Assistant Fire Chief in Onalaska, Wisconsin at City of Onalaska
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Job Description
The City of Onalaska is seeking to hire an Assistant Fire Chief. The Assistant Fire Chief serves as the EMS Service Director and is responsible for assuring compliance with current department EMS licensure level. This position is responsible for developing and coordinating department fire-based training in accordance with DSPS, DHS, and ISO standards. This position assists with fire safety programs and education within the community to include facilitating occupancy inspections and fire detection and prevention inspections within the response areas of the Onalaska Fire Department. The Assistant Fire Chief has significant managerial authority and responsibility to assist in the determination of the organizational response to a variety of fire safety and emergency response needs and to make modifications as conditions dictate. In addition, the Assistant Fire Chief assists with plan review in coordination with the Fire Chief. The Assistant Chief shall have command and management responsibility, under the general direction and supervision of the Fire Chief.
Essential Job Functions:
- Functions as second in command of the fire department and is in charge of the fire department in the absence of the Chief.
- In absence of the Fire Chief, is responsible for reporting citations/violations, issuing warnings, and processing reports on all fire code violations as required; follows-up on violations to ensure compliance.
- Assists in the development, administration and monitoring of annual and long-range departmental budget and goals. Develops and supports programs that are consistent with the goals and objectives of the Onalaska Fire department and its strategic plan. Researches and pursues alternative funding sources, such as grants, to supplement the Onalaska Fire Department budget.
- Provides control and standardization of the operational procedures, including, but not limited to: staff allocation, scheduling, and organization of shifts.
- Provides personnel recommendations relative to hiring, promotion, transfer, discipline, commendations, and discharge to the Fire Chief, Human Resources, and the Police and Fire Commission as appropriate.
- Provides oversight of firefighter schedules and timesheets bi-weekly to ensure payroll entry is accurate for the department, including hours and benefit time, etc. in accordance to City policies, collective bargaining agreements and employment and/or labor laws.
- Processes and maintains training records, including but not limited to: scheduling, lodging, transportation, contracting with training sites, and ensuring proper completion of City forms, costs associated herewith in compliance with City of Onalaska and department policies.
- Assists in the planning, development and implementation of departmental policies and procedures that ensure efficient delivery of fire and EMS services to the community.
- Supervises and evaluates first-line supervisors, and conveys instructions and information from the Chief.
- Oversees and develops fire and EMS training, fire prevention and public education programs in compliance with State requirements.
- Maintains fire and emergency medical skills and certification; responds to fire and emergency medical calls.
- Facilitates and/or attends training programs, seminars and fire prevention programs; assists in monitoring the planning, organization, conduct and evaluation of departmental training activities of personnel; provides’ assistance to those working on special projects.
- Directs or assists in the maintenance of the Fire department inventory, facilities, vehicles and equipment; ensures required testing is conducted and recorded properly for State and National compliance (i.e. annual hose testing).
- Acts as a member of the City’s Safety Committee, assists the committee in developing safety policies.
- Ensures staff stay up-to-date with Firefighter Health and Wellness standard policies.
Compensation and Benefits: The 2026 annual salary range for this exempt position is $90,499 (step 1) through $118,703 (step 11). Starting wage depending on qualifications.
The City offers competitive benefits to include health and dental insurance effective the first of the month following 60 days of employment. For 2026 health insurance, the most affordable area plan offered is the Quartz West Plan with premiums at $225.36 per month for a single plan or $554.72 per month for a family plan. There is no deductible or co-insurance amount for the health insurance plan. Dental insurance is through Delta Dental with premiums paid 100% by the City. The position qualifies for automatic enrollment in the Wisconsin Retirement System (pension plan) providing a lifetime payment once vested and upon eligible retirement. Additionally, the City offers voluntary benefits such as vision, flexible spending, life insurance, disability insurance, deferred compensation, pet insurance, critical illness, cancer, and accident insurance. Paid sick leave, holidays, and vacation. Access to an employee assistance program (EAP). The City of Onalaska is also a qualifying employer under the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Federal Program.
