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Fire Chief Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

City of Costa Mesa, CA

Fire Chief

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$222K - $297K/yr

The typical background for a successful Chief is extensive experience in fire suppression and prevention work, including supervisory and administrative experience; graduation from a 4-year college ...

City of Costa Mesa

Fire Chief

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$222K - $297K/yr

The typical background for a successful Chief is extensive experience in fire suppression and prevention work, including supervisory and administrative experience; graduation from a 4-year college ...

City of Hollister, CA

Fire Chief

Hollister, CA · On-site

$182K - $221K/yr

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS The Fire Chief is the executive management level class within the fire safety class series and has responsibility for managing and overseeing all organizational and ...

CPS HR Consulting

Fire Chief

Kirkwood, CA · On-site

The Fire Chief is expected to work an average of 40 hours per week and maintain 24/7 availability to respond to emergencies and support department operations. Strong benefit package including CalPERS ...

City of Escondido

Fire Chief

Escondido, CA · On-site

$198K - $296K/yr

Summary The City of Escondido has an exciting career opportunity for the position of Fire Chief. Please review the recruitment brochure by clicking here and follow the instructions to apply.

City of Hollister

Fire Chief

Hollister, CA · On-site

$182K - $221K/yr

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS The Fire Chief is the executive management level class within the fire safety class series and has responsibility for managing and overseeing all organizational and ...

City of Lompoc, CA

Battalion Fire Chief

Lompoc, CA · On-site

$131K - $158K/yr

The Battalion Fire Chief has administrative charge of daily staff and equipment deployment, incident command authority, budgeting authority, and other related responsibilities as required. CLASS ...

City of Chico

Deputy Chief - Fire

Chico, CA · 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 ...

City of Chico, CA

Deputy Chief - Fire

Chico, CA · 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 ...

City of Beverly Hills

Fire Chief

Beverly Hills, CA

$293K - $425K/yr

Job Summary Fire Chief Beverly Hills Fire Department City of Beverly Hills, CA Annual Salary: $293,891.88 - $425,279.88 DOE/DOQ Leading the Beverly Hills Fire Department is a career-defining ...

City of Beverly Hills, CA

Fire Chief

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$293K - $425K/yr

Fire Department Opening Date: 08/14/2026 Closing Date: 9/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Job Summary Fire Chief Beverly Hills Fire Department City of Beverly Hills, CA Annual Salary: $293,891.88 - $425,279 ...

City of Hemet

FIRE CHIEF

Hemet, CA · On-site

$210K - $281K/yr

The City of Hemet is currently looking for a proven leader and experienced professional to serve as Fire Chief. The ideal candidate will have a passion for delivering high-quality services and an ...

City of Hemet, CA

FIRE CHIEF

Hemet, CA · On-site

$210K - $281K/yr

The City of Hemet is currently looking for a proven leader and experienced professional to serve as Fire Chief. The ideal candidate will have a passion for delivering high-quality services and an ...

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All JobsFire Chief JobsFire Chief Jobs in California

Fire Chief information

See California salary details

$30.6K

$104.2K

$180.6K

How much do fire chief jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire chief in California is $104,194.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,000.00 and $122,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fire chief?

Fire Chiefs are the highest-ranking officers in a fire department, responsible for overseeing all operations and administration. They manage personnel, develop policies, coordinate emergency response, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Fire Chiefs also work with local government, budget resources, and lead public education efforts on fire prevention. Their leadership is crucial in both daily department management and during major emergency incidents.

What does a fire chief do?

A fire chief is a public service officer who oversees the operation of the fire department. As a fire chief, your responsibilities include responding to calls and working as a firefighter, but you are primarily the administrator for the department. Your duties are to train and assess firefighters, set schedules, monitor budgets, make requests for new equipment and fire engines, and ensure that the department is functioning properly. You will also work with local government officials to assess community needs and ensure they are being met.

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

To thrive as a Fire Chief, you need extensive knowledge of fire science, emergency management, and leadership, typically supported by experience as a firefighter and advanced certifications like Fire Officer or Fire Chief credentials. Familiarity with incident command systems, fire reporting software, and emergency communication tools is essential. Outstanding decision-making, communication, and team leadership skills help manage personnel and maintain public trust. These competencies are critical for ensuring effective emergency response, firefighter safety, and overall department performance.

What are the typical challenges a fire chief faces when managing both emergency operations and administrative duties?

Fire Chiefs often juggle the demands of leading emergency response efforts while also overseeing administrative responsibilities like budgeting, personnel management, and policy development. Balancing immediate operational needs—such as coordinating teams during fires or disasters—with long-term planning and resource allocation can be challenging. Effective Fire Chiefs foster strong communication within their teams, delegate tasks appropriately, and remain adaptable to rapidly changing scenarios. This dual focus requires strong leadership, organizational skills, and the ability to make quick, informed decisions under pressure.

What is the difference between Fire Chief vs Fire Captain?

AspectFire ChiefFire Captain
CertificationsFire Officer I & II, Incident Command, EMT/ParamedicFirefighter I & II, EMT/Paramedic, Incident Command
Work EnvironmentAdministrative, strategic planning, overseeing entire departmentOn-scene incident management, supervising firefighters
ResponsibilitiesDepartment leadership, policy development, budget managementLeading firefighting teams during emergencies, training

The Fire Chief is responsible for overall department management and strategic planning, while the Fire Captain focuses on on-the-ground incident command and team supervision. Both roles require similar certifications and work in firefighting environments, but differ in scope and leadership level.

More about Fire Chief jobs

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 Fire Chief jobs in California?

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Fire Chief jobs?

Cities in California with the most Fire Chief job openings:

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

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

Fire Chief jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Chief job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $104,194 per year, or $50.1 per hour.

Fire Chief

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

City of Costa Mesa, CA
See more jobs at City of Costa Mesa, CAexternal

$222K - $297K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Salary : $222,324.00 - $297,924.00 Annually
Location : Costa Mesa, CA, CA
Job Type: FULL-TIME
Job Number: 0223: 08/26
Department: Fire
Opening Date: 08/17/2026
Closing Date: 9/18/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
JOIN OUR EXECUTIVE TEAM!
Are you ready to lead a dynamic, forward-thinking Fire and Rescue Department and step into a pivotal role on our Executive Management Team? If you are driven, visionary, and eager to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to bring your leadership, expertise, and strategic vision to our community as Costa Mesa's next Fire Chief!
THE POSITION:
For leading the Fire Department, the City is seeking a fire professional who is motivated by public service, recognizes the Department's success is founded on the success of the City, works collaboratively with others, embraces teamwork and collaboration, is progressive and creative, cultivates strong community ties, supports professional development, leads by example, and serves as a leader in intergovernmental relations throughout the region and state.
The typical background for a successful Chief is extensive experience in fire suppression and prevention work, including supervisory and administrative experience; graduation from a 4-year college with major coursework in fire science, public administration, or a closely related field; Certification as a Chief Fire Officer by the California State Board of Fire Services; and knowledge of the principles, practices and equipment of modern fire department administration for the protection of life and property.
SALARY:
The City offers a competitive salary of $222,324 up to $297,924 based on experience and qualifications, plus a competitive health benefits and retirement package.
Please click on the link below for more information regarding this position and to view the recruitment brochure:
Fire Chief
The filing deadline is September 18, 2026. To be considered for this exciting career opportunity, please visit the following link:
This recruitment is being conducted by Peckham & McKenney Executive Search. For questions on this position or the recruitment process, please contact Anton "Tony" Dahlerbruch at 310-567-1554 or 866-912-1919. Website:
Please refer to Executive Resolution

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