Battalion Chief

Lake Forest; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 148,000 - 166,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & vision

Pension plan

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

The City of Lake Forest Fire Department seeks a Battalion Chief to lead the chief officer team, managing shifts, personnel development, and incident command at emergencies. This role emphasizes a strong, professional culture, effective communication, and operational readiness across the department.

The Battalion Chief also guides policy implementation, training, and organizational development, ensuring accountability and consistency while supporting a high-performing public safety organization.

Qualifications

• Promotes leadership and incident command at emergencies.
• Drives personnel development and accountability across shifts.
• Maintains department standards and professional environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations, shift staffing, station readiness and equipment.
• Provide incident command at fire, EMS, rescue, and mutual-aid events.
• Supervise Lieutenants and Firefighter/Paramedics; coach and evaluate staff.

Skills

Leadership

Incident command

Communication

Supervision

Education

Associate degree (upon promotion)

Bachelor’s degree or advanced leadership certs preferred

Job description

The City of Lake Forest Fire Department seeks a Battalion Chief to serve as a key member of the chief officer team. This command-level position provides leadership through shift management, personnel development, and incident command at emergency scenes.

The Battalion Chief plays a key cultural role by communicating employee feedback, reinforcing department standards, and fostering a positive, accountable, high performing environment. This leader actively identifies opportunities for improvement and helps carry them forward.

Operationally, the Battalion Chief oversees daily operations, shift staffing, supervision, station and apparatus readiness, and emergency response. This position may function as Incident Commander, Safety Officer, or in other command roles, and must be able to perform all essential Firefighter/Paramedic duties.

The ideal candidate brings a steady, seasoned presence and excels at leading in dynamic environments. The Battalion Chief will support both operational and organizational development by guiding an ambitious team, strengthening accountability, and maintaining consistency and professionalism across the department.

Why Join the City of Lake Forest?

• Help guide a department experiencing generational change and organizational evolution.
• Lead within a professional, community-focused department with strong operational readiness.
• Coach and develop personnel while promoting teamwork, accountability, and high standards.
• Contribute to planning, policy implementation, training, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Work with a dedicated public safety team committed to service and excellence.
• Serve in a department that will occupy a fully renovated, state-of-the-art fire station in 2028.

• Earn overtime as Battalion Chiefs are non-exempt employees.

• Supervise, coach, evaluate, and support Lieutenants and Firefighter/Paramedics.
• Oversee shift staffing, readiness of stations and apparatus, and maintenance of equipment and department property.
• Maintain consistent communication across shifts and the chain of command.
• Conduct briefings, communicate orders, and coordinate daily assignments.
• Assist in developing and implementing department policies, programs, and administrative projects.
• Support training, professional development, public service activities, and community engagement.
• Model calm, confident decision-making in both routine operations and complex situations.
• Provide incident command at fire, EMS, rescue, disaster, and mutual aid events.

• Ability to perform all essential functions of Firefighter/Paramedic and Lieutenant roles.
• Extensive knowledge of modern firefighting, EMS, rescue, fire prevention, and emergency operations.
• Understanding of mutual aid and emergency communications systems.
• Demonstrated resilience, sound judgment, and ability to navigate complex personnel or organizational dynamics.
• Ability to assess emergency situations and implement effective, safe courses of action.
• Proven ability to lead, supervise, train, and work effectively with personnel at all levels.
• Strong judgment, leadership, communication, organization, and administrative skills.

• Upon promotion, must obtain an associate degree in a related field and Fire Officer II/Advanced Fire Officer (or equivalent) certification.
• Must complete required NIMS courses as determined by the Fire Chief.
• Managerial Fire/EMS experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree or advanced fire service leadership qualifications (Fire Officer III, Chief Fire Officer, NFA Executive Fire Officer Program, or CPSE designation) preferred.

Recruitment Timeline

• October 19-30, 2026: first round interviews
• November 16, 2026: assessment center orientation
• November 30, 2026: assessment center exercise
• December 7-11, 2026: second round interviews
• January 4, 2027: tentative start date

Full Benefits Package

• Full salary range: $148,101 - $165,921, depending on qualifications
• Schedule: This position is assigned to a 24/48 shift schedule. Additional hours, meetings, trainings, call-backs, or emergency assignments may be required based on operational needs.
• Insurance: Medical (PPO/HMO), dental, vision
• Leave: 13 paid holidays, front-loaded vacation and sick leave, parental leave
• Retirement: participation in the Lake Forest Firefighter Pension Fund, plus 457(b) and Roth options
• Additional Benefits: Tuition reimbursement, Employee Assistance Program, legal and life coverage, Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, longevity bonuses, and annual merit bonus opportunities based on exceptional performance

Position will remain open until filled.

Interested applicants are encouraged to review the full job description here: Battalion Chief Job Description Final.pdf

The City of Lake Forest is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applicants of all backgrounds and experiences.