Fire Chief

Fire Chief

Salary

$123,510.40 - $159,889.60 Annually

Location

107 West Main St., MN

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

Fire Chief 08 2026

Department

Fire

Division

Fire Department

Opening Date

07/30/2026

Closing Date

8/24/2026 8:00 AM Central

FLSA

Exempt

Bargaining Unit

NA

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Anticipated Timeline

(1) Application Period: July 30, 2026 - August 24, 2026

(3) First Round Interviews: Week of August 31, 2026

(4) Second Round Interviews: Week of September 14, 2026

(5) Extend conditional offer of employment to successful candidate: Week of September 21, 2026

(6) Leadership Assessment will be scheduled and completed on top candidate(s): End of September

(7) Desired start date: End of October 2026

• Conditional offer contingent on successful completion of leadership assessment, background check, and pre-employment screenings.

THE COMMUNITY WE SERVE:

The City of Owatonna is a growing community strategically placed at the crossroads of I-35 and two major US highways, approximately one hour south of the Twin Cities metro area. The community has a commitment to growth, access to services, and quality of life for its 26,000 residents.

Click the link below to learn more about the community this position would have the opportunity to be part of and serve.

ABOUT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT:

DEPARTMENT PURPOSE:

We believe that our community thrives when there is a response and support in times of emergency. The Fire Department creates a better tomorrow by preserving life and property when our citizens need it most.

As an organization, our Purpose is to create a better tomorrow. We are guided in that work by our organizations 3 Core Values: Better Together, Community Stewardship, and Pride in Our Work.

In our department, the City's values look and sound like . . .

BETTER TOGETHER:

• Having each other's backs - our lives depend on it
• Working as a team within the department, the city, and the community - we can't do this job alone
• Mentoring-sharing our wisdom and experience with each other
• Volunteering at community events
• Resisting the drama-treating each other with mutual respect and trust
• Providing and receiving positive and constructive feedback from each other
• Utilizing the individual strengths, skills, abilities, and backgrounds within our team while giving the appropriate respect to rank

COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP:

• Protecting and safeguarding community lives and property
• Operating with integrity at all times
• Continuing to enhance our training and education
• Recognizing that we are a public face for the city and maintaining that positive public image
• Proactively preventing fire and reducing risk throughout the community
• Participating in opportunities for community engagement and partnership
• Taking care of the equipment, facilities, and other public resources we are entrusted with
• Spending taxpayers' money and using city resources wisely, efficiently, and effectively

PRIDE IN OUR WORK:

• Caring and showing up prepared to support an individual on their worst day
• Putting in the extra effort - taking the initiative to clean trucks, gear, tools, and the station
• Having a willingness to learn new things and seek self-improvement
• Honoring the public image and legacy of the fire service and the responsibility that comes with that

Duties / Responsibilities

WHAT YOULL DO:

The Fire Director is responsible for the comprehensive leadership and strategic oversight of the City of Owatonna's Fire Department and related public safety programs. This role oversees all fire, rescue, and EMS operations, including emergency response, staffing, scheduling, training, budgeting, regulatory compliance, and operational readiness. The Director serves as the Citys Emergency Manager and Incident Commander, oversees fire code enforcement and inspection programs, provides guidance to the Building Inspections and Community Development Department, manages township contracts and budget reporting, works with the Civil Service Commission, and coordinates emergency response with local, regional, and state partners to ensure effective service delivery and public safety.

Specifically, as the Fire Chief - Director, you will...

• Provides direction and leadership to staff, including assigning work, training staff, conducting performance counseling, conducting performance evaluations and making disciplinary, hiring and promotion decisions
• Provides leadership in directing the operations of the department, including strategic planning; evaluating plans to ensure needs are being met; developing, approving, planning, coordinating,

evaluating and administering projects, processes, policies, procedures, standards, programs and services; and coordinating activities between multiple departments, programs or functions.

