Fire Chief

Salary: $107,786.00 - $141,378.00 Annually
Location : CITY HALL, 415 Main St., Onalaska, WI
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-00027
Department: Fire
Division: Fire
Opening Date: 05/28/2026
Closing Date: 7/1/2026 11:59 PM Central


Essential & Related Job Functions
The City of Onalaska is seeking to hire a Fire Chief. Under the direction of the Mayor, this position directs, sets goals and objectives, and oversees all department operations. This position holds the highest-level management position within the Fire Department and is ultimately responsible for the complete control, operation, and representation of the City's fire department and its employees. The Chief is responsible for managing the physical facilities and equipment; promoting fire prevention; developing and improving the City firefighting and emergency medical response; improving the City firefighting forces with methods and techniques of firefighting and fire prevention; supervising departmental activities; formulating and enforcing department rules of conduct and policies; coordinating department activities with outside agencies; preparing and justifying departmental budgets; making recommendations for hiring, promotions, commendations, and discipline; and making major changes in procedures and organization. The Chief also provides information to the Common Council, business groups, service organizations, special committees, and representing both the City and the department to the general public, governmental agencies, news media, etc. This position is appointed by the Police and Fire Commission and supervises all employees hired by the Police and Fire Commission that serve as employees of the Onalaska Fire Department.


Essential Job Functions:

• Oversees all activities of the department for adherence to established policies and work methods; assures enforcement of statutes, fire codes and local ordinances.
• Plans, reviews, and coordinates departmental activities with the Mayor, City Administrator, Department Heads, the Police and Fire Commission, and other appointed and elected officials.
• Supervises the day-to-day activities of fire department officers and staff; evaluates and monitors fire department policies and procedures and the institution of an appropriate chain of command.
• Performs or directs the performance of tasks related to fiscal, personnel, property, records management, and other administrative tasks.
• Participates on the City of Onalaska Plan Review Team to assure projects are planned and completed in accordance with the Fire Code.
• Facilitates occupancy inspections and fire detection and prevention inspections within the response areas of the Onalaska Fire Department.
• Develops and projects a good public image of the department and its employees with the general public, other firefighter/EMS agencies, governmental officials, and the news media.
• Monitors the planning, organization, and conduct of activities related to the provision of emergency medical services and disaster management, and conduct of fire suppression activities, including readiness planning for man-made or natural disasters in the City of Onalaska and neighboring municipalities.
• Monitors the planning, organization, and conduct of departmental activities related to the inspection of properties for fire hazards and code enforcement, arson prevention and investigation, fire prevention and community education.
• Responsible for the recruitment and retention of firefighter/EMS personnel; evaluates, schedules, trains personnel, administers discipline and grievance processes within the Fire Department.
• Monitors the planning, organization, conduct, and evaluation of departmental training activities of personnel; reviews programs of instruction designed to equip department personnel with the knowledge and skills needed to perform the tasks they are assigned.
• Represents the fire department at meetings and hearings conducted by other governmental bodies and agencies on matters directly related to the department's operations; acts as a liaison with other organizations and groups on matters related to the department's operations.
• Develops rules of conduct, policies, mission statements, goals and objectives and work procedures to be followed by members of the department based on trends in city government, firefighter/EMS requirements and city growth patterns.
• Serves as legal custodian of fire department records; maintains appropriate records and prepares reports; supervises and assures maintenance of departmental equipment.
• Prepares, reviews, approves, and submits the fire department's budget for consideration by the Mayor and Common Council; and supervises expenditures of departmental appropriations.
• Attends meetings of the City Common Council, as well as meetings of the Police and Fire Commission and other committees of jurisdiction.
• Develops and annually reviews the department's long-range plan for capital improvements, including the acquisition of capital equipment and fiscal requirements associated with such a plan.
• Develops, coordinates, and annually reviews assistance agreements entered into with other jurisdictions.
• Serves as Director of the City's Emergency Management Team; develops, coordinates, reviews, trains staff tasked with Emergency Operation Center (EOC) duties ensuring the EOC is operational at any given time. Obtain Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200, 700, 800 (on-line) within 1 year of hire and 300 (in-person) certification within a reasonable time.

Compensation and Benefits: The 2026 annual salary range for this exempt position is $107,786 (step 1) through $141,378 (step 11). Starting salary depending on qualifications. Eligible for annual wage advancement upon approval.
The City offers competitive benefits to include health and dental insurance effective the first of the month following 60 days of employment. For health insurance, the most affordable area plan offered is the Quartz West Plan with premiums at $225.36 per month for a single plan or $554.72 per month for a family plan. There is no deductible or co-insurance amount for the health insurance plan. Dental insurance is through Delta Dental with premiums paid 100% by the City. The position qualifies for automatic enrollment in the Wisconsin Retirement System (pension plan) providing a lifetime payment once vested and upon eligible retirement. Additionally, the City offers voluntary benefits such as vision, flexible spending, life insurance, disability insurance, deferred compensation, pet insurance, critical illness, cancer, and accident insurance. Paid sick leave, holidays, and vacation. Access to an employee assistance program (EAP). The City of Onalaska is also a qualifying employer under the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Federal Program.

