Interim Fire Chief

Job Description:

Interim Fire Chief

Description

Description

View the full flyer here: Fire Chief

Under administrative direction, the Fire Chief plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates the operations and administration of the County Fire Department, including fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, disaster preparedness, and community risk reduction programs. The Fire Chief ensures compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations and represents the department in inter-agency coordination and public affairs.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
The Fire Chief is responsible for the overall leadership and strategic direction of the Fire Department. This position has full departmental authority and accountability, including policy development, long-range planning, fiscal oversight, and labor relations. The Fire Chief is expected to exercise a high level of independent judgment and political acumen in managing a complex and high-risk public safety operation. Receives administrative direction from the County Administrative Officer. Exercises supervision over management, supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support staff through subordinate levels of supervision.

EMPLOYMENT AT WILL:
The County Fire Chief, a department head, is an “at-will” position, which is not included in the County’s classified service and is exempt from merit system status. As an at-will employee, the incumbent may be terminated with or without cause or notice at any time by the County Administrative Officer.

Example of Duties

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so the qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Department Formation & Strategic Implementation:

• Lead the start-up of a San Benito County/ San Juan Bautista Fire Services Provider, including planning and implementation of a combination (career and volunteer) staffing model.
• Oversee the design and set-up of a temporary fire station to ensure operational readiness within 200 days.
• Evaluate, acquire, and outfit used fire apparatus and equipment to establish minimum emergency response capabilities.
• Develop systems to support and operate a non-transport Advanced Life Support (ALS) delivery model in coordination with the County EMS system and regulatory authorities.

Leadership & Organizational Development:

• Develop and implement the department’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values.
• Establish key policies, procedures, SOPs, and operational guidelines consistent with best practices, local needs, and legal requirements.
• Negotiate and implement Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) for career and volunteer personnel.

Operations & Response:

• Provide operational oversight of fire suppression, EMS, rescue, training, and fire prevention programs.
• Serve as a working chief, capable of responding to emergencies and, when needed, operating fire apparatus alongside crews.
• Ensure high-quality prehospital care through oversight of the department’s ALS non-transport program, including clinical performance, continuing education, and coordination with EMS providers.

Personnel Management:

• Recruit, hire, train, and manage a combination workforce of career firefighters, officers, and volunteers.
• Foster a positive culture of service, accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.

Partnerships & Community Engagement:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with regional agencies, allied departments, CAL FIRE, local EMS providers, and neighboring jurisdictions.
• Represent the department at local, regional, and state-level emergency services meetings and committees.
• Engage with the community and stakeholders to ensure transparent communication and trust-building.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education, training and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge, skills and abilities would be :

Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in fire service, including at least five (5) years in a command or senior leadership position; including but not limited to:

• Experience in forming or significantly restructuring a fire department or division.
• Demonstrated success in managing both career and volunteer personnel.
• Experience managing or operating within a non-transport ALS system, including oversight of EMS personnel and coordination with local EMS agencies.

Special Requirements Qualify for a security clearance through a background investigation and fingerprint check;Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License with Firefighter Endorsement (or ability to obtain within 3 months);U.S. citizenship;Possession of a valid California Chief Fire Officer Certification; Executive Fire Officer (EFO), or California State Fire Marshal’s Office (CSFM) Chief Officer Certification.Ability to meet and maintain minimum visual, physical, psychological, medical and health standards; ability to pass a complete background investigation; Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks and effectively cope with dangerous and potentially life-threatening situations.Ability to work irregular hours including emergencies, evenings, weekends, and holidays, varying shifts, and on-call as necessary. Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, Emergency Management, or related field.
• Background in apparatus specification and procurement, facility development, and rural operations.

NA

Closing Date/Time: 5/27/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$178,089.60 - $236,412.80 Annually