COMMANDER

BID/JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

COMMANDER

CHICAGO FIRE DEPARTMENT

Bureau of Operations

Number of Vacancies: 1 (Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)

Starting Salary: $143,754

THIS POSITION IS OPEN ONLY TO CAREER SERVICE UNIFORMED MEMBERS OF THE CHICAGO FIRE DEPARTMENT

Under general direction of the Deputy Fire Commissioner of Operations oversees, manages, and supervises a variety of daily operations in staffing and training of all members assigned to Operations, taking Operation classes, as well as, being able to serve in leadership positions when needed in response to Special and Large-Scale Incidents and Events.

DUTIES:

• Ensures Fire Suppression/EMS operations are in compliance with department orders and Illinois Department of Public Health EMS policies.
• Develops written documentation covering department orders, directives, and memos as well as written documentation regarding department radio procedures based on new equipment.
• Assists in the development of operational procedures for mobile communication vehicles assigned to the Bureau.

* Performs high level administrative and management duties for the Bureau of Operations

* Coordinates and schedules field personnel to assist in training at the Training Academies

* Coordinates and schedules companies to attend and assist in training at the Training Academies

* Assists, Formulates and schedules Command Van Training in coordination with the Training Academies

* Formulates and maintains reporting documents (Excel) of fires and newsworthy events from all Districts and Divisions

* Assists in coordinating video surveillance of extra alarm fires and aerial support for large area searches

* Inspects personnel records, schedules training and ensures professional certifications are maintained for Emergency Medical Technician Basic, Paramedic, and Firefighter II in coordination with the Training Division

* Inspects firehouse record keeping and ensures that they are compliant to the General Orders and Policy and Procedures of the Chicago Fire Department

* Responds to fires, emergency medical services, other hazardous situations, and large-scale events; and coordinates and ensures uniformed employees are following general orders and directives as issued by the department

* Serves as an intermediary between uniformed field personnel, division heads, and department management in the resolution of problems and complaints

* Conducts research and Formulates reports for management to remain abreast of best practices and new technologies and developments in specified specialty areas

* Formulates management reports relating to emergency operations planning, preparedness, and grants management activities

* Represents the Chicago Fire Department at local, state, and federal task forces, conferences and planning meetings

* Responsible for maintaining the chain of command and giving direct orders to members, as required

NOTE: Only uniformed career service employees of the Chicago Fire Department who meet the selected criteria will be considered.

LOCATION: 3510 S Michigan and Citywide

HOURS: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, Extended, Variable

DAYS OFF: Variable

THIS POSITION IN NOT IN THE CAREER SERVICE

Education, Training, and Experience

* Career Service status as a uniformed member of the Chicago Fire Department is required. Ten (10) years as a uniformed member of the Chicago Fire Department with a minimum career service rank of either Paramedic In-Charge, Fire Engineer (including EMT or Paramedic), Lieutenant (including EMT or Paramedic) or Captain (including EMT or Paramedic); depending upon technical/specialized assignment

* Plus three (3) years of technical/specialized work experience in either of the following areas: office administration, fire prevention, emergency medical services operations, training, HazMat incident response; depending upon technical/specialized assignment, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

* Some positions included, but are not limited to the Bureau of Fire Prevention, Special Operations, and Training may require a Bachelor's degree or higher and one (1) year of specialized/technical work experience in lieu of the three (3) years of technical/specialized work experience.

Licensure, Certification, or Other Qualifications

A valid State of Illinois driver's license is required.

Must have an Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal Instructor I or Lead Instructor I certification

NOTE: This position requires applicants to complete an interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be selected.

NOTE: A copy of your official transcripts, licenses, valid U.S. Driver's License or training certificates will be required at time of processing, if applicable.

ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.

The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer.

City of Chicago

Brandon Johnson, Mayor

Please note, all positions with the City of Chicago close promptly at 11:59pm C.S.T. Applications for this position will be accepted from April 22, 2026, until 11:59p.m. CST on May 07, 2026. No exceptions will be made.