Description
The City of Green Bay is seeking an experienced fire service administrator with exceptional interpersonal skills and progressive management experience to serve as its Fire Chief. The successful candidate will possess a proven track record of innovative initiatives that have resulted in operational efficiencies. The Fire Chief has overall direction of fire prevention, fire suppression, and emergency medical services (EMS).
The City of Green Bay is a thriving city; it is the third largest city in the state of Wisconsin, with a population of approximately 107,000 and home to the Green Bay Packers. The Green Bay Metro Fire Department services the City of Green Bay and the neighboring villages of Allouez and Bellevue. The Fire Department has approximately 220 employees, 8 fire stations, and an operating budget of $21.7 million. In 2025, the department responded to over 18,500 calls for service, including approximately 12,000 emergency medical calls.
Strong strategic leadership and communication skills are required, along with labor relations, project management and budgetary experience. The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate a history of successful partnerships with other municipal and fire service agencies, promoting cooperation and increased efficiency.
Examples of Duties:
Provides strategic leadership and management of the Fire Department. Plans, organizes and directs the prevention and control of fire and the protection of life and property in medical emergencies and natural disasters. Determines operational policies to be followed by department personnel. Directs major operations involving multiple units and organizations.
Directs and plans for the care and maintenance of all departmental supplies, equipment and vehicles. Analyzes budgetary problems within the department and submits an annual budget and bond issue items for consideration. Develops, reviews and updates long-range operational and capital plans. Determines staffing, service levels and budgetary needs.
Determines personnel policies, training requirements and disciplinary actions as required. Provides input to the City's labor negotiator and is a participant in collective bargaining and grievance resolution.
Directs, oversees and participates in employee recruitments, testing and hiring. Develops promotional guidelines. Plans, directs and participates in Command Staff professional growth and development. Prepares performance appraisals for direct reports.
Represents department in all matters related to fire suppression and medical emergencies. Confers with City officials, civic groups, businesses and citizens on fire prevention and suppression, fire codes and EMS. Promotes and clarifies departmental policies, functions and goals. Responds to requests and inquiries from the media, officials and the public. Attends all City Council and committee meetings that consider fire budget, department or personnel matters; meets regularly with the Police and Fire Commission.
Assists in the development of regulatory ordinances and laws regarding fire safety. Attends schools, conferences and seminars on relevant subject matters.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications Required:
Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Business Administration or Public Administration. A Master's degree is preferred.
Seven years progressively responsible supervisory experience in a fire department of comparable size.
Valid driver's license and good driving record.
Graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy is desired.
Chief Fire Officer Designation (CFOD) desired.
A combination of equivalent experience and/or education may be considered.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Comprehensive knowledge of modern methods of fire department administration, principles and practices of fire prevention and suppression, pre-hospital emergency medical care, technical rescue and disaster management and the use and maintenance of fire fighting equipment and apparatus. Considerable knowledge of laws, codes and ordinances pertaining to building construction, electrical installations and storage/handling of hazardous materials. Knowledge and understanding of labor and employee relations. Knowledge and understanding of community based fire and safety education programs, design, and implementation.
Comprehensive skill in the application of modern fire suppression and prevention techniques; the evaluation and implementation of tactical and operational requirements; selecting, assigning, training and evaluating subordinates; planning, scheduling and directing the work of others. Considerable skill in preparing reports; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with others; analyzing fire problems and developing policies, plans and procedures; expressing oneself clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. Considerable skill in planning, organizing, setting goals and objectives and analyzing the effectiveness of the department based upon changing conditions in the City. Skill in forecasting future needs and establishing priorities. Ability to utilize computer equipment and various software programs.
Ability to effectively direct the operations of personnel and equipment under emergency conditions. Ability to draft and administer a multi-million dollar budget and command respect from subordinates; create and implement long-range plans, interact with city officials, the media and the general public. Ability to interpret and administer labor contracts and deal effectively with unions. Ability to work the required hours of the position.
May be required to demonstrate minimum competency by successfully passing approved tests.
Please submit an online application at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/greenbaywi/jobs/5252605/fire-chief
