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Fire Chief - Director
JOB
Anticipated Timeline(1) Application Period: April 22 to May 15, 2026(3) First Round Interviews: Week of May 18, 2026(4) Second Round Interviews: Week of May 25, 2026(5) Extend conditional offer* of employment to successful candidate: Week of June 1, 2026(6) Leadership Assessment will be scheduled and completed on top candidate(s): Mid June(7) Desired start date: July 1, 2026 *Conditional offer contingent on successful completion of leadership assessment, background check, and pre-employment screenings.THE COMMUNITY WE SERVE: The City of Owatonna is a growing community strategically placed at the crossroads of I-35 and two major US highways, approximately one hour south of the Twin Cities metro area. The community has a commitment to growth, access to services, and quality of life for its 26,000 residents. Click the link below to learn more about the community this position would have the opportunity to be part of and serve. ABOUT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT: DEPARTMENT PURPOSE: We believe that our community thrives when there is a response and support in times of emergency. The Fire Department creates a better tomorrow by preserving life and property when our citizens need it most.As an organization, our Purpose is to create a better tomorrow. We are guided in that work by our organization's 3 Core Values: Better Together, Community Stewardship, and Pride in Our Work.In our department, the City’s values look and sound like . . . BETTER TOGETHER: Having each other’s backs - our lives depend on it Working as a team within the department, the city, and the community - we can’t do this job aloneMentoring—sharing our wisdom and experience with each otherVolunteering at community eventsResisting the drama—treating each other with mutual respect and trustProviding and receiving positive and constructive feedback from each otherUtilizing the individual strengths, skills, abilities, and backgrounds within our team while giving the appropriate respect to rankCOMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP: Protecting and safeguarding community lives and propertyOperating with integrity at all timesContinuing to enhance our training and educationRecognizing that we are a public face for the city and maintaining that positive public imageProactively preventing fire and reducing risk throughout the communityParticipating in opportunities for community engagement and partnershipTaking care of the equipment, facilities, and other public resources we are entrusted withSpending taxpayers’ money and using city resources wisely, efficiently, and effectivelyPRIDE IN OUR WORK: Caring and showing up prepared to support an individual on their worst dayPutting in the extra effort - taking the initiative to clean trucks, gear, tools, and the stationHaving a willingness to learn new things and seek self-improvementHonoring the public image and legacy of the fire service and the responsibility that comes with that
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
WHAT YOU'LL DO: The Fire Director is responsible for the comprehensive leadership and strategic oversight of the City of Owatonna’s Fire Department and related public safety programs. This role manages all fire service operations, including emergency response, staffing, financial planning, and regulatory compliance. In addition to traditional fire chief duties, the position leads citywide safety initiatives, coordinates emergency management efforts, and serves as a key liaison to local and regional public safety organizations. The Director develops and manages multiple operating and capital budgets, supervises department personnel, oversees rental and business inspection programs, and collaborates on policy and procedural development.Specifically, as the Fire Chief - Director, you will... Provides direction and leadership to staff, including assigning work, training staff, conducting performance counseling, conducting performance evaluations and making disciplinary, hiring and promotion decisions Provides leadership in directing the operations of the department, including strategic planning; evaluating plans to ensure needs are being met; developing, approving, planning, coordinating,evaluating and administering projects, processes, policies, procedures, standards, programs and services; and coordinating activities between multiple departments, programs or functions.Manages department compliance with federal, state and local laws, regulations, codes and standards.Serves as a representative of the City in negotiations, on committees, in meetings, on boards, or in other public groupsManages department financials, including developing budgets; monitoring use of funds; allocating funds to correct programs and services; and approving use of funds.Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
This is a full-time position. Schedule will vary and will include evening and weekend hours.To view the full job description including position specifications and physical demands click here. To view the job profile click here.
Anticipated Timeline(1) Application Period: April 22 to May 15, 2026(3) First Round Interviews: Week of May 18, 2026(4) Second Round Interviews: Week of May 25, 2026(5) Extend conditional offer* of employment to successful candidate: Week of June 1, 2026(6) Leadership Assessment will be scheduled and completed on top candidate(s): Mid June(7) Desired start date: July 1, 2026 *Conditional offer contingent on successful completion of leadership assessment, background check, and pre-employment screenings.THE COMMUNITY WE SERVE: The City of Owatonna is a growing community strategically placed at the crossroads of I-35 and two major US highways, approximately one hour south of the Twin Cities metro area. The community has a commitment to growth, access to services, and quality of life for its 26,000 residents. Click the link below to learn more about the community this position would have the opportunity to be part of and serve. ABOUT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT: DEPARTMENT PURPOSE: We believe that our community thrives when there is a response and support in times of emergency. The Fire Department creates a better tomorrow by preserving life and property when our citizens need it most.As an organization, our Purpose is to create a better tomorrow. We are guided in that work by our organization's 3 Core Values: Better Together, Community Stewardship, and Pride in Our Work.In our department, the City’s values look and sound like . . . BETTER TOGETHER: Having each other’s backs - our lives depend on it Working as a team within the department, the city, and the community - we can’t do this job aloneMentoring—sharing our wisdom and experience with each otherVolunteering at community eventsResisting the drama—treating each other with mutual respect and trustProviding and receiving positive and constructive feedback from each otherUtilizing the individual strengths, skills, abilities, and backgrounds within our team while giving the appropriate respect to rankCOMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP: Protecting and safeguarding community lives and propertyOperating with integrity at all timesContinuing to enhance our training and educationRecognizing that we are a public face for the city and maintaining that positive public imageProactively preventing fire and reducing risk throughout the communityParticipating in opportunities for community engagement and partnershipTaking care of the equipment, facilities, and other public resources we are entrusted withSpending taxpayers’ money and using city resources wisely, efficiently, and effectivelyPRIDE IN OUR WORK: Caring and showing up prepared to support an individual on their worst dayPutting in the extra effort - taking the initiative to clean trucks, gear, tools, and the stationHaving a willingness to learn new things and seek self-improvementHonoring the public image and legacy of the fire service and the responsibility that comes with that
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
WHAT YOU'LL DO: The Fire Director is responsible for the comprehensive leadership and strategic oversight of the City of Owatonna’s Fire Department and related public safety programs. This role manages all fire service operations, including emergency response, staffing, financial planning, and regulatory compliance. In addition to traditional fire chief duties, the position leads citywide safety initiatives, coordinates emergency management efforts, and serves as a key liaison to local and regional public safety organizations. The Director develops and manages multiple operating and capital budgets, supervises department personnel, oversees rental and business inspection programs, and collaborates on policy and procedural development.Specifically, as the Fire Chief - Director, you will... Provides direction and leadership to staff, including assigning work, training staff, conducting performance counseling, conducting performance evaluations and making disciplinary, hiring and promotion decisions Provides leadership in directing the operations of the department, including strategic planning; evaluating plans to ensure needs are being met; developing, approving, planning, coordinating,evaluating and administering projects, processes, policies, procedures, standards, programs and services; and coordinating activities between multiple departments, programs or functions.Manages department compliance with federal, state and local laws, regulations, codes and standards.Serves as a representative of the City in negotiations, on committees, in meetings, on boards, or in other public groupsManages department financials, including developing budgets; monitoring use of funds; allocating funds to correct programs and services; and approving use of funds.Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
This is a full-time position. Schedule will vary and will include evening and weekend hours.To view the full job description including position specifications and physical demands click here. To view the job profile click here.
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