Position Announcement with the City of Carbondale Fire Department: Fire Chief
Date/Time
Date(s) - 11/19/2025 - 12/17/2025
12:00 am
Categories
The City of Carbondale is seeking an experienced and dedicated Fire Chief to lead the City’s Fire Department
and Emergency Management operations. The City desires a visionary, progressive, and forward-thinking
professional who embraces best practices in modern fire and emergency services management, demonstrates a
strong commitment to community engagement, and fosters a culture of teamwork and collaboration.
This is a full-time, exempt position requiring proven leadership, operational expertise and a strong commitment
to public service and community safety. The Fire Chief oversees all activities and personnel of the Carbondale
Fire Department, including fire suppression, emergency medical services, fire prevention, public education,
training, and emergency management. The Chief is responsible for budget development, strategic planning, and
effective use of personnel and resources to meet the community’s fire and life safety needs. Reporting directly
to the City Manager, the Fire Chief serves as a key member of the City’s leadership team and represents the
department before the City Council, regional agencies, and the public.
The position is expected to respond to emergency incidents and attend meetings outside normal hours. The Fire
Chief must meet all qualifications to operate on the fireground, including interior firefighting when necessary.
Essential Responsibilities:
Plans, directs, and coordinates the activities of the Fire Department and Emergency Management operations.
Develops and implements departmental goals, policies and procedures.
Commands major fires, disasters and emergency incidents as required. Prepares and administers the annual
departmental budget and ensures proper fiscal management. Plans and directs training programs to ensure
operational readiness and statutory compliance. Oversees fire prevention and community risk-reduction
programs. Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local fire and life safety codes. Represents the
department at City Council meetings, community events and with interagency partners. Promotes
professionalism, collaboration and accountability across all divisions.
Minimum Qualifications:
• High School diploma or equivalent, with five (5) years of experience in a management or senior fire officer
position.
• Experience in fire administration, fire suppression and fire prevention in a supervisory capacity. Certified
Firefighter III and Fire Officer II, or equivalent certification.
• Meets the Illinois statutory requirements for Fire Chief as detailed in 70 ILCS 705/16.04b.
• Demonstrated record of ethical leadership, sound judgment and professionalism.
• Strong budgeting, fiscal management and policy development background.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and team leadership skills, with the ability to work effectively with
staff, elected officials, and the public.
• Possession of a valid Illinois Class B Driver’s License (or ability to obtain upon appointment).
Preferred Qualifications:
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science, Fire Administration, Public Administration,
Business Administration, or related field.
• Knowledge of grants and grant administration, EMS operations, and modern all-hazards
emergency management practices.
• Proven ability to mentor staff, plan for succession, and foster professional growth.
• Demonstrated success in community engagement and interagency collaboration
Compensation and Benefits:
• Salary range $118,000 – $128,000 (DOQ)
• Benefits Include:
• Medical/Dental/Vision • Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Retirement pension • Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Life Insurance • Section 125 pretax deductions
• 457 deferred compensation plan • Employee Assistance Program
• 11 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit a Letter of Interest and Resume to:
Director Raymond Kay
Illinois Fire Chiefs’ Association – Assessment & Consulting Services
rkay@illinoisfirechiefs.org
Applications will be accepted until December 17, 2025.
Selection Process:
Qualified candidates will participate in a virtual oral interview process. Finalists will be invited to an
Assessment Center, which will include exercises to assess proficiencies. Final candidates will participate in a
final interview with the City Manager and other panelists.
The City of Carbondale is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Media Contact:
Eva Fisher, Public Relations Officer
City of Carbondale
618-713-0711 | efisher@carbondaleil.gov