Fire Assistant Chief

Fire Assistant Chief

Salary

$160,169.76 - $225,374.93 Annually

Location

Sacramento, CA

Job Type

Full-Time Career

Job Number

020053-26-FD-2

Department

Fire

Division

Special Operations

Opening Date

09/03/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

THE POSITION

THIS POSTING WILL BE OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Application cut-off dates are 9/30/26, 10/31/26, 11/30/26, 12/31/26

A candidate must successfully pass a thorough background investigation, including a criminal history check, fingerprinting, polygraph test, psychological test, credit check, and a drug use history, to be considered for this position

The purpose of this position is to coordinate and supervise on-duty activities for an assigned shift or manage a division and relieve the Fire Deputy Chiefs of routine administrative tasks.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Fire Assistant Chief is a management-level sworn classification filled with multiple incumbents. Incumbents are responsible for performing work involving significant authority for various operations within their assigned division or shift and are primarily administrative and managerial in nature. This classification is distinguished from the next higher-level classification of Deputy Fire Chief in that the latter has overall responsibility for directing the Departments operations, personnel, and support services.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Limited supervision is provided by the Deputy Fire Chief or other higher-level personnel. May directly and/or indirectly supervise Fire Battalion Chiefs and other lower-level personnel.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This information is intended to be descriptive of the key responsibilities of the classification. The list of essential functions below does not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent in this classification.

• Respond to major alarm and hazardous materials emergencies, manage fire ground activities, and coordinate critical incident debriefing sessions; supervise fire scene investigations, including case review and follow-up; coordinate arson and special investigations.
• Prepare and maintain a strike team leader schedule, monitor and review daily shift roll call, coordinate on-duty battalion activities, and coordinate fire inspections of specialized risks such as citywide target hazards, educational facilities and institutions.
• Serve as communication center liaison officer, develop dispatching policies and procedures, coordinate dispatcher training, manage radio and telephone systems, and coordinate various public fire safety education programs.
• Conduct evaluations and testing for Fire Recruits, probationary Firefighters, company standards maintenance, and promotional examination preparation.
• Coordinate emergency medical services planning and preparedness.
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee emergency management and disaster preparedness activities, including the development, implementation, and maintenance of emergency operations plans, continuity plans, response procedures, and related preparedness initiatives; coordinates with City departments, regional partners, state and federal agencies, and non-governmental organizations to enhance emergency readiness, response, recovery, and mitigation capabilities.
• Respond to and provide leadership during major emergencies, disasters, and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activations; coordinate multi-agency response and recovery efforts; direct emergency preparedness planning, training, exercises, and after-action reviews; evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements to emergency management plans, policies, procedures, and operational readiness. Plan, outline, and assign work of Fire Prevention Inspectors and reviews their reports.;
• Regularly inspection company personnel, quarters, equipment, and records, and review and report on company drills.
• Acts as director of training and conducts classroom lectures.
• Develop, submit, and monitor operational and planning budgets and review and direct development of grant proposals
• Review safety equipment requests and quarterly safety clothing reports, coordinate the movement and repairs of apparatus, review station, grounds, or equipment inspection reports and resolve related problems.
• Performs related work of a similar nature and level as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Modern firefighting and fire prevention principles, practices, and procedures.
• Rescue, Emergency Medical Services, Hazardous Materials Response, Technical Rescue, health and safety codes and regulations, investigations, and fire prevention.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of emergency incident command, emergency management, hazardous materials response, Emergency Operations Center (EOC) operations, fire scene investigations, and interagency coordination involving local, regional, state, federal, and non-governmental organizations.
• Rules and regulations of Fire Department; State, Federal, and local standards, laws and regulations.
• Fire hazards involved in various types of construction and in the storage of flammable materials and explosives.
• Operation and maintenance of the various types of equipment and apparatus used by the Fire Department.
• Geography of the City, location of water mains and fire hydrants, and the location of major fire hazards in the City.
• Training methods and materials.
• Radio and telephone communications systems and methods of operation; communication center dispatching policies and procedures.
• Principles and practices of information management and interdepartmental and interagency coordination in support of emergency management, continuity of operations, and complex incident response.

Skill in:

• Evaluating investigations and complaints, identifying appropriate corrective actions, and resolving complex issues.
• Preparing clear, concise, and comprehensive reports, presentations, and other written communications.
• Designing, implementing, coordinating, and evaluating comprehensive training and professional development programs. Make command decisions in emergency situations.
• Respond quickly and effectively at times of emergency and high stress.
• Use of modern office equipment, including computers, computer applications and software, to accomplish a variety of tasks

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Experience:

Five (5) years of supervisory and administrative experience as a sworn member of a fire department, including at least six (6) months of experience at a level equivalent to the City of Sacramentos Fire Battalion Chief classification.

Education:

Associates degree from an accredited college or university in fire science, fire management, fire technology, public or business administration, or a closely related field.

Substitution:

Additional experience may substitute for the required education on a year for year basis.

OR

A Bachelors degree in fire technology, fire science or management, public or business administration or a related field may substitute for two (2) years of supervisory and administrative sworn fire experience.

PROOF OF EDUCATION

Should education be used to qualify for this position, then proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment. Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable.

An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due at time of appointment.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Certification/License:

None

Drivers License:

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License is required at the time of appointment.

