Job Title: Fire Chief
Department: Crescent City Fire and Rescue
Job Description:
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
FIRE CHIEF
($127,961 - $163,321 annually)
Salary / Exempt
There is one (1) position available in the classification of Fire Chief for the City of Crescent City Fire Department. This is a full-time, exempt position with benefits. This is an open job recruitment. Applications and supplemental questionnaires can be picked up at City Hall or online at www.crescentcity.org.
FINAL FILING DATE: Applications will be accepted until 5:00 pm on June 5, 2026.
The City reserves the right to extend the filing deadline as necessary.
DEFINITION: This is a contract management position. Under administrative direction of the City Manager, the Fire Chief plans, organizes, directs and administers all activities and operations of the Crescent City Volunteer Fire Department and other neighboring fire districts or agencies which have contracted for services including Crescent Fire Protection District. Ensures that the department incorporates up-to-date and efficient fire prevention, fire suppression, hazardous incident mitigation, emergency medical response technologies, and emergency preparedness into its procedures, equipment and methods.
For purposes of this classification, references to the “City” mean the City of Crescent City as the employing agency and all related municipal functions, not solely the Crescent City Volunteer Fire Department. References to the “District” mean the Crescent Fire Protection District and its fire service operations conducted under contract with the City.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Including but not limited to: Provides administrative management, leadership, support and motivation to all Fire Department personnel to facilitate the delivery of efficient and effective public safety measures, the maintenance of a positive quality of life for all City and District residents, and to ensure professional standards are maintained by Department personnel at all times; Responds to fire, medical and other emergencies and exercises incident management for fire suppression and other emergency activities. Actively participates in department duty coverage assignment; Coordinates fire department activities with the activities of other City departments, Crescent Fire Protection District and other public safety agencies including developing cooperative working relationships and mutual aid agreements; Participates in agency meetings, including but not limited to City council meetings, District board meetings, department head and staff meetings, emergency planning meetings, budget meetings, county fire chief association meetings, fire department association meetings, etc.; Conducts periodic inspections of commercial and public buildings for compliance with applicable fire and life safety codes, and per state mandate, as required; Ensures that safety regulations and procedures are followed and proper safety equipment is worn and utilized by fire personnel at the scene of any emergency, and other times where safety and personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required; Directs and participates in the development and administration of the department’s budget, including staffing levels, equipment, and supplies; monitors expenditures and ensures fiscal oversight for both the City of Crescent City and the Crescent Fire Protection District. Prepares and updates short- and long-range strategic plans to ensure the department’s contribution to the City and District’s overall plans; Prepares and maintains emergency incident and fire reports, including fire investigation reports. Ensure timely data reporting to state and federal agencies as applicable and required; Reviews project referrals, construction plans and specifications to determine compliance with fire and life safety codes; Prepares comprehensive reports, department materials and correspondence; Develops, directs, coordinates and communicates the development and implementation of departmental goals, policies, procedures and work standards for the department; establishes within City and Crescent Fire Protection District policy, appropriate service and staffing. Continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures, the distribution of work, support systems and internal reporting relationships; Evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards through regular performance evaluations. Plans and administers a comprehensive program of staff development and training in accordance with all requirements within limitations of laws and regulations; Performs mandated reporting of fire department activities to state agencies in a timely manner, including submission of incident reports, and state mandated facility inspections; Assigns and directs firefighting, rescue and disaster control activities; Supports and leads the delivery of effective, timely, and up-to-date training programs; Ensures accurate training and incident response records are maintained for all personnel; Investigates complaints regarding departmental activities and reports findings to the City Manager and District Board as appropriate. Coordinates activities with the County Office of Emergency Services functions and other emergency services of the City and District and maintains communication with the City Manager and District Board as necessary; Confers with City Manager, District Board and elected officials on planning and implementation of efficient and effective public safety measures designed to meet community expectations and needs; Has the authority to report to district boards for which the City and District has contracted services to. The Fire Chief may report and facilitate meetings and discussions as necessary; Cultivates good community relations by appearing before civic, fraternal, and other community groups. This may also include participating on a variety of boards, commissions and professional group meetings; attending a variety of community events and other public relations activities; Makes regular reports of departmental activities through use of the news media and is a liaison between the general public and the Fire Department to promote goodwill, cooperation and open communication between the department and the community; Stays abreast of new trends in the fire service and up to date on legal issues affecting the fire service, regulatory requirements, court decisions and technological and societal changes that may affect the work of the department; Presents staff reports and informational updates from direction of the City Manager. Presents staff reports and informational updates to Crescent Fire Protection District as necessary; Performs other related work as assigned; Serves as Fire Marshal or designee, responsible for fire prevention, code enforcement, inspections, and plan review activities.
