Fire Chief

Fire Chief

The Fire Chief assumes responsibility for the administration, supervision, and management of the Elkhorn Area Fire Department. The Fire Chief coordinates emergency fire and medical service operations, oversees fire prevention, education, safety, and inspections, and ensures effective emergency government coordination. Additionally, the Fire Chief collaborates with other departments, manages budgets, and represents the Fire Department in various forums. The Chief serves as the face of the City during emergency scenes and works closely with other agencies. Pursuant to Section 62.13(3), Wis. Stats., the Police and Fire Commission shall appoint the Chief of the Fire Department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops and implements policies, procedures, and regulations governing all aspects of departmental operations. Ensures 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.

• Except where properly delegated to a subordinate, the Fire Chief shall be the custodian of all official records of the Fire Department. Such records shall include, at a minimum, 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.

• The Chief shall have 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.

• In accordance with the standard operating guidelines of the Department, the Fire Chief or the Chief's designee shall attend all fires in the City, towns served and elsewhere when the Department has responded to render mutual aid to another department. If the Fire Chief or the Chief's designee is unavailable, the highest-ranking officer of the Department in attendance shall have the same powers and duties as the Chief.

• In accordance with the standard operating guidelines of the Department, the Fire Chief or the Chief's designee shall attend rescue calls to which the Fire Department is called. In the absence of the Fire Chief or the Chief's designee, the highest-ranking officer in attendance shall have the same powers and duties as the Chief.

• The Chief shall submit such written reports to the Mayor, City Administrator, City Council, and Fire Advisory Board on a monthly and quarterly basis. An annual report for the calendar year ending on December 31 shall be submitted no later than the first of April each year. This report shall detail the condition of all apparatus and equipment, number of fires, EMS calls and total number of members in the Department This report shall also contain an overview of the total Department operations of the past year in regard to training programs, needs of the Department now and in the coming year.

• At the direction of the City Administrator, the Fire Chief shall file with the Administrator and the Fire Advisory Board a detailed estimate of the appropriations needed for the conduct of the Department during the ensuing fiscal year.

• In accordance with COMM 14 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code, the Chief shall be responsible for the conduct and documentation of fire safety inspections within the City and towns served.

• Report 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. The Chief shall attend all official meetings of the Department whenever possible.

• Leads community risk reduction initiatives, promoting fire safety awareness.

• The Chief shall determine the needs of the Fire Department in evaluating the use of current equipment, assessing and researching the need of additional equipment that would be necessary to protect residences and businesses of area served.

• 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.

• Perform 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.

Qualifications

Minimum Position Qualifications Required Education & Experience

• 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. 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.

Anticipated Starting Salary: The 2026 Salary range is $96,241.60 to $129,542.40 with a hiring range to the midpoint of $112,777.60. Salary will commensurate with experience.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• 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.