Itasca Fire Protection District, IL - Shift Battalion Chief

The Itasca Fire Protection District (population approximately 9,000) is seeking an experienced and passionate leader, committed to excellence in delivery of fire and EMS services to serve as one of three Shift Battalion Chiefs (shift schedule 24/28). The Shift Battalion Chief position is a very visible member of the fire district community and requires well-developed leadership abilities and management skill sets that are based upon consensus building and problem-solving. Qualified candidates must be highly motivated, self-starting, and confident individuals with excellent, genuine, and trustworthy interpersonal skills, which mirrors the values instilled by the District’s goals and objectives and strategic initiatives. The district is located approximately 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago.

About the Fire District

The fire district is located in Itasca, IL approximately 25-miles northwest of downtown Chicago and covers 6.5 mi2 and includes portions of Itasca, Addison and Wood Dale as well as surrounding unincorporated areas of DuPage County.
The district’s operating budget ($6.2 million - current fiscal year) is comprised of tax collections for both fire and ambulance services along with grants, donations, and other miscellaneous forms of revenue.
The department is comprised of a Fire Chief, one (1) Fire Prevention Officer, three (3) Battalion Chiefs, (3) Lieutenants, twenty-one (21) full-time Firefighter/Paramedics, one (1) Administrative Assistant, and one Assistant Director of Planning and Administration (part of the senior staff). Career shift personnel work a 24/48 schedule. Shift personnel are members of IAFF Local 3461.
The department is an ISO Class 2 department providing an all-hazards menu of services including fire, EMS, Hazardous Materials, Special Teams (High Angle, Trench, Confined Space, Dive Rescue), Community Risk Reduction, Public Education and more.
The Fire District staffs an Engine, an ALS (Advanced Life Support) Ambulance and an Aerial Tower, and also maintains a reserve Rescue Squad as well as a reserve Engine and a reserve ALS Ambulance. Fire apparatus are ALS equipped. The Fire District has an annual call volume of around 1,900 EMS and fire calls a year. It serves a very busy corridor of Illinois highways including IL 290, IL 53, IL 355, and the Elgin-O’Hare expressway just to the west of O’Hare Airport. It is also serviced by the Metra Commuter Service Rail System (Milwaukee District West) line which runs from Chicago’s Union Station to Elgin, IL to the west.
The department is a member of ACDC (Addison Consolidated Dispatch Center) providing state-of-the-art dispatching and telecommunications services.

The Ideal Candidate

Innovative: Bring fresh ideas to the organization and offer unique perspectives and experiences as well as a capability and desire to monitor the forefront of industry advances and assess adaptation and application to the Itasca Fire District.
Energetic: Provide enthusiasm and focused energy to all projects and a passion for service to the community.
Expertise and Intellectual Curiosity: Bring extensive knowledge of Fire and EMS strategy, operation and innovation and a passion for continuous learning and improvement.
Versatility: Play an important role in coordinating, facilitating, and managing projects that require involvement across multiple service areas with a balance of trust and delegation.
Leadership: Be dedicated to effective leadership and building collaborative and positive relationships with those they lead, as well as other staff members and outside organizations in the region. Building and actively working to sustain high trust relationships is paramount.
Engaging Perspective: Demonstrate a balance of commitment to the organization as well as the senior management team of the District with a genuine confidence and approachable personality.
Command Presence and Experience: Possess a work history that encompasses strong leadership skills, strong communication skills, and Incident Command proficiency at a high level in an All-Hazards Environment.

Other attributes include:

Desire to be a part of a great team.
Strong background in collective bargaining with demonstrated skills in relationship building.
The ability to focus on local and regional issues and staffing models with an emphasis and experience in police/fire collaborative dispatch operations, emergency management, and a strong collaborative incident management perspective.

Required Credentials:

Minimum of an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree preferred from an accredited college or university in fire science management, public administration, or related field.
A minimum of ten (10) years of experience as a Lieutenant, however, rank Captain and above preferred, in a like-size or larger agency.
Minimum of a Fire Officer II, or Advance Company Officer certification from the Office of the State Fire Marshal in Illinois, or other state equivalent including NPFA, ProBoard and IFSAC.
Minimum of Instructor I, Instructor II preferred from the Office of the State Fire Marshal in Illinois, or other state equivalent including NPFA, ProBoard and IFSAC.

Compensation and Benefits

The Itasca Fire Protection District provides an excellent salary and benefit package commensurate with the candidate's experience. This position has a limited tenure and will be discussed with candidates who qualify for the position.

How to Apply

Candidates should apply by May 23, 2025 @ 1700 hours CST with resume, cover letter and contact information for five work-related, or professional references (electronic applications only). Questions may be addressed to the attention of T.E. Sashko, MGT Approved Independent Executive Recruiter, (847)380-3240 x123. Itasca Fire Protection District is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Application Deadline: May 23, 2025