Fire Chief Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $123,510.40 - $159,889.60 Annually
Location : 107 West Main St., MN
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: Fire Chief 08 2026
Department: Fire
Division: Fire Department
Opening Date: 07/30/2026
Closing Date: 8/24/2026 8:00 AM Central
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: NA
Description
Anticipated Timeline
(1) Application Period: July 30, 2026 - August 24, 2026
(3) First Round Interviews: Week of August 31, 2026
(4) Second Round Interviews: Week of September 14, 2026
(5) Extend conditional offer of employment to successful candidate: Week of September 21, 2026
(6) Leadership Assessment will be scheduled and completed on top candidate(s): End of September
(7) Desired start date: End of October 2026
*Conditional offer contingent on successful completion of leadership assessment, background check, and pre-employment screenings.
THE COMMUNITY WE SERVE:
The City of Owatonna is a growing community strategically placed at the crossroads of I-35 and two major US highways, approximately one hour south of the Twin Cities metro area. The community has a commitment to growth, access to services, and quality of life for its 26,000 residents.
Click the link below to learn more about the community this position would have the opportunity to be part of and serve.
ABOUT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT:
DEPARTMENT PURPOSE:We believe that our community thrives when there is a response and support in times of emergency. The Fire Department creates a better tomorrow by preserving life and property when our citizens need it most.
As an organization, our Purpose is to create a better tomorrow. We are guided in that work by our organization's 3 Core Values: Better Together, Community Stewardship, and Pride in Our Work.In our department, the City's values look and sound like . . .
BETTER TOGETHER:

• Having each other's backs - our lives depend on it
• Working as a team within the department, the city, and the community - we can't do this job alone
• Mentoring-sharing our wisdom and experience with each other
• Volunteering at community events
• Resisting the drama-treating each other with mutual respect and trust
• Providing and receiving positive and constructive feedback from each other
• Utilizing the individual strengths, skills, abilities, and backgrounds within our team while giving the appropriate respect to rank

COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP:

• Protecting and safeguarding community lives and property
• Operating with integrity at all times
• Continuing to enhance our training and education
• Recognizing that we are a public face for the city and maintaining that positive public image
• Proactively preventing fire and reducing risk throughout the community
• Participating in opportunities for community engagement and partnership
• Taking care of the equipment, facilities, and other public resources we are entrusted with
• Spending taxpayers' money and using city resources wisely, efficiently, and effectively

PRIDE IN OUR WORK:

• Caring and showing up prepared to support an individual on their worst day
• Putting in the extra effort - taking the initiative to clean trucks, gear, tools, and the station
• Having a willingness to learn new things and seek self-improvement
• Honoring the public image and legacy of the fire service and the responsibility that comes with that

Duties / Responsibilities
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
The Fire Director is responsible for the comprehensive leadership and strategic oversight of the City of Owatonna's Fire Department and related public safety programs. This role oversees all fire, rescue, and EMS operations, including emergency response, staffing, scheduling, training, budgeting, regulatory compliance, and operational readiness. The Director serves as the City's Emergency Manager and Incident Commander, oversees fire code enforcement and inspection programs, provides guidance to the Building Inspections and Community Development Department, manages township contracts and budget reporting, works with the Civil Service Commission, and coordinates emergency response with local, regional, and state partners to ensure effective service delivery and public safety.
Specifically, as the Fire Chief - Director, you will...

• Provides direction and leadership to staff, including assigning work, training staff, conducting performance counseling, conducting performance evaluations and making disciplinary, hiring and promotion decisions
• Provides leadership in directing the operations of the department, including strategic planning; evaluating plans to ensure needs are being met; developing, approving, planning, coordinating,
  evaluating and administering projects, processes, policies, procedures, standards, programs and services; and coordinating activities between multiple departments, programs or functions.
• Manages department compliance with federal, state and local laws, regulations, codes and standards.
• Serves as a representative of the City in negotiations, on committees, in meetings, on boards, or in other public groups
• Manages department financials, including developing budgets; monitoring use of funds; allocating funds to correct programs and services; and approving use of funds.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Qualifications
ABOUT YOU:
A successful candidate will have some or all of the following ...
Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, or related field; 5 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
Licensing in (requirements):

• Possession of a valid driver's license
• Currently licensed firefighter (firefighter I/II certifications) in Minnesota or ability to obtain firefighter license immediately upon hire.
• Currently certified in NIMS 100, 200, 700 and 800.

Preferred:

• Emergency Medical Responder Certification (or higher);
• Fire Inspector II certification
• Fire Plan Reviewer certification
• Fire Investigator (CFI certification preferred)
• National Incident Management 300 & 400

Knowledge of:

• Managerial and leadership principles and practices;
• Budget principles and practices;
• Financial Management principles;
• Public Administration principles;
• Strategic planning principles;
• Applicable Federal, State, and Local laws, codes, and regulations.

