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Assistant Fire Chief Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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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 Sep 5, 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 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 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 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 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 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:

Assistant Fire Chief jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Fire Chief job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% 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.

Volunteer / Reserve Firefighter

Lathrop - Manteca Fire Protection District

Lathrop, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Description About the program: The Lathrop Manteca Fire District utilizes the Volunteer / Reserve Firefighter role to augment our effective emergency staffing strength. The Fire Board has authorized the Fire Chief to fill the Volunteer / Reserve Firefighter Program with up to 35 individuals. The LMFD prides itself on having one of the best opportunities available for those that want to serve in this capacity.

The Lathrop - Manteca Fire District's Volunteer / Reserve firefighters are held accountable to the LMFD training standards to help develop skilled firefighters. The members of the program will be given the opportunity to work 24-hour shifts alongside full-time fire suppression personnel to gain hands-on experience. The Volunteer / Reserves are also able to respond to "callbacks" so they can gain knowledge and experience a variety of different emergent situations.

The Volunteer / Reserve Firefighter Program at LMFD is an exciting and rewarding start to a career in the fire service. Many of our volunteer / reserves have transitioned from the program to full-time firefighting careers with our District or with other fire departments. Overall, this program offers a great opportunity to increase your knowledge and skill level while building your resume in pursuit of a career in the Fire Service.

Examples of Duties Expectations: Once accepted, you will be expected to complete the LMFD Volunteer / Reserve basic fire academy (in-house) where you will be exposed to: donning and doffing PPE, pulling hose, basic wildland operation, EMS calls, vehicle accidents and all fire apparatus equipment within the district. Once you graduate the Volunteer / Reserve Academy, you will be asked to complete a minimum of two 24-hour shifts a month, attend training once a month and complete online assignments, which will count towards your EMT or paramedic CE's. As a member of the Volunteer / Reserve program, you'll be able to work side-by-side with firefighters and you'll be able to be put on the schedule to ride as an additional person at LMFD Station 32.

On your scheduled shifts you will train with the crew, respond to any calls within the district and assist with daily activities. Fire Chief's Expectations: As a Volunteer/Reserve with Lathrop Manteca Fire District, you will be held to high standards. The community looks to us for assistance in their times of need and we will serve all with professionalism and compassion, no matter the situation.

You are to always carry yourself in a professional manner both on and off duty. You are to be a positive individual and be supportive of all matters involving the Fire District. Apply yourself in all aspects that will help improve yourself and the Fire District.

Typical Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: Ability to Legally Work in the United States 18 Years or Older at Time of Application Valid Class C Driver's License (must be maintained for eligibility to remain in the program) High School Diploma or GED Desired Qualifications: California EMT CSFM Accredited Fire Academy Graduate CSFM Firefighter 1 Certificate California DMV Firefighter Endorsement Any fire experience and education is highly desirable.

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