GovHRUSA
Fire Chief, Waukesha, WI (pop. 71,158). An award-winning and growing community located west of Milwaukee, Waukesha has experienced considerable residential, commercial and employment growth. Nationally recognized as one of the “100 Best Places to Live” in the U.S., Waukesha’s downtown includes a thriving arts district, a popular farmers’ market, and a river walk. The city was recently named as one of the “Top Workplaces” by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The city seeks highly skilled fire service and EMS leaders prepared to meet the demands of the community.
The Fire Chief position offers the ideal candidate the chance to build on a strong tradition of excellence. Operating from five modern fire stations, Waukesha’s department is a progressive, all hazards’ fire/EMS (ALS) service for an area of approximately 25 square miles, and a daytime population of more than 100,000. The department places a high-level value in treating people with dignity, continually striving to deliver service that is effective, efficient, and equitable in supporting and promoting the highest quality of life in Waukesha to its residents and visitors.
The department has a total of 109.5 FTE (104 sworn personnel, 5.5 civilian support staff and 6 interns, and 99 personnel are assigned to shifts on a 24/48 schedule) with 35 EMT’s and 65 Paramedics. As a modern all-hazards agency, the department responded to over 9,200 incidents in 2023 (non-emergent and emergent) including technical rescue within the city and region. About 80% of the department’s responses are EMS related. The department is proud to be the first paramedic-level provider in Waukesha County since 1975. The department also focuses on the prevention of incidents through a robust and well-developed Community Risk Reduction plan.
Qualified candidates should have:
- A bachelor’s degree in public safety administration or related field from an accredited college or university. A master’s degree preferred.
- Experience in a managerial role in the fire and emergency medical services, including a minimum of five years of experience in a progressively responsible command/supervisory positions at the rank of Assistant Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, or equivalent duties and responsibilities commensurate with the position.
- The successful completion of the Executive Fire Officer Program offered by the National Fire Academy, and/or Chief Fire Officer Designation is desired.
- Experience as an innovative, collaborative fire/EMS leader with demonstrated staff management, interpersonal and customer service skills.
- The ability to develop strong relationships with surrounding Fire/EMS agencies for the most comprehensive and balanced approach to high-level services for the residents of the city.
- Well-developed writing and public speaking skills and the utmost integrity.
- A clear and dynamic vision for providing excellent, proactive emergency services.
A starting salary range is $119,000 – $140,000 +/- DOQ, and an excellent benefit package is offered.
Candidates interested in applying for the position should submit their résumé and cover letter electronically by April 8, 2024, along with contact information for five work-related and/or professional references. Questions may be addressed to Lee Szymborski, Senior Vice-President @ (847)380-3197 or T.E. Sashko, Vice-President @ (847)380-3240 x123. The City of Waukesha is an equal opportunity employer.
Application Deadline: April 8, 2024
Posted: 2024-03-22