To Apply: To be considered for this excellent opportunity, submit an online employment application by accessing by July 1, 2026. For additional information please contact:

City of Onalaska Human Resources - City Hall (1st Floor)

415 Main Street, Onalaska WI 54650

Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io


Email:


Additional Information: Initial interviews anticipated for mid-July and 2nd interviews anticipated for August 3rd. Selected candidate subject to background screening, post-offer/pre-employment drug screen/physical and psychological. EOE/Drug Free Workplace.

Requirements of Work (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
Bachelor's degree in Fire Service or a closely related field. Master's Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field desired. Related course work at the National Fire Academy (e.g. Executive Fire Officer program) preferred. Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in the fire service, including five (5) years of supervisory experience and five (5) years' experience/training in emergency management; or equivalent combination of work experience. Wisconsin or International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Fire Officer II or III, and WI or International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Fire Instructor II or III preferred. Valid driver's license with good driving record. Establish and maintain residence at a distance not greater than 15 miles from the nearest corporate boundary of the City, per ordinance.
Benefits

The following summarizes regular full-time employee benefits. Benefits are pro-rated for regular part-time employees per policy. A complete benefit packet is provided to employees upon hire. Contact Human Resources for details.
Health Insurance

The State of Wisconsin Group Health Plan offers $0 deductible and $0 co-insurance. The plan pays 100% for routine and preventative services to include eye exam and regular check-ups. Emergency Room co-pay $60 per visit. Earn a $150 Annual Wellness Incentive for enrolled employees (and spouses) when completing a health assessment, health check and well-being activity.

When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.

2026 Cost: Based on lowest cost plan in area, employees pay:

• Single Plan: $225.36/month
• Family Plan: $554.72/month

Other networks are available. Premium based on plan.
Dental Insurance

The Delta Dental WI Plan offers basic coverage for preventative services such as routine cleanings, x-rays, fluoride (100% no deductible), orthodontics (60% with $1000 individual max), major services offer coverage for crowns, bridges, dentures (60%). A Vision discount program is included (at no cost) with your Delta Dental plan.


When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.

Cost: City pays 100% of the monthly premium cost for regular full-time employees and 50% of the monthly premium cost for regular part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week.
Vision Insurance

The Delta Dental WI plan for Delta Vision offers a vision exam for a $10 Copay; Retinal Imaging: member pays up to $39; Lenses $10 Copay; Frames: $150 allowance; Contact lenses: $150 allowance; Laser Vision Correction: 15% off retail price or 5% off promotional price. Frequency of Services: Every 12 months: Exam and Lenses or Contacts. Every 24 months: Frames.

When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.

Cost: Employee pays $100%. Employee only: $3.23 semi-monthly; Family: $8.03 semi-monthly
Life Insurance

The State of Wisconsin Group Life Insurance Program offers options to enroll in basic (equivalent to annual salary) with ability to add supplemental (1x salary), additional units (up to 3x salary) and spouse/dependent coverage (up to 20K). Members may continue coverage upon separation.

When eligible: 1st of the month following 30 days of employment.

Cost: Employee pays 100%. Cost varies based on age and coverage level electing. Cost is minimal. City pays administrative fee on premium.
Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)

The Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) is a pension plan providing a lifetime retirement payment once vested (after 5 years) and having reached minimum retirement age (age 55 for general employees and age 50 for protective service employees). Participation is automatic for eligible employees. Contributions are pre-taxed.

When eligible: Upon hire.

Cost: The City pays the employer share (7.20%) and the employee pays the employee share (7.20%) of your total earnings, based on 2026 rates for general employees. The City pays a higher share for employees in protective services (police/fire).
Allstate Supplemental Insurance Plans

Allstate Accident Insurance : Cash benefit paid directly to the employee for off-the-job accidental injuries. Pays in addition to other insurances. Low and High plan options available. Annual wellness benefit $75 (low plan) and $100 (high plan) per individual. Coverage is portable after separation. Contributions are pre-taxed.


When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.

Cost: Employee pays 100%. Employee Low plan $6.13/semi-monthly; Employee High plan $9.26/semi-monthly; Employee plus children; Employee plus spouse and family rates also available.

Allstate Cancer Insurance : Cash benefit paid directly to the employee for the treatment of cancer and 29 specified diseases. Pays in addition to other insurances. Annual wellness benefit $100 per individual. Low, Medium and High plan options available. Coverage is portable after separation. Contributions are pre-taxed.


