Announces a Recruitment For

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1 FIRE CHIEF Announces a Recruitment For For THE ELBURN AND COUNTRYSIDE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT, ILLINOIS GovHR USA is pleased to announce the recruitment and selection process for the next Fire Chief for the Elburn and Countryside Fire Protection District located in Kane County, Illinois. This brochure provides background information on the Fire Protection District, the organization and the qualifications and experiences the Elburn and Countryside Fire Protection District Board of Trustees are seeking in the next Fire Chief. Importantly, this brochure will be used as a guide in the open, national recruitment process, providing specific criteria by which all applications will be screened and individuals selected for final interview and appointment consideration. The brochure was prepared after interviews with the Board of Trustees, District command staff and employees of the Fire Protection District. All inquiries relating to the recruitment and selection process for the Fire Chief position are to be directed to the attention of the District s recruitment consultant: Sarah McKee, Vice President GovHR USA 630 Dundee Road, Suite 130 Northbrook, IL TEL: FAX: Formal applications should be submitted to:

2 Elburn and Countryside Fire Protection District PROFESSIONAL ANNOUNCEMENT Elburn and Countryside Fire Protection District Fire Chief The Elburn and Countryside Fire Protection District (ECFPD) is seeking its next Fire Chief to lead the Fire District. The Fire District provides fire and emergency medical services to the residents of the Village of Elburn, Village of Lily Lake, Village of Virgil, Village of Campton Hills, unincorporated Kane County and multiple large subdivisions such as Mill Creek and the Windings along with many others. ECFPD provides several other services, which include but are not limited to fire prevention, fire investigation, public education, rural water supply operations, an Explorer Program and specialized rescue that includes: confined space, trench rescue and hazardous materials. The Fire Chief is appointed by and reports directly to the Board of Trustees. The Fire District has a budget of $8.3M with 30 full-time and 39 parttime employees. Candidates should have thorough knowledge of modern fire suppression and prevention and emergency medical services principles, practices, techniques, and equipment. Considerable knowledge of budget preparation and administration, personnel and collective bargaining policies and practices, staff supervision, evaluation and professional development is highly desirable. Well-developed communication skills and the proven ability to exhibit a collaborative, welcoming approach with elected officials, residents, the business community, and employees are necessary. The position requires a Bachelor s degree in fire science, public administration, or a closely related field and ten years of Fire or Emergency Medical Service work experience, of which three years must have been equivalent to a Battalion Chief or higher, or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Salary $130,000+/- DOQ with excellent benefits. Send résumé, cover letter, and contact information for five professional references by September 9, 2016 to Sarah McKee, Vice President, GovHR USA. TEL: 847/ ; smckee@govhrusa.com. Please apply via our online application system at COMMUNITY BACKGROUND Located approximately 45 miles due west of downtown Chicago, the heritage of the Fire District in Elburn has been one of growth, innovation and adaptation. Since its organization in 1882, it has steadily grown in strength and area until its present day size of over 75 square miles. Originally called the Village of Blackberry, Elburn Fire Department was officially named in By 1930, the first fire truck was purchased by the town followed by a second one in In 1949, the Elburn Fire Department formed a fire district that was expanded to include the surrounding rural areas in its coverage. Prior to this time, coverage of rural areas was voluntary. The District encompassed parts of Campton, Virgil and Blackberry townships. At that time, it covered about 65 square miles and was crossed by two railroads, three state highways and one federal highway. The first station was built in 1960 and was able to house all of the equipment owned by the District at that time. In 1972, a second division, Emergency Medical Services Division, was added to provide ambulance service. With times changing and more growth and development in the Elburn and Countryside Fire Protection District