KNOWLEDGE of: Management and supervisory principles and practices to provide effective leadership & supervision, and support effective communication with supervisors, elected officials, subordinates, and others as required; Servant leadership, employee and coworker empowerment, team building, and principles and practices of employee development; Applicable Federal, State and local laws, codes, court decisions and regulations concerning fire and life safety, fire suppression, fire prevention and emergency services administration; Techniques for dealing with and solving issues and concerns presented by a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds; often when relations may be confrontational or stressed; Principles, practices, and procedures of equipment used in fire suppression, fire prevention, first aid, emergency medical services and hazardous materials response; Fire science, fire behavior and fire investigation procedures; Rules and regulations of the fire department, geography of the community, jurisdictional boundaries, location of streets, target hazard buildings and water hydrant systems; Modern principles, practices and techniques of the leadership and management of a fire agency; Current personnel practices, personnel law and knowledge of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area; Accident investigation and reporting, harassment policies and procedures, personnel injury reporting procedures, progressive discipline practices, California Firefighter Procedural Bill of Rights process, and other applicable information; Safety regulations and accepted safety standards as they relate to the work and equipment; Principles of public and business administration, organization, and budgetary control; Grants and funding sources for fire and rescue agencies; Emergency services management and safety training; Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public, City staff, Crescent Fire Protection Fire Department Board Members, and fire department personnel in all forms of communication and correspondence; Computers and modern office technologies, iPad, VHF radios, and fire service software in common use.
ABILITY to: Lead by a positive and professional example; Motivate and inspire a combination fire department made up of volunteer firefighters, career and administrative staff; Successfully complete a medical exam, physical performance assessment and SCBA fit test on an annual basis; Plan, direct, supervise and coordinate the operations of the fire department by communicating effectively, and providing leadership and Leaders Intent to fire department members; Develop and administer sound department policies and maintain accurate records; Establish and maintain positive, cooperative and effective working relationships with public agencies, officials, fire department personnel, and the general public; Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive written and oral reports, and other required records and documents; Analyze and interpret data, statistics and reports; Enforce applicable regulations with fairness, firmness and tact; Interpret codes and regulations; Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing to provide a clear direction to others; in person, over the telephone, and through email and other electronic communication methods; Receive input effectively; Think and act quickly and appropriately in emergencies and assess situations and people accurately; Make decisions based on fire service best practices; Handle stressful and possibly hazardous situations both physically and mentally; Plan and carry out department programs and operations, including training and development, fire prevention and investigation activities; Work flexible hours, subject to be called out for emergency incidents and/or duty coverage needs; Work in extreme weather conditions and hazardous environments, including smoke-filled areas, during all hours of the day and night; Meet physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform the assigned duties.
QUALIFICATIONS: (The following are minimal qualifications necessary for this job position) Any combination of education and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Completion of a certificate program in fire technology, fire protection engineering or fire science – OR – Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in fire science, public safety, or closely related field – OR – Any equivalent combination of education, experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
EXPERIENCE: Ten (10) or more years of progressively responsible service with a volunteer, combination or career fire department, including a minimum of three (3) years of previous experience as a Battalion Chief or higher level chief officer.
LICENSE: Must possess and maintain a valid commercial Class A or Class B driver’s license, or a Class C license with a Firefighter Endorsement (or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.)
REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS: First Aid and CPR Certification; First Responder Certification; Firefighter I Certification; Company Officer Certification (or Fire Officer 2); Fire Inspector 1 or Plans Examiner Certification (or equivalent) required within 24 months of hire. The alternate certification shall be obtained within 48 months of hire, subject to course availability and department needs; California State certification or National Registry certification as an Emergency Medical Technician 1 or Paramedic (or ability to obtain within 24 months of hire).
Highly Desirable: Completion of Chief Officer, or Fire Officer 3, or Fire Marshal, or Fire Investigator certification; Executive Fire Officer Program completion; or Fire Chief certification through the California State Fire Marshal Office or Center for Public Safety Excellence.
PHYSICAL, MENTAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND COMMUNICATION DEMANDS: Essential duties require the following physical, mental, environmental and communication demands:
Physical: Must possess sufficient mobility with or without reasonable accommodation, to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate fire service equipment. Must possess mobility to work in the field setting and upon emergency scenes, including but not limited to multi story buildings with stairs, construction sites, up and down hills, along roadways, fields, beaches, and other locations as necessary. Ability to frequently bend, stoop, kneel, reach, stand and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials in excess of 100 pounds and objects necessary to perform job functions. Must have the ability to operate a motor vehicle and wear/use a self-contained breathing apparatus and required firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE).
