Fire Chief Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Description To be considered for this position, interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume below no later than Monday, August 3, 2026. Bryan Noblett bryan@mosaicpublic.com (916) 217-3696 THE OPPORTUNITY The City of Rocklin, CA is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as its next Fire Chief at a pivotal and exciting time in the community's growth. Recognized as one of Northern California's most desirable places to live and work, Rocklin combines a strong sense of community, a thriving economy, and a commitment to innovation in public service

This is a unique opportunity to lead a highly professional, community-focused Fire Department that is deeply valued by residents and supported by engaged elected officials and executive leadership. The next Fire Chief will have the chance to shape the future of fire and emergency services in a rapidly evolving city, advancing operational excellence, strategic planning, emergency preparedness, and regional collaboration while fostering a culture of leadership, accountability, and service. THE CITY OF ROCKLIN The City of Rocklin, incorporated in 1893, is a general law city located in Placer County at the intersection of Interstate 80 and State Highway 65.

Home to approximately 74,842 residents across 20 square miles, Rocklin is recognized for its exceptional quality of life, highly rated schools, abundant recreational opportunities, strong commitment to public safety, and business-friendly environment. Rocklin boasts a tight-knit community, vibrant shopping and dining options, and world-class recreation. Its healthy and growing population is fostered by highly rated K-12 schools and higher education opportunities such as Sierra College and Jessup University.

Recreation opportunities in Rocklin range from the thrill-seeking options at Quarry Park Adventures to taking in all that the city's 37 parks have to offer. The city's proximity to both Lake Tahoe and the Bay Area positions Rocklin as the premier location for everything Northern California has to offer. THE ROCKLIN FIRE DEPARTMENT The Rocklin Fire Department is dedicated to minimizing risk, enhancing public safety, and improving quality of life through rapid emergency response, proactive problem-solving, and exceptional customer service.

The Department provides fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue operations, fire prevention, and emergency management services to the community and is staffed by 53.5 full-time equivalent staff members. The Fire Department is organized into four divisions: Fire Administration, Field Operations, Fire Prevention, and Emergency Management. The FY 26/27 General Fund budget for the Rocklin Fire Department is $17.2 million

THE POSITION Under administrative direction from the City Manager, the Fire Chief plans, directs, manages, and evaluates the activities, programs, and operations of the Fire Department, including fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency preparedness programs, and administration. The Fire Chief is supported by two Deputy Chiefs who oversee Field Operations and Fire Prevention. In addition, the Fire Chief coordinates assigned activities with other City departments and outside agencies; provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager; and performs related work as required.

Essential duties of the Fire Chief include planning, developing, and directing the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the Fire Department; directing the preparation and administration of the department budget and managing multiple fire protection contracts; ensuring the development and implementation of effective fire prevention and education programs; developing, maintaining, and coordinating the emergency operations plan and disaster response; monitoring department activities, programs, and operations for effectiveness; and monitoring and evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures. The ideal candidate will be an experienced Fire Service leader with an engaging, accessible, and collaborative leadership style; have significant experience in administrative leadership, budget, human resources management, and labor-management relations; be visible and engaged in the community and demonstrate a hands-on approach toward the work; have a passion and commitment to providing service to a diverse community and supporting a diverse team of employees; and will demonstrate a proven ability to lead organizational change while engaging and collaborating with stakeholders across the City to implement meaningful and sustainable improvements. Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in fire technology/science, public or business administration, or a closely related field as determined by Human Resources.

A Master's degree is desirable. AND Ten (10) years of recent, broad, and progressively responsible experience in all major functions of a fire department. Four (4) years of equivalent fire management experience is preferred.

Licenses and Certifications A valid California Class C driver license or higher with a satisfactory driving record is required at the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. SALARY & BENEFITS The annual salary range for the Fire Chief is $188,423 to $256,801.

Placement within the salary range is negotiable and dependent upon qualifications. In addition, the City offers a comprehensive benefits package including retirement provided by CalPERS with a 3% @ 50 formula for Tier 1 Classic Employees, with an employee contribution of 11%. For employees covered under PEPRA, the retirement formula is 2.7% at 57, with an employee contribution of 15.75%

The City also partners with Empower to offer a 457(b) deferred compensation account. Department Directors receive a $350 monthly City match. A 401(a) plan is also available and is funded by employee contributions only.

For additional benefit information, interested candidates are encouraged to review the detailed recruitment brochure here. APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS To be considered for this position, interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume below no later than Monday, August 3, 2026. Confidential inquiries are welcome to: Bryan Noblett | bryan@mosaicpublic.com | (916) 217-3696