The City of Edwardsville, Illinois (estimated population 25,000) is seeking an experienced Fire Chief to lead the Edwardsville Fire Department. The City is a mature, well established community offering a high quality of life and services to its residents, located approximately 20 miles northeast of St. Louis and is predominantly composed of single family residential areas with some commercial and light industrial development. The City has an assessed value of $ 355 million. The Fire Department is a municipal operation with a contract with the rural Fire Protection District operating out of two fire stations responding to fire, emergency medial services (EMS) and specialized response team calls within the City. The department has an authorized strength of 19 full-time firefighters/paramedics (Chief and three 6-person shifts) and 30 volunteer firefighters, with an annual budget of $ 1.65 million. The Fire Department responded to 2,623 calls in the year 2003, 87% were EMS and 13% were fire and other emergency incidents. The City can be viewed on their web site at www.cityofedwardsville.com.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The position requires 10 years of fire service experience including at least 5 years of progressively responsible management and supervisory experience. Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in fire science or a closely related field is desired. Additional specialized training such as the National Fire Academy and State Fire Officer II or III certification and paramedic licensing, and/or experience, is highly desirable. Training and experience may be substituted for an academic degree.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND ABILITIES: Applicants should have a background of creativity and effective problem solving. Strong leadership and administrative skills, the ability to foster and participate in a team environment, plus an appreciation of future issues facing suburban fire departments is very important. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, along with the ability to work with other jurisdictions and community organizations in an effective manner, are very important. In addition, applicants should have a background in a full time/volunteer fire department.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Minimum annual salary is $60,000. Actual starting salary is negotiable and will depend upon qualifications and experience. The City provides an excellent benefit package, including a retirement pension and limited use of a City vehicle. Residency within the municipality is required within a reasonable time period.

TO APPLY: The application closing date is August 12, 2004. Successful candidates may be asked to participate in an Assessment Center. Interested and qualified candidates should apply at once, with resume and salary history, together with a letter summarizing qualifications, education, professional accomplishments, and a description of the size of the departments and populations where experience has been gained, in confidence to: