ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Fire Commissioner Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Orange County, CA

Equipment Operator

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$53K - $72K/yr

... fire and storm events and other general emergencies. OC Public Works provides services on a ... Administrative Services, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights & Measures; OC Construction;

County of Orange

Equipment Operator

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$53K - $72K/yr

... fire and storm events and other general emergencies. OC Public Works provides services on a ... Administrative Services, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights & Measures; OC Construction;

All JobsFire Commissioner JobsFire Commissioner Jobs in California

Fire Commissioner information

See California salary details

$30.6K

$104.2K

$180.6K

How much do fire commissioner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire commissioner 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 commissioner?

Fire Commissioners are officials who oversee the operations and administration of a fire department or fire protection district. They are typically responsible for setting policies, managing budgets, hiring leadership staff such as the Fire Chief, and ensuring that fire safety regulations are followed within their jurisdiction. Fire Commissioners may be elected or appointed, depending on local laws, and play a crucial role in shaping emergency response strategies and public safety initiatives. Their decisions directly impact the effectiveness and efficiency of fire services in their communities.

What are some common challenges faced by fire commissioners when managing multiple fire stations within a district?

Fire Commissioners often encounter challenges related to coordinating resources and personnel across several fire stations, ensuring consistent training and safety standards, and balancing budget constraints while meeting community needs. Effective communication and collaboration with station chiefs, municipal leaders, and the public are essential to address these challenges. Commissioners must also stay updated on evolving fire safety regulations and emerging technologies to ensure optimal service delivery and firefighter well-being.

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

To thrive as a Fire Commissioner, you need extensive experience in fire service management, a deep understanding of fire prevention and emergency response, and typically a background in public administration or fire science. Familiarity with incident command systems, budgeting software, and emergency management platforms is important, along with relevant certifications such as Fire Officer or Chief Fire Officer credentials. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills are vital for effectively coordinating departments and engaging with the community. These skills ensure the Fire Commissioner can lead departments safely, allocate resources efficiently, and build public trust during critical situations.

What is the difference between Fire Commissioner vs Fire Chief?

AspectFire Commissioner
Required CredentialsFire administration, leadership, and management experience; often a background in firefighting or public safety
Work EnvironmentOversees entire fire department operations, policy, and budget at a high administrative level
Employer & Industry UsageTypically appointed or elected officials in municipal or regional fire departments
Common Search & ComparisonPeople often compare Fire Commissioner with Fire Chief to understand leadership roles in fire departments

The Fire Commissioner is a high-level administrative leader responsible for overseeing the entire fire department, including policy, budget, and strategic planning. The Fire Chief, on the other hand, manages daily operations, firefighting personnel, and emergency response. While both roles require firefighting experience and leadership skills, the Fire Commissioner focuses on administrative oversight, whereas the Fire Chief handles operational management.

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

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

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

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

Fire Commissioner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Commissioner job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, and 32% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $104,194 per year, or $50.1 per hour.