Assistant Fire Chief

The City of Onalaska is seeking to hire an Assistant Fire Chief. The Assistant Fire Chief serves as the EMS Service Director and is responsible for assuring compliance with current department EMS licensure level. This position is responsible for developing and coordinating department fire-based training in accordance with DSPS, DHS, and ISO standards. This position assists with fire safety programs and education within the community to include facilitating occupancy inspections and fire detection and prevention inspections within the response areas of the Onalaska Fire Department. The Assistant Fire Chief has significant managerial authority and responsibility to assist in the determination of the organizational response to a variety of fire safety and emergency response needs and to make modifications as conditions dictate. In addition, the Assistant Fire Chief assists with plan review in coordination with the Fire Chief. The Assistant Chief shall have command and management responsibility, under the general direction and supervision of the Fire Chief.

Essential Job Functions: Functions as second in command of the fire department and is in charge of the fire department in the absence of the Chief. In absence of the Fire Chief, is responsible for reporting citations/violations, issuing warnings, and processing reports on all fire code violations as required; follows-up on violations to ensure compliance. Assists in the development, administration and monitoring of annual and long-range departmental budget and goals. Develops and supports programs that are consistent with the goals and objectives of the Onalaska Fire department and its strategic plan. Researches and pursues alternative funding sources, such as grants, to supplement the Onalaska Fire Department budget. Provides control and standardization of the operational procedures, including, but not limited to: staff allocation, scheduling, and organization of shifts. Provides personnel recommendations relative to hiring, promotion, transfer, discipline, commendations, and discharge to the Fire Chief, Human Resources, and the Police and Fire Commission as appropriate. Provides oversight of firefighter schedules and timesheets bi-weekly to ensure payroll entry is accurate for the department, including hours and benefit time, etc. in accordance to City policies, collective bargaining agreements and employment and/or labor laws. Processes and maintains training records, including but not limited to: scheduling, lodging, transportation, contracting with training sites, and ensuring proper completion of City forms, costs associated herewith in compliance with City of Onalaska and department policies. Assists in the planning, development and implementation of departmental policies and procedures that ensure efficient delivery of fire and EMS services to the community. Supervises and evaluates first-line supervisors, and conveys instructions and information from the Chief. Oversees and develops fire and EMS training, fire prevention and public education programs in compliance with State requirements. Maintains fire and emergency medical skills and certification; responds to fire and emergency medical calls. Facilitates and/or attends training programs, seminars and fire prevention programs; assists in monitoring the planning, organization, conduct and evaluation of departmental training activities of personnel; provides assistance to those working on special projects. Directs or assists in the maintenance of the Fire department inventory, facilities, vehicles and equipment; ensures required testing is conducted and recorded properly for State and National compliance (i.e. annual hose testing). Acts as a member of the City's Safety Committee, assists the committee in developing safety policies. Ensures staff stay up-to-date with Firefighter Health and Wellness standard policies.

Requirements: Associates degree in Fire Science or closely related field (Bachelor's degree preferred), 8 years progressively responsible fire service experience including 2 years supervisory and collective bargaining experience preferred, Wisconsin or IFSAC Fire Officer I or II certification, Fire Instructor I or II certification, Fire Inspector I or II certification, Wisconsin EMT-B or National Registered EMT certification, Valid driver's license with good driving record

Salary: $90,499.61 - $118,703.91 Annually

Application Deadline: 2026-10-28