To Apply: To be considered for this excellent opportunity, submit an online employment application by accessing https://onalaskawi.gov/jobs by October 28, 2026. For additional information please contact: City of Onalaska Human Resources – City Hall (1st Floor) 415 Main Street, Onalaska WI 54650; Phone: 608-781-9530 ext. 260; Email: afrandsen@onalaskawi.gov
Additional Information: Initial interviews anticipated November 9, 2026. Selected candidate subject to background screening, post-offer/pre-employment drug screen/physical and psychological exam. EOE/Drug Free Workplace.
Associates degree in Fire Science or closely related field; preference for a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science or closely related field. Eight (8) years progressively responsible experience in fire service, including (2) years of supervisory and collective bargaining experience preferred. Certified as a State of Wisconsin or International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Fire Officer I or II, Fire Instructor I or II, and Fire Inspector I or II. Certified as a Wisconsin EMT-B or National Registered EMT. Valid driver’s license with good driving record.
- Knowledge of tactics, techniques, and equipment commonly used to contain and extinguish fires.
- Knowledge of conditions and events that produce fire and characteristics associated with different kinds of fires.
- Knowledge of water supply, gas, electrical, mechanical, hydraulic systems, and fire protection systems (hydrants, sprinklers, alarms).
- Knowledge of national standards, state laws and administrative codes related to the prevention of fires and procedures for inspection and enforcement.
- Knowledge of fire investigation procedures and techniques including, but not limited to, evidence collection and searches.
- Knowledge of emergency medical services, accepted procedures and practice, and the training of emergency medical technicians.
- Knowledge of methods used to deal with hazardous or life-threatening situations, including those associated with the storage and transportation of combustible and hazardous materials; building construction materials; vehicle, railroad and pipeline accidents; medical emergencies; natural and man-made disasters.
- Knowledge of municipal administration including the structure and functions of city government; state statutes, principles of management; budget planning and control; purchasing; personnel management, collective bargaining, and labor relations; performance evaluation; public relations.
- Evaluate staff subordinates in a fair and equitable manner, recommending commendations and administering discipline as necessary.
- Offer budgetary documentation to the City’s governmental authorities within the guidelines of the City structure; support and defend the recommendation of the department operating budget.
- Delegate authority to appropriate staff subordinates monitoring adherence to established fire policies and departmental procedures.
- Establish effective working relationships with the public, news media, city officials, outside agencies and others.
- Skills in the preparation and interpretation of complex oral and written communications, policy development and in all aspects of public speaking.
- Operate a variety of office machines and equipment.
- Comply with and enforce policies of the City of Onalaska, the Onalaska Fire department, City Ordinances, and NFPA codes.
- Maintain a professional demeanor; calmly approach and solve problems under stressful circumstances; maintain and promote harmony in the workplace; concentrate for extended periods of time; and be flexible.
The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Manual Dexterity: Regularly coordinate hands, eyes, feet and limbs inperforming semi-skilled movements such as operation of office equipment, hand/power tools and other necessary equipment.
- Physical Effort: Mostly sedentary work, occasionally exerts light to medium physical effort and work involving lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, walking, standing, reaching with hands and arms, climbing, balancing, twisting, stooping, kneeling or crouching. May occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Ability to reach shoulder height and above to do overhead work. Ability to work at and climb ladders to various heights. Specific vision abilities include close and distant vision and the ability to adjust focus. Ability to communicate and hear effectively.
- Working Conditions: The noise level in the work environment is moderately quiet. The work environment is normally indoors with controlled climate conditions. Occasionally exposed to chemicals, fumes, noise, extended hours, machinery/equipment, heat and humidity, and dirt/dust. Occasionally outdoors for a short period of time, and therefore subject to varying weather conditions, for purposes of accomplishing the essential functions of this job.