Fire Chief

ALL APPLICANTS MUST COMPLETE AN APPLICATION ON THE CITY OF OSHKOSH WEBSITE IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR AN INTERVIEW.

The City of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, with approximately 67,000 citizens, is an award-winning community in the heart of the Fox River Valley. Oshkosh is a progressive and collaborative community that offers small-town friendliness with big-city amenities and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests.

The Oshkosh Fire Department is a professional emergency response agency dedicated to protecting the community of Oshkosh, Wisconsin from fires and other emergencies. With a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century, the department has evolved and grown to meet the changing needs of the city. It consists of highly trained staff who are equipped with modern equipment and specialized skills to handle a wide range of emergencies.

The Fire Chief is the chief administrative position of the Oshkosh Fire Department and the Emergency Management Coordinator for the City. As a department head, it is expected that the Chief will work cooperatively with the City Manager and other department heads to achieve City and public safety goals. The position is also responsible for the overall management and operation of the City’s Fire Department. Work involves supervising subordinate staff who oversee the day-to-day operations related work to fire prevention, public education, training, fire suppression, and administration. This individual shall establish operational guidelines, programs, and policies to ensure the attainment of specified goals.

Key responsibilities include:

• Fire Department Oversight and Management: Strategically plan and manage the Fire Department's operations, including programs, services, and staffing. Evaluate fire protection and emergency service options, prepare budget requests, and manage contracts for services.
• Personnel Management: Lead and supervise personnel, maintain labor relations, handle personnel issues according to regulations, and manage recruitment, hiring, promotion, and discipline processes.
• Collaboration: Coordinate with City departments and public entities for resource sharing to enhance public service delivery, offering expertise to City leadership and various committees. Act as the department representative in fire suppression and medical emergencies, managing inquiries and engaging with fire service organizations as required.

What you will bring to this position:

Experience: At least ten (10) years of experience in firefighting, emergency medical services, and emergency management, including five (5) years of experience in a progressively responsible command position in a fire department of similar size or greater and service level.

Knowledge: Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Service Management, Public Administration or a related field. Master’s Degree preferred.

Communication: Effectively lead a team and build rapport with community members and members of City boards and commissions.

Collaboration: Skilled in building and sustaining collaborative relationships with staff, city officials, the press, and the public.

The City of Oshkosh values its employees and is committed to providing a balanced workplace where staff are supported through development and enrichment opportunities. The minimum pay for this position is $129,604.80 annually, with the starting salary based on qualifications.

An attractive program of benefits and an outstanding work environment await the successful candidate, including a generous paid time off plan, a stable state pension plan with employer match, and a no-cost employer sponsored clinic available to those enrolled in our health insurance plan.

To apply for this position, please visit the City of Oshkosh Employment webpage at: https://selfservice.oshkoshwi.gov/ess/employmentopportunities/default.aspx.

If you have additional questions regarding the recruitment, please contact Human Resources Manager Michelle Behnke at (920) 236-5110.

The City of Oshkosh is an equal opportunity employer. Following the application deadline of March 2, 2025, recruitment materials will be reviewed and those candidates whose qualifications most closely match the requirements of the position will be interviewed. Background investigations, reference checks, and physical and psychological evaluations will also be part of the hiring process.

Special Note: Wisconsin Statutes require the names of final candidates to be open to public inspection.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $129,604.80 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Shift:

• Day shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $129,605