• Manages department compliance with federal, state and local laws, regulations, codes and standards.
• Serves as a representative of the City in negotiations, on committees, in meetings, on boards, or in other public groups
• Manages department financials, including developing budgets; monitoring use of funds; allocating funds to correct programs and services; and approving use of funds.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Qualifications

ABOUT YOU:

A successful candidate will have some or all of the following ...

Bachelors degree in Fire Science, or related field; 5 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Licensing in (requirements):

• Possession of a valid drivers license
• Currently licensed firefighter (firefighter I/II certifications) in Minnesota or ability to obtain firefighter license immediately upon hire.
• Currently certified in NIMS 100, 200, 700 and 800.

Preferred:

• Emergency Medical Responder Certification (or higher);
• Fire Inspector II certification
• Fire Plan Reviewer certification
• Fire Investigator (CFI certification preferred)
• National Incident Management 300 & 400

Knowledge of:

• Managerial and leadership principles and practices;
• Budget principles and practices;
• Financial Management principles;
• Public Administration principles;
• Strategic planning principles;
• Applicable Federal, State, and Local laws, codes, and regulations.

Skill in:

• Leadership and management;
• Preparing reports;
• Managing division operations;
• Analyzing and developing policies and procedures;
• Using a computer and related software applications;
• Public relations and public speaking;
• Interpreting laws and regulations;
• Negotiation and persuasion;
• Preparing budgets;
• Program and project management;
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Hours of Work/Physical and Mental Demands

• This is a full-time position. Schedule will vary and will include evening and weekend hours.
• To view the full job description including position specifications and physical demands click here.
• To view the job profile click here.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

2026 BENEFITS OVERVIEW

For a Regular Full-Time Employee

The City of Owatonna provides a comprehensive, balanced, and competitive benefits package as part of your total compensation. The Citys benefits programs address both the immediate needs that you and your family may have, such as medical coverage or health savings accounts, and your long-term needs, such as retirement savings.

The following outline of City offered benefits serves as an overview and does not provide all provisions, limitations, and exclusions. If there is a contradiction between this and the official plan documents, the plan documents will prevail.

EMPLOYER-PROVIDED BENEFITS

Paid Time Off (PTO): It is the policy of the City of Owatonna to provide employees with necessary time away from work. PTO can be utilized for any purpose, subject only to necessary request/approval procedures consistent with the City Policies and Procedures Manual and labor contracts. PTO accrues at the following rates for full-time employees:

Years of Service Hours/Year

1 144

2 152

3 160

4 168

5 176

6-9 184

10 192

11 200

12 208

13 216

14 224

15 228

16 232

17 236

18 240

19 244

20 248

21 252

22 256

23 260

24+ 264

11 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday: All regular full-time employees of the City, except those who are governed by a union contract or different holiday policy, receive the following holidays:

Holiday Date

New Years Day January 1st

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Third Monday in January

Presidents Day Third Monday in February

Memorial Day Last Monday in May

Juneteenth June 19th

Independence Day July 4th

Labor Day First Monday in September

Veterans Day November 11th

Thanksgiving Day Fourth Thursday in November

Last working day before Christmas December

Christmas Day December 25th

One (1) Floating Holiday Once per year; must be used by December 31st

Retirement:

PERA (Public Employees Retirement Association)

• Eligible employees Must participate as directed by Minnesota Statutes.
• PERA Coordinated Plan contributions rates (non-police & fire) are: 7.5% employer and 6.5% employees.
• PERA Police & Fire Plan contributions & Fire are: 17.7% employer and 11.8% employees.

Health Insurance Coverage Through Medica:

Coverage for eligible employees becomes effective on the first day of employment.

1. Eligible employees can choose between 3 choices of varying deductible plans with single or family option coverage.

2. The City Contributes $ 650.00 towards single coverage/premium or $ 1,816.00 towards family coverage/premium

3. The City contributes $1,425/single or $2,900/family into an HSA account.

The city pays 100% of the premium and coverage costs of HealthiestYou, a virtual healthcare provider service with a $0.00 co-pay.

Term Life Insurance:

The City provides a $25,000 term life insurance policy at no cost to the employee.