When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.

Cost: Employee pays 100%. Employee Low plan $8.47/semi-monthly; Employee Medium plan $12.18/semi-monthly; Employee High plan $18.07/semi-monthly; Employee plus children, Employee plus spouse and family rates also available.

Allstate Critical Illness Insurance : Cash benefit paid directly to the employee for heart attack, stroke, major organ transplant and end stage renal failure. Additional supplemental benefits also available. Pays in addition to other insurances. Benefit amounts $2,500 - $20,000 depending on illness and plan selected. Coverage is portable after separation. Contributions are pre-taxed.


When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.

Cost: Employee pays 100%. Cost varies based on age, tobacco use and coverage level electing. Rates per employee, employee plus children, employee plus spouse and family.
Income Continuation Insurance (ICI)

The State of Wisconsin ICI program is a voluntary "income replacement" benefit for short- and/or long-term disabilities. ICI provides approximately 75% of the employee's average monthly earnings (maximum $7,500 per month). Elimination period of 30 days minimum in which the employee must be off work.

When eligible: Coverage effective 1st day of the calendar month that 1st occurs during 30-day enrollment period.


Cost: Provided at no cost to employee.
Pet Insurance

Figo Pet Insurance is a voluntary benefit, covering dogs and cats, offering a 10% discount. Each employee designs their plan picking their deductible and/or annual maximum.


When eligible: Upon hire.

Cost: Varies per plan selected. Employee pays directly to Figo.
Deferred Compensation (457b)

Deferred Compensation is a voluntary program allowing employees to put additional money in a retirement savings program. The benefits include:

• Pre-taxed deductions (Federal and State tax deferred)
• After-tax deductions for Roth IRA plans
• Allows a choice of three companies: Nationwide, North Shore Bank and Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Program

When eligible: Upon enrollment.

Cost: Employee pays 100%. Offered through payroll deduction.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

FSA allows employees an opportunity to set aside money on a pre-taxed basis for medical and dependent care expenses. Medical FSA: Pay for eligible out-of-pocket medical, vision and dental expenses not covered by another plan.


Dependent FSA: Pay for eligible dependent care expenses (childcare).


When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.

Cost: Option to contribute per Company Plan limits. City pays plan administrative fees.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

EAP provides professional and confidential assistance to employees with personal or professional concerns. When eligible: Upon hire.

Cost: City pays 100% up to five (5) visits per topic, per year.
Vacation

For regular full-time (non-union) employees, vacation time is based on a calendar year (January 1 through December 31 of each year). Hours from the date of hire, if not January 1 are prorated.


Vacation is earned and used in each calendar year period. with the exception of up to 40 hours of vacation that may be automatically carried into the next year.
Year 0 = 10 days prorated

1 year = 11 days
2 year= 12 days

3 year = 13 days
4 year = 15 days
5 year = 16 days
6 year = 17 days
7 year = 18 days
8 year = 20 days
Each year earns one more day until Year 18 = 30 days
In addition to the above, employees receive four (4) personal days - (2) on January 1st and (2) on July 1st each year to be used within the calendar year.
Sick Leave

Regular full-time (non-union) employees, accrue sick leave hours at the rate of 1 day (8 hours) per full month of employment, maximum total 960 hours. Accrued sick leave is available to employees who are unable to work because of personal sickness or injury, or due to sickness or injury of an immediate family member.
Holidays

For regular full-time (non-union) employees, the holidays listed provide employees with time off from work without loss of pay:


New Year's Day

Memorial Day

Independence Day

Day Before/After Independence Day (when falls on a Tuesday/Thursday)


Labor Day

Thanksgiving Day

Day after Thanksgiving

Christmas Eve Day

Christmas Day

New Year's Eve Day
Labor Agreement Disclaimer

Those protective service employees who are subject to comprehensive collective bargaining agreement as negotiated or are regulated by the Police & Fire Commission, shall be exempt from the provisions of these benefits that are inconsistent with such agreements or other regulations.
01


Do you have a Bachelor's Degree in Fire Service or closely related field?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you have a Master's Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field as preferred?

• Yes
• No

03


Do you have ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in the fire service, including five (5) years of supervisory experience and five (5) years' experience/training in emergency management; or equivalent combination of work experience?

• Yes
• No

04


Do you possess a valid driver's license with a good driving record?

• Yes
• No

05


Have you attended coursework at the National Fire Academy?

• Yes
• No

06


Do you have Wisconsin or International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Fire Officer II or III, and WI or IFSAC Fire Instructor II or III, as preferred.

• Yes
• No

07


Please list fire certifications you have obtained:
Required Question