Are you seeking an amazing career opportunity where you can make a real difference in shaping the future of a growing community and positively impact the lives of others? The City of Champaign is seeking an experienced and innovative leader to serve as its next Fire Chief.
A wonderfully diverse community located in east Central, Illinois, Champaign offers big city opportunities with Midwestern values and affordability. The City is home to the University of Illinois, which attracts the very brightest scholars and scientists from around the world and is one of the fastest growing cities in the state of Illinois. With an abundance of arts and cultural opportunities, beautiful parks and trails, nightlife activities in a vibrant Downtown, world-class educational opportunities, Big 10 sporting events, and a low cost of living, Champaign offers the best of urban life in a friendly, smaller city.
The Fire Chief manages and directs all activities and personnel of the Champaign Fire Department, including all fire suppression and first responder functions, fire safety education and prevention activities, fire code compliance, emergency management and preparedness, and the City’s building construction plan review, permitting and inspection services. The Fire Chief also provides oversight of departmental records management, employee training, fiscal administration and grants management, media relations and community engagement. The Fire Chief does related work as assigned and required.
The Fire Chief must personify the City values of Personal Integrity, Responsibility, Respect, Teamwork, and Results. The City of Champaign is committed to promoting a work environment reflecting our community that values and supports diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Position Requirements
Any combination of experience and qualifications that meet the statutory requirements for a fire chief as detailed in State of Illinois statute 65 ILCS 5/10-2.1-4.
Residency within the City of Champaign’s corporate limits is required within six months of appointment.
Possession of a valid state-issued driver’s license and a safe driving record as determined by the City’s Risk Manager.
Ability to pass a post-offer criminal history record check and drug screening.
Additional Preferred Qualifications
Extensive experience in fire administration, fire suppression and code enforcement in a supervisory capacity.
Demonstration of career progression through fire service ranks including experience at the equivalent rank of battalion chief, deputy chief, or chief in a comparable organization.
Certification or certificate of completed training or professional development in racial or multicultural studies; diversity, equity and inclusion; trauma-informed service delivery; or crisis intervention.
Extensive fire experience in multi-racial, multi-cultural urban communities.
Graduation from a college or university of recognized standing with an advanced degree in fire service management, public administration or a comparable field, or advanced leadership training and certifications beyond the minimum required by State law.
The annual salary range as of July 1, 2023, is $149,549.40 – $ 201,895.46, DOQ, plus an excellent benefits package. Position will remain open until filled, however interested applicants are encouraged to apply by Wednesday, October 4, 2023. To learn more about this opportunity and how to apply, visit champaignil.gov/firechief.
