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Assistant Fire Chief Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

To assist the Fire Chief to direct, plan, supervise, and coordinate the operational, administrative, training and personnel activities of a Fire Department Division; perform the role of Battalion ...

New

To assist the Fire Chief to direct, plan, supervise, and coordinate the operational, administrative, training and personnel activities of a Fire Department Division; perform the role of Battalion ...

New

Deputy Chief - Fire

Chico, CA ยท On-site

$196K/yr

To assist the Fire Chief to direct, plan, supervise, and coordinate the operational, administrative, training and personnel activities of a Fire Department Division; perform the role of Battalion ...

Deputy Chief - Fire

Chico, CA ยท On-site

$196K/yr

To assist the Fire Chief to direct, plan, supervise, and coordinate the operational, administrative, training and personnel activities of a Fire Department Division; perform the role of Battalion ...

FIRE CHIEF

Hemet, CA ยท On-site

$210K - $281K/yr

... to serve as Fire Chief. The ideal candidate will have a passion for delivering high-quality ... assist the City Manager with the vision of moving the City forward. To be considered for this ...

FIRE CHIEF

Hemet, CA ยท On-site

$210K - $281K/yr

... to serve as Fire Chief. The ideal candidate will have a passion for delivering high-quality ... assist the City Manager with the vision of moving the City forward. To be considered for this ...

Battalion Chief

Los Banos, CA ยท On-site

$116K - $148K/yr

DEFINITION To assist the Fire Chief in managing and directing the Fire Department; to plan, organize and direct technical, management and administrative work involved in commanding and coordinating ...

DEFINITION To assist the Fire Chief in managing and directing the Fire Department; to plan, organize and direct technical, management and administrative work involved in commanding and coordinating ...

Overview Under general direction of the Assistant Fire Chief, the Fire Captain plans, organizes, supervises, and participates in fire suppression, prevention, and basic investigation of structure ...

Fire Captain

Shandon, CA ยท On-site

$46 - $54.12/hr

Under general direction of the Assistant Fire Chief, the Fire Captain plans, organizes, supervises, and participates in fire suppression, prevention, and basic investigation of structure fires ...

Overview Under general direction of the Assistant Fire Chief, the Fire Captain plans, organizes, supervises, and participates in fire suppression, prevention, and basic investigation of structure ...

New

Overview Under general direction of the Assistant Fire Chief, the Fire Captain plans, organizes, supervises, and participates in fire suppression, prevention, and basic investigation of structure ...

New

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Showing results 1-20

Assistant Fire Chief information

See California salary details

$32.6K

$84.8K

$154.5K

How much do assistant fire chief jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant fire chief in California is $84,767.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,300.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant fire chief, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Fire Chief, you need extensive experience in firefighting and emergency response, leadership abilities, and typically an associate or bachelor's degree in fire science or a related field. Familiarity with incident command systems, fire inspection software, and certifications such as Fire Officer II or higher are commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, decision-making under pressure, and the ability to motivate and manage teams are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure effective emergency management, departmental leadership, and the safety of both firefighters and the community.

What does an assistant fire chief do?

An Assistant Fire Chief supports the Fire Chief in managing the daily operations of a fire department. They oversee personnel, training programs, emergency response coordination, and administrative duties. This role often involves supervising fire captains and other staff, developing policies, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and assisting in budget planning. Assistant Fire Chiefs may also act as incident commanders during major emergencies or when the Fire Chief is unavailable.

What is the difference between Assistant Fire Chief vs Fire Captain?

AspectAssistant Fire ChiefFire Captain
Required credentialsFire science degree, certifications, leadership trainingFirefighter certification, leadership experience
Work environmentAdministrative duties, strategic planning, overseeing operationsOn-scene incident command, firefighting, team supervision
Employer and industry usageFire departments, emergency management agenciesFire departments, emergency services

The Assistant Fire Chief typically handles administrative and strategic responsibilities, supporting the Fire Chief, while the Fire Captain manages on-the-ground firefighting operations and team supervision. Both roles require leadership skills and firefighting experience, but the Assistant Fire Chief focuses more on planning and management, whereas the Fire Captain is more involved in direct incident response.

