The Village of Oak Park (population 52,000) is a dynamic and vibrant community located adjacent to Chicago, one of the nation's largest metropolitan areas. The citizens of Oak Park enjoy a high quality-of-life and a family oriented environment, where diversity of experience, lifestyle, culture and interests are celebrated. Within the boundaries of the Village are three historical districts, where Oak Park's history and development can be explored, including the homes of numerous famous people who have called Oak Park home, such as Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winning author, Ernest Hemingway, renowned chemist, Percy Julian; McDonald's founder, Ray Kroc; and the internationally recognized architect, Frank Lloyd Wright.

The Fire Chief reports to the Deputy Village Manager for Operations and oversees a modern, proactive, full-service fire protection agency with 72 full-time staff members. The Oak Park Fire Department operates from three fire stations and provides delivery of fire suppression, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), HazMat, Fire Prevention, Public Education and Fire Investigation. Oak Park's Fire Department prides itself on the emphasis placed on public education and prevention, as well as training and firefighter safety. Recent community surveys found the Fire and Emergency Medical Services receiving the highest satisfaction rating of all services provided by the Village. In addition, the Department enjoys an ISO Class 2 rating.

Requirements for the Fire Chief position include a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Fire Services, Fire Administration, Public Administration, Management or related fields, with a Master's degree and/or advanced education and training, such as the Executive Fire Officer's course provided by the National Fire Academy, the Harvard Senior Government Executive Institute, Chief Fire Officer Designate (CFOD), or similar endeavors preferred. The next Fire Chief will be a high energy professional who will possess a minimum of ten years' senior or executive command level service with at least five years as a Chief, Assistant/Deputy or 10+ years as a Battalion Chief in a large metropolitan or suburban fire department. He/she will possess strategic planning skills, fiscal and budget management, and outstanding communications and organizational skills. Qualified individuals please submit a statement of interest, r?sum? and current salary information no later than October 4, 2004 to: