Division Chief (Internal Applicants Only)

Lathrop•Lathrop, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Division Chief is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating the activities of an assigned division within the Fire District. This position provides leadership and oversight of Battalion Chiefs and assigned personnel and is responsible for ensuring the effective delivery of emergency and non-emergency services. Responsibilities may include fire suppression operations, emergency medical services, training, special operations, fire prevention, community risk reduction, or other assigned functional areas. The Division Chief assists the Assistant Fire Chief with strategic planning, policy implementation, personnel management, budget administration, and organizational development. The Division Chief serves as a key member of the District's management team and is responsible for ensuring operational readiness, employee development, regulatory compliance, and the accomplishment of District goals and objectives. The Division Chief is responsible for representing and supporting the Mission, Vision, and Values of the District and is expected to make positive contributions to the organization through effective leadership, communication, collaboration, and implementation of District initiatives. A Division Chief is a sworn, public safety officer classification responsible for the administration and management of an assigned division and the supervision of Battalion Chiefs and other assigned personnel. This classification serves as a mid-level executive manager responsible for translating District strategic objectives into operational outcomes. This class is required to work a 40-hour work week and may work beyond regularly scheduled hours when necessary for emergencies, special projects, meetings, deployments, or other operational needs. The Division Chief serves as an Incident Commander during major emergencies and may assume command of complex incidents requiring multi-company, multi-agency, or extended operations. This classification is distinguished from the Battalion Chief by its responsibility for managing multiple battalions, programs, and District-wide initiatives. The Division Chief is responsible for organizational consistency across all three shifts. It is distinguished from the Assistant Fire Chief in that the Assistant Fire Chief has broader responsibility for multiple divisions and overall District administration.

