Fire Chief



Job Details

Fire Chief
Employer

City of Onalaska

Salary

$79,202.61 - $107,156.47 Annually

Location

Onalaska, WI

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2018-00020

Department

Fire

Opening Date

04/30/2018

Closing Date

Continuous

Essential & Related Job Functions

POSITION WILL BE OPEN UNTIL FILLED.  FIRST REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS WILL BE MAY 29, 2018.

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:
Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor are the examples listed include all the duties that may be found in this position.
  1. Oversees all activities of the department for adherence to established policies and work methods.
  2. Plans, reviews, and coordinates departmental activities with the Mayor, City Administrator, Department Heads, the Police and Fire Commission, and other appointed and elected officials.
  3. Supervises the day-to-day activities of fire department officers and staff; evaluates and monitors fire department policies and procedures.
  4. Performs or directs the performance of tasks related to fiscal, personnel, property, records management, and other administrative tasks.
  5. 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.
  6. Monitors the planning, organization, and conduct of activities related to the provision of emergency medical services and disaster management, including readiness planning; monitors the planning, organization, and conduct of fire suppression activities, including readiness planning for man-made or natural disasters in the City of Onalaska and neighboring municipalities.
  7. 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.
  8. Responsible for the recruitment and retention of firefighter personnel; evaluates personnel, administers discipline and grievance processes within the Fire Department.
  9. 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.
  10. Represents the fire department at meetings and hearings conducted by other governmental bodies and agencies on matters directly related to the department's operations; provides liaison with other organizations and groups on matters related to the department's operations.
  11. 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.
  12. Maintains appropriate records and prepare reports.  Supervises and assures maintenance of equipment.
  13. Prepares, reviews, approves, and submits the fire department's annual operating budget for consideration by the Mayor and Common Council; and supervises expenditures of departmental appropriations.   
  14. Attends meetings of the City Common Council, as well as meetings of the Police and Fire Commission and other committees of jurisdiction.
  15. 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.
  16. Develops, coordinates, and annually reviews assistance agreements entered into with other jurisdictions.
  17. Serves as City Emergency Management Director.
 
RELATED JOB FUNCTIONS:
  1. Attends professional conferences; participates in continuing education and training programs to maintain and develop the knowledge and skills needed to perform tasks associated with this position.
  2. Responds to fire alarms and other calls for assistance as needed; directs use of departmental equipment and resources, including personnel.
  3. Contributes to a cooperative working effort by demonstrating a willingness to perform other job-related work, as needed or requested.  The interdependency of operations is recognized and the abilities and skills exist to do other work as needed or requested.  Assistance is given to others and special projects completed as scheduled or requested. 
  4. Other duties as requested or assigned.

Requirements of Work (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

  1. Knowledge of tactics, techniques, and equipment commonly used to contain and extinguish fires.
  2. Knowledge of conditions and events that produce fire and characteristics associated with different kinds of fires.
  3. Knowledge of water supply, gas, electrical, mechanical, hydraulic systems, and fire protection systems (hydrants, sprinklers, alarms).
  4. Knowledge of national standards, state laws and administrative codes related to the prevention of fires and procedures for inspection and enforcement.
  5. Knowledge of fire investigation procedures and techniques including, but not limited to, evidence collection and searches.
  6. Knowledge of emergency medical services including their organization and management, accepted procedures and practice, and the training of emergency medical technicians.
  7. Knowledge of methods used to deal with hazardous or life threatening situations, including those associated with the storage and transportation of flammable liquids, gases, chemicals, petroleum products, combustible and other hazardous materials; building construction materials; vehicle, railroad and pipeline accidents; medical emergencies; natural and man-made disasters.
  8. Knowledge of municipal administration including the structure and functions of city government; principles of management; budget planning and control; purchasing; personnel management and labor relations; performance evaluation; public relations.
  9. Ability to evaluate staff subordinates in a fair and equitable manner, recommending commendations and administering discipline as necessary.
  10. Ability to offer budgetary documentation to the City's governmental authorities within the guidelines of the city structure; ability to support and defend the recommended operating budget of the department.
  11. Ability to delegate authority to appropriate staff subordinates monitoring adherence to established fire policies and departmental procedures.
  12. Skill in dealing with the public and department personnel firmly and courteously and to establish effective working relationships with the public, news media, city officials, outside agencies and others.
  13. Knowledge of the role and responsibilities of a Police and Fire Commission in Wisconsin.
  14. Knowledge of PCs including Microsoft Office, email, and internet, as well as other applications in fire service management.
  15. Skills in the preparation and interpretation of complex oral and written communications, policy development and in all aspects of public speaking.
  16. Ability to perform all functions required for the classification of Assistant Chief.
  17. Skills in successfully recruiting, testing, selecting, training, and supervising fire fighters and officers.
  18. Skills in the effective use of appropriate disciplinary methods and the fair, impartial enforcement of fire department rules.
  19. Ability to operate a variety of office machines and equipment, including phone/mobile phone, computer, calculator, fax machine, radio, mobile data terminal (MDT), electronic monitoring equipment, pager, medical and fire apparatus/equipment.
  20. Ability to maintain a professional demeanor; calmly approach and solve problems under stressful circumstances; maintain and promote harmony in the workplace; concentrate for extended periods of time; and be flexible.

