Job Description

Posting number: 2026-4430

Department: Fire

Division: Fire Administration

Job classification: Fire Chief

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Miscellaneous, Fire & EMS

Summary

This is highly responsible professional, administrative, and management work in planning, organizing, and directing all activities of the Rock Island Fire Department.

Work involves responsibility for the administration and coordination of all fire service activities and the establishment of policies, procedures, and regulations including those pertaining to firefighting, fire prevention, and emergency rescue and medical operating standards. Supervision is exercised directly or through subordinate supervisors over all employees of the department. Work is performed under the administrative direction of the City Manager, who reviews work for overall program effectiveness through conferences and reports.

Examples of duties

Plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency rescue and advanced life support ambulance service.

Supervises directly, or through subordinate supervisors, all employees of the department; takes personal command of activities at major emergency incidents when required.

Exercises purchasing and budgetary control and prepares annual operating budget of the department; reviews and approves specifications for new equipment and apparatus; determines personnel and facility requirements.

Directs the preparation and analysis of records and reports to secure efficient operation, to meet service demands, and to comply with authorized requests for information regarding firefighting activities and personnel; submits report to City Manager.

Recommends changes in fire and related codes to keep current with technological advances and modern fire/life safety requirements.

Directs the development of programs for the training, utilization, and development of personnel; resolves disputes and grievances; disciplines personnel; recommends

personnel actions; evaluates command personnel.

Maintains liaison with other City departments and addresses groups regarding firefighting activities and fire prevention and rescue programs to explain and promote public understanding.

Provides effective and efficient customer services and promotes and maintains responsive community relations.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Requirements of Work Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Graduation from a four year college or university with major course work in fire science, public or business administration, or a related field and thorough experience as a firefighter and as a command officer in fire and rescue operations and administration; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, abilities, and skills:

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of modern fire department administration and fire science.

Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, procedures, equipment, and apparatus used in modern firefighting and in the protection of life and property from fire.

Thorough knowledge of the principles of organization, administration, and personnel management.

Thorough knowledge of the ordinances and statutes affecting the operation of the department.

Ability to plan, implement, and direct programs, operations, and activities including employee training and development, and fire prevention and investigation activities.

Ability to express ideas clearly, both orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with civic and official groups and the public, as well as to command and hold the respect and discipline of subordinates.

Necessary Special Requirements Possession of valid Class D Illinois drivers license or an equivalent license from employees state of residence.

Selected candidates must meet a residency requirement, which includes living in the state of Illinois or Iowa and maintaining a sixty (60) minute response time.

Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell

The employee occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 50 pounds. Specific vision ability required by this job includes close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee is occasionally exposed to life threatening situations and harsh weather conditions.

Supplemental information

Possession of valid Class D Illinois drivers license or an equivalent license from employees state of residence.

Selected candidates must meet a residency requirement, which includes living in the state of Illinois or Iowa and maintaining a sixty (60) minute response time.