Deputy Chief of Training

Deputy Chief of Training Position Description

The City of Elk River is seeking candidates for the full-time position of Deputy Chief of Training for its fire department. Qualified candidates will have five years experience, have held a fire officer position, required certifications (see job description), and a valid driver's license. This is a PERA Police & Fire position and the successful candidate for this position will be disqualified from participation in the Elk River Fire Relief Association.

The City provides a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, life, STD/LTD insurance, flexible spending plan, Public Sector Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF), generous leave plans including ESST, free Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), and more for qualified employees. Starting salary $99,392. (2026 Salary range: $99,392–$116,932)

Online applications will be accepted through January 5, 2026. If you require accommodation with the application process call  and ask for HR. The City of Elk River is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

for Important Facts about Information on your Employment Application

The Deputy Chief of Training is a fulltime responder responsible for coordinating and developing the Fire Department's training and professional development programs including the management of all training initiatives, Fire Academy and Officer Development Program. This position also manages logistics for the department.

• Performs fire suppression and emergency response
• Formulates response strategies in accordance with predetermined standards; determines the nature of the incident and facilitates the plan of action; assigns staff to specific task.
• Fills incident management roles as necessary, as assigned, and/or as required/outlined by department policies or procedures at fire, medical, hazardous materials, technical rescue, and/or large scale emergencies until relieved by a higher command authority.
• Performs structure and wildland fire suppression, ventilation, rescue, salvage, overhaul, extrication, emergency medical support, hazardous materials response, and other emergency response functions.
• Responds to hazardous material emergencies; identifies potential hazardous materials situation; determines strategy for dealing with incident; follows evacuation procedures, including handling of contaminated patients; supports mitigation and decontamination activities.
• Performs rescue efforts and determines tactics to use while ensuring the safety of all rescue personnel and observers; participates in search operation and enters hazardous environments; administers appropriate techniques to accomplish rescue.
• Manages, directs, leads, supervises, and coordinates special programs, teams, and functions assigned under the operations divisions.
• Ensures the investigation of all fires as outlined by department policy and state statute.
• Responds outside of regular working hours to large emergency scenes and assists with incident management.
• Manages, develops, and ensures successful delivery of all training for the department.
• Develops short- and long-term training plans to ensure adequate and well-trained response to calls for the entire spectrum of emergency service calls.
• Ensures all firefighters meet or exceed state and federal standards for their respective positions.
• Establishes department standards and policies related to training. Addresses individual or team performance issues.
• Facilitates significant incident debriefings, identifies areas of improvement, and implements subsequent changes.
• Develops short- and long-term objectives to ensure the long-term safety and education of residents and business owners.
• Develops annual training and prevention budgets, works collaboratively with command staff on department budget and participates in the capital planning process.
• Negotiates contracts for related services or materials on behalf of the department.
• Develops fire department leadership by establishing training and officer enrichment goals and objectives, motivating performance, and providing regular feedback and coaching.
• Under direction, plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates the Elk River…