Fire Chief
The vibrant community of Urbana, Illinois (pop. 43,200), seeks a proven, innovative fire professional to serve as the new Fire Chief. This vacancy exists due to the planned retirement of Brian Nightlinger, who has led the Urbana Fire Department since 2013. The Fire Chief is an appointed, at-will position that serves at the discretion of the Mayor. Operational guidance will be provided by the City Administrator. For more information, download the vacancy announcement by clicking the button below.
JOB SUMMARY
The Fire Chief is the executive-level position responsible for the administration and management of the Urbana Fire Department. Primary responsibilities include planning, directing, coordinating, and administering operational firefighting, fire prevention programs, rescue calls and training activities. The incumbent in this position is responsible for staffing, training, budgeting, compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and other administrative duties. The Chief is also responsible for representing the department to federal, state, county, and local public agencies and the public.
QUALIFICATIONS
-
Associate's degree in Fire Science or a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college; may substitute ten years of experience as a Firefighter at the Urbana Fire Department to fulfill this requirement.
-
At least three (3) years of demonstrated dynamic and innovative leadership with increasingly responsible supervisory experience in a management capacity.
-
Experience with fostering positive labor relations.
-
Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal Firefighter Basic Certification or Firefighter II Certification; and Office of the State Fire Marshal Fire Officer I and II Certifications.
HIGHLY DESIRED AND PREFERABLE ATTRIBUTES
-
Bachelor's and/or Master’s degree in Fire Science, Fire/Emergency Management, Business Administration, Public Administration or a similar field from an accredited institution.
-
At least five (5) years of responsible management experience in a municipal fire command position, or equivalent experience in a municipal department of comparable size.
-
Graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy and/or designation as Chief Fire Officer from the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE).
-
Experience working with and effectively participating in contract negotiations and labor relations.
-
Experience working with and understanding the needs of a highly diverse community.
COMPENSATION
Salary is commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefit options. Executive compensation package includes health, dental, life insurance with paid time off for City-observed holidays, sick leave, and vacation.
SELECTION PROCESS
-
Applications accepted through June 8.
-
Candidates will be screened through mid-June.
-
Finalist interviews in Urbana are tentatively slated for mid-July.
-
Selection process finalized by early August.
TO APPLY
Submit a cover letter and resume no later than Friday, June 8, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. CST. Please direct application materials and any questions regarding the position and/or process to: Todd Rent, Human Resources Director, at: UrbanaFireChiefSearch@urbanaillinois.us
The selected candidate for Fire Chief will be subject to a medical examination pursuant to NFPA 1582 as well as a thorough pre-employment investigation including the review of driver’s license record, criminal and character background, verification of education and training, and employer references.
Persons who believe they are qualified under the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) may request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the recruitment process. The request must be received by Human Resources with sufficient time prior to the application deadline to allow for the request to be considered through the interactive process.
The City of Urbana Welcomes Diversity!
We foster an environment that values and encourages mutual respect, inclusion of all
people, and utilizing differences and similarities as an organizational asset. EOE.