Fire Chief - Southern Ozaukee Fire Department

City of Mequon; Mequon (WI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Southern Ozaukee Fire & EMS Commission seeks a Fire Chief to lead a combination fire department serving City of Mequon and Village of Thiensville. This executive role provides strategic direction, operational oversight, and public service commitment.

The Fire Chief manages fire suppression, EMS, training, budgeting, equipment, and policy development, working with elected officials and community partners to deliver professional, efficient, and responsive services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field is required.
• Significant supervisory and command-level experience in fire service.
• Senior leadership experience in fire service (Battalion/Deputy/Assistant Chief).
• Wisconsin firefighter certification to required level; EMS certification also required or attainable.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and executive leadership for the department.
• Oversee budgeting, staffing, training, equipment, and facilities.
• Develop policy and ensure intergovernmental coordination with Mequon and Thiensville.
• Lead fire suppression, EMS, rescue, and community risk reduction initiatives.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Public safety

Intergovernmental coordination

Budget management

Incident command

Community risk reduction

Personnel supervision

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science or related field

Wisconsin Firefighter certification

Wisconsin EMS certification

Valid Wisconsin driver’s license

Job description

The Southern Ozaukee Fire & EMS Commission is accepting applications for the position of Fire Chief to lead a combination fire department serving the City of Mequon and Village of Thiensville.

Characteristics of the Job

The Fire Chief is a highly visible executive leadership position responsible for providing strategic direction, operational oversight, and organizational leadership for the Southern Ozaukee Fire Department. The position requires a strong commitment to public service, community safety, and the delivery of high-quality fire and emergency medical services.

Position Overview, Skills & Abilities

The Fire Chief serves as the chief executive and operational leader of the Southern Ozaukee Fire Department, providing comprehensive leadership and direction for fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue, fire prevention, public education, emergency preparedness, and community risk reduction.

The Fire Chief is responsible for the effective administration, management, and operation of the Department, including strategic planning, personnel management, budgeting, training, equipment and facilities, policy development, and intergovernmental coordination. The position works closely with the City of Mequon, Village of Thiensville, elected officials, municipal administrators, Department personnel, and community partners to ensure the delivery of professional, efficient, and responsive fire and EMS services.

Required Training & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Fire Science, Fire Administration, Emergency Management, Public Administration, Business Administration or another related field.
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in the fire service, including significant supervisory and command-level experience.
• Three (3) years of experience in a senior fire service leadership position, such as Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief, or equivalent.
• Wisconsin Firefighter certification at the level required by the Department and maintained in accordance with applicable Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services requirements.
• Wisconsin Emergency Medical Services (EMS) certification appropriate to the responsibilities of the position, or the ability to obtain the required certification within a specified period of appointment.
• Valid Wisconsin driver’s license, with a satisfactory driving record.
• Demonstrated experience in fire suppression, emergency response, incident command, fire prevention, emergency medical services, personnel supervision, and department administration.
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing departmental budgets, personnel, training programs, equipment, and operational resources.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with elected officials, municipal administrators, employees, public safety agencies, community organizations, and the general public.

About the City of Mequon and Village of Thiensville

Located along the western shores of Lake Michigan just north of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the City of Mequon and Village of Thiensville offer an exceptional quality of life with a unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant community amenities, and convenient access to the greater Milwaukee area.

Together, the two communities are home to approximately 29,000 residents across 49 square miles. The area features scenic lakeshore bluffs, a charming downtown, established neighborhoods and stately homes, working farmland, and expansive parks and open spaces. Residents enjoy a wide variety of recreational, cultural, educational, and community amenities, while convenient access to I-43 provides an easy commute to downtown Milwaukee and surrounding communities.

The City of Mequon and Village of Thiensville are committed to maintaining safe, welcoming, and thriving communities while providing high-quality municipal services to residents, businesses, and visitors.