Long Term Disability Insurance:

The plan provides long-term disability income with a 90-day consecutive elimination period. An employee must be a regular full-time employee and have completed six (6) months of employment to be eligible for this benefit.

New in 2026 - Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML):

For the 2026 plan year (January 1 - December 31, 2026), the City of Owatonna will cover 100% of the PFML insurance premium through our provider, Madison National Life Insurance Company.

Fitness Center:

Employees also have access to the City's West Hills Fitness Center at no cost as part of the citys wellness program.

Employee Assistant Plan (EAP):

The City of Owatonna provides an Employee Assistance Plan. This service provides free, confidential, professional assistance to help employees and their families resolve problems such as marital difficulties, financial or legal problems, emotional challenges, or problems caused by alcohol or other drug use that affect their personal lives or job performance.

OPTIONAL BENEFITS AVAILABLE:

The following benefits are available on an elective basis at the employees choice:

• Deferred Compensation Plans (457 and Roth IRAs): Plans available through Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS) and MissionSquare.
• Dental Insurance: Coverage through Health Partners.
• Supplemental Coverages: Plans available through AFLAC.
• Supplemental Life Insurance: Plans through MN Life and PERA.
• Health Care and Daycare Flexible Spending Accounts
• Vision Care: Plan available through Eye Med.

Questions regarding benefit information can be directed to Human Resources at 507-774-7346.

01

Do you currently hold a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you hold a bachelors degree in fire science, or related field; 8 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.

• Yes
• No

03

Which of the following best describes your level of education?

• Some High School Classes
• High School or GED
• Some College
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Maters Degree

04

Please list the degree(s) you have completed. If you do not have a degree, type N/A.

05

Are you currently a licensed firefighter in Minnesota or have the ability to obtain a firefighter license immediately upon hire?

• Yes
• No

06

How many years of supervisor or management experience do you have?

• No experience
• Less than 3 years of experience
• 3 - 5 years for experience
• More than 5 years of experience

07

Please describe your experience with management or supervising others. If no experience, type N/A,

08

Do you have experience working with a department budget?

• Yes
• No

09

Explain your budget experience in detail. If no experience, type N/A.

10

Which of the following best describes your computer related skills and ability?

• No experience
• Limited - I can use a computer to open documents, print documents and send e-mail messages.
• Moderate - I consider myself more advance in computer technology than someone with "limited" skills. I am proficient with Microsoft Office products. I can create Word documents, Excel spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations.
• Extensive - I have advanced and technical skills. I consider myself a resource for others.

11

How many years of experience do you have working in emergency medical services?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• 1 - 5 years of experience
• More than 5 years of experience

12

Please explain your emergency medical service experience

13

Do you have experience with maintaining and implementing safety plans within an organization?

• Yes
• No

14

Please explain your safety program experience within an organization. If no experience, type N/A.

15

Do you have experience working with boards, commissions or city councils?

• Yes
• No

16

Please explain your experience working with boards, commissions or city councils. If no experience, type N/A.

17

Are you Minnesota State Certified as Fire Officer I or higher, or the ability to become certified immediately upon hire?

• Yes
• No

18

Do you have incident command experience?

• Yes
• No

19

Please explain your experience with incident command experience. If no experience, type N/A.

20

Please select the following you are certified in.

• NIMS 100
• NIMS 200
• NIMS 300
• NIMS 400
• NIMS 700
• NIMS 800
• Fire Inspection
• Emergency Management
• Hazmat Operations
• NREMT Certification

21

Do you have emergency management experience?

• Yes
• No

22

Please explain your emergency management experience. If no experience, type N/A.

23

Why are you interested in the Fire Chief position for the City of Owatonna and how does it fit into your career goals?

24

Tell us about a specific time you succeeded more as a team than on your own.

25

What do you love about your work?

26

Please share one specific best moment from your work in the past year.

27

This position requires the physical activities listed below. Are you able to perform these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation? PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Positions in this class typically require: reaching, standing, walking, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Owatonna

Address 540 West Hills Circle

Owatonna, Minnesota, 55060

Phone 507-774-7344

Website https://www.owatonna.gov/