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Full Time Fire Chief Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

City of Costa Mesa, CA

Fire Chief

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$222K - $297K/yr

Costa Mesa, CA, CA Job Type: FULL-TIME Job Number: 0223: 08/26 Department: Fire Opening Date: 08/17 ... The typical background for a successful Chief is extensive experience in fire suppression and ...

City of Hollister, CA

Fire Chief

Hollister, CA · On-site

$182K - $221K/yr

City of Hollister, CA Job Type: Full-Time (Permanent) Job Number: 26-00035 Department: Fire Opening ... DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS The Fire Chief is the executive management level class within the ...

City of Beverly Hills, CA

Fire Chief

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$293K - $425K/yr

Beverly Hills Fire Headquarters Station, CA Job Type: Full-time Job Number: 26-1520-01 Department ... Fire Chief Beverly Hills Fire Department City of Beverly Hills, CA Annual Salary: $293,891.88 ...

City of Lompoc, CA

Battalion Fire Chief

Lompoc, CA · On-site

$131K - $158K/yr

Fire Department, 115 South G St./1100 North D St., Lompoc, CA Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent Job ... The Battalion Fire Chief has administrative charge of daily staff and equipment deployment ...

City of Chico, CA

Deputy Chief - Fire

Chico, CA · On-site

$196K/yr

Salary: $196,476.80 Annually Location : 411 Main Street, Chico, CA Job Type: Full Time Job Number ... Continuous Position Information The Chico Fire Department seeks a Deputy Fire Chief with ...

City of Hemet, CA

FIRE CHIEF

Hemet, CA · On-site

$210K - $281K/yr

City of Hemet, 510 E Florida Ave., Hemet, CA Job Type: Full Time Job Number: 25/26-030 Department ... to serve as Fire Chief. The ideal candidate will have a passion for delivering high-quality ...

Orange County Fire Authority

Fire Battalion Chief

Irvine, CA · On-site

$197K - $207K/yr

Battalion Chiefs will receive the necessary training to become qualified as Strike Team leaders to ... At least two (2) years of full-time experience as a Fire Captain with OCFA; Currently employed with ...

City of Livingston, CA

Fire Captain

Livingston, CA · On-site

$71K - $105K/yr

Livingston Fire Station, CA Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 202400035 Department: Fire Services ... General supervision from the Fire Battalion Chief or higher-level Fire Department staff. Exercised:

City of Livingston (CA)

Fire Captain

Livingston, CA

$71K - $105K/yr

General supervision from the Fire Battalion Chief or higher-level Fire Department staff. Exercised ... Two (2) years of full-time experience as a Fire Lieutenant or equivalent supervisory fire service ...

Orange County Fire Authority, CA

Fire Pilot

Buena Park, CA · On-site

$122K - $164K/yr

... 90621, CA Job Type: FULL-TIME Job Number: 2026-67-DS Department: AIR OPERATIONS Division ... Fire Chief's Interview: TBD - depends on completion of candidate's Check Flight * Hire Date: TBD ...

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Full Time Fire Chief information

What are the main responsibilities of a full time fire chief?

A Full Time Fire Chief is responsible for overseeing all operations within a fire department, including managing staff, developing and implementing fire safety policies, and coordinating emergency response efforts. They ensure that firefighters are properly trained and that equipment is maintained and ready for use. Additionally, Fire Chiefs often serve as the public face of the department, working with community leaders, developing budgets, and enforcing fire codes. Their leadership is crucial in both daily operations and during major emergencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time fire chief?

To thrive as a Full Time Fire Chief, you need extensive experience in fire service operations, strong leadership abilities, and typically certifications such as Fire Officer and EMT, often supported by a degree in fire science or public administration. Familiarity with incident command systems, emergency management software, and regulatory compliance is crucial. Exceptional decision-making, communication, and team-building skills set top candidates apart. These competencies are vital for ensuring departmental efficiency, public safety, and effective emergency response leadership.

What are some common challenges faced by a full time fire chief in managing both emergency response and administrative duties?

A Full Time Fire Chief often balances the immediate demands of emergency response with the ongoing responsibilities of department administration. Common challenges include ensuring adequate staffing and training, managing budgets and resources, and maintaining compliance with safety regulations. Additionally, the Chief must foster effective communication across shifts, coordinate with local government, and engage in community outreach. These demands require strong leadership, adaptability, and the ability to prioritize tasks under pressure.

What is the difference between Full Time Fire Chief vs Part Time Fire Chief?

AspectFull Time Fire ChiefPart Time Fire Chief
CredentialsFire officer certifications, leadership experienceFire officer certifications, leadership experience
Work EnvironmentFull-time, administrative and operational dutiesPart-time, primarily operational, on-call
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal fire departments, full-time staffingVolunteer or part-time fire departments
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding full-time leadership rolesComparing part-time firefighting leadership

The Full Time Fire Chief typically holds a full-time leadership position within a municipal fire department, overseeing operations, administration, and strategic planning. In contrast, the Part Time Fire Chief usually works on a part-time basis, often in volunteer or smaller departments, focusing on operational management during scheduled hours. Both roles require similar certifications and leadership skills but differ mainly in time commitment and employment structure.

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 Full Time Fire Chief jobs in California?

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Full Time Fire Chief jobs?

Cities in California with the most Full Time Fire Chief job openings:

Full Time Fire Chief jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time 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.

Fire Chief

City of Costa Mesa, CA

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

$222K - $297K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 19 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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