Elk River, MN – Fire Chief

GovHRUSA; Elk River (MN); On-site; USD 161,000 - 178,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extensive benefits package

Job summary

GovHRUSA is assisting Elk River, Minnesota in recruiting a seasoned Fire Chief to lead a 45-member paid-on-call department serving Elk River and parts of Big Lake Township. The role emphasizes safety, strategic leadership, and community engagement.

The ideal candidate will oversee operations, training, and education, work with city leadership on policies and planning, and manage the budget while pursuing grants.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in fire science, public administration, business administration, or related field is required. A master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible fire safety experience in an on-call or full-time fire department. Senior executive-level leadership experience.
• MBFTE certification must be possessed or obtained within six months of hire. First responder certification and a valid driver's license are required.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with ability to build relationships with diverse communities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the department effectively, creating strategies, policies, and practices that meet community needs and uphold fire safety standards.
• Ensure ongoing communication with city leadership to address public safety priorities and growth.
• Oversee daily operations including emergency response, training, fire education, emergency management, plan review, and fire code enforcement.
• Manage the department budget and seek grants or funding for initiatives.
• Promote continuous professional development and training for all personnel.
• Create and implement policies, work with senior management on city-wide plans and City Council recommendations.
• Lead the department’s response to emergencies and critical incidents.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Public safety leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in fire science or related field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Position

Fire Chief
Location: Elk River, Minnesota
Population: Approximately 27,000covering44square miles
Fire Department Size: 45paid-on-call members
Annual Calls for Service: Approximately450

About Elk River

Elk River, MNis a vibrant and growing community located approximately35miles northwest of MinneapolisinSherburneCounty. Known for its beautiful natural surroundings, Elk River offers a high quality of life with excellent schools, parks, and recreational facilities. The city prides itself on being a safe and welcoming place to live, work, and visit.

Community Highlights

• Recreation and Parks: Elk River boastsnumerousparks, trails, and recreational facilities, includinggolfcourses andnatural conservation areas.
• Education: The city is served by theIndependentSchool District#728 (K-12), Spectrum Charter School (6-12),and St. Andrew Catholic (PK-7)which offer high-quality educational opportunities for students.
• Economic Growth: Elk River is home to a diverse mix of businesses and industries, contributing to a strong local economy and providing ample employment opportunities.
• Community Events: The city hosts a variety of community events and festivals throughout the year, fosteringa strong senseof community and engagement.

The City of Elk River is seekinga highly experiencedand visionaryexecutive-levelleader to serve as our nextFire Chief. This is a unique opportunity to lead adedicatedand professionalfiredepartment 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 thedepartment effectively, creating strategies, policies, and practices that meet community needs and upholdfire safetystandards. Ensure ongoing communication with thecityleadershipto address public safety prioritiesand 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 thefiredepartment and the community.
• Operational Oversight: Oversee daily operations of thefiredepartment, includingemergency response/fire suppression, department training and community fire education,emergency management, plan review and firecode 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 withsenior city management to address and implement city-wide budgetarystrategies andneeds.
• Training and Development: Promote continuous professional development for all department personnel. Ensure ongoing training in areas such asfire suppression, emergency response, all-hazards response, andfirefighter 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 otherfire safetyagencies, 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-timeemployees. The compensationrange for the nextFire Chiefis$160,599 to $178,399.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree infire science, public administration,business administration,or a related field is required. A master’s degree is preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of3years of progressively responsiblefire safetyexperience in an on-call fire agency or full-time fire department.Senior executive-level leadership experience.
• Certifications: Must possess or be able to obtain MinnesotaBoard of Firefighter Training and Education (MBFTE) certificationwithinsix (6)months of hire.Completion of advancedfire safetyleadership training is highly desirable.First responder certification. Valid driver’s license andsafe drivingrecord.
• Skills: Strong leadership, communication, andinterpersonal skills.Proven ability tobuild positive relationships with diverse communities. Demonstrated expertise in modernmanagementpractices and technologies.

The City of Elk River is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees and residents.

Join us in making Elk River an even better place to live and work by leading our dedicatedfireforce with integrity, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.