Fire Chief.

All letters of intent and resumes must be submitted by Friday, May 15, 2026 at 3:00pm. Resumes and letters of intent may be sent to:

City of Rhinelander

Attn: Human Resources

135 S. Stevens St.

Rhinelander, WI 54501

mgeorge@rhinelanderwi.us

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Participate in planning, developing policy, and resolving departmental problems and issues. Assist the Fire Chief in the planning, direction, and implementation of policies, operating procedures, philosophies, directives, and guidelines. Assist in the identification and development of priorities, goals, and objectives for the department and the community; and participate in solving complex fire and rescue issues.

Responsible for the overall supervision, administration, management, and coordination of fire suppression and prevention, departmental training, and EMS activities. Assists with risk management, debt collection, facility maintenance and construction; supervise and manage operational and administrative functions to include performance management, employee relations, prioritizing and assigning work, and related activities, human resources, and payroll. Responds to incidents as necessary.

Assists with the formation of new programs and procedures; researches and provides recommendations of new programs and procedures; and reviews reports, plans, and records prior to submission to the Fire Chief.

May serve as a liaison between the Fire Department and other City Departments; and respond to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during local emergencies or disaster activations. May serve as an advisor to the Fire Chief in matters of selection of equipment, technology systems, and personnel assignments; may update the Fire Chief regarding investigations, status of projects, and personnel matters. The Assistant Fire Chief reports to and executes his/her duties under the direction of the Fire Chief. This rank functions as second in command within the Rhinelander Fire Department. The Assistant Fire Chief serves as acting Fire Chief and assumes full command of the department in his absence. This rank is also responsible for performing duties as assigned.

Assist with the preparation and coordination of the development of the Department’s annual budget, perform periodic review of departmental purchases and financial transactions, monitor all fund account balances and ensure expenditures are in compliance with city, state, and federal guidelines; may prepare detailed reports to include expenditure analysis, accurate revenue projections and have the ability to anticipate abnormal increases in raw materials costs into the future; may manage contractual services and approve expenditure and appropriation transfers.

May resolve questions, conflicts, and problems pertaining to the department; investigate and respond to community inquiries and concerns.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum requirements include associate’s degree in Fire Science or related field (preferred) or such other education or experience reflective of the ability to successfully perform the Assistant Chief’s duties; ten years firefighting or emergency medical service work experience with supervising capacity; Firefighter I and Firefighter II certification; Fire Officer I; valid Wisconsin Paramedic Certification. Possession or ability to obtain a valid Wisconsin motor vehicle operator’s license.

The City of Rhinelander Police and Fire Commission has the right to alter or modify these requirements and standards, as necessary.

JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Must have knowledge of apparatus, building construction, fire prevention, tactics and strategy, hydraulics, supervisory training, hazardous materials, fire fighter safety, and report writing.
• Must have knowledge of principals, practices, and procedures of modern firefighting.
• Knowledge of rules, regulations, and operational procedures of the fire department in modern firefighting activities.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision and training.
• Knowledge of local geography includes the location of fire hydrants and the major fire hazards in the community.
• Knowledge of current uniform fire code and modern investigation methods.
• Ability to conduct preliminary fact-finding inspections and investigations while gathering evidence.
• Ability to operate apparatus and equipment used in modern firefighting activities.
• Ability to supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff.
• Ability to instruct and lead fire training sessions and courses.
• The ability to frequently lift and/or move a minimum of (100) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

SALARY:

$39.84 - $44.15/hr

Pay: $82,867.20 - $91,832.00 per year

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Dental insurance
• Dependent health insurance coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person