Deputy Chief of Operations

The McHenry Township Fire Protection District (MTFPD) is a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week operation responding out of 5 stations. Each Station is staffed by a combination of Paid on Premise and Full-time personnel. Each station has various numbers of personnel, ambulances and fire equipment based on call volume and need.

MTFPD is located approximately 60 miles Northwest of Chicago in the Northeastern portion of McHenry County. MTFPD is comprised of 8 different villages and cities and protects 56 square miles and approximately 55,000 year-around residents.

The McHenry Township Fire Protection District is accepting applications for the position of Deputy Chief of Operations. Applications can be obtained from the District website: www.mtfpd.org.  The application, copies of pertinent certifications, and a resume with three personal and three business references must be submitted by 8:00 AM on Wednesday, March 18th, 2026.

This exempt management position works a standard 40 hour administrative work week and reports directly to the Fire Chief.  Persons assigned to this position have considerable latitude for decision making and independent action for planning, intervention strategies and action plans for programs within assigned areas.  This position is distinguished from the Battalion Chief rank by the considerably greater scope of managerial and administrative duties performed.  Work in this position requires managerial knowledge, effective teamwork, and independent decision making. In the absence of the Fire Chief, an employee in this position may temporarily assume full responsibility for duties of the Fire Chief position.

See attached job description for minimum required qualifications and experience.

Applicants must pass an extensive background check and medical exam including drug testing. Residency within the McHenry Township Fire Protection District is required within six (6) months from the date of hire. The current salary range for this position is $155,384 to $174,030 plus benefit package. This position is appointed by the Board of Trustees and is a non-commissioned rank.

The application process must be completed electronically starting at www.mtfpd.org, under the "Employment" tab.  Applications and required documents will be accepted until Wednesday, March 18th, 2026 at 8:00AM.  Qualified and selected candidates will be notified via email regarding details of the testing process.

The tentative timeline for the testing process is:

1.  Interview with Board of Trustees and Fire Chief/Incoming Fire Chief - Week of March 30th
2.  Assessment Center - Week of April 6th
3.  Finalists participation in Leadership Assessment Exercise/Psychological/Background - Week of April 13th
4.  Second Interview with Board of Trustees and Fire Chief/Incoming Fire Chief - Week of April 27th 

The anticipated hiring date for the Deputy Chief of Operations is late May/Early June 2026

The McHenry Township Fire Protection District reserves the right to alter the schedule if deemed necessary.  Updates will be communicated via email to candidates.

Any questions regarding the position may be directed to Deputy Chief Steve Spraker at

sprakersteven@fire.mtfpd.org