What are some common challenges faced by an assistant fire chief when managing multiple fire stations and teams?

As an Assistant Fire Chief, one of the primary challenges is ensuring consistent communication and operational standards across multiple fire stations. Coordinating resources, training, and incident responses requires strong leadership and organizational skills, as well as the ability to adapt to rapidly changing situations. Balancing administrative responsibilities with on-scene leadership and fostering collaboration among diverse teams are also key aspects of the role. Building trust and maintaining morale while implementing department policies can be both challenging and rewarding.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Chief jobs in California?

The most popular types of Fire Chief jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Fire Chief jobs in California?

For Assistant Fire Chief jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Fire Chief jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Fire Chief jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Assistant Fire Chief jobs?

Cities in California with the most Assistant Fire Chief job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Fire Chief job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,767 per year, or $40.8 per hour.

Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention

Vectrus, Inc

Saint Helena, CA โ€ข On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Overview

Under the direction of the Fire Chief, the Assistant Fire Chief (Fire Prevention) is responsible for leading and managing the Fire Prevention Division. This role encompasses oversight of fire inspections, code enforcement, fire investigations, public education, and community risk reduction programs. The Assistant Fire Chief ensures compliance with local, state, and federal fire codes and standards, and serves as a key member of the department's executive leadership team.

Responsibilities Leadership & Management
  • Direct and supervise personnel within the Fire Prevention Division, including fire inspectors, investigators, and public education staff.
  • Develop and implement division policies, procedures, and strategic plans in alignment with departmental goals.
  • Coordinate with other divisions and external agencies to ensure cohesive fire prevention strategies.
Fire Code Enforcement
  • Oversee the inspection of new and existing buildings for compliance with fire codes and regulations.
  • Manage the plan review process for new construction and renovations to ensure fire safety standards are met.
  • Ensure timely investigation of fire incidents to determine origin and cause and implement corrective actions as necessary.
Public Education & Community Outreach
  • Develop and promote fire safety education programs aimed at reducing fire risks within the community.
  • Engage with community groups, schools, and businesses to disseminate fire prevention information and resources.
Administrative Duties
  • Assist in the preparation and management of the division's budget, including resource allocation and expenditure monitoring.
  • Maintain accurate records and reports related to inspections, investigations, and educational programs.
  • Stay abreast of changes in fire codes, regulations, and best practices to ensure ongoing compliance and effectiveness.
Emergency Response
  • Serve in a command role during major incidents as required, providing leadership and coordination in emergency situations.
  • Participate in the development and execution of emergency response plans and training exercises.
Additional Duties
  • Perform other related duties as assigned by the Fire Chief, PM, DPM or COR to support departmental operations and contract objectives.
Qualifications Education & Experience Requirements Education
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Fire Science, Fire Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field is required.
  • A Master's degree in a related field is preferred.
Experience
  • Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in fire service, with at least three (3) years in a supervisory or management role within fire prevention or related areas.
Certifications
  • Certification as a Fire Inspector and Fire Investigator is required.
  • Completion of the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer Program or equivalent advanced fire management training is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Comprehensive knowledge of fire prevention principles, fire codes, and inspection techniques.
  • Strong leadership and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple programs and personnel effectively.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with the public, staff, and other agencies.
  • Proficiency in interpreting and applying fire codes, regulations, and standards.
  • Ability to develop and implement strategic plans and programs to enhance fire prevention efforts.
Working Conditions
  • Work is performed in both office and field environments, with exposure to various weather conditions and potential hazards during inspections and emergency responses.
  • The role may require extended hours, including evenings and weekends, in response to emergencies or special events.
Additional Duties Statement
  • The Assistant Fire Chief (Fire Prevention) may be assigned additional duties and responsibilities by the Fire Chief as necessary to meet the operational needs and objectives of the Fire Department.

At V2X, we are deeply committed to both equal employment opportunity, including protection for Veterans and individuals with disabilities, and fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We ensure all individuals are treated with fairness, respect, and dignity, recognizing the strength that comes from a workforce rich in diverse experiences, perspectives, and skills. This commitment, aligned with our core Vision and Values of Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility, allows us to leverage differences, encourage innovation, and expand our success in the global marketplace, ultimately enabling us to best serve our clients.

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