Deputy Fire Chief

Salary : $119,726.88 - $179,325.12 Annually
Location : 50 Raupp Blvd, Buffalo Grove
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00048
Department: Fire
Opening Date: 03/25/2024
Closing Date: 4/22/2024 5:00 PM Central
The Village of Buffalo Grove, a very progressive, family-oriented community located in both Cook and Lake Counties, 32 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, is seeking candidates for the position of Deputy Fire Chief. Covering approximately 9.25 square miles, the Village boasts high-quality residential neighborhoods, nationally ranked public schools, expansive open spaces, several retail corridors and was recently recognized as the safest small town in the United States.
The Buffalo Grove Fire Department (BGFD) is one of fewer than 325 agencies worldwide to achieve "Internationally Accredited Agency" status with the CFAI and the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Inc. (CPSE). The Fire Department consists of 57 full-time firefighters/paramedics, and officers and four full-time and two part-time civilian staff and maintains an ISO 2 rating. The senior staff consists of the Fire Chief, a Deputy Fire Chief, three Shift Battalion Chiefs, one Staff Battalion Chiefs (Training/Safety), an Administrative Secretary, an EMS Coordinator, and a Management Analyst.
The Department's mission is to provide professional services with Commitment, Loyalty, Integrity, and Pride. The department operates 4 fire vehicles (Command Vehicle, Engine, Quint, and Tower Ladder) and 3 ALS treat and transport ambulances 24 hours a day out of three fire stations. BGFD responds to over 5,200 calls for service each year with approximately 65 percent comprising ambulance calls. The department is a member of MABAS Divisions 1 and 4 and the Lake and McHenry County Specialized Response Team. The department places a high degree of importance on the customer service it provides to both internal and external customers.
Click to learn more about the BGFD and the position of Deputy Fire Chief.
Examples of Duties / Knowledge & Skills
The Deputy Fire Chief serves at the direction of the Fire Chief, providing high-level administrative and professional assistance in the coordination, planning, deployment and administration of the Fire Department's human and capital resources. The Deputy Fire Chief provides executive-level guidance to the Fire Chief in formulating strategies, policies and plans for the long-term sustainability and operation of the Fire Department. In addition to the policy-level duties of the position, the Deputy Fire Chief is expected to possess and utilize strong technical and analytical capabilities, with demonstrated experience in firefighting, EMS, and emergency management, as well as technology and personnel development.
Minimum qualifications & Requirements
Qualifications and experience determined to be significant for the position of Deputy Fire Chief include the following:

• A minimum of 15 years' experience in a similar municipal Fire/EMS fire department with a history of success in increasingly responsible supervisory and management positions.
• Experience as a Battalion Chief or other Chief Officer of higher rank.
• A master's degree from an accredited college or university with a fire service, management, or public administration focus.
• An IL OSFM Fire Officer II/Advanced Fire Officer certificate, with high consideration given to candidates with an IL OSFM Fire Officer III/Chief Fire Officer certification (out of state applicants will be required to confirm equivalent certification).
• Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) Chief Fire Officer Designation and/or completion of the Executive Fire Officer program from the National Fire Academy is preferred.
• Experience in specialized or local government fire suppression and in fire department administration, budget management, and staff training is desired.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, including public presentation and facilitation.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with both internal and external customers.
• Ability to analyze fire/EMS service operating conditions and develop sound recommendations for their improvement.
• Ability to evaluate multiple policies and procedures with a strong focus on the best outcomes for the organization.
• Have a thorough knowledge in the modern firefighting techniques and practices including risk management practices; ability to command major operations or emergencies involving division operations; coordinating division activities with other departments and fire and emergency agencies.
• Knowledge of local, state and federal government organization and intergovernmental relations.
• Adept in technology practices including radio networks and computer systems.
• Have extensive management techniques with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
• Ability to independently supervise high-functioning professionals and administer delegated areas of responsibility. Able to appreciate divergent views and develop policies that are sufficiently accommodating yet equitable.
• The ideal candidate will possess a highly driven and motivated approach to the fire service, can maintain decorum in stressful situations, be committed to advancing the profession, be creative and be committed to the mission and vision of the Buffalo Grove Fire Department.

Supplemental information
The Village of Buffalo Grove offers a competitive benefits package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Residency in the Village of Buffalo Grove is not required. The starting salary for this position is $174,037.76.
Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply on-line at vbg.org. In addition to completing the on-line application, candidates must attach a cover letter and resume to their on-line application. Emailed, faxed, mailed or hand delivered applications and/or resumes will not be accepted. Applications for the position of Deputy Fire Chief will close on April 22, 2024, at 5:00 PM. Any questions regarding the position can be directed to Fire Chief Baker at wbaker@vbg.org.
The Village of Buffalo Grove provides a full benefits package to full-time employees including Medical, Dental, and Vision, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, pension, holidays, vacation, sick leave, and additional voluntary retirement savings opportunities.
This position may be eligible for a flexible work arrangement after 6 months of employment.