General Description

Whether you are joining our team for three years or twenty, you will have the opportunity to grow your career with us! Our employees are offered the opportunity to enhance their skill set by attending training courses, working on special projects, and becoming a member of one of our many City Teams.

De Pere, consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in Wisconsin, is a safe, warm, and friendly community located right along the Fox River less than ten minutes from Green Bay and 25 minutes from Appleton and the Fox Valley. De Pere is an integral part of the Green Bay metro area, which was ranked as the #1 place to live in the United States for 2023. As an employer, the City of De Pere is a positive, team-oriented organization with a commitment to providing exceptional customer service to its community. The City of De Pere provides an engaging work environment focused on collaboration and team building. De Pere strives to attract, develop, and retain diverse talent by promoting a diversity of thought, valuing differing perspectives, and empowering employees to share their authentic viewpoints at all levels and functions within the City.

The City of De Pere is seeking a Battalion Chief. The Battalion Chief is a working supervisor that supervises 6-10 employees between two stations. The City of De Pere has three Battalion Chief positions. The Battalion Chiefs are primarily stationed at the administrative offices and supervise the Lieutenants at both stations. The Battalion Chief plans, directs, coordinates, and supervises the day-to-day operations of the assigned shift to establish and maintain a safe work environment that ensures a high degree of operational readiness to maximize the level of service provided to the community.

About The Department

Typical Work Schedule: Works 24 hour shifts. Plus additional hours as required for training, meetings, emergencies, etc.

Salary: The full salary range for this position is $93,537 - $133,619, plus excellent benefits package. The anticipated starting salary is $93,537 - $112,236 depending on qualifications. The City of De Pere rewards employees for exceptional work performance with a pay for performance incentive program. Employees may be awarded a salary increase, bonus, or paid time off for exceptional work performance.

Application Deadline: Applications are being accepted until 8:00 a.m. on Monday, July 6, 2026.

The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with state and federal law, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee’s supervisor or Human Resources.

Essential Functions

The following duties are essential for this position. However, they are not to be construed as exclusive or all–inclusive. To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may also be required or assigned.

Plan, direct, and coordinate the day-to-day operations of the assigned shift to establish and maintain a safe work environment that ensures a high degree of operational readiness to maximize the level of service provided to the community.
Manage, direct and organize field operations and activities of the company officers and members assigned to fire stations. Monitor work flow, and review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures.
Respond to alarms and emergency situations as necessary to assume the duties of Incident Commander, including directing operations and determining personnel and equipment needs. Transmit orders and assume command in emergency situations.
Coordinate and monitor emergency medical service activities.
Prepare written performance evaluations of personnel under his/her supervision in accordance with the policies of the Department and the City.
Participate in and assist with the delivery of training programs to maintain a constant state of readiness and competency for medical, fire, hazardous materials, technical rescues and other special services; plan and coordinate classes as needed.
Participate in labor negotiations and union grievances and provide recommendations to the Fire Chief regarding modifications to the collective bargaining agreement.
Supervise time off schedules and prepare station assignment schedules.
Assist the Fire Chief in planning and directing the operation of the Department including the promulgation of Fire Department policies and standard operational guidelines; the efficient use of personnel and equipment, the procurement of materials, supplies and equipment necessary for the operation of the Department; the preparation, revision and monitoring of proposed budgets; and the maintenance of adequate records of Fire Department activities.
Interpret and apply departmental policies and procedures; ensure compliance with department orders, rules, regulations, practices and procedures.
Ensure completion of records and reports relative to personnel attendance, payroll, fire reports/NFIRS, EMS/billing, capital projects, vehicles/maintenance, monthly/annual reports, citizen complaints, and personnel assignments and placement.
Prepare specifications and evaluations on apparatus, equipment, tactical operations, inspections, training and other technical and administrative matters.
Plan, assign, supervise and schedule the activities of the officers and members of each company assigned to the shift, as well as the inspection of stations and equipment.
Confer with other governmental officials and members of the public relative to fire suppression, emergency medical service and other rescues as needed.
Educate City officials, civic groups, businesses, and citizens on fire prevention and fire codes. Work closely with community leaders, communities, boards, councils, etc.
Assist in planning and directing other activities of the fire department, as assigned by the Assistant Fire Chief.
Perform research, analyze findings and prepare policy changes and recommendations for the department.
Provide a motivational atmosphere for the members of his/her shift on a daily basis, by setting a good example through a positive attitude and demeanor.
Complete reports relative to personnel attendance, duty injury reports, fire reports, accident investigations, internal affairs, citizen complaints, and personnel assignments and placement.
Direct and supervise performance of general maintenance work in the upkeep of Fire Department buildings, property, apparatus and equipment.
Evaluate fires and hazardous situations to take immediate action necessary for the protection of life and property.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge Of

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Fire administration including organization, staffing, financing, collective bargaining, equipment management and maintenance, records and reports.
Principles and practices of effective, respectful employee supervision.
The City, Department, and Division’s operating requirements, policies, procedures, and practices; and local, state, and federal regulations related to department programs and operations.
Principles and practices of fiscal and project management and techniques utilizing strategic short to long-range planning principles.
Principles and practices of technical rescue operations, emergency medical service, hazardous materials spill and release mitigation, vehicle extrication, and disaster management.
Principles and practices of fire prevention and suppression.
Principles and practices of emergency medical, health, and rescue techniques and methods.
Laws, codes, and ordinances pertaining to fire safety, building construction, electrical installation, and the storage or handling of hazardous materials.
Care, use, and maintenance of equipment and tools utilized in the performance of department functions.
The geography of the City, including the street system, hydrant locations and water supply, and the layout and location of public utilities.
Strategies for all types of fire such as commercial, residential, vehicle, vegetation, and flammable/combustible liquids.
Emergency response records management systems, communications equipment, fire computer applications, and incident reporting procedures.
Community fire and safety education programs, design, and implementation.
Standard office practices and procedures including business English, business document format, spelling, grammar, punctuation, vocabulary, filing and math.
Computer software including GIS, word processing, spreadsheet, database applications, accounting and specialized software consistent for this position.

