Fire Chief

JOB
The Fire Chief provides strategic leadership, direction, and overall administration of the City’s combination Fire Department. The City’s Fire Department includes full-time career firefighters, as well as paid-on-call firefighters. This role oversees all departmental functions, including fire suppression, emergency medical services and rescue operations; fire training, fire prevention and public education; as well as fire inspections and investigations.As the City’s Emergency Management Director, the Fire Chief plans and directs disaster response and crisis management efforts, maintains comprehensive emergency operations plans and ensures full compliance with applicable regulations.As a member of the City’s Leadership Team, the Fire Chief advises the City Administrator and City Council on public safety issues, long-range planning, and service delivery strategies to meet the community’s current and future needs.2026 Wage Scale: Step 1: $65.57 - Step 2: $68.85 - Step 3: $72.12 - Step 4: $75.40 - Step 5: $78.68 - Step 6: $81.96

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Public Safety Administration, Public Safety Management, Public Safety Leadership, Business or Public Administration, or a closely related field; andTen (10) years of progressively responsible fire service experience, including at least five (5) years in a supervisory command role (chief officer level) within a combination career/volunteer or paid-on-call department; orEquivalent combination of education/experience/training.Minnesota Certified Emergency Manager (or ability to obtain within 18 months of hire).Minnesota Certified Emergency Medical Responder (EMR).Licensed as a full-time Firefighter in the State of Minnesota (or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire).Valid Minnesota driver’s license (or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire).Ability to respond to major incidents within 30 minutes of Fire Station 1 or Fire Station 2.Desired Qualifications: Master’s degree in Fire Science, Public Safety, Public Administration, Business Administration, or closely related field.Executive Fire Officer (EFO) or Chief Fire Officer (CFO) certification through the National Fire Academy or Chief Fire Officer designation through the Center for Excellence in Public Safety.National Registry and State of Minnesota certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Extensive knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances, regulations, and fire codes, including administration and enforcement.Knowledge of effective management practices within a City Administrator form of municipal government.Proven leadership and interpersonal skills that promote professionalism, accountability, and teamwork.Skilled in municipal budgeting, personnel planning, and capital equipment planning.Strong judgment, decision-making, and critical-thinking abilities, especially under pressure or during emergency operations.Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with staff, elected officials, and the public.Ability to perform firefighter duties, including lifting 50+ pounds and working safely in hazardous environments.Ability to remain calm, act decisively, and support safe and efficient on-scene operations during emergencies.