Summary of Job
The City of Verona is now accepting applications for the position of Fire Chief. The Fire Chief is a managerial position responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the activities of the Fire Department in preventing and extinguishing fires, protecting life and property, and providing other applicable emergency services in accordance with general policy established by the Mayor and/or Common Council. This position directs personnel in the utilization of equipment, facilities and apparatuses. The Fire Chief develops and administers programs in fire prevention, suppression, local ordinances and code enforcement, labor relations, incident reporting, and public safety education. The Fire Chief must be able to respond to fire or other emergency calls occurring outside of normal business hours.
The City of Verona is a great place to work! We offer an amazing benefit package which includes excellent health insurance, participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System, ample paid leave and much more! In addition to offering a competitive salary and excellent benefits, we encourage our employees to take advantage of our other great perks such as a casual office atmosphere, flexible work schedules, employee training and development opportunities, tuition reimbursement, and an employee assistance program that offers a variety of programs and tools designed to help promote an employee's health and wellness! Please click the "Benefits" tab at the top of this announcement for a summary of our entire benefits package.
The deadline to apply for this position is Monday, January 19, 2026 at 11:59 pm.
Job Duties And Responsibilities
- Supervises and directs all Fire Department operations including staffing, inspection, investigation, public education, training, equipment, budgeting and the maintenance of records.
- Responds to major alarms and personally directs firefighting operations including determining what apparatus and equipment is required, making decisions as to the best methods of controlling and extinguishing fires, and directing the work of firefighters and officers.
- Directs, supervises, and participates in employee recruitment, testing and hiring, the development of promotional guidelines, and the response to any personnel issues.
- Establish and implement goals and plans for an active and aggressive recruitment of new paid-on-call and paid-on-premise firefighters.
- Develops policies and procedures governing both the emergency and non-emergency operations of the department.
- Directs the training of firefighters in methods of fire suppression, operations, rescue, hazardous material, fire prevention inspections, investigation, building plan review, public education, and uses of equipment.
- Develops and maintains an effective system of reports and records of personnel actions and conducts annual evaluations of all officers.
- Develops long range plans for the training, facilities, personnel and equipment requirements of the department.
- Plans, directs, and participates in fire officer professional growth and development and the mentoring of subordinates.
- Prepares, presents, and administers the annual fire department budget.
- Directs the preparation of specifications for apparatus, equipment, fire stations and locations.
- Reviews reports and records of department activities and operations and takes appropriate action when required to assure efficiency and effectiveness.
- Maintains an effective system of reports and records on alarm responses, fire and casualty reports, fire inspections and investigations, personnel training, and equipment maintenance and testing.
- Assists in the development and has general oversight of the public safety education programs for civic, fraternal, educational, institutional, and industrial organizations within the district.
- Supervises and directs the inspection of the cause of all fires in the district and coordinates the code enforcement program for all new and existing buildings, including public venues.
- Direct the development of fire prevention plans and strategies to minimize life and property loss due to fires and other hazards.
- Endeavor to maintain the best possible ISO ratings for residences and commercial buildings within the municipalities that make up the district.
- Participates in relevant local, state, and national fire service organizations, conferences, and seminars as other duties allow.]
- Attends and participates in staff and City meetings as required.
- Participates in department wide training activities.
- Participates in labor negotiations.
- Performs related duties as assigned by the Mayor and City Administrator.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of modern firefighting methods, equipment and applicable firefighting practices.
- Knowledge of the methods and practices of Fire administration.
- Knowledge of policies, rules and regulations, and operating procedures of the Fire Department and the City.
- Knowledge of emergency management and hazard mitigation methods.
- Ability to effectively direct the operations of personnel and equipment under emergency conditions.
- Ability to analyze fire problems and formulate policies and procedures as appropriate.
- Ability to plan, assign and direct the work of a number of subordinate operating units.
- Ability to evaluate staff subordinates in a fair and equitable manner; recommending commendations and administering discipline as necessary.
- Ability to delegate authority to appropriate staff subordinates monitoring adherence to established fire policies and departmental procedures.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, supervisors, and the members of the public.
- Skill in dealing with the public and departmental personnel firmly and courteously, and to establish effective working relationships with the public, news media, City officials, outside agencies and others.
- Skill in the preparation and interpretation of complex oral and written communication; skill in all aspects of public speaking.
Qualifications
REQUIREMENTS:
Required Education And Experience:
- High school diploma or GED or equivalent.
- Minimum of ten years of fire service experience with at least five years as a command officer (battalion chief, captain, assistant fire chief or equivalent rank) is required. Equivalent professional training or fire related work experience may be considered for substitution for these qualifications.
Preferred Education And Experience:
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in fire science, business administration, public administration, emergency management or a closely related field.
Required Certifications:
- Firefighter I (State of Wisconsin Certification or equivalent).
- Firefighter II (State of Wisconsin Certification or equivalent).
- Fire Officer I (State of Wisconsin Certification or equivalent).
- Fire Officer II (State of Wisconsin Certification or equivalent) is required within 18 months of hire.
- Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (State of Wisconsin Certification or NREMT)
- National Incident Management System (NIMS) 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800.
- National Fire Protection Association Incident Safety Officer within the probationary period if the class is offered.
Preferred Certifications:
- Driver/Operator – Pumper (State of Wisconsin Certification or equivalent).
- Driver/Operator – Aerial (State of Wisconsin Certification or equivalent).
- Fire Inspector I (State of Wisconsin Certification or equivalent).
- Emergency Services Instructor I (State of Wisconsin Certification or equivalent).
- Emergency Services Instructor 2 (State of Wisconsin Certification or equivalent).
- Blue Card Certification.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must maintain a valid Wisconsin driver's license.
- Wisconsin Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is preferred.
WORK CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The Fire Chief performs work in office, vehicles, and outdoor settings in all weather conditions, including prolonged periods in extreme weather during day and night shifts. Work is often performed in emergency and stressful situations. The individual is exposed to hearing alarms and hazards associated with fighting fires and rendering emergency medical assistance, including smoke, noxious odors, fumes, chemicals, liquid chemicals, solvents and oils. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high precarious places, with explosives, and is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in office setting and loud in emergency situations.
The Fire Chief is required to be physically capable of performing typical office and firefighting field operations. The individual should be able to wear protective clothing and carry equipment weighing up to 60 pounds. Must be able to exert force of up to 40 pounds occasionally and up to 20 pound frequently. The Fire Chief is required to respond to emergency scenes and attend meetings outside of regular office hours including Police and Fire Commission, City Council meetings, and other community meetings.
EQUIPMENT USED IN PERFORMING TASKS: Fire apparatus and fire suppression equipment, personal protective equipment include Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), computers, calculators, telephones, copiers, fax machines and other office equipment.
POSITION REPORTS TO: The Fire Chief shall be appointed by the Police and Fire Commission. The Fire Chief reports to the Mayor and receives administrative direction from the City Administrator.
Additional Information
The above is intended to describe the general content of the requirements for the performance of this job. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.
This position may require an 18-month probationary period.
The City of Verona fully subscribes to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the city to provide employment, compensation and other benefits related to employment based on qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal or State law.
The City of Verona does not sponsor work visas. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States.
Candidates may be subject to a comprehensive criminal background check involving a full- background investigation prior to appointment of this position. Candidates may also be required to pass a
drug-screen, medical evaluation and psychological assessment prior to appointment.
The City of Verona offers a comprehensive benefits package. Below is a summary of the benefits offered.
INSURANCES:
Health Insurance: The City of Verona participates in the Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Plan. Employees can choose from a variety of health care providers (Dean, Quartz-UW, GHC) that offer the same great uniform benefit package.
Each package is highlighted by a zero deductible plan with affordable premiums!
Dental Insurance: Employer pays entire cost of Delta Dental group dental insurance plan.
Life Insurance: Employer pays cost of basic Wisconsin Group Life Insurance Plan which is equal to your annual earnings.
Long Term Disability Insurance: Wisconsin Income Continuation Program. Currently no premium.
SICK LEAVE: earned at 1 day (8hrs) per month- maximum of 1080 hours
VACATION:
- 0-4 Years 120 hours (3 weeks)
- Start of year 5 160 hours (4 weeks)
- Start of year 9 200 hours (5 weeks)
- Start of year 14 240 hours (6 weeks)
PAID HOLIDAYS: 9 days
PERSONAL DAYS: 4 days
PENSION: City and Employee each pay 50% of participation in Wisconsin Retirement System. The 2026 rate is 14.4% (7.2% each) of gross pay.
OTHER: Employees are offered participation in the following at their own expense.
- Two 457 deferred compensation programs.
- Annual pre-tax flex spending accounts.
- Group vision insurance.
- Additional Wisconsin Group Life Insurance coverage.
01
Please Select The Highest Level Of Education Currently Achieved:
- GED
- High School Diploma
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
- PhD
02
For Associate's Degree or higher, is your degree in a fire service-related field and/or Business Administration or Public Administration?
03
Please check the box for the fire certification/training that you currently hold:
- Entry-level Firefighter
- Firefighter 1
- Firefighter 2
- Fire Apparatus Driver/ Operator- Pumper
- Fire Apparatus Driver/ Operator- Aerial
- Fire Officer 1
- Fire Officer 2 (or ability to obtain within 18 months of hire).
- Emergency Services Instructor 1
- Emergency Services Instructor 2
- Fire Inspector 1
04
Were the above certifications obtained in the State of Wisconsin?
05
If no, in which state are you certified?
06
Please check the box for each EMS certification/training you currently hold:
- None
- Currently enrolled/ student
- Emergency Medical Responder
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Advanced Emergency Medical Technician
- Paramedic
07
Were the above certifications obtained in the State of Wisconsin?
08
If no, in which state are you certified?
09
Please check the box next to each NIMS training that you currently hold:
- IS 700
- ICS 800
- ICS 100
- IS 200
- ICS 300
- ICS 400
10
Do you have at least ten years of experience in the fire service with at least five years as a command officer (battalion chief, captain, assistant fire chief or equivalent rank).