3 Fire Chief coverage area, the department began to shift from an all-voluntary force to one that had at least some full-time personnel. The first to be hired was their first Chief in 1968, followed by a full-time director of EMS in The two divisions were combined into one District in THE FIRE DISTRICT ORGANIZATION The Elburn and Countryside Fire Protection District provides on a daily basis Fire Suppression, Paramedic Level Emergency Medical Services, Rescue, Hazardous Materials First Responder, Fire Prevention and Public Education services to approximately 23,000 people in addition to travelers and visitors to the District. This service area includes the Village of Elburn, Village of Lily Lake, Village of Virgil, Village of Campton Hills and Mill Creek Subdivisions along with many other subdivisions. Much of the 75 square mile district is unincorporated Kane County with approximately 20% serviced by public water supply with fire hydrants. This coverage area includes three major highways: State Routes 64, 38 and 47. Additionally, Interstate 88 (Reagan Tollway) runs through the District. Additionally, the Union & Pacific West Line Railroad operates approximately 70 to 80 freight trains per day through the Village of Elburn, and Metra Commuter Rail operates 22 passenger trains per week day to and from Chicago and 10 passenger trains on weekends and holidays to and from Chicago. Elburn is also home to the Coach Yard for the Metra West Line Commuter Rails Engines and Commuter Cars. The District also protects and educates students in 5 elementary schools, plus many businesses and farms, all in an area of approximately 75 square miles that call the Elburn & Countryside Fire Protection District. The Insurance Services Organization (ISO) rating for the Village of Elburn and all areas protected by a public water service (hydrated areas) is a Class 3. The ISO rating for the Elburn & Countryside Fire Protection District (unincorporated area outside the city) is a Class 5. The District is governed by five Trustees elected by the residents of the Fire Protection District. Those five Trustees appoint three Fire Commissioners who perform the hiring of new firefighters and promotion of existing firefighters. The District has an operating budget of $8.3 million and is comprised of 30 full-time employees including a Fire Marshal, of which 27 are certified firefighter/paramedics. There are also 39 part-time firefighters/paramedics. The District is dedicated to state-of-the-art delivery of fire, rescue, emergency medical, technical rescue, hazardous materials, water rescue and fire investigation services. The Elburn and Countryside Fire Protection District is also a member of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System Division 13 in Southern Kane County. The Mutual Aid Box Alarm System is a highly integrated system of mutual and automatic aid utilized throughout the Chicago metropolitan area and most of the State of Illinois.

4 Elburn and Countryside Fire Protection District In 2015, the District responded to 1,788 calls for assistance, of which 1,321 were EMS calls and 467 were Fire/ Mutual Aid and other calls. Telecommunications services are provided by TriCom consolidated dispatch center in St. Charles. TriCom is the central dispatch for Elburn, St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, Sugar Grove Fire and Police Departments and the North Aurora Fire Department. The Elburn and Countryside Fire Protection District service area is served by three full-time staffed stations. Station 1 is located at 200 East Route 38 and was completed in 2015 with a full-time staff and an ALS Frontline Engine and Jump Company. Station 2 is located at 39W950 Hughes Road (Mill Creek Subdivision) and was completed in 2002 with a full-time staff and an ALS Frontline Engine and an ALS Ambulance. Station 3 is located at 5N276 Wooley Road Maple Park (Village of Lily Lake) and is staffed full-time with an ALS Ambulance. Elburn and Countryside Fire Protection District apparatus and equipment includes: 2- Frontline 1250 gpm ALS Engines g Tenders with 1250 gpm Pumps 1 Reserve 1500 gpm Engine 1 Front Mount Draft Engine with 1250 gpm Pump 1 Heavy Rescue Squad 2 Brush pumpers 3 ALS Ambulances 1 BLS Ambulance 3 Chief Command SUV s 1 Backup Command SUV 2 Utility Pickup Trucks 1 Haz-Mat/Decontamination Trailer 1 Trench Rescue Trailer 1 Flatbed trailer Ford Model A Front Mount Pumper Antique Engine Entry level firefighters are screened and recommended by the Fire Commission, which is comprised of three residents in the service area who are appointed by the Board of Trustees for the Fire District. The Fire Commission also administers the testing and establishes the list for the lieutenant position. The District senior leadership is comprised of (all full-time) the Fire Chief, one Assistant Chief of EMS, one Assistant Chief of Fire Operations, a Fire Marshall and one part-time Captain. FIRE CHIEF CANDIDATE QUALIFICATION CRITERIA The following factors of education, experience, management style, and personal traits have been identified by the Elburn and Countryside Fire Protection District as ideal attributes for the Fire Chief to possess in order to function effectively in the position. The starting salary for the position is $130,000+/- depending upon qualifications and experience. An additional Stipend for Duty Officer in charge of an assigned 24-hour shift is also of-

