Salary : $165,274.50 - $215,645.73 Annually
Location : SFS Fire Headquarters: 11300 Greenstone Avenue, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-39
Department: Fire
Opening Date: 07/28/2026
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: SFSFFA

The Assistant Fire Chief is a key executive leadership position within the Santa Fe Springs Fire Department, responsible for assisting the Fire Chief in the planning, organization, direction, and administration of departmental operations and programs. This position provides strategic leadership in emergency response, fire prevention, emergency medical services, training, disaster preparedness, administrative services, budgeting, personnel management, and community risk reduction while ensuring the delivery of exceptional public safety services.

The ideal candidate is an experienced fire service leader with a demonstrated commitment to organizational excellence, employee development, collaborative leadership, and outstanding customer service. The successful candidate will possess strong management and communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to effectively lead complex operational and administrative functions while fostering positive relationships with employees, elected officials, partner agencies, and the community.

Candidates who successfully complete the examination process will be placed on an eligibility list that may be used to fill the current vacancy and future vacancies that occur during the life of the list.

FINAL FILING DATE: August 11, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. (Pacific Time).

Applicants are encouraged to submit a complete application and all required supplemental materials prior to the filing deadline. Applications received after the deadline or that are incomplete will not be considered.
POSITION PURPOSE:

Under general direction, assists in administering and overseeing the activities and operations of the department; coordinates with other city departments and outside agencies; and assists with administering the policies and procedures that meet the mission of the department.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Receives general direction from the Fire Chief.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Exercises supervision over management, technical, and clerical personnel.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assists with the management of all Fire Department services and activities, including fire suppression, fire prevention, environmental protection, and emergency preparedness planning; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
2. Assists in the development and implementation of Fire Department goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each service area; establishes appropriate service and staffing levels; allocates resources accordingly.
3. Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement and implements changes.
4. Represents the Fire Department to other city departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; explains department programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves sensitive, significant, and controversial issues.
5. Participates in the development and administration of the Fire Department budget; directs the forecast of additional funds; monitors and approves expenditures.
6. Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates Fire Department personnel; provides or
   coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies.
7. Coordinates department activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations.
8. Supports the Fire Chief, City Manager, and City Council; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence; reviews response and fire loss data and
   prepares information regarding the effectiveness of department services.
9. Represents the department before the media and with the community in the absence of the Fire Chief; responds to inquiries from citizens and resolves difficult and sensitive complaints.
10. Assists in directing and participates in the research of alternative approaches to fire suppression, hazardous material handling, fire prevention, and emergency programs.
11. Serves on a variety of boards and commissions; attends and participates in
    professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the
    fire service.
12. Responds to major fire alarms and personally directs fire suppression activities as
    necessary.
13. Performs related duties as required.

REPRESENTATIVE COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and ability required to satisfactorily perform the jobs essential duties and responsibilities.
Knowledge of:

• Departmental policies and procedures.
• Fire and life safety codes, ordinances, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• National fire protection standards.
  Fire protection and detection systems, strategies, and procedures.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Principles of budget preparation.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Modern office procedures and equipment including computers.
• Word processing and other related software applications.

Ability to:

• Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction.
• Effectively delegate authority and responsibility.
• Identify and respond to community needs and concerns, city council issues and directions.
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of management, supervisory, professional, and technical staff.
• Prepare and present reports.
• Select, train, and evaluate assigned staff.
• Work collaboratively as a member of the City's Management and Executive Teams.
• Make effective public presentations.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Work with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Operate and use modern office equipment.
• Effectively organize and prioritize assigned work.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other people.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

The following requirements generally demonstrate possession of the minimum requisite knowledge and ability necessary to perform the duties of the position. A typical way to obtain these would be:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Fire Science, Fire Administration, Public Administration, Business Administration, Management, or a closely related field.
• Current service as a Battalion Chief with the City of Santa Fe Springs, or placement on an active City of Santa Fe Springs Battalion Chief eligibility list.
• Experience managing or responding to hazardous materials incidents.
• At least two (2) years of fire suppression experience.
• Experience working in a municipal organization operating under a council-manager form of government.
• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License and an acceptable driving record.
• California State Fire Marshal Chief Officer Certification is desirable.

NEPOTISM:
Relatives may be appointed regardless of the designation of full or part-time classification. Candidates with relatives employed by the City will be excluded from applying for a vacancy if one or more of the following criteria exist: 1) The appointment of a relative would place one in a supervisory capacity directly over the other 2) The appointment would create a situation in which it is conceivable personal gain for one could be obtained by the actions of the other 3) The appointment would create a situation where performance or non-performance of either would have a direct effect upon the performance of the other 4) The appointment would create a situation where the confidentiality of either could be compromised. Candidates with relatives employed by the City will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. "Relative" shall be defined as: mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister, grandmother, grandfather, grandchild, spouse, domestic partner, step mother, step-father, step-sister, step-brother, stepchild and step grandchild.
WORKING CONDITIONS:

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters in performing the essential functions of this job.

• Work is primarily performed indoors.
• Noise level is quiet to moderate.
• Hazards are minimal.
• Utilizes hand and power tools.
• Works with and around machinery having moving parts.
• Occasional exposure to chemicals, fumes, gases, and odors.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

• Sit for extended periods of time.
• Stand, sit, walk, and bend.
• Push, pull, and reach overhead and above shoulders.
• Hear and speak both in person and on the telephone.
• Use hands and fingers to operate office equipment.
• See well enough to read documents and operate office equipment.
• Lift and move up to 25 pounds.

HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants are required to complete and submit a City Application online. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the City online application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page. New users must first create an account first.
METHOD OF SELECTION:
Selection may be based upon an application review, a performance examination and evaluation, and a structured interview. Appointment will be contingent upon a criminal record check and physical examination, including a drug screen.

ACCOMODATION:
If you require special testing and/or interview accommodation due to a physical, mental, or learning disability, please call the Human Resources Office at (562) 409-7530 at least 5 days prior to the scheduled date.
01

What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• High School Diploma/GED
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree in Fire Science
• Bachelor's Degree in Fire Administration
• Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration
• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or Management
• Bachelor's Degree in another closely related field
• Master's Degree or higher

02

Do you possess a California State Fire Marshal Chief Officer Certification?

• Yes
• No

03

Which statement best describes your experience managing or responding to hazardous materials incidents?

• No experience
• Limited participation as a responder
• Regular operational response experience
• Incident Commander or supervisor during hazardous materials incidents
• Administrative oversight of hazardous materials programs and emergency response

04

Describe your experience assisting in the administration of a fire department, including strategic planning, policy development, budgeting, personnel management, or organizational leadership. Include your specific role and accomplishments.
05

The Assistant Fire Chief serves as a key executive leader responsible for supporting the Fire Chief in achieving departmental goals while fostering collaboration throughout the organization.Describe your vision for the City of Santa Fe Springs Fire Department over the next five years. Discuss your priorities related to operational excellence, employee development, fiscal stewardship, innovation, emergency preparedness, community risk reduction, and organizational culture. Provide specific examples from your career that demonstrate your readiness to serve as Assistant Fire Chief.
Required Question