Fire Chief

The City of Elk River is seeking a highly experienced and visionary executive-level leader to serve as our next Fire Chief. This is a unique opportunity to lead a dedicated and professional fire department committed to exceptional public safety services. The fire department is committed to ensuring that it has the appropriate training and equipment to handle responses to unique hazards and incidents. The Elk River Fire Department responds to approximately 450 calls for service annually, ranging from structure fires to car accidents, to fire alarms. Emergency responses are handled by a 45-member paid-on-call fire department. The Elk River Fire Department proudly serves the City of Elk River and a portion of Big Lake Township.

Key Responsibilities:
- Leadership and Management: Lead the department effectively, creating strategies, policies, and practices that meet community needs and uphold fire safety standards. Ensure ongoing communication with the city leadership to address public safety priorities and strategic community-wide growth. Is an active member of the senior city management team.
- Community Engagement: Foster strong relationships with community members, local organizations, and other stakeholders. Promote a culture of transparency, trust, and collaboration between the fire department and the community.
- Operational Oversight: Oversee daily operations of the fire department, including emergency response/fire suppression, department training and community fire education, emergency management, plan review and fire code enforcement, fire investigations, and administrative functions. Ensure effective deployment of personnel and resources to maintain public safety.
- Budget and Resource Management: Manage the department budget efficiently. Seek grants and other funding to support departmental initiatives. Collaborate with senior city management to address and implement city-wide budgetary strategies and needs.
- Training and Development: Promote continuous professional development for all department personnel. Ensure ongoing training in areas such as fire suppression, emergency response, all-hazards response, and firefighter training academy for new firefighters for both the City of Elk River and neighboring communities.
- Policy Development and Implementation: Create and implement policies that meet legal requirements and improve department efficiency. Work with the senior management team on city-wide policy, strategic plans, and recommendations to the City Council.
- Crisis Management: Lead the department's response to emergencies and critical incidents. Ensure preparedness for a wide range of public safety challenges, including natural disasters and major public events.
- Intra-agency Collaboration: Work collaboratively with other fire safety agencies, governmental entities, and community organizations to enhance public safety and address regional issues.

Benefits: The City of Elk River is pleased to offer an extensive benefits package to our full-time employees.

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume at www.GovHRjobs.com. Questions may be directed to Jon Fehlman at (847) 380-3240 ext. 142. Electronic applications only. The application deadline is October 30, 2026, EOB.

Requirements: Bachelor's degree in fire science, public administration, business administration, or related field required; Master's degree preferred; Minimum 3 years progressively responsible fire safety experience in on-call or full-time fire department; Senior executive-level leadership experience; Minnesota Board of Firefighter Training and Education (MBFTE) certification within 6 months of hire; Advanced fire safety leadership training highly desirable; First responder certification; Valid driver's license and safe driving record; Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills

Salary: $160,599.00 - $178,399.00 Annually

Application Deadline: 2026-10-30