Requirements

Current Lathrop-Manteca Fire Protection District employee with five (5) years of full-time fire service experience, including experience serving at the rank of Firefighter, Engineer, and/or Fire Captain, and, at the time of application, either at least three (3) years of full-time experience serving as a Fire Officer or equivalent command-level officer or currently serve full-time in the rank of Battalion Chief.
Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science or related field is highly desirable.
Possession of Fire Officer or Company Officer Certificate in accordance with California State Fire Training requirements.
Possession of Chief Fire Officer Certification in accordance with the California State Fire Training Requirements or Incumbent must complete Chief Fire Officer Certification in accordance with California State Fire Training requirements within two (2) years of appointment.
Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain, a valid California driver license with a DMV Fire Endorsement and remain insurable on the District’s insurance policy.
Possess and maintain at a minimum valid EMT certification in accordance with State and Local EMS Agency.
Demonstrated Knowledge of: Principles, practices, and procedures of modern firefighting and emergency systems that may be utilized for the protection of lives and property; Basic and advanced instructional techniques, fire cause and determination; Principles and practices of strategic planning, organizational development, performance measurement, and continuous improvement; Fire suppression and first responder methods, practices and techniques; Fire Science and the Incident Command System (ICS); Principles and practices of leadership and supervision, command principles of chief officers, and hazardous materials procedures for chief officers; Principles and practices of public sector budgeting, fiscal management, resource allocation, and long-range capital planning; Safety standards and precautions pertaining to the use and operation of fire equipment and fire suppression and first responder activities; Principles and practices of program development, implementation, evaluation, and project management; Emergency medical service techniques, CPR, basic life support, rescue and resuscitation equipment and practices; Principles and practices of personnel administration, employee development, performance management, succession planning, and disciplinary processes; Ordinances, laws, rules and regulations, and California fire codes; The geographic, demographic, operational, and response characteristics of the District, including target hazards, critical infrastructure, deployment systems, mutual aid resources, and emergency response capabilities; Principles and practices of emergency management, disaster preparedness, continuity of operations, and multi-agency coordination; District’s policies and procedures; Effective writing techniques and Business English including spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and report writing standards; Principles and practices of supervision, management, leadership, mentorship, employee development, succession planning, and performance management; and Principles and practices of labor relations, collective bargaining, employee relations, grievance resolution, and conflict management techniques.
Demonstrated Ability to: Plan, assign, supervise and evaluate the work of subordinates fire officers and other assigned staff; Lead personnel effectively and maintain discipline while working efficiently with other District management, staff and support personnel; Direct, coordinate, and evaluate emergency operations during complex incidents and provide strategic leadership in emergent and non-emergent situations; Operate District vehicles, apparatus and equipment use in modern firefighting activities; Maintain appropriate California State driver’s license and maintain insurability within the District’s insurance policy; Maintain an EMT certification from approved San Joaquin County EMS Agency; Effectively interpret, explain, support and make responsible, timely decisions in accordance with rules, regulations, policies and procedures; Analyze operational, personnel, financial, and organizational data and develop effective recommendations for executive leadership; Develop, implement, and evaluate division goals, objectives, programs, policies, and performance measures; Effectively supervise, mentor, develop, and evaluate Battalion Chiefs and other management personnel; Develop and administer budgets, monitor expenditures, and effectively manage assigned resources; Lead organizational change initiatives and implement strategic plans and operational improvements; Foster collaboration and maintain effective working relationships with labor representatives, management personnel, elected officials, and community stakeholders; Conduct administrative investigations and make sound recommendations regarding personnel, operational, and organizational matters; Manage multiple priorities, projects, programs, and personnel while maintaining organizational effectiveness; Identify, develop, and prepare future leaders through coaching, mentorship, performance management, and succession planning efforts; Present complex operational, financial, and administrative information to executive leadership, governing boards, employees, and public stakeholders; Coordinate activities among multiple divisions, battalions, agencies, and stakeholders to achieve organizational objectives; Evaluate service delivery systems and implement improvements that enhance operational effectiveness, firefighter safety, and customer service. Interpret and effectively apply local, state, and federal codes, laws, and regulations; Communicate effectively in writing, orally, and with others to assimilate, understand and be understood, and convey information, in a manner consistent with job functions; Operate cellular phones, tablets, apparatus and portable radio, computer systems and softwares, utilize word processing, records management, spreadsheets, and electronic mail software; Prepare comprehensive administrative, operational, technical, and strategic reports, studies, recommendations, and presentations; Learn job related material through structured lecture and reading and through oral instruction and observation; Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with employees, management, and the public; Travel to different sites and work locations and work protracted and irregular hours; Conduct public education training for the community; Represent the District effectively and professionally in contacts with representatives of other agencies and the public; Maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information; and Meet and maintain physical standards requirements to perform the job duties.
Demonstrated Skills in: Applying advanced incident command, risk management, resource coordination, and emergency operations principles during complex incidents; Strategic planning, organizational development, and program management; Budget development, fiscal administration, and resource allocation; Personnel management, leadership development, coaching, and performance evaluation; Researching, analyzing, and interpreting operational, administrative, and financial data; Preparing and presenting technical, operational, and administrative reports, recommendations, and presentations; Conflict resolution, consensus-building, negotiation, and effective decision-making; Conducting administrative investigations and documenting findings and recommendations; Utilizing computer software and technology applications for budgeting, reporting, communication, scheduling, and records management; and Operating computer systems and work-related software applications including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, records management systems, electronic mail, and related technologies.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science or related field is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Ensure consistency in policy implementation, personnel management, operational practices, training standards, and service delivery across all shifts and assigned battalions.
Plan, organize, direct, and evaluate the activities of an assigned division, battalions, programs, and personnel to ensure the efficient delivery of emergency and non-emergency services.
Develop and implement division goals, objectives, performance standards, strategic initiatives, and operational priorities consistent with District goals and objectives.
Assist the Assistant Fire Chief in developing, implementing, and evaluating District policies, procedures, programs, and operational initiatives.
Respond to and assume command of major emergency incidents, significant events, disasters, and complex multi-agency operations, providing strategic oversight and support to incident management personnel.
Review emergency incidents, operational activities, and after-action reports to identify trends, ensure operational effectiveness, improve firefighter safety, and implement corrective actions when necessary.
Ensure operational readiness of assigned personnel, stations, apparatus, equipment, facilities, and programs through continuous evaluation, inspection, monitoring, and corrective action.
Develop, prepare, and present high-quality reports, studies, recommendations, budget requests, strategic plans, presentations, correspondence, and other written materials, which may be confidential or sensitive in nature.
Research, analyze, and evaluate operational issues, organizational challenges, industry trends, and service delivery methods, and provide recommendations to executive leadership.
Develop, administer, and monitor assigned budgets; forecast staffing, apparatus, equipment, training, facility, and program needs; and ensure expenditures remain within authorized appropriations.
Monitor and evaluate division performance, service delivery outcomes, workload demands, staffing levels, deployment models, and organizational effectiveness.
Coordinate personnel assignments, promotional development, special assignments and training opportunities within assigned divisions.
Develop, mentor, and prepare Battalion Chiefs, Company Officers, and future chief officers through ongoing coaching, leadership development, and succession planning efforts to support the long-term success of the District.
Conduct investigations involving personnel performance, policy violations, operational concerns, accidents, injuries, complaints, and other administrative matters and prepare findings and recommendations.
Administer and enforce District policies, procedures, rules, regulations, labor agreements, and applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Participate in labor-management meetings, meet-and-confer processes, employee relations matters, grievance resolution, and disciplinary proceedings as assigned.
Coordinate and oversee assigned programs such as emergency medical services, training, special operations, fleet management, facilities, accreditation, health and safety, community risk reduction, fire prevention, technology, or other assigned functional areas.
Ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations, standards, mandates, and reporting requirements.
Serve as a liaison and maintain effective working relationships with local, regional, state, and federal agencies, community organizations, labor groups, professional associations, and other stakeholders.
Represent the District at meetings, conferences, committees, public events, community functions, and professional organizations as assigned.
Coordinate and participate in long-range planning efforts involving facilities, apparatus replacement, staffing models, service delivery, deployment strategies, emergency preparedness, and organizational development.
Promote a culture of professionalism, accountability, leadership, customer service, innovation, safety, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
Actively support and promote effective communication, collaboration, and positive working relationships at all levels of the District.
Remain current with developments in fire service leadership, emergency management, labor relations, regulatory requirements, technology, and industry best practices.
Carry out the District's mission, vision, values, goals, and objectives in an effective and efficient manner.
Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

Base Salary Scale based on 2024-2027 Executive Staff MOU
3% Pay Increase per MOU Step
Up to 10.0% for Education
12.0% Paramedic Incentive If Assigned to the Administrative Oversight Functions of the District’s Advanced Life Support Paramedic Program
SJCERA Safety Retirement Based on 2026 Rates - Employer contributes between 91.22% to 92.40% (Dependent on Employee's Tier)
Employee contribution rates vary but is generally no more than 14.0%
Uniform Allowance: $900.00 Annually
Paid Holidays: See Executive Staff MOU for List of Holidays
Vacation: Based on Years of Employment per MOU (starts at 12 Hours / Month)
Sick Leave: Accrued per MOU at 18 Hours / Month
Health Insurance: Employer pays for Employee plus Eligible Dependents up to PERS Platinum Rate for Region 1
Medical: CalPERS Health Care System
Vision: 100% Employer Paid for Employee & Eligible Dependents through Vision Service Plan
Dental: 100% Employer Paid for Employee & Eligible Dependents through Sun Life Dental Plan
Life Insurance: $10,000.00 Coverage for Employee through Sun Life
Probationary Period: 12 Months (Possible Extension of Up to 6 Months)