Become an Unit Chief

  • Entry Level
  • Supervisory
  • Full Time
  • Seasonal
  • Benefits Eligible

This is the administrative level for this series. Unit Chiefs have management responsibility for a specified geographical area called a unit.

Positions at this level provide guidance and leadership to subordinate supervisors and unit employees and oversee all operational and administrative functions within a unit; and ensure unit compliance with federal and state laws, and departmental policies and procedures.

Unit Chiefs assure that emergency resources, personnel, and equipment are trained, available, and ready to respond to fires and other emergencies; ensure the unit coordinates, develops, and implements the unit's Interagency Operational Plans; serve as State Office of Emergency Services Operational Area Coordinator; coordinate with local governing bodies to prepare and implement contractual fire protection services; and liaise with California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation staff to ensure that cooperative programs function within the policies and guidelines of both agencies.

Positions at this level also review, analyze, and ensure the development and implementation of the unit's Fire Plan and Fire Prevention Program, including law enforcement, civil cost recovery, Fire Safe and Land Use Planning, and promote public interest and participation in fire prevention efforts.

Unit Chiefs oversee a unit's administrative functions, including purchasing, acquisition, storage, inventory, and distribution of supplies and equipment; budget management; and personnel management, including the selection, hiring, assignment, staffing, training, performance, promotion, discipline, and grievances of employees. Positions at this level also review and recommend Capital Outlay Budget Change Proposals and special repairs priorities, serve as unit contact for internal and external audits, and ensure that the mobile equipment fleet is managed, operated, and maintained safely.

Unit Chiefs serve as the unit contact, developing and maintaining positive working relationships with various groups, including political officials and governmental representatives at the federal, state, and local levels, cooperating agencies, media, landowners, and specialists from within the Department and from outside organizations.

This classification is eligible for the following pay:

$9,411- $12,182 Base Salary (paid every month)

In addition to the above pay items, employees are eligible for medical benefits (health, dental, vision) and may be eligible for other pay differentials.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website. 

Minimum Qualifications

Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of an Assistant Chief with Fire Administration/Fire Operations experience. (Applicants who are within six months of satisfying the experience requirement will be admitted to the examination but must fully meet the experience requirement before being eligible for appointment.)

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge:
All of the Assistant Chief; (and)
Public relations methods and interagency relationships in fire protection and resource management programs in California; (and)
Cultural heritage and demographics.

Ability to:
All of the Assistant Chief; (and)
Ensure that the unit's policies are consistent with the Department's Strategic Plan, Fire Plan, and Board of Forestry and Fire Protection policies.

Felony Disqualification
Pursuant to Government Code Section 1029, persons convicted of a felony are disqualified from employment as peace officers except as provided under Welfare and Institutions Code, Division 2, Chapter 3, Article 8, Section 1179 (b), or Division 2.5, Chapter 1, Article 4, Section 1722 (b). Except as provided for these by these statutes, persons convicted of a felony are not eligible to compete for, or be appointed to, positions in these classifications. This felony disqualification applies only to those positions designated as peace officers within these classifications.

Background Investigation
Pursuant to Government Code Section 1031, persons successful in peace officer examinations shall be required to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to appointment. This background investigation applies only to those positions designated as peace officers within these classifications.

Citizenship Requirements
Pursuant to Government Code Section 1031(a), in order to be a peace officer, a person must be either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for U.S. citizenship. Any permanent resident alien who is employed as a peace officer shall be disqualified from holding that position if their application for citizenship is denied.

Age Requirement
Must meet the minimum age requirement to be appointed as a California peace officer per the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) and in accordance with existing law.

Education Requirement
Existing law provides that a peace officer must be a high school graduate, pass the General Education Development (GED) Test indicating high school graduation level, pass the California High School Proficiency Examination, or have attained a two-year or four-year degree from an accredited college or university.

No examinations at this time.

There are no available positions at this time, but new opportunities are posted regularly - check back soon!