Contract International Fire Chief Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $236,038.40 Annually
Location : Headquarters - 1 Fire Authority Road, Irvine, CA 92602, CA
Job Type: FULL-TIME
Job Number: 2027-71-DS
Department: FIRE SUPPRESSION
Division: OPERATIONS
Opening Date: 07/28/2026
Closing Date: 8/11/2026 12:00 PM Pacific
DESCRIPTION
This outstanding opportunity is open only to current Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) full-time safety employees who meet the minimum qualifications as outlined in this recruitment announcement.
IMPORTANT DATES:

• Last Day to Submit Online Application and Resumé - Tuesday, August 11, 2026 @ 12:00 pm (noon)
  • If you encounter problems uploading your resumé to your electronic application, please send via email to Duke Steppe, Human Resources Manager before the closure of the recruitment.
• Panel Interviews - August 18, 2026
• Chief's Selection Interviews - August 19, 2026

The dates listed above are subject to change based on organizational needs.
Division Chief Study Material
Below is a link to study material to prepare applicants for the oral interview process. Please note that not all oral interview questions will be based on the study material that is provided.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Fire Division Chiefs report to an Assistant Chief or Deputy Chief and manage the day-to-day operations of one or more firefighting battalions of a large geographic division, two or more administrative sections, or a combination of both. Fire Division Chiefs typically supervise several Fire Battalion Chiefs and their subordinates, work directly with city/county staff and other agency administrators, and function as the primary liaison between the OCFA and other entities.
The Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate will be politically astute and have a strong team orientation. He/she will model personal responsibility, character, a positive attitude, accountability, a commitment to ethical behavior, be a consummate professional who will recognize that the OCFA's organizational integrity is only as strong as our weakest link and will consciously avoid even the appearance of impropriety. The Fire Division Chief will value OCFA members and will embrace diversity of perspective, knowing that creating an environment that encourages diversity of opinions is the OCFA's strength. The ideal candidate will understand his/her role as an agent of influence in moving individuals and the organization forward.
The individual selected will understand the nature of both internal and external customer service and will have a high commitment to the ideals of public service. The ideal candidate will also have a strong commitment to excellence in personal and team performance and will be accountable for results while recognizing that results do not come at the expense of the OCFA's commitment to its core values of teamwork, integrity, trust, excellence, ethics, personal responsibility, care and respect, honesty and fairness, reliability, and diversity.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Plans, directs, coordinates, and supervises the work of a suppression division or a division of administrative support functions
• Interprets departmental policy to subordinates; assigns duties and responsibilities and delineates lines of authority; provides subordinates with directions on coordination of services, policy, procedures, budget, and personnel problems
• Negotiates cooperative agreements with mutual aid groups to prevent and suppress structural, commercial, wildland, aircraft, and other fires and emergencies; assists in developing cooperative agreements and contracts with city, county, and state agencies providing support for fire and Emergency Medical Services operations
• Analyzes technical data; develops policies, programs, and procedures; develops major disaster plans
• Reviews and analyzes proposed legislation; recommends appropriate department position on legislation
• Evaluates the performance of personnel and recommends compensation; recommends or implements disciplinary actions; establishes work standards and trains and develops subordinates
• Attends and makes presentations at the Board of Directors, City Council, County Board of Supervisors, committee, and staff meetings, interfaces with elected and appointed officials, civic groups, professional associations, and other parties on behalf of the Authority
• Supervises and participates in the analysis and interpretation of intangible political and administrative problems which require an understanding of County-wide interests legislation, legal constraints, and executive policy
• Prepares and submits budget requests for assigned division, estimates future needs in terms of personnel, equipment, supplies, and space; reviews and approves or alters budget request from subunits within assigned division; consults with superiors on priorities and availability of funding
• Assumes Incident Command and Duty Officer responsibilities
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level

NOTE: The above duties are intended to be a representative sample of the duties performed by the class. Specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the department.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
NOTE: The above duties are intended to be a representative sample of the duties performed by the class. Specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the department.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Completion of probation as a Battalion Chief
• Considerable experience and background which would demonstrate the application of the listed knowledge, skills, and abilities

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Possession of a valid Class C Driver License and an acceptable driving record
• Ability to act in a Duty capacity in order to respond to emergency calls

This classification is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program, which periodically provides Risk Management with the incumbent's Driver License record and status.
HIGHLY DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Chief Officer certification from California State Fire Training
• Bachelor's degree with coursework in Fire Administration, Public Administration, or related field

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Principles, methods, and practices of the management and leadership process and employee supervision
• Principles, practices, and techniques of modern firefighting and fire prevention and the ability to apply this knowledge to varied fire control and fire administrative problems
• Operation, capabilities, and uses of various types of fire apparatus, equipment, and specialty resources
• Fire administration, emergency medical services, disaster management, and wildland fire control practices and operations
• Management of major/complex emergencies and disaster operations at the Incident Commander level
• Fire services Master Mutual Aid system in California
• Fire ground tactics, strategy, and safety practices for major emergencies
• Incident Command System (ICS) practices
• State, federal, and local regulations and codes pertaining to fire safety suppression, and prevention practices
• Principles of budgeting and contract administration
• Personal computer operations and word processing and spreadsheet applications software
• Methods of establishing and maintaining effective relationships with department personnel, outside organizations and groups
• Labor relations and personnel management policies and procedures