Mental: Must possess the ability to perform a variety of highly responsible, complex and difficult duties as found in emergency service response work, using good discretion and good independent judgment; must have good conflict resolution skills and the ability to respond quickly in high stress situations.
Vision: Must maintain sufficient visual acuity with or without reasonable accommodation, corrected or non-corrected, far and near, depth, perception, field of vision, color vision and night vision to obtain impressions of shape, size, distance, motion, color and other characteristics of objects. Must be able to read the English language, read reports, data sheets, meeting agendas and agenda summaries, budgets, and mobile and portable VHF radio displays to identify channels.
Hearing: Must maintain sufficient hearing clarity with or without reasonable accommodation, corrected or non-corrected, of hearing within speech frequencies to maintain two-way communications in person, on the telephone and by radio with other firefighters and the public.
Speech: Must maintain sufficient speech clarity and the ability to communicate verbally in a clear and concise manner with or without reasonable accommodation, with other firefighters and the public. Must be able to communicate via telephone, cell phone, and portable and mobile radios.
Writing: Sufficient to prepare a variety of complex reports, personnel, and administrative documents, correspondence and related documents.
Reading: Sufficient to research, understand, comprehend and interpret laws, regulations, policies, procedures and processes, as well as other specific material related to the position.
While performing duties, the employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; analyze community service, budget and technical reports; interpret and evaluate staff reports; know laws, regulations and codes; observe performance and evaluate staff; problem solve community service issues; remember personnel rules, legal and code requirements; and explain and interpret codes, policies and procedures, interact with City management, other governmental officials, contractors, vendors, employees and the public.
ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS:
Employees work indoors and outdoors, and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Duties may be performed in adverse environmental conditions, including exposure to intense heat, heavy smoke, dust and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Must be willing to work duty coverage and extended shifts or be called back in emergency situations and work with exposure to stressful and difficult circumstances, including exposure to dangerous situations with strong conflict resolution skills.
WAGE AND BENEFITS
Annual Salary: $127,961 - $163,321 DOE
Retirement – PERS 2% @ 50 for classic members; 2.7% @ 57 for new (PEPRA) members. Employee pays PERS member required contribution for either Classic or PEPRA.
Health – The City provides 100% of the healthcare premium for the employee under the CalPERS Gold medical plan. The City provides 80% of the cost of the 2-Party or Family premium for the CalPERS Gold medical plan that is over and above the cost of the Single premium. The City will pay 100% of the employee premium costs for vision insurance, dental insurance, and air ambulance insurance. Full-time regular employees who opt out of City’s health plan due to enrollment in a qualifying group health plan (under the Affordable Care Act) will receive a $300 per month cash-in-lieu benefit payment.
Vacation Leave – Vacation is accrued at 4 hours biweekly upon employment and increases with time in service. There is an accumulation limit.
Sick Leave – Sick leave is accrued at 4 hours biweekly with an accumulation limit.
Administrative Leave – 80 hours of Administrative Leave per year
Holidays – 12 paid holidays per year.
Although benefits have been reported as accurately as possible, there has been no guarantee of complete benefit summary intended. All information provided is subject to the actual terms of the legal documents that control benefit programs.
APPLICATION PROCESS: A City of Crescent City application including required supplemental questionnaire must be received in the Human Resources Department by 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date.
Application materials are available from: City of Crescent City, 377 J Street, Crescent City, CA 95531 or on our website at www.crescentcity.org. Following a review for minimum qualifications, applicants who are selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be notified they have been selected to continue in the process.
THE SELECTION PROCESS: May consist of a written exam and an oral interview. Subsequent to a job offer and prior to being hired, a candidate must successfully pass a psychological exam, medical examination and drug screening, submit a DMV printout showing an acceptable driving record; and pass a criminal history investigation through the California Department of Justice.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The City of Crescent City is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability or marital status. The City of Crescent City makes reasonable accommodation for the disabled. Individuals requiring accommodation must inform the Human Resources Department in writing no later than the final filing date.
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: In accordance with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA and ADAAA) reasonable efforts will be made during the examination process to accommodate people with special physical or mental requirements. If special accommodations are necessary, please contact the Human Resources Department at 707-464-7483 x19 prior to the examination date.
CRESCENT CITY is located on Hwy 101 on the pristine Northern California coast about 25 miles south of the Oregon border. The area offers an abundance of outdoor activities utilizing the proximity of the Pacific Ocean, two major rivers, national and state parks and recreation areas. The City was incorporated in 1854 and consists of approximately 55 full-time and 25 part-time employees. The City has a City Manager/Council form of government with a five-member elected City Council.
CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
377 “J” Street
Crescent City, CA 95531
(707)464-7483
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