Training, Experience & Other Requirements

  1. Bachelor's degree in Fire Service or a closely related field supplemented by the completion of other college level courses in public or business administration or a related field; or equivalent combination of experience in fire supervision, administration or a related field.  Master's Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field is desired; related course work at the National Fire Academy is preferred. 
  2. Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in the fire service, including five (5) years of supervisory experience and five (5) years' experience in emergency management; or equivalent combination of work experience.
  3. State of Wisconsin (WI) or International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Fire Officer II or III, and State of Wisconsin (WI) or International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Fire Instructor II or III. 
  4. Graduate of or currently enrolled in the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer (EFO) program is preferred. 
  5. A valid driver's license is required.
  6. Residence in within 15 miles of the City of Onalaska's jurisdictional limits (as required by policy).
 
 

Physical Requirements

  1. Frequently sits at keyboard.
  2. Frequent twisting.
  3. Reads and writes.
  4. Large percentage of time is spent talking, hearing, speaking and using near and far vision.
  5. Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing movements requiring skill and training.
  6. Ability to exert variable physical effort from sedentary to very heavy physical demands.  May involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling.
  7. Reaches shoulder height frequently as well as reaches above and below shoulder height.
  8. Occasional bending and climbing up and down stairs or on ladders.
  9. Ability to sustain prolonged visual concentration:
  10. Moderate, short, to intermittent use of equipment and ability to react with sudden movements, which may involve heavy to very heavy demands:
  11. Ability to sustain prolonged visual concentration
  12. Seventy-five (75%) percent of workday spent sitting.
  13. Fifteen (15%) percent of work day spent walking.
  14. Ten (10%) percent of workday is spent standing.
  15. Walking, running, jumping, dodging obstacles, climbing, crawling, dragging, pushing/pulling objects or people.
  16. All percentages above could vary; depending upon duties performed that day.

Health Insurance
Regular full-time employees shall be entitled to participation in the health insurance program effective the first (1st) day of the month following sixty (60) days of employment.  Currently the City of Onalaska offers health insurance programs as stipulated in the It's Your Choice booklets provided online by the Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds online to employees during the orientation program.  These booklets outline what items are covered under each plan and are also available on the State of Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds website at http://etf.wi.gov.

The City of Onalaska will pay 80% of the premium for health insurance.  Employees will contribute 20% of the remaining premium.  
 
For part-time employees exceeding 1200 and less than 1999 hours in a twelve (12) month period, health insurance will be offered in accordance with the Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds standards.  Part-time employees will pay 50% of the health insurance premium and the City of Onalaska will pay 50% of the health insurance premium.  Labor Agreements - 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 rules that are inconsistent with such agreements or other regulations.
 
Dental Insurance
Regular full-time employees shall be entitled to participation in the dental insurance program effective the first (1st) day of the month following sixty (60) days of employment.  The City pays 100% of the premium.

Part-time employees exceeding 1200 hours in a twelve (12) month period are not eligible to receive dental insurance.  Labor Agreements - 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 rules that are inconsistent with such agreements or other regulations.
 
Life Insurance
Regular full-time employees and part-time employees exceeding 1200 hours in a twelve (12) month period are eligible for Life insurance with the City of Onalaska. 
 
Life insurance is available for the employee and other family members after the first of the month following thirty (30) days of continuous employment.  Employees pay the full cost of the premium.  The City pays the administrative cost associated with the premium.  Labor Agreements - 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 rules that are inconsistent with such agreements or other regulations.
 
Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)
Full Time, Less than Full Time and Part Time employees (except Part Time firefighters), as defined under City of Onalaska Policy No. 1.11 Definition of Employee Status are entitled to participate in the Wisconsin Retirement System. 

