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City of Naperville

Naperville IL 60540

Phone: 630-548-2980  

Fax: 630-305-4048

E-mail: apply@naperville.il.us  
Website: www.naperville.il.us      

Population: 140,000

Sworn Officers: 200

Application Deadline: 6/27/08

The City of Naperville is seeking a Fire Chief to direct and manage the city’s Fire Department, and serve as a strategic partner with other City departments and the community in order to provide high quality services in the areas of fire suppression and protection; emergency medical services; fire prevention and inspection; training; public education; emergency preparedness services and emergency management. 

This individual will be responsible for providing innovative leadership to a progressive department of approximately 200 professionals among 10 neighborhood fire stations and will be accountable to the City Manager.

The primary responsibility of the Fire Chief is to provide excellent customer-focused, results-oriented services while supporting the city’s culture of providing “Great Service, All the Time”.  This position requires an individual who possesses a strong strategic business sense, unquestionable integrity, and a passion for customer service. 

Serving as the principal strategic advisor regarding fire department issues, the selected candidate will possess effective written and interpersonal skills as well as an ability to build effective working relationships with diverse audiences. 

The department employs professionals with extensive training in the fire services.  An ability to develop managers and supervisors in the areas of employee involvement, empowerment, decision making, risk taking and communication, in addition to supporting the development efforts of front line staff will be key.  The successful candidate skillfully models respectful, professional and safety-minded behaviors and holds staff accountable for similarly appropriate conduct.  The ideal candidate will be skilled in identifying realistic, measurable department goals and objectives and developing policies and procedures which strategically support those goals. 

A strong focus on safety and participation with the city’s safety initiatives as well as federal and state regulations governing safety in municipalities including Illinois Department of Labor, OSHA, EPA, ANSI, NIOSH and others is essential.

The Fire Chief will perform emergency duties as necessary, including assuming command of major emergency incidents.  Typical administrative work will include preparing detailed management and operational reports on department activities, proactively managing personnel matters, managing the department budget and strategy, and working constructively with a labor union to encourage dialogue and consensus through collaborative negotiation, as well as participating in contract negotiations.

To qualify for this opportunity, you must possess:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Public or Business Administration

• A minimum of over (7) years of experience in Fire Administration, with at least (3) years of experience at the rank of Assistant Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief or Fire Chief in a fire service profession, or, with proven experience in progressively responsible leadership roles which demonstrates senior level management capabilities

• A valid State of Illinois Driver’s License, Class D

Preferred candidates will hold a Master’s degree and/or additional post-graduate study in a related field; formal management training through the National Fire Academy; and/or licensure as an Illinois licensed paramedic.

The City of Naperville, Illinois is a dynamic community of 140,000 residents, conveniently located 28 miles west of Chicago.  Money Magazine recently named Naperville as the second best city in the United States in which to live.  We have gained national recognition for our family-friendly environment, excellent schools and library system, low crime rate and vibrant downtown area.  Our municipal government employs over 1,050 dedicated individuals in a wide range of job categories.

For more information, and to apply,

please see our website at:

www.naperville.il.us

Do you need to finish your degree?

Master of Science Degree in Executive Fire Service Leadership

A Master of Science in Executive Fire Service Leadership degree at Grand Canyon University will provide you with the necessary skills to pursue or enhance your career. This degree is offered entirely online, and offers you the benefit of fitting your education into your schedule. All MSEFSL courses are facilitated by doctorate-professors who possess first-hand knowledge and experience in the fire service / emergency management fields. Professors will provide an environment where current and future issues in the industry can be discussed and students will develop an understanding for strategic management, analysis, evaluation, and effective internal processes.  

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