About Elk River
Elk River, MN is a vibrant and growing community located approximately 35 miles northwest of Minneapolis in Sherburne County. Known for its beautiful natural surroundings, Elk River offers a high quality of life with excellent schools, parks, and recreational facilities. The city prides itself on being a safe and welcoming place to live, work, and visit.
Community Highlights:
- Recreation and Parks: Elk River boasts numerous parks, trails, and recreational facilities, including golf courses and natural conservation areas.
- Education: The city is served by the Independent School District #728 (K-12), Spectrum Charter School (6-12), and St. Andrew Catholic (PK-7) which offer high-quality educational opportunities for students.
- Economic Growth: Elk River is home to a diverse mix of businesses and industries, contributing to a strong local economy and providing ample employment opportunities.
- Community Events: The city hosts a variety of community events and festivals throughout the year, fostering a strong sense of community and engagement.
The City of Elk River is seeking a highly experienced and visionary executive-level leader to serve as our next Fire Chief. This is a unique opportunity to lead a dedicated and professional fire department committed to exceptional public safety services. The fire department is committed to ensuring that it has the appropriate training and equipment to handle responses to unique hazards and incidents. The Elk River Fire Department responds to approximately 450 calls for service annually, ranging from structure fires to car accidents, to fire alarms. Emergency responses are handled by a 45-member paid-on-call fire department. The Elk River Fire Department proudly serves the City of Elk River and a portion of Big Lake Township.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leadership and Management: Lead the department effectively, creating strategies, policies, and practices that meet community needs and uphold fire safety standards. Ensure ongoing communication with the city leadership to address public safety priorities and strategic community-wide growth. Is an active member of the senior city management team.
- Community Engagement: Foster strong relationships with community members, local organizations, and other stakeholders. Promote a culture of transparency, trust, and collaboration between the fire department and the community.
- Operational Oversight: Oversee daily operations of the fire department, including emergency response/fire suppression, department training and community fire education, emergency management, plan review and fire code enforcement, fire investigations, and administrative functions. Ensure effective deployment of personnel and resources to maintain public safety.
- Budget and Resource Management: Manage the department budget efficiently. Seek grants and other funding to support departmental initiatives. Collaborate with senior city management to address and implement city-wide budgetary strategies and needs.
- Training and Development: Promote continuous professional development for all department personnel. Ensure ongoing training in areas such as fire suppression, emergency response, all-hazards response, and firefighter training academy for new firefighters for both the City of Elk River and neighboring communities.
- Policy Development and Implementation: Create and implement policies that meet legal requirements and improve department efficiency. Work with the senior management team on city-wide policy, strategic plans, and recommendations to the City Council.
- Crisis Management: Lead the department’s response to emergencies and critical incidents. Ensure preparedness for a wide range of public safety challenges, including natural disasters and major public events.
- Intra-agency Collaboration: Work collaboratively with other fire safety agencies, governmental entities, and community organizations to enhance public safety and address regional issues.
Benefits
The City of Elk River is pleased to offer an extensive benefits package to our full-time employees. The compensation range for the next Fire Chief is $160,599 to $178,399.
Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in fire science, public administration, business administration, or a related field is required. A master’s degree is preferred.
- Experience: Minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible fire safety experience in an on-call fire agency or full-time fire department. Senior executive-level leadership experience.
- Certifications: Must possess or be able to obtain Minnesota Board of Firefighter Training and Education (MBFTE) certification within six (6) months of hire. Completion of advanced fire safety leadership training is highly desirable. First responder certification. Valid driver’s license and safe driving record.
- Skills: Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Proven ability to build positive relationships with diverse communities. Demonstrated expertise in modern management practices and technologies.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume. Questions may be directed to Jon Fehlman at (847) 380-3240 ext. 142. Electronic applications only.
The application deadline is October 30, 2026, EOB.
The City of Elk River is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees and residents.
Join us in making Elk River an even better place to live and work by leading our dedicated fire force with integrity, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.