Skill in:

Presenting educational topics to diverse groups.
The evaluation and implementation of tactical and operational requirements of situations involving large, destructive fires.
Researching and understanding complex written materials; maintaining accurate internal records.
Operating fire apparatus and pumping equipment; hydraulic, electric, and pneumatic rescue/stabilization equipment.
Operating ladders, hose lines, two-way radios, cameras, atmospheric and chemical sampling equipment.
Hazardous Materials identification and emergency response protocols, Federal, and State regulations.
The operation of motorized vehicles under adverse conditions.
Operation of all apparatus and equipment to effectively perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.
Applying problem solving, logic and reasoning to determine solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Ability to:

Interpret and administer labor contracts and deal effectively with unions.
Instruct, train, and mentor in methods and procedures related to the organization.
Oversee the work of staff including coordinating, assigning, monitoring, and evaluating work; hiring, training, counseling, and disciplining staff; managing time-off and maintaining personnel records.
Prioritize and plan for efficient use of resources, and monitors progress against objectives.
Convey complex information clearly. Anticipate the information others will need.
Influence the behavior of others through persuasion and encouragement. Manage conflict or other sensitive issues tactfully and effectively.
Work in extremely stressful situations, day and night, which result from fire and other emergencies.
Work in extreme conditions, including heights, super-heated and smoke-filled buildings, toxic atmospheres, cramped and difficult to enter spaces, areas of low visibility, and extreme weather conditions, while wearing heavy protective clothing and using heavy equipment.
Wear and use an N95 respirator and a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
Direct and command people in such a manner as to obtain maximum cooperation.
Understand and obey traffic laws and regulations and statutes governing the operation of emergency vehicles.
Provide testimony in court proceedings.
Remain calm in a crisis.
Think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to and take control of stressful situations.
Analyze situations and adopt a quick, effective, and reasonable course of action.
Make accurate and independent decisions.
Organize, schedule, prioritize and perform duties with limited supervision.
Observe, follow oral and written instructions, and complete assignments accurately and within deadlines.
Use appropriate language, style and methods depending on audience and the purpose of communication.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with business representatives, elected officials, department heads, the public, and other City employees with courtesy and tact.
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with staff and the public.
Maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding information read or heard.
Utilize a computer and required software.
Work the required hours of the position and respond after hours as needed.

Minimum Requirements & Physical Requirements

Minimum Education: Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in Fire Science or related field. Bachelor's degree preferred.

Minimum Experience: Six years fire service experience, including three years' experience in a supervisory/command position, performing fire and/or EMS service responsibilities.

A combination of education and experience may be considered.

Minimum Certifications

Firefighter I and Firefighter II Certifications
Driver/Operator Pumper and Aerial Certifications
Fire Officer I Certification
National Registry or State of Wisconsin Emergency Medical Technician - Basic Certification or higher; EMT - Paramedic Certification preferred.

Other Requirements:

National Incident Management System (NIMS) training is required including ICS 100, ICS 200, ICS 300, and ICS 400.
Valid unencumbered Wisconsin driver's license and safe driving record.

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor settings.
Work is performed in dangerous situations under an inordinate amount of stress.
Work is performed in an environment in which the employee is subject to potential personal danger.
This work requires the continuous exertion of up to 100 pounds of lifting/moving or force and continuous push/pull of up to 100 pounds or more while performing essential functions of the job.
Work regularly requires the ability to stand, walk, sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and speak and hear.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.
Acceptable verbal and conversation skills to effectively communicate with others in English.
Ability to read and write English and interpret documents such as safety rules, material safety data sheets, operation and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and so forth.
Work may include outdoors in seasonal weather extremes.
Exposures could include toxic chemicals, seasonal temperature extremes, and other possible unknown hazardous materials.
Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of making sound decisions and following directions.
May require interactions with persons who are hostile or aggressive, posing threatening conditions.

Learn what Northeast Wisconsin has to offer you! Life in the New North

The City of De Pere offers an attractive benefit package which includes:

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Long Term Disability
Flexible Spending Plan
457 Deferred Compensation plans
Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)
Vacation - start at 3 weeks
Floating Holidays
Sick Leave
Paid Holidays
'Dress For Your Day' Dresscode
Wellness Incentive Program
Tuition Reimbursement Program
Friday afternoons off and Alternative Work Arrangements available
Identity Fraud Expense Reimbursement
Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Learn more about the benefits the City offers at www.deperewi.gov/benefits.

01

Please select the certifications that you currently hold.

Firefighter I
Firefighter II
Driver/Operator-Pumper
Driver/Operator-Aerial
Fire Instructor I
Fire Instructor II
Fire Instructor III
Fire Instructor IV
Fire Officer I
Fire Officer II
Fire Officer III
Fire Officer IV
Fire Inspector I
Emergency Service Instructor
EMT - Basic
EMT - Paramedic
None

02

Describe your most relevant supervisory experience, indicating numbers and types of employees you directly and indirectly supervised.

03

Please describe in detail your experience working in a union environment, specifically unions that can collectively bargain.

Required Question

City of De Pere

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