Assistant Fire Chief

This full‑time, senior‑level position serves as the Deputy Fire Chief, overseeing the management of key fire department programs including fire protection plan review, code enforcement, fire investigation, juvenile fire‑setter intervention, and community fire safety initiatives. The role also provides incident command and supervisory support to fire officers and firefighters during emergencies and contributes to operational planning and training within the department.

• Respond to emergency incidents as assigned, executing firefighter duties and maintaining the required physical readiness.
• Manage and evaluate personnel at emergency scenes, providing incident command and leadership.
• Review and approve fire protection system plans for new construction and alterations, and examine construction site plans for fire‑protection compliance.
• Coordinate the fire investigation function—conduct investigations, liaise with other agencies, prepare reports, and maintain investigation data.
• Direct the community fire safety education program: develop curriculum, order materials, train staff, schedule and teach programs, and assess program effectiveness.
• Research code issues, advise the Fire Chief, and propose policies, procedures, and ordinances as required.
• Assist in preparing departmental budgets and representing the city in fire‑code development at local, state, and national levels.
• Provide administrative and operational support, including supervising on‑call firefighters and fire officers, and assisting in managing the Operations Division.

• Comprehensive understanding of fire department operations, fire and building codes, arson investigation, and juvenile fire‑setter intervention.
• Knowledge of community fire safety education programs and injury prevention strategies.
• Familiarity with principles of fire suppression, hazardous materials, emergency response, incident command, and EMS.
• Proficiency in interpreting and applying federal, state, and local regulations and departmental policies.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; computer proficiency.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and coordinate personnel assignments.
• Competency in driving department vehicles and managing projects with appropriate priority setting.

• Post‑secondary degree in fire science, fire service management, or a related field, or equivalent education and experience.
• Five years of progressive fire‑service experience, including at least two years in a supervisory role.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and administering fire prevention and investigation programs.
• Current Minnesota Firefighter License.
• Relevant Minnesota state certifications:
  Firefighter I & II, Haz‑Mat Ops, Fire Inspector I, Fire Inspector II (or ability to obtain within 12 months), Fire Officer I, and Fire Apparatus Operator (or ability to obtain within 12 months).
• Certification at the Emergency Medical Responder level or higher.
• Completion of NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800 within the previous 12 months or the ability to obtain them within 12 months.
• Valid, unrestricted Minnesota driver’s license.

• Emergency Management Certification.
• Emergency Medical Technician Certification.
• Additional state certifications:
  Fire Instructor I, Plans Examiner I, Fire Investigator I.
• Residence within 15 minutes of an Anoka‑Champlin Fire Station.

• Work performed in office, emergency firefighting, and field environments, requiring travel between sites.
• Exposure to extreme temperatures, smoke, toxic substances, noise, vibration, and hazardous materials.
• Frequent physical activity, including lifting, carrying, climbing, and operating heavy equipment while wearing personal protective equipment (up to 50 pounds, excluding SCBA).
• Potential for exposure to high-risk situations such as confined spaces, structural collapse, and rescue operations.