5 Fire Chief fered as the Fire Chief shares these responsibilities with the two other Assistant Chiefs. Residency within a reasonable distance of the headquarters building in Elburn is expected, but must live in the District within one year of hire. Education and Experience (not in order of importance) Possess a bachelor s degree in Fire Science, Emergency Management, Business or Public Administration or related field from an accredited college or university. Command level leadership training such as Fire Officer Certifications, Executive Fire Officer, Staff and Command, Chief Fire Officer and/or a Master s Degree are desirable. Possess a Fire Officer III or Chief Officer certification and EMT-B certification. A minimum of 10 years experience in the fire service with at least 5 years of increasing responsibility in a command position is required. Have demonstrated leadership and management skills with a track record of an inclusive management style that seeks input from employees throughout the organization. Be committed to engaging members of the executive team and employees in the development and implementation of goals and objectives. Have experience in a combined District/Department that successfully incorporates full-time firefighter/paramedics, and part-time firefighters/paramedics. Have experience in and a commitment to training and developing staff members at all levels of the organization, empowering employees to reach their true potential; have specific experience in succession planning. Be able to assign projects to staff members in command and rank and file positions, with an eye toward distributing the workload in a manner that facilitates training and development of employees. Have experience in mentoring the next generation of firefighter/paramedics with the ability to recognize trends in the fire and emergency response services and be prepared to address those trends. Be comfortable in developing and administering the district s budget and with handling or overseeing other administrative duties that come with a free-standing fire district. Have knowledge of funding mechanisms available to Fire Protection Districts and the ability to creatively appropriate funds to best efficiently use District allocations. Have experience in mutual and automatic aid with a sincere interest in collaborative training exercises. Be skilled in public and media relations, capable of openly and honestly articulating the District s position to residents and the media, community groups and organizations; recognize the need for regular and prompt communication of information to these groups; follow a policy of full disclosure in public presentations; have an attitude of complete transparency with respect to operations.

6 Elburn and Countryside Fire Protection District Have successful personnel management and labor relations experience including performance evaluation, contract negotiation, grievance procedures and promotion and discipline in a union environment, with a record for fairness in dealing with all employees; become personally acquainted with the District s employees. Be comfortable advocating for employees when appropriate. Establish, execute and administer District policies and procedures, rules and regulations and the collective bargaining agreement. Also have the ability to recognize when these policies and procedures need to be revised to meet changing fiscal and operational guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. Have the ability to communicate effectively in written and oral forms. Grant writing skills would be a benefit as the District will need to explore alternative funding sources for various pieces of equipment and training to complement their budget funds. Management Style and Personal Traits (not in order of importance) Have the maturity, self-confidence, and strength of professional convictions to provide administrative insights, counsel and recommendations to the Board of Trustees and staff; be able to firmly and diplomatically present professional views and carry out administrative decisions in a timely, professional, and impartial manner. Have a reputation for personal, professional and organizational integrity, leading an organization by example and conducting all personal and professional interactions fairly, honestly and ethically. Be an articulate and an effective communicator, both orally and in writing; be someone who is comfortable listening to and talking with a wide spectrum of people, often serving as the face of the District; create an environment where staff members are completely comfortable seeking out the Chief to discuss potentially difficult situations or problems. Have the ability to forge intergovernmental relationships and functional shared services cooperation. Seek staff input on issues; be a macro manager give Command staff and employees latitude to carry out their work and provide overall support of their mission. Encourage innovative thinking by the District employees. Possess particularly strong management skills that focus on staff development (a team builder ), effective delegation and accountability for the timely implementation of District decisions; remain informed and conversant on the status of all programs and projects; be able to serve as the District s point person when appropriate. Be a self-starter who has the vitality and energy to motivate and lead others; be someone who seeks and enjoys a challenge. Be a mature, self-confident, diplomatic individual, with a calm, even temperament; maintain composure when under stress.

7 Fire Chief Project a strong professional presence in appearance, actions, and personal demeanor; be politically astute; be completely non-political and non-partisan in behavior and actions. Be a people person a good listener, sincerely personable, patient, and accessible, and one who can relate with all persons in the community; be committed to a true open door policy. Have the ability to prioritize, direct, carry out, and complete a multiplicity of activities and assignments at the same time be able to wear many hats. Be well organized and efficient, paying attention to detail, as well as having a big picture approach. Be comfortable in managing multiple priority projects simultaneously. Promote a strong, service-oriented, customer service/relations approach by all District employees. Be enthusiastic about participating and being active in community affairs. Be willing to commit to a reasonable tenure in service to the Elburn and Countryside Fire Protection District. Have a sense of humor with the ability to laugh at one s self.

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