The City pays the employer contribution and the Employee is responsible for the portion of the employee contribution as directed by the Wisconsin Legislature.  The percentage of contribution varies based on employee group and is established by the Wisconsin Legislature / Department of Employee Trust Fund / Wisconsin Retirement System.  The plan is administered by the Department of Employee Trust Fund. 

Additional information is in the Your Benefit Handbook provided to each eligible employee during the orientation period.   Labor Agreements - 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 rules that are inconsistent with such agreements or other regulations.
 
Short and Long Term Disability
The City of Onalaska offers Short Term Disability insurance through Kansas City Life.  Benefits are available to all regular full-time employees and pay benefits up to 60% of the employees salary.  Premiums are paid by the employee only. 

Allstate Supplemental Insurance Plans

The City provides additional supplemental insurance plans through Allstate which includes: Accident, Cancer and Critical Illness insurance.  The employee pays the premiums on a pre-tax basis.  

Accident insurance can pay a lump sum benefit for off-the-job accidental injuries plus some medical benefits.  It works in addition to the other insurance you have.  It also includes an outpatient physicians treatment benefit which is determined by the option you choose.

Cancer and specified disease insurance can help you manage the high expenses of treatment, preserve savings, protect your family from financial hardship and allows you to concentrate on getting well.  It includes a wellness benefit of $100 per calendar year per person for a wellness test.  

Critical illness coverage provides a lump-sum cash benefit to help you cover the out-of-pocket expenses associated with a critical illness.  Coverage is dependent upon which plan you choose.?
 
Deferred Compensation (457b)
Deferred compensation is available to all regular full-time employees with the City of Onalaska.  This is a voluntary program which allows employees to put additional money in a retirement savings program.
The benefits include: 
  • pre-taxed deductions from your payroll check (Federal and State tax deferred)
  • after-tax deductions from your payroll check for Roth IRA plans
  • the City of Onalaska allows choice of three companies:  Nationwide, North Shore Bank and Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Program. 
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
The City of Onalaska allows employees, through the Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), to have their health insurance premiums on the Tax Savings Plan.  Employees are also eligible to participate in FSA health care and dependent care reimbursement accounts.
 
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The City of Onalaska provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which is available to employees and their immediate family members.  EAP provides professional and confidential assistance to assist employees in resolving either personal or professional concerns. 
 
EAP is provided to employees at no cost as it is an employer sponsored program.   EAP is available 24/7 to employees and information is available through the Human Resource department.
 
Vacation
Vacation time will be based on a calendar year (January 1 through December 31 of each year).  Hours from the date of hire, if not January 1 will be prorated accordingly.   Vacation is earned and used in one calendar year period.  All vacation earned must be taken in the same calendar year or it is forfeited.  Up to one (1) week of vacation may be carried into the next year if authorization from the Department Head is received by Human Resources before December 31st.  Vacation time must be used in one (1) hour increments and be approved by, and at the discretion of, the Department Head. 

Labor Agreements - 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 rules that are inconsistent with such agreements or other regulations.
 
Sick & Bereavement Leave
Sick Leave
The purpose of sick leave is to accumulate sick hours in your sick bank to cover for times when you are unable to work due to accidents or illnesses.
All employees shall accrue sick leave credits at the start of their employment until they reach the maximum amount allowed.  After completion of six (6) months of continuous employment, the employee can use the earned sick time. 
 
When using sick leave, a Request for Leave form must be completed, signed and returned to their supervisor or department head for approval. 
Employees who have reached the maximum amount in their primary sick bank will have a secondary sick bank started.  These banked sick leave hours may be used for extended illness only and shall not apply to retirement payout or have any other value upon separation.   Extended illness shall be defined as the portion of any absence due to illness which extends beyond ten (10) consecutive working days. 
 
Employees who are eligible to receive retirement, disability retirement or death benefits under the Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Fund (WRS), shall be paid a percentage of accumulated sick leave (in primary sick bank) as severance pay.  The remaining percent of the employees accumulated sick leave shall be credited to pay monthly premiums for continued coverage for the employee, under the City of Onalaska's group health and dental insurance plan.
 
Bereavement Leave 
In the event of the death of a member of the employees immediate family three consecutive days will be provided.
An employee may take up to one-half (1/2) day without loss of pay when serving as a pallbearer or military honor guard.
An employee may use one (1) day of sick pay as funeral leave for a person other than an immediate family member.
 
