Fire Chief

City of Hollister•Hollister, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

This is an open recruitment for a Fire Chief position. Qualified candidates from the public and qualified career City employees are encouraged to apply. The eligibility list developed from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the Fire Chief classification or similar classifications. Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or the position is filled. This recruitment may close at any time without notice. The first review of applications will occur on July 1, 2026. The Fire Chief, under the administrative direction of the City Council, plans, manages, oversees, and directs the operations and services of the Fire Department. This includes responsibilities for training/hazmat disaster preparation, emergency/EMS/tactical communications, records, support services, and fire safety technical services. The role coordinates department activities with other City officials and outside agencies, and provides responsible and complex staff support to the City Council. The Fire Chief exercises direct supervision over Professional, Technical, Clerical, Reserve, Intern, and Explorer staff. This executive management level class is responsible for managing and overseeing all organizational and operational facets of the fire protective services, distinguishing it from lower classifications by its responsibility for the entire Fire Department.

Requirements

Fifteen (15) years of increasing responsible experience in all phases of municipal fire suppression, prevention and emergency medical services including five years' experience as an Administrative Captain or Chief Officer (Battalion, Division, Deputy or Assistant).
Bachelor's Degree from a properly accredited institution is required.
Certification as a Fire Officer and Chief Officer by the California Fire Service Training and Education System OR Ability to complete all California State Fire Marshal Executive Chief Fire Officer (2014) NFPA Fire Officer IV level classes and Task Book.
Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license with appropriate endorsements and satisfactory driving record.
Possession of a Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated Defibrillation (AED) certificate.
Knowledge of: Operations and standard operating procedures of modern fire prevention, suppression methods, practices and techniques.
Knowledge of: Operations and standard operating procedures of emergency medical services.
Knowledge of: Principles and practices of program development and administration.
Knowledge of: Complex principles and practices of fire management.
Knowledge of: Complex principles and practices of fire command.
Knowledge of: Operation, maintenance and uses of firefighting apparatus and equipment.
Knowledge of: Principles and practices of budget administration.
Knowledge of: Methods and techniques of supervision, training and motivation.
Knowledge of: Principles of personnel deployment.
Knowledge of: Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations.
Knowledge of: Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
Knowledge of: Modern office equipment including computer and applicable software.
Knowledge of: Methods and techniques for complex record preparation and writing.
Knowledge of: Principles of correct English usage, grammar and composition.
Knowledge of: Basic mathematical and mechanical relationships.
Knowledge of: Principles of hydraulics and construction engineering.
Knowledge of: City geography and water systems.
Knowledge of: Record keeping methods.
Knowledge of: Hazardous materials and their properties.
Knowledge of: Appropriate safety precautions and procedures.
Skill to: Operate a variety of office equipment including computer terminal, calculator, copier, scanner, fax machine and software.
Skill to: Type and enter data accurately as necessary for successful job performance.
Ability to: Plan, direct and manage fire prevention, suppression, emergency medical and support activities.
Ability to: Assume responsibility for tactics, strategies and decision making at the scene of an emergency.
Ability to: Plan, organize and direct the work of subordinate staff.
Ability to: Supervise, evaluate and discipline personnel.
Ability to: Process and adjust grievances in accordance with labor agreements.
Ability to: Maintain accurate records.
Ability to: Read, understand and apply difficult materials.
Ability to: Maintain and modify filing systems.
Ability to: Supervise and direct the operations and activities of the Fire Department.
Ability to: Courteously respond to the community issues, concerns and needs.
Ability to: Analyze a complex issue and develop and implement an appropriate response.
Ability to: Prepare and present clear and concise written and oral administrative and financial reports.
Ability to: Prepare and administer a municipal budget.
Ability to: Maintain records of budgetary expenditures.
Ability to: Analyze and evaluate new and existing service delivery methods and standard operating procedures.
Ability to: Make adjustments to standard operating procedures as is appropriate.
Ability to: Apply applicable laws, codes and regulations.
Ability to: Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Nice To Haves

A BS/BA degree from a properly accredited institution in Fire Protection Technology or other related field is highly desirable.
Additional technical coursework or certification in the following fire service areas including, but not limited to: fire command, fire prevention code enforcement, hazardous materials, training, fire inspection, personnel management is desired.

Responsibilities

Accept full responsibility for all Fire Department activities and services including activities associated with training/hazmat disaster preparation, EMS communications, records, support services and fire safety technical services functions.
Evaluate the Fire Department's projected evolution and identify upcoming needs of apparatus and equipment; actively work toward procuring the required funding, including pursuing grant monies.
Develop, implement and maintain Fire Department goals, objectives, policies and priorities for appropriate service areas; ensure that established goals and priorities are achieved.
Plan, direct and coordinate the Fire Department's work plan through appropriate department staff; assign work activities and responsibilities to appropriate department personnel; review and evaluate work methods and procedures; identify and resolve problems and/or issues.
Review and evaluate service delivery methods and systems including administrative and support systems and internal relationships; identify opportunities for improvement and implement changes to standard operating procedures to enhance services.
Oversee the selection, training and evaluation programs for all Fire personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; identify and resolve staff deficiencies; execute discipline and/or termination procedures.
Respond to major fire alarms and personally direct fire suppression activities as necessary.
Conduct Incident Command for other types of calls as experience dictates.
Oversee the testing of equipment; and inspect personnel, equipment and living quarters.
Direct hazardous and toxic materials control activities.
Present, justify and defend Fire programs, operations and activities; negotiate and resolve controversial department issues; recommend new ordinances, laws and regulations related to fire protection; and make recommendations concerning personnel, apparatus and equipment.
Manage and coordinate the development of the Fire Department's budget; monitor and approve expenditures; advise appropriate department personnel on budget matters; make adjustments to the budget as is necessary.
Represent the Fire Department to other departments, divisions and organizations; coordinate departmental activities with other departments and organizations.
Serve as a resource for department personnel, city staff and other organizations; coordinate pertinent information, resources and work teams necessary to support a positive productive environment.
Attend and participate in professional and community meetings as necessary; stay current on issues relative to the field of fire protective services and related service delivery responsibilities; respond to and resolve sensitive and complex community and organizational inquiries and complaints.
Perform other related duties as required.