Fire Department Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $182,379.60 - $221,683.54 Annually
Location : City of Hollister, CA
Job Type: Full-Time (Permanent)
Job Number: 26-00035
Department: Fire
Opening Date: 06/11/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: EXEC
Description
This is an open recruitment. Qualified candidates from the public and qualified career City employees are encouraged to apply.The eligibility list that is developed from this recruitment process may be used to fill future vacancies in the Fire Chief classification or in similar classifications.
Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or until the position has been filled. This recruitment may close at any time without notice. The first review of applications will take place on July 1, 2026.
DEFINITION
Under the administrative direction of the City Council plans, manages, oversees and directs the operations and services of the Fire Department which may include training/hazmat disaster preparation, emergency/ EMS/ tactical communications, records, support services and fire safety technical services functions; coordinates department activities with other City officials or outside agencies; provides responsible and complex staff support to the City Council.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Exercises direct supervision over Professional, Technical, Clerical, Reserve, Intern and Explorer staff.
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 operational facets of the fire protective services. This classification is distinguished from the next lower classification of Duty or Deputy Chief and Division Chief in that it has management responsibility for the entire Fire Department, rather than a fire division that it has management responsibility for the entire Fire
Department, rather than a fire division.
Examples of Essential Duties

• Accept full responsibility for all Fire Department activities and services including activities associated with training/hazmat disaster preparation, EMS communications, records, support services and fire safety technical services functions.
• Evaluate the Fire Department's projected evolution and identify upcoming needs of apparatus and equipment; actively work toward procuring the required funding, including pursuing grant monies.
• Develop, implement and maintain Fire Department goals, objectives, policies and priorities for appropriate service areas; ensure that established goals and priorities are achieved.
• Plan, direct and coordinate the Fire Department' s work plan through appropriate department staff; assign work activities and responsibilities to appropriate department personnel; review and evaluate work methods and procedures; identify and resolve problems and/or issues.
• Review and evaluate service delivery methods and systems including administrative and support systems and internal relationships; identify opportunities for improvement and implement changes to standard operating procedures to enhance services.
• Oversee the selection, training and evaluation programs for all Fire personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; identify and resolve staff deficiencies; execute discipline and/ or termination procedures.
• Respond to major fire alarms and personally direct fire suppression activities as necessary.
• Know through experience when to respond to other types of calls to conduct Incident Command.
• Oversee the testing of equipment; and inspect personnel, equipment and living quarters.
• Direct hazardous and toxic materials control activities.
• Present, justify and defend Fire programs, operations and activities; negotiate and resolve controversial department issues; recommend new ordinances, laws and regulations related to fire protection; and make recommendations concerning personnel, apparatus and equipment.
• Manage and coordinate the development of the Fire Department' s budget; monitor and approve expenditures; advise appropriate department personnel on budget matters; make adjustments to the budget as is necessary.
• Represent the Fire Department to other departments, divisions and organizations; coordinate departmental activities with other departments and organizations.
• Serve as a resource for department personnel, city staff and other organizations; coordinate pertinent information, resources and work teams necessary to support a positive productive environment.
• Attend and participate in professional and community meetings as necessary; stay current on issues relative to the field of fire protective services and relative service delivery responsibilities; respond to and resolve sensitive and complex community and organizational inquiries and complaints.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES
Any combination equivalent to experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be:
Experience:
Fifteen ( 15) years of increasing responsible experience in all phases of municipal fire suppression, prevention and emergency medical services including five years' experience as an Administrative Captain or Chief Officer Battalion, Division, Deputy or Assistant).
Education:
Bachelor' s Degree from a properly accredited institution is required. A BS/ BA degree from a properly accredited institution in Fire Protection Technology or other related field is highly desirable. Additional technical coursework or certification in the following fire service areas including, but not limited to: fire command, fire prevention code enforcement, hazardous materials, training, fire inspection, personnel management is desired.
License or Certificates:
Certification as a Fire Officer and Chief Officer by the California Fire Service Training and Education System
OR
Ability to complete all California State Fire Marshal Executive Chief Fire Officer (2014) NFPA Fire Officer IV level classes and Task Book Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license with appropriate endorsements and satisfactory driving record. Possession of a Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation( CPR) and Automated Defibrillation AED) certificate.
Knowledge of:

• Operations and standard operating procedures of modern fire prevention, suppression methods, practices and techniques.
• Operations and standard operating procedures of emergency medical services. program; Principles and practices of program development and administration
• Complex principles and practices of fire management.
• Complex principles and practices of fire command.
• Operation, maintenance and uses of firefighting apparatus and equipment
• Principles and practices of budget administration.
• Methods and techniques of supervision, training and motivation
• Principles of personnel deployment
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices
• Modern office equipment including computer and applicable software
• Methods and techniques for complex record preparation and writing
• Principles of correct English usage, grammar and composition
• Basic mathematical and mechanical relationships
• Principles of hydraulics and construction engineering
• City geography and water systems; Record keeping methods
• Hazardous materials and their properties
• Appropriate safety precautions and procedures.

Skill to:

• Operate a variety of office equipment including computer terminal, calculator, copier, scanner, fax machine and software.
• Type and enter data accurately as necessary for successful job performance.

Ability to:

• Plan, direct and manage fire prevention, suppression, emergency medical and support activities.
• Assume responsibility for tactics, strategies and decision making at the scene of an emergency.
• Plan, organize and direct the work of subordinate staff.
• Supervise, evaluate and discipline personnel.
• Process and adjust grievances in accordance with labor agreements.
• Maintain accurate records. Read, understand and apply difficult materials.
• Maintain and modify filing systems.
• Supervise and direct the operations and activities of the Fire Department.
• Courteously respond to the community issues, concerns and needs.
• Analyze a complex issue and develop and implement an appropriate response.
• Prepare and present clear and concise written and oral administrative and financial reports.
• Prepare and administer a municipal budget.
• Maintain records of budgetary expenditures.
• Analyze and evaluate new and existing service delivery methods and standard operating procedures.
• Make adjustments to standard operating procedures as is appropriate.
• Apply applicable laws, codes and regulations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS AND TERMS
This position is designated as an "At-Will" employment position. The incumbent in this position serves at the pleasure of the City Manager and does not have property rights in continued employment. This position is not subject to the procedures contained within Section 12 of the City of Hollister Personnel Rules and Regulations, as it may be amended or renumbered from time to time. Similar to contract employees, the incumbent may be discharged with or without cause and with or without prior notice at any time, at the sole discretion of the City Manager or designee.
For a complete listing of benefits, please click to visit the Salary and Benefits Plan for this position.
01
Please indicate the highest level of education you have completed.

• Less than High School Diploma or GED
• High School Diploma or GED
• Some college
• Associate's Degree (at least 60 semester units or 90 quarter units)
• Bachelor's Degree (at least 120 semester units or 180 quarter units)
• Master's Degree
• Juris Doctor
• PhD

02
Please indicate the field of study for your degree or N/A if not applicable.
03
Please describe any other relevant certifications or trainings you have completed.
04
How many years of increasingly responsible experience do you have in all phases of municipal fire suppression, prevention and emergency medical services?

• None
• 0-4 years of experience
• 5-9 years of experience
• 10-14 years of experience
• 15-19 years of experience
• 20 or more years of experience

05
How many years of lead/supervisory experience do you have as an Administrative Captain or Chief Officer Battalion, Division, Deputy or Assistant?

• None
• Less than 2 years of experience.
• At least 2 years of experience but less than 3 years.
• At least 3 years of experience but less than 4 years.
• At least 4 years of experience but less than 5 years.
• At least 5 years of experience but less than 6 years.
• 6 or more years of experience.

06
Do you currently possess a valid certification as a Fire Officer by the California Fire Service Training and Education System?

• Yes
• No

07
Do you currently possess a valid certification as a Chief Officer by the California Fire Service Training and Education System?

• Yes
• No

08
Do you possess the ability to complete all California State Fire Marshal Executive Chief Fire Officer (2014) NFPA Fire Officer IV level classes and Task Book?

• Yes
• No
• N/A

09
What type of driver's license and/or endorsements do you currently possess? Please select all that apply.*if YES, an attached copy of the valid certification(s) is required.

• Class C License
• Class B License
• Class A License
• Current Medical Examiners Certificate MCSA-5876
• Firefighter Endorsement
• Current Health Questionnaire (DL- 546)
• None of the above

10
Do you currently possess a Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated Defibrillation (AED) certificate.*if YES, an attached copy of certification(s) are required.

• Yes
• No

Required Question