Holidays & Personal Days
Holidays
The City of Onalaska provides regular full-time employees with time off from work without loss of pay to observe the holidays listed in the schedule below.  To qualify for the paid holidays, the employee must have worked the last scheduled work day preceeding the holiday and the next scheduled work day following the holiday unless excused as an authorized absence by the supervisor and/or department head.  Whenever any of the full holidays listed below fall on a Saturday, the preceeding Friday shall be observed as the holiday.  Whenever any of the full holidays below fall on a Sunday, the succeeding Monday shall be observed as the holiday.  When holidays fall during any week in which an employee is on vacation, the time will not be charged against the employee's accrued vacation time.
 
Personal Days
Each regular full-time employee will receive two (2) paid personal days per year.  Personal days cannot be carried over from year to year.  These days must be used or they will be lost.  Personal days can be taken in no less than one-half (1/2) hour increments.  The supervisor and/or department head must approve use of any Personal Day time.  Part-time, seasonal, on-call, or temporary employees shall not be entitled to paid holidays or personal days, but will be granted the time off without pay.  Click here for the holiday schedule.

01
Do you have military service?
  • Yes
  • No
02
If yes, please include the following information below: Branch of the Military and highest rank attained, dates of service, type of discharge from the service, and any special school attended/skills acquired during military service. (If no, put NA in the text box below.)
03
10 - Point Preference: Ten points are added to the passing examination score of: - A veteran who served any time and who (1) has a present service connected disability or (2) is receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension from the military or the Department of Veterans Affairs. Individuals who received a Purple Heart qualify as disabled veterans.
  • Please give me 10 Preference Points
  • I do not qualify for Preference Points
04
5 - Point Preference: Five points are added to the passing examination score or rating of a veteran who served: (1) during a war; or (2) during the period April 28, 1952 through July 1, 1955; or (3) For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955 and before October 15, 1976; or (4) During the Gulf War from August 2, 1990 through January 2, 1992; or (5) For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred dung the period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending on the date prescribed by Presidential proclamation or by law as the last day of Operation Iraqi Freedom; or (6) In a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal has been authorized. Any Armed Forces Expeditionary medal or campaign badge, including El Salvador, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Southwest Asia, Somalia, and Haiti, qualifies for preference.
  • Please give me 5 Preference Points
  • I don't qualify for Preference Points
05
Do you have a Bachelor's degree in Fire Service or a closely related field, supplemented by the completion of other college level courses in public or business administration or a related field; or equivalent combination of experience in fire supervision, administration or a related field?
  • Yes
  • No
06
Do you have a Master's Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field?
  • Yes
  • No
07
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 in emergency management; or equivalent combination of work experience?
  • Yes
  • No
08
Where have you had five (5) years of supervisory experience? [Please describe the size of the department and number of staff you have supervised.]
09
Do you have State of Wisconsin (WI) or International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Fire Officer II or III, and State of Wisconsin (WI) or International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Fire Instructor II or III? [Please describe.]
10
Are you a graduate of or currently enrolled in the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer (EFO) program?
  • Yes
  • No
11
Do you live within 15 miles of the City of Onalaska's jurisdictional limits?
  • Yes
  • No
12
Were you ever involved in an accident while operating a motor vehicle?
  • Yes
  • No
13
If yes, provide the accident date with City and State it occurred in for each motor vehicle accident. (If no, put NA in the text box below.)
14
Were you ever convicted of any misdemeanor or violation including traffic, but not parking?
  • Yes
  • No
15
If yes, list: Date, City, State, Charge, Details of the Charge, and Final Disposition for each charge. (If no, put NA in the text box below.)
16
Do you have the ability to see color?
  • Yes
  • No
17
Why have you chosen to apply for this position? (If answering in an attachment type "see attachment" below and attach no more than one additional page for each answer.)
18
Discuss things you have done which have contributed to your life experience. Remember to include information regarding volunteer work with civic, school or professional organizations. Be specific about names and dates. (If answering in an attachment type "see attachment" below and attach no more than one additional page for each answer.)
19
Why do you believe you could relate to and/or work with people of difference races, sexes, cultures, ages, socioeconomic groups, and educational levels? (If answering in an attachment type "see attachment" below and attach no more than one additional page for each answer.)
20
Have you had any reprimands or warnings from past employment, if so please explain in detail. (If answering in an attachment type "see attachment" below and attach no more than one additional page for each answer.)

* Required Question

Employer
City of Onalaska
Address
415 Main St.

Onalaska, Wisconsin, 54650
Phone
608-781-9530
Website
http://www.cityofonalaska.com

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