The Village of Peoria Heights, Illinois, is currently accepting applications for a paid Fire Chief.
Applications may be picked up and/or submitted with a resume at Village Hall, 4901 N. Prospect Rd., Peoria Heights, IL 61616. Salary is range is $65,000-$100,000 depending on qualifications and includes benefits. For more information on this position and a job description, please visit peoriaheights.org.
Applications are due by Friday, October 3, 2025
Job Description
Job Title: Fire Chief
Date: October 24, 2023
Department: Fire Department
Schedule: Negotiable
Position Status: Full-Time
FLSA Status:Non-Exempt
Supervisor: Mayor
Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes
Position Objective: The Fire Chief is responsible for the leadership, direction, and general administrative oversight to the Fire Department and employees responsible for fire protection, code enforcement and prevention and "All Hazards" disaster preparedness within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Village of Peoria Heights. Work involves significant community engagement and public involvement with elected officials, fire, EMS, numerous public safety agencies and institutions, as well as other governmental entities, citizens, business owner/operators and neighborhood groups.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities
Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the work of the Fire Department including all aspects of fire suppression, training, communications, code enforcement and prevention, administration, emergency medical services, and “All Hazards” disaster preparedness, including facilities, equipment, apparatus, personnel, public information/education, and fire inspection/investigation and code enforcement.
Oversee the management of the day-today administration of the Fire Department, including budget, departmental structure and staffing, field operations, reporting and communications, stewardship and development of assets, personnel and labor relations, incident management, employee safety, quality control, records and reporting.
Coordinate programs and activities of the Fire Department with other City and/or County departments, local and regional agencies, and citizen groups to ensure that programs and activities meet the fire and emergency medical services needs of the community.
Provide for ongoing research into new approaches, technologies and trends, and recommend implementation of programs and equipment to help the Fire Department achieve its objectives more efficiently.
Develop and maintain a workforce committed to, and with highly developed competencies in, customer service, results orientation, and teamwork.
Directly or through managers, appoint, supervise, provide for training, performance evaluation and development; safety; and accountability of the Fire Departments' employees.
Ensure the financial well-being of the Fire Department by establishing cost control measures and monitoring all fiscal operations of the Fire Department.
Prepare annual budget and justify budget requests and amendments.
Ensure the efficient and economical use of departmental funds, personnel, equipment, materials, facilities and time.
Work with elected officials, department heads, staff, and other agencies to develop long-range plans for meeting the fire and emergency medical services needs of the community.
Work with local, county, state and federal agencies to keep abreast of current trends and laws in the fire service, EMS and communications for the regional improvement of these activities.
Liaison with other fire agencies served by the Fire Communications Center to develop county-wide fire communications policies and procedures.
Develop and enforce the fire code, fire prevention ordinances, and building construction fire code compliance, including investigation of the causes and circumstances of fires.
Oversee emergency medical services provided by the Village of Peoria Heights, ensuring efficiency of operations and maintenance of quality standards in administration and services, including records security, reporting, and fiscal soundness.
Maintain public relations and public education activities including news releases, web site information, meetings, appearances and effective media communications during emergency operations.
Establish rules and regulations for the Fire Department that meet applicable federal, state and local laws and furthers consistency with established national and state standards for fire/EMS/Emergency Management services.
Provide information and advice to the Mayor and Village Board on strategic planning and accomplishment of Village goals and objectives.
Participate in organization-wide strategic planning.
Coordinate the Fire Department's activities with those of other City departments and offices to ensure a consistent approach towards common projects and interests and the cost-effective delivery of services.
Monitor, prepare and propose Village responses to pertinent legislation related to fire/EMS services.
Oversee the general direction, supervision and evaluation of all paid and volunteer personnel, including employee safety, training and job performance.
Develop and propose to the Village Board the department’s annual budget and strategic planning.
Attend monthly Village Board and community meetings.
Monitor and control department appropriations and expenditures.
Prepare shift scheduling of all personnel.
Recommend to the Village Board all appointments, promotions, demotions, transfers, and terminations of personnel.
