As Shoreline Fire Department continues its first year of service, the Shoreline Fire Department Board is taking the next planned step in the department's transition by initiating the search for its permanent Fire Chief.
In accordance with the Joint Powers Agreement that established the department, an Interim Fire Chief was appointed to guide the organization through its startup phase. With that foundation now in place, the Board is opening a competitive recruitment process to identify the leader who will help shape the department's future.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead a growing organization committed to excellence in emergency services, fire fighter safety, community engagement, and regional collaboration.
The Shoreline Fire Chief provides leadership and oversight for all department operations, including 24-hour fire suppression, rescue, and EMS services, training, prevention, inspections, investigations, and public education. Compensation is $114,200.00 - $141,400.00 annually plus benefits.
Application window closes July 17 at 4PM.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Plans, coordinates, directs, and evaluates fire suppression, rescue, EMS, fire prevention, fire investigation, code enforcement, and training operations, including oversight of fireground safety initiatives.
- Provides leadership and direction to Fire Department personnel within established employment policies and labor standards; oversees personnel decisions including hiring, discipline, performance management, and termination.
- Ensures personnel receive appropriate training in firefighting, rescue, EMS, and safety procedures.
- Responds to major incidents and emergencies and may assume command or provide strategic oversight as needed.
- Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with neighboring departments, municipalities, counties, schools, and state agencies to support coordinated emergency response, disaster preparedness, and regional planning efforts.
- Ensures departmental compliance with applicable NFPA, OSHA, and State regulatory standards.
- Addresses residential and commercial property owners' questions and concerns with fire safety and risk management.
- Oversees fire prevention and investigation programs, including coordination with insurance representatives and local, state, and federal agencies; may serve as an expert witness in legal proceedings.
- Develops long-range recommendations related to staffing, apparatus, facilities, technology, and operational readiness.
- Oversee the proper maintenance and efficient use of current equipment, facilities & technology.
- Leads the development and implementation of departmental policies, goals, and strategic objectives in alignment with SLFD Board priorities and community needs.
- Develops and maintains a highly trained, professional workforce through mentorship, succession planning, and employee development initiatives.
- Oversees Fire Prevention efforts. Develops and executes the development of fire inspection programs, community fire education programs, fire investigation and fire code enforcement.
- Oversees Fire training programs and establishes minimum training standards and safety practices.
- Maintains performance measurement systems in accordance with the Shoreline Fire Joint Powers Agreement and Board-established service standards.
- Directs and oversees department public information activities. Develops positive relations with community groups, residents, businesses, and other governmental entities.
- Performs research functions as needed or as assigned. Reviews and analyzes information on fire operations, fire-related laws, regulations, and developments. Compiles data and develop recommendations as appropriate for long-term departmental objectives.
- Reviews performance of employees as a basis for providing on-going feedback and complete employee performance evaluations in conformity with department guidelines.
- Attends staff, board, community, committee and city council meetings as necessary.
- Develops an annual budget covering all functions of the Fire Department, and monitors expenditures to ensure compliance with the budget. Assures effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel, materials, facilities and time.
- Develops and maintains a multi-year capital improvement program to address the department’s short-term and long-term operational, facility, apparatus, equipment, and technology needs.
- Performs other duties and responsibilities as apparent or assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Fire Science Technology, Public or Business Administration with at least five (5) years of fire department experience including increasing responsibility, OR Associate's Degree with seven (7) years of increasingly responsible fire experience.
- At least five (5) years supervisory/managerial experience.
- Minnesota Firefighter License.
- Minnesota State Firefighter I & II certification, Hazardous Materials Operations certification, and EMT-B certification.
- Certified in NIMS 100, 200, 700 and 800.
- Certified Blue Card Incident Commander, or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
- Must successfully complete required background investigation, psychological evaluation, job-related assessments, and medical examination.
- Live or be willing to relocate to within a 30-minute (approximate) drive a Shoreline Fire Department fire station.
- Valid Minnesota driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications
- Two (2) or more years at a Chief officer level (Battalion Chief, Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief, or equivalent).
- Five (5) years of Fire Marshal or fire prevention leadership experience.
- NFA Managing Officer (MO) and/or Executive Fire Officer (EFO) certification.
- Experience leading department-wide initiatives (technology, accreditation, NERIS transition, training systems). • ICS-300 and ICS-400 certifications.
- MBFTE Qualified Instructor.
- Residency within a 30-minute radius of a Shoreline Fire Department fire station.
