Fire Chief

*This position will remain open until filled with application review to begin on January 13, 2025.

*Anticipated hiring range: $104,312 to $122,720

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The Fire Chief is responsible for directing and supervising the operations and personnel of the River Falls Fire Department. Key areas of oversight include incident response, fire suppression, fire investigations, public fire education, and conducting public fire safety inspections. Additionally, the Fire Chief serves as the Deputy Emergency Government Director for the City. This role operates in collaboration with the City Administrator, or their designee, under the statutory oversight of the Police & Fire Commission.

The Fire Chief will be a collaborative and visionary leader, fostering strong relationships with city staff, the community, and the department's volunteer members. They will demonstrate exceptional leadership and professionalism while exemplifying and championing the City’s values, priorities, and commitments in all aspects of their work.

• Strategic Leadership: Collaborate with the City Administrator and other staff to establish departmental goals and priorities. Stay informed of City needs and actively solicit input and ideas from all personnel to ensure comprehensive planning and decision-making.
• Policy and Procedure Development: Direct the creation and implementation of departmental procedures and regulations to achieve objectives effectively and efficiently.
• Personnel Management: Oversee the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of departmental personnel. Responsibilities include recruitment, hiring, and training; planning, assigning, and directing work; evaluating performance; recognizing achievements; holding personnel accountable to policies and conduct standards; and resolving conflicts or complaints.
• Supervisory Oversight: Directly supervise command personnel, including Division Chiefs and other assigned staff, while providing indirect supervision of all department personnel through the chain of command. Collaborate with Human Resources to support diversity, equity, and inclusion in recruitment and retention efforts.
• Operational Leadership: Direct and oversee all departmental operations, including establishing operational guidelines, policies, and incident response procedures. Manage and monitor the department’s budget, oversee expenditures, and ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Incident Response: Respond to emergencies as needed to support operations and, when necessary, assume command of the incident.
• Policy and Guideline Administration: Develop, implement, and update department policies, By-Laws, Standard Operating Guidelines, and Administrative Regulations to maintain operational excellence and compliance.
• Fire Prevention and Public Safety: Enforce City fire ordinances and State fire prevention laws and regulations. Lead public education efforts on fire prevention and safety, ensuring the community is informed and engaged.
• Building Coordination: Work closely with the Building Inspection Department, participating in site and plan reviews to ensure fire safety standards are met.
• Community Engagement: Oversee the development and delivery of fire prevention programs and coordinate with other departments to establish safety and emergency procedures. Maintain awareness of and participate in upcoming community events.
• Professional Development and Networking: Attend meetings, conferences, and seminars at the local, regional, state, and national levels to maintain technical and professional competence in fire administration, prevention, education, and suppression.
• Training Programs: Oversee the development and execution of training programs for personnel, ensuring proficiency in firefighting techniques, rescue operations, hazardous material responses, inspections, investigations, and other critical areas.
• Resource Management: Develop capital equipment purchase recommendations; oversee procurement processes, including specification development, vendor engagement, and purchasing decisions. Ensure proper maintenance of facilities, vehicles, and equipment, and review related reports.
• Data and Reporting: Review incident reports, prepare various reports and correspondence, compile data for state fire reporting systems, and manage payroll and monthly activity reports.
• Grant and Funding Management: Pursue and secure grants and alternative funding opportunities to support departmental initiatives.
• Knowledge Advancement: Stay updated on advancements in firefighting, emergency response, and hazardous materials management to ensure the department adopts best practices and modern technologies.
• Growth and Long-Term Planning: Analyze district growth and make recommendations for expansion and improvement in personnel, water supply, vehicles, and equipment. Develop long-range plans for training, operations, staffing, equipment, and facilities.
• Compliance and Communication: Ensure adherence to Wisconsin State Statutes, Wisconsin Administrative Code, River Falls City Ordinances, and departmental guidelines and regulations. Maintain effective oral and written communication with the City Administrator, Mayor, City Council, Police & Fire Commission, Rural Fire Association, University of Wisconsin – River Falls, department personnel, and the public.

• Support the City’s Mission/Vision/Values by personal example and encourage others to do so 
• Comprehensive knowledge of modern fire services, including the areas of suppression, community risk reduction, special operations, information management and administration. 
• Work in high stress situations and maintain a professional calm demeanor. 
• Knowledge of Local, State and Federal laws, regulations and codes relating to the fire service. 
• Thorough understanding of technology and systems related to the fire service. 
• Exhibit a leadership style characterized by collaboration and the ability to involve fire department members in the decision-making process. 
• Possess unquestioned honesty and integrity and a high sense of personal and professional ethics. 
• Positive leader who identifies and develops department talent and recognizes the achievements of fire personnel. 
• Express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. 
• Good public speaker capable of projecting a positive image of the fire department and the city. 
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with a wide variety of city personnel and the public. 
• Knowledge of volunteer recruitment and retention practices. 
• Evaluate issues from a broader, city-wide perspective 
• Build partnerships with other City departments, governmental units, regional departments, private businesses and citizens. 
• Demonstrate integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks. 
• Performs work in a confidential nature.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum:

• Associate’s degree in a related field.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of firefighting experience of which five years are fire command as a Captain/Battalion Chief or above; or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. 
• State of Wisconsin Firefighter II certification or equivalent, Hazardous Materials Operations certification, National Incident Management System (NIMS) compliance 
• State of Wisconsin Fire Inspector certification or equivalent is required within one year of hire.
• Maintain flexible working hours which include evening or weekend meetings/events.
• Valid driver’s license 

 

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration, Public Administration or other related field. 
• First Responder or EMT certification
• Completion of advanced fire officer certifications.
• National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer (EFO)
• Experience as a volunteer firefighter and/or working with volunteers.

WORKING CONDITIONS

 We are committed to fostering a workplace that values equity, and inclusion. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, recognizing that a diverse team strengthens our organization and enhances the services we provide to our community.

Work performed indoor:

• Use of computer equipment with sitting and/or standing on a continuous basis
• Sufficient mobility to move about an office setting with ease

Work performed in the field:
May lead/assist Firefighters under adverse conditions and physical conditions that may pose a high risk of personal injury or exposure to hazardous conditions. 
Physical hazard from fire, equipment, traffic, smoke inhalation, and falling objects at emergency scenes, and exposure to health risks may occur. Performance of hazardous tasks under emergency conditions may require strenuous exertion under such handicaps as limited visibility, exposure to hazardous or toxic chemicals and gases, extremes in temperatures, cramped surroundings, and contact with death, and emotional stress.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary : $104,312 - $141,128