Division Fire Chief

JOB SUMMARY: Under general direction, assists in planning, organizing, coordinating, and directing the functions of the City's Fire Department; directs, manages, supervises, and coordinates the activities and operations of the Operations Division within the Fire Department; may act as an Incident Commander or as a member of an Incident Command Team during emergencies or disasters; coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; serves as the Fire Chief in their absence; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Fire Chief.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This job class serves at a management level classification and serves as a member of the fire department management team. The Division Chief will be assigned projects and programs that involve interaction with fire personnel, other City personnel and other agencies to accomplish the desired outcome in an effective and efficient fashion. This position is also an active participant in the emergency response mission of the Fire Department.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Assists in the management of all Fire Department services and activities. Assumes management responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the Operations Division within the Fire Department including managing daily staffing and developing specifications, testing, and maintenance policy. Provides for and implements communications, radios, paging, mobile data computers, personal computers, telephones, alarm configuration and reporting, wireless communications systems and new or emerging technologies. Provides internal logistics such as fire equipment, fleet, communications programs, orders equipment, tracks purchases and provides logistical support. Monitors, reports and oversees daily, weekly and monthly maintenance compliance. Coordinates and facilitates facility maintenance, repairs, remodeling, expansion or construction. Tracks and maintains performance requirement data such as response times, public educations contacts, target hazard pre-incident planning and other criteria. Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and priorities for the Operations Division; recommends and administers policies and procedures. Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels. Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for assigned staff; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems. Participates in the selection of assigned staff; provides or coordinates staff training and development; prepares performance appraisals and recommendations for disciplinary actions, wage and salary actions, promotions, and related employment actions. Participates in the development and administration of the division's annual budget; forecasts funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; recommends adjustments as necessary. Analyzes data, researches new methods, and communicates verbally and in writing findings that relate to a project, program or work assignments. Effectively interacts with the public, fire personnel and other City employees to solve problems, identify solutions, and implement programs and projects. Implements orders, regulations, ordinances and laws that relate to the mission of the Fire Department. Ensure the proper maintenance and operation of department equipment and apparatus. Reviews and prepares activity reports. Participates on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; may represent the Fire Department at various community events, meetings, and EOC activations; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence. Coordinates assigned activities with those of other divisions and outside agencies and organizations. Attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the field fire suppression and prevention; incorporates new developments as appropriate into programs. Responds to greater alarm emergencies and may serve on the Incident Command Team. May command and direct personnel and resources at incidents as Duty Chief or ICS overhead. Serves in a leadership role during disaster response and may be requested to serve in a management role in the City's Emergency Operations Center (EOC). May provide operational coverage as primary incident commander; responding to calls after hours, on weekends and holidays as operationally necessary. May serve in a standby capacity outside of normal working hours, responding to incidents within acceptable timeframes. May serve on or be deployed to Operational Emergency Services (OES) incidents at the Chief's discretion. Serves as acting Fire Chief in the absence of the Fire Chief. Performs related duties as required.

The candidate selected will be appointed for a 12-month probationary period. Prior to appointment to the position of Division Fire Chief, a medical examination and Department of Justice Livescan fingerprinting will be required. City of Watsonville offers excellent medical, dental and vision benefits for the employee and dependents. Benefits also include holidays, vacation, and sick leave. The City offers Public Employees Retirement benefits. Employees shall pay the full employee share of CalPERS contribution.

Requirements: Associate's degree in fire science, public administration, or related field (Bachelor's degree highly desirable); state-certified fire academy and other required certification courses; seven years increasingly responsible fire service experience including five years supervisory/administrative experience at level comparable to Fire Captain (three or more years as Battalion Chief highly desirable); valid California Class C driver's license with safe driving record; Public Safety First Aid and CPR certificates within six months; NFPA Standard 1582 medical and physical fitness requirements; non-tobacco use agreement; bilingual English/Spanish oral skills highly preferred

Salary: $142,230.40 - $190,611.20 Annually

Application Deadline: 2026-11-06