11
Total years of experience as a Firefighter; career, volunteer, Paid-On-Call, Paid-On-Premise, or part-time on any fire department in the United States?
- No Experience
- 1-5 Years
- 6-10 Years
- 11-15 Years
- 16-20 Years
- 21 + Years
12
Please enter your actual years of experience for the above question
13
If you have career fire service experience how many of the years indicated above were career?
14
Are you or have you been a member of Verona Fire in Verona, Wisconsin, either the Fire District or the City Department?
- Yes, Current member
- Yes, in the past
- No
15
Have you ever been involuntarily terminated from employment?
16
Have you ever been disciplined during employment?
17
Have you resigned from a job after being informed your employer intended to terminate or discipline you?
18
If you answered "yes" to question 15, 16, or 17 above, please provide an explanation.
19
In the past 10 years have you ever had a Driver's license suspended, revoked or restricted?
20
If "yes", indicate the date(s) and violation(s)
21
Have you ever been cited, charged and/or convicted of operating a motor vehicle, snowmobile or boat while under the influence of an intoxicant or with a legally prohibited blood alcohol concentration?
22
If "yes," indicate the dates, county and state of occurrence:
23
Please indicate your experience level with dealing with personnel matters:
- None
- Minimal
- Knowledgeable
- Experienced
- Highly Experienced
24
Please Describe Your Experience As Indicated Above:
25
Please Describe Your Experience Level Managing Paid-on-call/Volunteer Personnel:
- None
- Minimal
- Knowledgeable
- Experienced
- Highly Experienced
26
Please Describe Your Experience As Indicated Above:
27
Please Describe You Experience Level Managing Career Personnel:
- None
- Minimal
- Knowledgeable
- Experienced
- Highly Experienced
28
Please Describe Your Experience As Indicated Above:
29
Please Indicate Your Experience Level With Managing Union Personnel:
- None
- Minimal
- Knowledgeable
- Experienced
- Highly Experienced
30
Please Describe Your Experience As Indicated Above:
31
Please Describe Your Experience Level As a Chief Officer:
- None
- Minimal
- Knowledgeable
- Experienced
- Highly Experienced
32
Please Describe Your Experience As Indicated Above:
33
Please describe your experience level as an Incident Commander at various incidents minor to major:
- None
- Minimal
- Knowledgeable
- Experienced
- Highly Experienced
34
Please Describe Your Experience As Indicated Above:
35
Please indicate your experience level with writing policies and procedures:
- None
- Minimal
- Knowledgeable
- Experienced
- Highly Experienced
36
Please Describe Your Experience As Indicated Above:
37
Please indicate your experience with participating in labor negotiations.
- None
- Minimal
- Knowledgeable
- Experienced
- Highly Experienced
38
Please Describe Your Experience As Indicated Above:
39
Please indicate your experience level with hiring volunteer, paid-on-call, and career positions:
- None
- Minimal
- Knowledgeable
- Experienced
- Highly Experienced
40
Please Describe Your Experience As Indicated Above:
41
Please indicate your experience level with representing a fire department when working with members of the public.
- None
- Minimal
- Knowledgeable
- Experienced
- Highly Experienced
42
Please Describe Your Experience As Indicated Above:
43
Please indicate your experience level with representing a fire department when working with elected officials.
- None
- Minimal
- Knowledgeable
- Experienced
- Highly Experienced
44
Please Describe Your Experience As Indicated Above:
45
Please indicate your experience level with handling disciplinary matters with subordinate employees.
- None
- Minimal
- Knowledgeable
- Experienced
- Highly Experienced
46
Please Describe Your Experience As Indicated Above:
47
Please indicate your experience level working records management systems. Indicate which systems in the narrative below.
- None
- Minimal
- Knowledgeable
- Experienced
- Highly Experienced
48
Please Describe Your Experience As Indicated Above:
49
Please Indicate Your Experience Level With Building Plan Review:
- None
- Minimal
- Knowledgeable
- Experienced
- Highly Experienced
50
Please Describe Your Experience As Indicated Above:
51
Please indicate your experience setting employee goals and conducting performance evaluations.
- None
- Minimal
- Knowledgeable
- Experienced
- Highly Experienced
52
Please Describe Your Experience As Indicated Above:
53
Please Indicate Your Experience Level With Developing Budgets:
- None
- Minimal
- Knowledgeable
- Experienced
- Highly Experienced
54
Please Describe Your Experience As Indicated Above:
55
All applicants for a Career and/or Officer position must submit a written statement of interest/cover letter indicating the reasons why the applicant is seeking employment by the City of Verona in the position for which the applicant applied. The statement must be typewritten in double-spaced Times New Roman font (12 point) and be no more than one-page long. I have attached a statement of interest/cover letter.
56
All applicants for this position must submit a resume as part of their application. I have attached a resume.
57
Do you possess a valid driver's license?
58
Do you possess a Wisconsin Commercial Driver's License?
59
I hereby certify that the facts set forth in the above questionnaire are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any false information may result in my disqualification from the hiring process or, if employed, may be considered sufficient cause for dismissal.
