County Fire Chief

The County of Kings is seeking a highly experienced fire executive to serve as the County Fire Chief. The County Fire Chief is the administrative head of the Fire Department. The incumbent provides oversight and direction to the various divisions and organizational units of the department, while operating within state and federal legal requirements and regulations, County ordinances, and policies and procedural guidelines. Areas of responsibility include: providing leadership and long-range strategic and program planning; developing and implementing department policies, goals and objectives; overseeing the administration of personnel selection, evaluation, training and disciplinary practices and policies of the department; and administering the department's budget and maintaining effective fiscal controls.

For further information about the position, please click here.

This position includes management level I benefits, which includes CalPERS retirement (see benefits selection to determine plan/tier placement), fully paid PPO health, dental, vision and chiropractic health insurance premiums for employee and eligible dependents; term life/accident insurance $50,000; in addition to the standard sick leave and vacation accruals and holidays; this position receives an additional 64 hours of management leave of which 48 can be cashed out at employee's option. The County Administrative Officer may authorize a vacation accrual rate for management employees hired from outside the County at an amount equivalent to what their accrual would be if their service time with other public agencies was earned in Kings County. For more information regarding management benefits, please see Section V of the County'sSalary Resolution.

The County Fire Chief classification is a department head level position and, as such, the incumbent serves at the pleasure of the Board of Supervisors.

Directs the administrative detail of the department including such responsibilities as the selection, training, assignment, utilization, and discipline of personnel, the requisitioning of materials, supplies and equipment, and fire prevention, education, inspection and investigation; directs the activities of fire suppression and control program and responds to and takes command of fire fighting personnel and equipment, stations, and all other department facilities; functions as the Office of Emergency Services Manager for the Kings County Operational Area; develops a long range fire prevention and suppression program, including the relocation of existing stations or the addition of new stations; attends and participates in public functions for the purpose of promoting fire safety in the County.

Education: A two (2) year degree (Associate of Arts or Associate of Science) from an accredited college or university in Fire Science, Fire Technology, Public Administration, Business Administration or closely related field.

Desirable: A four year degree (BA or BS) from an accredited college or university in Fire Science, Fire Technology, Public Administration, Business Administration, or closely related field.

Experience: Eight years of increasingly responsible experience in fire suppression and administration, including at least three years as a chief officer in a paid position of an organized fire department.

License: Possession of an appropriate California driver's license issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles.

Special Requirements: Ability to work a flexible work schedule, and travel within and outside the County.

In addition to the application, applicants are required to submit a professional resume outlining relevant education and experience. This resume must be attached to your application. You must scan and attach your resume to your online application prior to submitting your application (or your application may be rejected). For more information on how to add attachments to your application, click here.
All application materials submitted will be evaluated and screened. Final candidates will be interviewed by the Kings County Board of Supervisors. Finalists will be expected to provide three professional references. A background investigation will be required for all final candidates. Job offers will be conditional upon passing a drug screening test as well as DOJ Live Scan fingerprinting.

Final Date to Apply: January 10, 2024 (5:00 p.m.)

Human Resources Interview: Week of January 15, 2024

Board of Supervisors Interview: January 29, 2024