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Fire Chief
Elk River is seeking a well-rounded and experienced professional who is looking for an excellent opportunity to lead a high-performing, progressive fire department and to serve as a member of the City of Elk River's leadership team. The Fire Chief reports to the City Administrator and is responsible for the leadership and oversight of the Fire Department and the emergency management operations of the city. This is a PERA Police & Fire position and the successful candidate for this position will be disqualified from participation in the Elk River Fire Relief Association. The City provides a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, life, STD/LTD insurance, flexible spending plan, Public Sector Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF), generous leave plans including ESST, free Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), and more for qualified employees. Starting salary $149,622. (2026 Salary range: $149,622–$166,246). (As of 7/1/26 Adjusted salary range of $160,559-$178,399)
City-of-Elk-River-Fire-Chief-Position Brochure
To apply, attach a resume and cover letter and complete this application by April 20, 2026, deadline.
If you need accommodation with the application process, please call 763.635.1000 and ask for Human Resources.
The City of Elk River is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Click here for Important Facts about Information on your Employment Application
City of Elk River-Fire Chief-Position Description
Department: Fire
Immediate Supervisor: City Administrator
Pay Grade: 2E
FLSA Status: Exempt
Last Updated: (date) 3/2026
Positions Supervised:
Assistant Fire Chief, Administrative Assistant, Deputy Chief – Training, Community Risk Reduction Specialist, and indirectly, Paid On-Call Firefighter
Position Summary
The Fire Chief administers and coordinates activities of the fire department for fire protection, suppression, and prevention for the city and contracting jurisdictions, as well as emergency management and the citywide safety program in the City of Elk River. Responsible for the training and supervision of paid on call firefighters to ensure an effective and efficient operation; surveys building, grounds, and equipment to determine departmental needs; investigates cause of fires.
Essential Functions
- Performs administrative activities.
- Plans, coordinates, supervises, and evaluates fire department programs.
- Creates, plans, and manages department budget.
- Plans the staffing, organization, and function of department’s human resources to ensure an efficient and effective program for fire prevention and protection.
- Oversees the work of department employees.
- Actively participates as a member of the city leadership team to define, establish, and attain the goals of the organization, elected officials, and community.
- Serves as a trustee on the Elk River Fire Relief Association.
- Performs timely annual performance reviews of all direct reports.
- Evaluates the fire department training program and ensures it meets departmental goals.
- Establishes and maintains mutual aid agreements with neighboring fire departments.
- Establishes and implements a public information program for adult and youth regarding fire safety, prevention, and emergency activities.
- Establishes policies and procedures to implement directives from the city administrator and City Council.
- Develops, revises, and implements internal policies, procedures, schedules, and other operating practices, rules and regulations consistent with City Council directives, citywide policies, and ordinances.
- Prepares and presents oral and written reports concerning activities of the fire department to the City Council, public commissions, other governmental agencies, or community groups.
- Directs and conducts ongoing research into new fire service technologies and trends and recommends implementation of programs to the city administrator and the department to achieve its objectives more efficiently.
- Identifies federal, state, and private research and development grants; determines the scope of work for which funds are needed; prepares proposals to obtain grants; administers grant funds accordingly.
- Maintains a positive working relationship with Elk River Ambulance and the communities and officials of contractual fire services.
2. Coordinates and manages fire suppression activities.
- Maintains department in a continual state of readiness to effectively respond to emergencies.
- Evaluates fire prevention and controls policies by keeping abreast of new methods and incorporates appropriate new methods in department's operation.
- Maintains appropriate records on fire occurrences, equipment, personnel, training, and all items relating to the fire department.
3. Enforces related codes and ordinances.
- Coordinates with the building and zoning department on the enforcement of state and local fire codes when building permits are issued.
- Reviews plats and development plans prior to final approval.
- Investigates fire code complaints and issues corrective orders when appropriate.
- Coordinates changes in the fire department or fire code ordinances.
4. Manages inspection activities.
- Implements inspection program that complies with the International Fire Code.
5. Administers city’s emergency management plan.
- Serves as the city's emergency management director.
- Establishes procedures to respond to hazardous material emergencies.
- Coordinates duties and responsibilities with the city administrator to effectively respond to emergencies.
- Maintains and monitors the emergency warning sirens to ensure adequate coverage in case of an emergency.
- Maintains the city’s Emergency Operation Plan.
- Maintains the city’s Emergency Resource Manual.
6. Directs the city’s employee safety programs.
- Manages all city safety programs.
- Leads the Safety Committee meetings and activities.
- Enforces safety policies and procedures and investigates claims.
- Recommends safety policies and equipment and supply purchases.
- Ensures required safety training is completed timely.
7. Performs budget and financial activities.
- Compiles, prepares, and recommends to the city administrator the annual budget for the fire department including fire prevention and inspections, emergency management, and capital improvement plan.
- Manages, monitors, and controls the overall departmental expenditures.
8. Performs other essential job duties.
- Regular and timely work attendance.
- Follows all safety procedures and participates in safety training.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of firefighting equipment practices, principles, methods and techniques.
- Knowledge of fire codes and fire prevention laws and regulations.
- Knowledge of OSHA safety regulations, training requirements etc.
- Ability to prepare and implement operating and capital improvement budgets.
- Ability to effectively communicate with the public, departmental personnel, city staff, City Council, and other governmental agencies.
- Ability to prepare technical reports and present reports to the city staff and City Council.
- Ability to provide leadership and promote morale among the firefighters.
- Ability to develop cooperative relations with the public.
- Ability to use a computer.
- Ability to train and supervise staff.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Fire Services Management, Business or Public Administration, Management, or related field.
- Five years of training and experience with a fire department.
- Seven years of management experience including supervision, budget preparation and implementation, and managing day-to-day operations in alignment with organizational priorities.
- Certified Firefighter II by the Minnesota State Certification Board.
- Certified Fire Officer I and II by the Minnesota State Certification Board.
- Emergency Management Certification. A candidate who does not hold this certification will be required to obtain certification within a period determined at time of hire.
- Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in developing, implementing, and managing fire operations and training.
- Previous Fire Chief experience.
- Executive level management experience.
- Certified Fire Instructor II by the Minnesota State Certification Board.
Physical Requirements
This Position Description is not intended to be all-inclusive. It is within the City of Elk River’s discretion to assign additional duties and responsibilities or remove duties and responsibilities at any time.
This Position Description does not constitute a Contract of Employment.
To apply, attach a resume and cover letter and complete this application by the April 20, 2026, deadline.
If you need accommodation with the application process, please call 763.635.1000 and ask for Human Resources.
The City of Elk River is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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