Background:

Must successfully complete a background investigation

THE SELECTION PROCEDURE

Please note, the City of Sacramentos preferred method of communication with applicants is via e-mail. As such, please ensure you verify the e-mail address on your application, and check your e-mail frequently, including your spam and junk folders. All e-mail notifications can also be accessed through the governmentjobs.com applicant inbox.

1. Application: (Pass/Fail) - All applicants must complete and submit online a City of Sacramento employment application for further consideration by the next posted cut-off date;

• Employment applications must be submitted online; paper applications will not be accepted.

• Employment applications will be considered incomplete and will be disqualified:

• If applicants do not list current and past job-related experience in the duties area of the "Work Experience" section. Note: Qualifying experience is based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Qualifying experience is calculated to the full-time equivalent (pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week).

• If "see resume" is noted in the "Work Experience" section; a resume will not substitute for the information required in the "Work Experience" section.

• Position/job titles will not be considered in determining eligibility for meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.

• Proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted online with your application. Proof of education will be required at time of appointment.

2. Supplemental Questionnaire: (Pass/Fail) - In addition to the City of Sacramento employment application, all applicants must complete and submit online responses to the supplemental questionnaire to the City of Sacramento Employment Office as part of the application process;

• Responses to the supplemental questionnaire must be submitted online; paper questionnaire will not be accepted.
• Incomplete supplemental questionnaire will not pass the review process; omitted information cannot be considered or assumed.
• A resume will not substitute for the information required in the supplemental questionnaire.
• Possession of the minimum qualifications is not necessarily a guarantee for further advancement in the selection process.

3. Screening Committee: (Pass/Fail) - All applications received will be forwarded to the hiring department for review until the position is filled. The hiring department will select the most competitive applications for further consideration. Human Resources will only evaluate employment applications for the minimum qualifications, as stated on the job announcement, for applications selected by the hiring department.

4. Interview Process: Human Resources will forward applications to the hiring department. Those determined to be the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an interview process.

5. Conditional Hire: Upon receipt of a conditional offer, the selected candidate must complete and pass Live Scan/fingerprinting. If applicable, candidates may also need to pass a pre-employment medical exam, controlled substance and/or alcohol test, and possess any required licensure or certification prior to receiving a start date from the Department. Failure to meet these prerequisites will be grounds for withdrawal of your conditional offer of employment.

QUESTIONS:

For questions concerning this job announcement and the application process:

• Please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/Home/ApplicationGuide for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to the application process.
• For technical support between 6 AM - 5 PM PT, contact Live Application Support at 855-524-5627.
• Visit the City of Sacramento Human Resources Department website at https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment;
• Send an email to employment@cityofsacramento.org; or
• Call the Human Resources Department at (916) 808-5726

Bilingual Pay

Did you know that the City offers bilingual pay? Thats right, most labor agreements offer the option of providing employees with bilingual pay if the department deems it to be operationally necessary.

Pension Reform Act

The City of Sacramento is covered by the California Public Employees Retirement System, and as such, must adhere to the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) of 2013. Please note that the provisions within this act may affect or impact an applicants eligibility and/or selection for open vacancies at the City of Sacramento.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Sacramento is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Additional Information

Civil Service Rules: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/documentlibrary/CivilServiceBoardRules62012.pdf

Union Contracts: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/labor-agreements.html

Salary Schedule: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/documentlibrary/SalarySchedule.pdf

01

APPLICATION: I understand my application must meet the minimum qualifications for consideration of employment with the City of Sacramento. The experience I list in the duties area of the "Work Experience" section of the employment application will be used to determine if I meet the minimum qualifications as stated on the job announcement. A resume, responses to the supplemental questions requiring a narrative response, employment history listed elsewhere in the application or attachments will not substitute for the information required in the "Work Experience" section of the employment application. Position/job titles will not be considered in determining eligibility for meeting the minimum qualifications for this position. Note: Qualifying experience is based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Qualifying experience is calculated to the full-time equivalent (pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week). Please refer to the City of Sacramentos Applicant Resources Page for Screening Instructions: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment

• Yes

02

PROOF OF EDUCATION: To qualify for this classification you may use education or experience as listed in the substitution option to provide required knowledge, skills, and abilities. I understand proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with my application and will be required at the time of appointment if I am using education to qualify for this position. Please refer to the City of Sacramentos Proof of Education Requirements (https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment) for information on accepted documentation.

• Yes

03

EDUCATION CONFIRMATION: If I am using education to qualify for this position, I attest I possess or will possess the following level of education by time of appointment if I am selected for this position.

• No units from an accredited college or university
• Less than 30 semester or 45 quarter units from an accredited college or university
• 30 semester or 45 quarter units from an accredited college or university
• 60 semester or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university
• Associates Degree
• 90 semester or 135 quarter units from an accredited college or university
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Doctorate

04

I understand that I must pass a thorough background investigation, including a criminal history check for job-related convictions, fingerprinting, polygraph test, credit check, and a drug use history to be considered for this position.

• Yes

05

DRIVERS LICENSE CONFIRMATION: I attest I possess or will possess a valid California Class C Drivers License by the time of appointment if I am selected for this position.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Sacramento

Address 915 I Street

Historic City Hall

Sacramento, California, 95814-2604

Phone (916) 808-5726

Website http://portal.cityofsacramento.org/HR