Recommend and enforce all department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
Assess and respond to citizen complaints in a timely, courteous and effective manner.
Evaluate the need for and recommend to the Village Board the purchase of new equipment, apparatus, additional personnel, and emergency supplies when needed.
Respond to alarms, administer initial emergency (care, response and/or service) when necessary, and direct activities at the scene of emergencies, as required. Inspect property for fire dangers and damage.
Oversee all firefighting operations and fire prevention procedures including, but not limited to, disaster relief and prevention, hazardous materials, flooding and flood damage prevention, safety and risk management.
Ensure apparatus is in good working order at all times.
Maintain and implement Village disaster preparation plans.
Take appropriate safety precautions, anticipate unsafe circumstances, and act accordingly to prevent accidents. Maintain the safety of self, others and equipment. Use all required safety equipment and procedures.
Marginal Responsibilities
Perform other duties as assigned.
Education/Experience Requirements
Associates degree or higher in emergency management, fire service administration, public administration or related field desired
Must currently possess and have the ability to maintain an Illinois EMT/FR, EMT or Paramedic License.
Must be currently certified by Illinois OSFM as an Advanced Technician Firefighter or higher, Fire Service Instructor II or higher, and Fire Apparatus Engineer.
Must possess a valid Illinois State driver’s license.
In place of the above requirements, any combination of relevant education, training and experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the essential functions of the job will be considered.
Minimum fifteen (15) years of firefighting, safety and risk management experience with at least Five (5) years in a Company Officer or higher command position.
Have working experience in the use of fire and EMS equipment.
Competency Requirements
Basic mathematical skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Word.
Proficient in Microsoft Excel.
Effective time management.
Ability to multi-task.
Must be available to attend Village Board, Special and Committee Meetings.
Ability to operate emergency apparatus and equipment, with knowledge of safety policies and regulations, as well as applicable federal, state and local laws.
Knowledge of fire prevention, fire suppression, hazardous materials mitigation, technical rescue operations, and fire investigation methods, practices and procedures, with the ability to apply such knowledge and proper procedures to specific situations in a calm manner.
Working knowledge of community geography, including street names and locations, building structures and hospital locations.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.
Have a working knowledge of federal, state and local laws and ordinances pertaining to fire and EMS services, including fire inspection.
Make emergency decisions under stressful conditions which might be irreversible and which could result in immediate risk to life, property, environment, and could result in liability to the City, its citizens, or other agencies or jurisdictions involved in the emergency.
Conduct self at all times in an ethical, professional and respectful manner.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with citizens and stakeholders, both internal and external.
Physical Requirements
Frequent walking and sitting.
Regular lifting/pulling/pushing up to 100 pounds.
Occasional lifting/pulling/pushing over 100 pounds.
Regular reaching, reaching overheard, and grasping.
Frequent standing, walking, and sitting.
Regular stooping and crawling.
Other physical activities related to a Fire Department.
Operates general office equipment, including multi-line phone, fax machine, printer, copier, and personal computer.
Work Environment
Due to the nature of firefighting and emergency services work, an employee in this position will be exposed to potential hazards such as extreme heat and smoke, unstable structures, live electrical lines, toxic gases, and bloodborne pathogens. Therefore, the employee is required to use protective clothing and equipment and must have the ability to pass annual physicals. The physical demands of this job also call for above average endurance and conditioning. Duties may include strenuous activities under adverse environmental conditions over extended periods of time. Requirements include running, climbing stairs with a heavy load, jumping, twisting, bending, and lifting more than 100 pounds. The pace of the work is set by the emergency situation. During both emergency and non-emergency situations, the employee must be able to conduct coherent voice communication in person as well as via portable radio.
Moderate moving machinery, exposure to dust, extreme heat, extreme cold, humidity/water, outdoor weather conditions, toxic chemicals or fumes, electricity/risk of electric shock and loud noise.
The above job description reflects the general requirements necessary to perform the principal functions or responsibilities of the job identified and shall not be interpreted as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job, either at present or in the future, and may be amended by the management as appropriate, with or without notice.