Skill in:

• Leadership and management;
• Preparing reports;
• Managing division operations;
• Analyzing and developing policies and procedures;
• Using a computer and related software applications;
• Public relations and public speaking;
• Interpreting laws and regulations;
• Negotiation and persuasion;
• Preparing budgets;
• Program and project management;
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Hours of Work/Physical and Mental Demands

• This is a full-time position. Schedule will vary and will include evening and weekend hours.
• To view the full job description including position specifications and physical demands
• To view the job profile

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
2026 BENEFITS OVERVIEW
For a Regular Full-Time Employee
The City of Owatonna provides a comprehensive, balanced, and competitive benefits package as part of your total compensation. The City's benefits programs address both the immediate needs that you and your family may have, such as medical coverage or health savings accounts, and your long-term needs, such as retirement savings.
The following outline of City offered benefits serves as an overview and does not provide all provisions, limitations, and exclusions. If there is a contradiction between this and the official plan documents, the plan documents will prevail.
EMPLOYER-PROVIDED BENEFITS
Paid Time Off (PTO): It is the policy of the City of Owatonna to provide employees with necessary time away from work. PTO can be utilized for any purpose, subject only to necessary request/approval procedures consistent with the City Policies and Procedures Manual and labor contracts. PTO accrues at the following rates for full-time employees:
Years of Service Hours/Year
1 144
2 152
3 160
4 168
5 176
6-9 184
10 192
11 200
12 208
13 216
14 224
15 228
16 232
17 236
18 240
19 244
20 248
21 252
22 256
23 260
24+ 264
11 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday: All regular full-time employees of the City, except those who are governed by a union contract or different holiday policy, receive the following holidays:
Holiday Date
New Year's Day January 1st
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Third Monday in January
Presidents' Day Third Monday in February
Memorial Day Last Monday in May
Juneteenth June 19th
Independence Day July 4th
Labor Day First Monday in September
Veteran's Day November 11th
Thanksgiving Day Fourth Thursday in November
Last working day before Christmas December
Christmas Day December 25th
One (1) Floating Holiday Once per year; must be used by December 31st
Retirement:
PERA (Public Employees Retirement Association)

1. Eligible employees Must participate as directed by Minnesota Statutes.
2. PERA Coordinated Plan contributions rates (non-police & fire) are: 7.5% employer and 6.5% employees.
3. PERA Police & Fire Plan contributions & Fire are: 17.7% employer and 11.8% employees.

Health Insurance Coverage Through Medica:
Coverage for eligible employees becomes effective on the first day of employment.
1. Eligible employees can choose between 3 choices of varying deductible plans with single or family option coverage.
2. The City Contributes $ 650.00 towards single coverage/premium or $ 1,816.00 towards family coverage/premium
3. The City contributes $1,425/single or $2,900/family into an HSA account.
The city pays 100% of the premium and coverage costs of HealthiestYou, a virtual healthcare provider service with a $0.00 co-pay.
Term Life Insurance:
The City provides a $25,000 term life insurance policy at no cost to the employee.
Long Term Disability Insurance:
The plan provides long-term disability income with a 90-day consecutive elimination period. An employee must be a regular full-time employee and have completed six (6) months of employment to be eligible for this benefit.
New in 2026 - Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML):
For the 2026 plan year (January 1 - December 31, 2026), the City of Owatonna will cover 100% of the PFML insurance premium through our provider, Madison National Life Insurance Company.
Fitness Center:
Employees also have access to the City's West Hills Fitness Center at no cost as part of the city's wellness program.
Employee Assistant Plan (EAP):
The City of Owatonna provides an Employee Assistance Plan. This service provides free, confidential, professional assistance to help employees and their families resolve problems such as marital difficulties, financial or legal problems, emotional challenges, or problems caused by alcohol or other drug use that affect their personal lives or job performance.
OPTIONAL BENEFITS AVAILABLE:
The following benefits are available on an elective basis at the employee's choice:

1. Deferred Compensation Plans (457 and Roth IRA's): Plans available through Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS) and MissionSquare.
2. Dental Insurance: Coverage through Health Partners.
3. Supplemental Coverages: Plans available through AFLAC.
4. Supplemental Life Insurance: Plans through MN Life and PERA.
5. Health Care and Daycare Flexible Spending Accounts
6. Vision Care: Plan available through Eye Med.

Questions regarding benefit information can be directed to Human Resources at 507-774-7346.
01
Do you currently hold a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you hold a bachelor's degree in fire science, or related field; 8 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.

• Yes
• No

03
Which of the following best describes your level of education?

• Some High School Classes
• High School or GED
• Some College
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Mater's Degree

04
Please list the degree(s) you have completed. If you do not have a degree, type N/A.
05
Are you currently a licensed firefighter in Minnesota or have the ability to obtain a firefighter license immediately upon hire?

• Yes
• No

06
How many years of supervisor or management exp