SKILLS IN:

• Planning, managing, organizing, coordinating, and directing divisional programs and services
• Establishing and meeting divisional goals and objectives
• Analyzing, interpreting, and implementing solutions to technical and administrative problems
• Defining problem areas and directing the collection, interpretation, and evaluation of data, and overseeing the development of solutions to technical and administrative fire problems
• Coordinating and initiating actions, implementing decisions and recommendations
• Selecting, training, coaching, supervising, evaluating, and disciplining employees to achieve department goals
• Exercising effective judgment and command leadership in emergency or disaster situations
• Writing and presenting clear, logical, and concise reports and recommendations
• Operating personal computer and word processing and spreadsheet applications software
• Establishing and maintaining effective relationships with subordinate managers and supervisors, fire personnel, civic groups, elected and appointed officials, city staff representatives, and OCFA Board members
• Assuming Incident Command and Duty Officer responsibilities in order to support the operations of the Authority in emergency or disaster situations

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Human Resources will screen applications to identify qualified candidates. Qualified candidates will be notified by email of all further procedures applicable to their status.
TESTING:
Testing for this position will include the following:

• Application/Resumé Review
• Panel Interview
• Selection Interview

ELIGIBLE LIST:
The eligibility list from this recruitment and selection process will be merged with the current eligibility list and used to fill future vacancies. The duration of the Eligible List is one year from date of establishment, unless modified by the Assistant Chief / Human Resources Director.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA Accommodation):
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, anyone who needs an ADA accommodation for purposes of employment testing should contact Duke Steppe, Human Resources Manager at least 72 hours prior to testing at (714) 573-6807 or
QUESTIONS:
Any questions regarding this position may be directed to Duke Steppe, Human Resources Manager at 714.573.6807 or
The provisions of this publication do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision in this publication may be modified or revoked without notice.
Orange County Fire Authority Chief Officers Association (COA) Representation: Fire Battalion Chiefs and Fire Division Chiefs classifications are represented by the COA. Please contact COA President Tim Perkins for information about joining the COA.
Annual Merit Review Program
Employees are eligible for performance salary increases from 2.75% to 5.5% annually based on their work performance and until they reach the top of their salary ranges. Note: An employee hired or promoted into a classification in this Unit shall be eligible to receive a performance salary increase at the completion of their first performance rating year period of employment or promotion and each year thereafter.
Medical Benefit
Employees have a choice of medical plans under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program and the Authority contributes towards the cost of health premiums as follows:

• 100% of cost for employee only premium
• 75% of cost for family premium

Employees with group health insurance through their spouses' or domestic partners' employment (or other acceptable sources) may waive coverage and receive $59.58 in bi-monthly taxable cash or may apply $59.58 bi-monthly credit towards the cost of voluntary accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
Please visit for more information regarding the various plans offered under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program, as well as the current premium rates.
Dental, Orthodontia and Vision Care
Dental, orthodontia, and vision insurance are provided, at no cost to the employee, for the employee and dependents. Coverage begins on the first of the month following date of hire/promotion.
Optional Benefit Plan (OBP)
An annual cash allotment of $2,100 (pro-rated for mid-year hire/promotion date) will be provided to cover the cost of non-taxable benefits or as taxable cash, based on personal preferences. OBP begins on the 1st day of the month following a 28-day waiting period.
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Short-term and long-term disability insurance coverage are provided to Administrative Managers at no cost.
Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
A life and AD&D policy is provided to Chief Officers at no cost. Insurance coverage is based on the employee's annual base salary rounded to the nearest $10,000. Chief Officers may purchase additional employee paid life, dependent life, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
Retirement
All regular OCFA employees are members of the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) - a defined benefit retirement program. Employees are enrolled in one of the following retirement formulas based on date of hire.
Legacy Safety Members (Closed): Employees hired on or prior to June 30, 2012 shall receive the 3% at age 50 retirement formula (Plan F).
Important note for Legacy Safety Members hired prior to January 1, 2011 who promote into a COA classification from the Orange County Professional Firefighters Association: The Health Care Converted Retirement Contribution ("HCRC") credit in the amount of two percent (2%) does not apply to COA classifications.
Legacy Safety Members: Employees hired on or after July 1, 2012 who establish reciprocity with OCERS are enrolled in the 3% at age 55 retirement formula (Plan R). Please visit OCERS to view compensation and benefit limits.
New Safety Members: Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 without reciprocity are enrolled in the 2.7% at age 57 retirement formula (Plan V). Please visit OCERS to view compensation and benefit limits.