Fire Chief

Position Summary The City of Oak Forest, located approximately 25 miles southwest of downtown Chicago, is seeking applicants for the position of Fire Chief. The Fire Chief serves as the department head and chief commanding officer of the Oak Forest Fire Department, which consists of 24 full-time sworn firefighter/paramedics and 3 part-time firefighter/paramedics, and covers a community of about 6 square miles and a population of around 27,000 residents. Under the general supervision of the City Administrator, the Fire Chief directs departmental planning, personnel management, fiscal administration, training, emergency response, equipment and facility needs, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Fire Chief works collaboratively with the Mayor, City Council, City Administrator, other City departments, regional public safety partners, and community stakeholders to advance the City's public safety priorities. The Fire Chief is appointed by the Mayor, with the advice and consent of the City Council. The Successful Candidate The City of Oak Forest seeks an accomplished, forward-thinking fire service leader who combines operational expertise with sound administrative judgment, strategic vision, and a strong commitment to public service. The successful candidate will demonstrate the following leadership qualities: Innovation and Strategic Vision Brings new ideas, diverse perspectives, and innovative approaches to the delivery of fire and emergency services. Develops and communicates a clear long-term vision for the department, anticipates emerging challenges, and identifies opportunities to improve service delivery, operational readiness, and organizational performance. Energy and Results-Oriented Leadership Demonstrates enthusiasm, initiative, and a strong commitment to serving the community. Provides focused, purposeful leadership and translates strategic priorities into measurable goals and meaningful results. Inspires confidence, builds organizational momentum, and motivates personnel to achieve high standards of performance and professional excellence. Versatility and Collaboration Effectively coordinates complex initiatives involving multiple departments, agencies, and service areas. Demonstrates sound judgment, adaptability, and a willingness to work collaboratively in a team-oriented municipal environment. Builds productive partnerships and balances competing priorities while maintaining a focus on community needs. Leadership and Organizational Development Leads with integrity, accountability, professionalism, and a service-oriented mindset. Fosters a culture of trust, respect, inclusion, and continuous improvement while establishing clear expectations and maintaining appropriate standards of discipline. Demonstrates a thorough understanding of fire service personnel management, including recruitment, training, professional development, promotion, performance management, corrective action, and separation of employment, consistent with applicable laws, policies, and agreements. Illustrative Examples of Work The following examples illustrate the general nature and level of work performed in this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.

• Directs, supervises, and evaluates all activities of the Oak Forest Fire Department to ensure the effective delivery of fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical services, emergency management, and related public safety functions.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates departmental strategic plans, short- and long-range goals, operational priorities, and performance measures.
• Establishes and maintains departmental policies, procedures, general and special orders, and operational standards consistent with applicable laws, City ordinances, and recognized fire service practices.
• Assesses departmental needs and develops recommendations for capital improvements, apparatus, equipment, facilities, technology, and other resources necessary to maintain operational readiness.
• Prepares and administers the annual departmental budget, monitors expenditures, manages resources responsibly, and identifies opportunities for cost-effective service delivery.
• Directs administrative functions, including personnel administration, recruitment, training, professional development, employee safety, risk management, equipment procurement, and resource allocation.
• Responds to emergency incidents as necessary and assumes command of major or complex incidents when appropriate, ensuring coordinated operations, effective incident management, and the protection of life and property.
• Develops and evaluates programs, strategies, and recommendations to strengthen fire prevention, emergency preparedness, community risk reduction, and overall public safety.
• Advises and consults with the Mayor, City Council, City Administrator, and other department heads regarding fire protection, emergency medical services, emergency management, departmental operations, and related policy matters.
• Promotes continuous organizational improvement by evaluating service delivery, streamlining processes, improving operational efficiency, and pursuing opportunities to enhance the City's Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification.
• Represents the Oak Forest Fire Department in regional and intergovernmental organizations, including the MABAS Division 24 Chiefs Association, and participates in mutual aid, emergency preparedness, and regional response initiatives.
• Identifies and pursues grant funding opportunities and other external resources that support departmental priorities and community safety.
• Establishes and monitors practices, training, and workplace conditions that promote employee health and safety during emergency responses and routine operations.
• Maintains professional knowledge of emerging fire service practices, technologies, regulations, and industry standards through continuing education, professional development, conferences, and seminars.
• Builds and sustains effective working relationships with neighboring fire departments, emergency medical service providers, law enforcement agencies, regional partners, and community organizations.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required to support the mission of the Fire Department and meet the needs of the community.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities The successful candidate must possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to lead a modern municipal fire department, including:

• Extensive knowledge of fire service administration, fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical services, emergency management, incident command, and related public safety functions.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, City ordinances, and other statutory requirements governing fire department operations.
• Knowledge of municipal budgeting, financial planning, capital improvement planning, procurement, resource management, and fiscal accountability.
• Comprehensive knowledge of personnel management principles and practices, including employee development, performance evaluation, labor relations, conflict resolution, and organizational accountability.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic plans, establish measurable objectives, evaluate performance, and lead organizational change.
• Demonstrated leadership, sound judgment, decisiveness, and command presence in both emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Ability to establish clear expectations, maintain professional standards and departmental discipline, and foster a culture of mutual respect, accountability, and teamwork.
• Excellent oral, written, interpersonal, and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with elected officials, City administrators, employees, regional partners, and members of the public.
• Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with City officials, employees, labor representatives, public safety agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Ability to assess complex operational and administrative issues, make informed decisions, and develop practical, cost-effective solutions.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, allocate resources effectively, and maintain organizational readiness in a dynamic public safety environment.
• Ability to identify funding opportunities, develop grant proposals, and support initiatives that strengthen departmental capabilities.
• Must possess a valid drivers license

Required Experience and Training

Candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Education: A minimum bachelor's degree in Fire Service Administration, Emergency Management, Public Administration, or a closely related field is required. A master's degree is preferred.
• Chief Officer Experience: Professional experience serving in a Chief Officer capacity.
• Company Officer Experience: A minimum of 5 years of company officer command experience. Ten years of company officer command experience is preferred.
• Fire Service Experience: A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible fire service experience, with demonstrated proficiency in fire suppression, fire prevention, and fire service administration.
• Advanced Certified Firefighter Certification from Illinois OSFM
• National or Illinois Paramedic license
• Advanced Company Officer Certification from Illinois OSFM
• Certified Chief Fire Officer Designation from Illinois OSFM and/or Executive Fire Officer Designation
• As per 65 ILCS 5/10-2.1-4

Candidates should demonstrate a record of progressive leadership responsibility, effective personnel management, sound fiscal stewardship, operational competence, and a commitment to delivering high-quality fire and emergency services. Leadership Opportunity The Fire Chief will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Oak Forest Fire Department, advancing organizational excellence, strengthening regional partnerships, developing departmental personnel, and ensuring that fire and emergency services continue to meet the evolving needs of the community. The City seeks a leader who will uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and public service while building on the department's strengths and preparing it for future challenges. The annual salary for this position is $127,021 - $171,851, DOQ. This is a full-time, non-union position and includes excellent benefit options, including medical, dental, and vision insurance. Other benefits include paid vacation, sick, and holiday time. Candidates must apply by 5 p.m. on Monday, November 23 with a resume and cover letter to the attention of Human Resources Manager Bridget Parfitt.