Fire Chief/CEO

North County Fire Protection District • Fallbrook, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Subject to policy and administrative direction of the Board of Directors, the Fire Chief/CEO plans, organizes and directs the overall operation and activity of the Department. The Fire Chief/CEO is subject to call-out for major incidents.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in fire administration, emergency management, public administration, business administration, organizational leadership or similar major from a regionally accredited college or university.
• A minimum of fifteen (15) years of total fire service experience.
• A minimum of two (2) years as a Chief Officer (Battalion Chief or higher).
• California Driver’s License or be eligible to obtain the same (also must be and remain insurable with District’s liability carrier).
• Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation certification (BLS - CPR/AED).
• Certification as a Chief Officer by the California Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM).
• Compliance with State Law requirements for training as public official, including, but not limited to AB 1234 training, SB 827 training, and all other employment training requirements in the State of California.
• Demonstrated success fostering positive labor relations through effective communication, sound judgment, and principled leadership.
• Ability to make difficult decisions while maintaining productive working relationships.
• Demonstrated commitment to community engagement through active participation in civic organizations, public outreach, and community events while maintaining political neutrality.
• Broad knowledge of fire, EMS, emergency management, community risk reduction, and fire service administration, with a commitment to continuous professional development.

Nice To Haves

• A graduate degree in a related discipline.
• Two (2) years of executive-level leadership including administrative responsibility, such as: budget development, project management, personnel management, policy development and board relations.
• Service as a Chief Officer with a California special district fire department of similar size, serving a similar community, with a similar risk profile, providing a similar range of services (including ALS engines and ALS transport).
• Specific experience in a suburban fire department with a significant wildland/urban interface component.
• OSFM certification as a Fire Chief.
• Candidates from outside California may submit other certifications/documentation/justification demonstrating equivalency with the OSFM Chief Officer requirement.
• Completion of or current enrollment in, the Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program at the National Fire Academy or the Executive Chief Fire Officer (NFPA Fire Officer IV) through the California State Fire Marshal or equivalent certifying authority.
• Chief Fire Officer Designation (CFOD) issued by the Commission on Public Safety Excellence or Fire Chief Designation through the California State Fire Marshal.
• If CFOD is not held at hiring, this designation must be achieved within one (1) year of date of hire.
• Active participation in local, regional, state, or national professional organizations. Involvement with organizations such as the IAFC, Cal Chiefs, FDAC, CSDA, or similar organizations.

Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes and directs the overall operation and activity of the Department.
• Subject to call-out for major incidents.
• Develop, communicate, and implement organizational vision.
• Lead change and achieve strategic objectives within available resources.
• Mentor and develop employees, delegate authority, promote accountability, and foster a collaborative organizational culture.
• Improve organizational performance, enhance fiscal sustainability, manage complex initiatives, and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
• Work effectively with an elected Board of Directors by providing transparent communication, sound policy recommendations, and strategic leadership while respecting governance and administrative roles.
• Develop and manage public agency budgets, long-range financial planning, grant administration, capital projects, and responsible stewardship of public resources.

Benefits

• The detailed compensation and benefits package is negotiable and will generally be consistent with the terms and provisions of the current Fire Chief employment agreement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive