Responsible for the proper administration and the efficient operation of the fire department under the direction of the Mayor. Oversees all aspects of fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency preparedness, training and administrative functions. Provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and organizational direction for a high-performing, city-wide fire service delivery system.
Minimum Qualifications
- Associate’s degree in fire science or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college or a minimum of 10 years of service as a firefighter in the appointing jurisdiction.
- Mandated Standards:
- Office of the State Fire Marshal Standards: Basic Operations Firefighter Certification or Firefighter II Certification. Advanced Fire Officer Certification or Fire Officer II Certification.
- International Fire Service Accreditation Congress or Pro Board Fire Service Professional Qualifications System Standards:
- A current certification that meets the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard NFPA 1001. A current certification that meets the NFPA standard NFPA 1021.
- Other Standards:
- Qualifications that meet requirements of the NFPA’s standard NFPA 1001, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, Level I job performance requirements and standard NFPA 1021, Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications, Fire Officer II job performance requirements.
- Experience serving in the rank of Captain or Battalion Chief.
- Possess a combination of executive fire service leadership experience, operational expertise and strong interpersonal and organizational management skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
Chief Fire Officer accreditation and certification; Fire Department Safety Officer designation: Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal; Experience with Collective Bargaining, Incident Command for all hazard events, grant writing and grant management; Expected to be an active leader participating in community events.
For more information on this position, please visit the website via the link below:
https://citykankakee-il.gov/cokfirechief/
Benefits
Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Immediate participation in Fire Pension Plan (7 years to be vested), 457 Plan, Health Savings Accounts, Other Voluntary Benefits, Vacation Time, Sick Time, Personal Days (as applicable), Paid Holidays, Bereavement Leave, Employee Assistance Program.
How to Apply: Please apply online by visiting the website at: https://citykankakee-il.gov/application-for-employment.php. Please be sure to include copies of all degrees, certifications, a cover letter, resume, three professional references and two personal references. Application Deadline: August 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EOE
