The salary for this position is up to $148,809 depending on qualifications.

In anticipation of a planned leadership transition within the next several years, the Town is seeking to recruit an Assistant Fire Chief who will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team and support a seamless succession of department leadership.

The Department protects lives and property through fire suppression, emergency medical services, disaster management, fire prevention and public education.

It is the mission of the Normal Fire Department to:

• Encourage our employees to serve as role models and participate in the community
• Maintain a high standard of training and education for our employees to maintain a strong degree of operational capability

• Promote a safe community through public education, fire prevention, fire investigation and code enforcement
• Protect the lives and property of the citizens and visitors of the Town of Normal during all emergencies and disasters
• Utilize all available resources in an efficient and fiscally responsible manner

This recruitment is part of the Department’s proactive succession planning efforts. The selected candidate will work closely with the Fire Chief in executive leadership, strategic planning, organizational development, and operational oversight to ensure continuity, stability, and preparedness for a future leadership transition.

The duties of the Assistant Fire Chief are performed under the direction of the Fire Chief. In the absence of the Fire Chief, the Assistant Fire Chief may assume command of the Fire Department and assume the responsibilities and duties of the Fire Chief.

Please submit a resume and cover letter for consideration in this position.

Respond to all major alarms of fire or other emergencies and shall remain in charge at such emergencies until the arrival of the Chief. The Assistant Fire Chief shall direct and coordinate the application of established policy, rules and regulations, practices and procedures, and shall confer with other department officers, coordinating their duties for the purpose of uniform administration of each fire company.

May be assigned to administer, manage, coordinate or implement one or more of the following areas: Operations, Training, Emergency Medical Service or Fleet and Equipment Maintenance.

Administer, interpret and enforce the collective bargaining agreement. The Assistant Fire Chief enforces the rules and regulations and the orders and instructions of the Chief.

May screen, interview and recommend applicants for positions under supervision. May select and recommend schools and training for staff. Review staff performance and is responsible for employee counseling and discipline. Keeps staff apprised of changes or new information affecting employees.

Assist the Fire Chief in long range planning and the setting of goals and objectives.

Assist the Fire Chief in the preparation and monitoring of the department budget.

Assist the Fire Chief in administering all aspects of the Fire Department.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Demonstrated skill in supervising firefighting, EMS and technical rescue team, clerical personnel in emergency and non-emergency settings, and to maintain harmonious working relationships among employees.

Demonstrated skill in administrative duties and project management.

Considerable knowledge of, or ability to learn, the physical conditions of target hazards within the Town and use in the department's pre-plan system.

Thorough knowledge, or the ability to learn, the street system of the Town.

Ability to learn locations and functions of firefighting systems in the community.

Extensive knowledge of modern fire administration, suppression and prevention methods, techniques and practices; and the ability to keep abreast of new fire techniques and methods.

Some knowledge of, and ability in, collective bargaining and labor agreement administration.

Considerable knowledge of Emergency Medical Service certification and training requirements.

Considerable skill in the use of personal computers, Microsoft Office Suite with emphasis on Word and Excel.

Ability to deal positively and effectively with Town officials, employees, other governmental agencies, and officials and the general public.

Ability to work positively as part of the Town’s management team and to promote positive customer service.

Demonstrated oral, written communication, interpersonal skills and the ability to take initiative.

Must have and retain a valid Illinois driver's license or have the ability to obtain and retain one.

Associate degree in Fire Science Technology and certification by the State of Illinois as a Fire Instructor II and Fire Officer III with a preference for a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Service Management, Public Administration or graduation from an accredited Chief Executive Fire Officer’s Program; and at least ten years of progressively responsible municipal fire department experience with at least two years in a Chief Officer position and four years of significant financial, administrative and operational management, and considerable supervisory experience; or a comparable combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

The Town of Normal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Town does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The Town of Normal does not use artificial intelligence to screen applications.