Battalion Chief

Salary: $164,297.00 - $190,194.00 Annually
Location : American Canyon, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026 Battalion Chief
Department: Operations
Opening Date: 09/11/2026
Closing Date: 10/18/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Job Description

THIS RECRUITMENT IS TO ESTABLISH AN ELIGIBILITY LIST FOR FUTURE VACANCIES.

Interested applicants must submit an online application. No paper applications will be accepted.

Salary: $164,297 - $190,194 annually (includes FLSA pay)

Plus Applicable Incentive Pay

Opening Date: September 11, 2026 - Closing Date: October 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

In addition to completing the online application, applicants are required to respond to five written response questions. Responses must be emailed to Martha Banuelos at by the application deadline. The questions are listed under the Selection Process section below.

Please attach a current resume to the application.

An Assessment Center is scheduled for Friday, November 13, 2026.

Final candidates will be invited to a Chief's Interview on Tuesday, November 24, 2026.
Description:

Under general direction, plans, directs, coordinates, supervises and evaluates the daily Fire District activities on an assigned shift basis; performs supervisory and technical work in fire suppression and prevention, emergency rescue, training and command fire department operations in the absence of the Assistant Chief and Fire Chief; assumes responsibility for managing designated areas of specialization, such as hazardous materials , Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), Water Rescue, Community Risk Reduction, disaster planning and coordination, training, facility/ equipment/ vehicle maintenance program, reserve program, etc. and provides technical assistance and advice to higher level management personnel.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

This is a mid-management public safety classification of the Fire District. Incumbents are expected to exercise considerable independent judgment in developing and managing functions and programs for which they are assigned responsibility. This classification is distinguished from the class of Fire Captain in that the latter is a first-line supervisory classification, with responsibility for a single companyThe Battalion Chief works under the direction of the AssistantFire Chiefand is responsible for the directionand provides overall management of an assigned shift for the FireDistrict. The Battalion Chief may oversee specific District programs.

Supervision Exercised and Received:

General direction is provided by the Assistant Chief. Responsibilities include the direct supervision of assigned shift Fire Captains and indirect supervision over lower-level fire department personnel.

Examples of Duties: (may include but not limited to)

• Attend and participate in professional group meetings.
• Stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of fire suppression, rescue and prevention, pre-hospital care of the sick and injured, personnel management and supervision, public fire/life safety, and other technical fields
• Develop and mentor subordinates preparing for succession planning.
• Develop and maintain relationships with surrounding agencies.
• Attend Fire Board meeting while on duty when possible.
• Schedule and supervise companies assigned the day-to-day work of District personnel in a wide variety of departmental activities including training, fire prevention inspections, equipment checks and station and grounds maintenance.
• Act as the incident commander at emergency scenes, prepare follow-up incident reports and investigation as required.
• Prepare various administrative reports and maintain records related to daily incidents, engine company training, fire prevention inspection and equipment and ground maintenance.
• May assume responsibility of the overall operation of the department during the absence of the Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Chief when assigned.
• Participate in organizational and tactical planning and development as a member of the District's management team.
• Assume responsibility for managing designated areas of specialization, such as hazardous materials response, community risk reduction, training, fleet and facility maintenance program, reserve program, etc.
• Assist in the preparation of the annual District budget in assigned area of responsibility.
• Ensures adequate investigations of fires and other incidents.
• Assist in the enforcement of fire codes and ordinances.
• Supervise companies assigned to conduct testing of District apparatus and the testing and maintenance of the District's hose, apparatus and ladder testing programs.
• Supervise and conduct testing of District's probationary employees.
• Assist in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for various divisions in the Fire District;
• Represent the District in the community and at professional meetings as required.
• Assist in coordinating Fire District activities with outside agencies, City departments and divisions.
• Act as the Fire District liaison to American Canyon Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) when assigned.
• Maintain a competent and motivated work force, with emphasis on first-line supervisors, through work assignments, performance evaluation, counseling, training, and disciplinary action.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The complete job description and salary schedule can be viewed at
Requirements and Qualifications
Experience and Education:

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Five years of municipal fire department experience. Candidates must currently be a Fire Captain or above and have at least four years of responsible supervisory experience at the Captain level.

Education:

An Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution, including coursework in fire science or a related field, is highly desirable.

Licenses and Certifications:

California State Fire Marshal Chief Fire Officer Certification is highly desirable.

Minimum EMT certification is required.

Possession of an appropriate, valid California Driver License is required (Class B or Class C with Firefighter Endorsement).

Knowledge of:

• Modern and complex principles and practices of fire prevention, hazardous materials, emergency medical services, urban search and rescue, incident command systems, and fire suppression development and administration.
• Modern personnel and budgetary management practices including motivational theory, leadership techniques, operation and maintenance of firefighting and rescue equipment.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations including those in fire prevention, inspection, emergency medical services, and fire suppression.
• Proper training assessment, methods, and techniques as appropriate to assignment.

Ability to:

• Plan, direct and supervise the day-to-day departmental activities of assigned shift personnel in the areas of fire prevention/inspection, suppression, training and emergency rescue and emergency medical services.
• Establish effective and cooperative working relationships with the public, representatives of other public agencies, City officials, and departmental employees.
• Assume effective command and exercise sound judgment at fire and emergency scenes.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; prepare detailed, concise and accurate reports.
• Work twenty-four (24) hour shifts or forty (40) hour workweeks depending on the needs of the District.
• Be available to respond to emergency calls while off duty, as necessary.
• Work in a participatory management environment.

ADA Special Requirements:

Essential duties require the following physical abilities and work environment: Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, squat, stoop, reach, crawl, twist, climb, and lift 150 pounds; exposure to cold, heat, extreme noise, outdoor environments, confined workspaces, electrical hazards, vibration, chemicals, dust, toxic waste, mechanical hazards, and explosive materials. Must pass and maintain physical requirements as specified by the District and be able to wear self-contained breathing apparatus.

The Selection Process
All individuals interested in applying for the position of Battalion Chief must submit a completed online application, attach a current resume to their employment application, and provide written responses to the five questions below.

Please email your responses to Martha Banuelos at no later than 11:59 p.m. on October 18, 2026.

1. Describe your philosophy on command and control as a fire officer and provide a recent example that highlights your skills and abilities in this area.
2. Describe your experience in coaching and mentoring others as an officer and provide a recent example that highlights your ability to positively impact those around you.
3. Describe your experience in both long- and short-term planning as a fire officer. What is your role in the planning process at your current department, and how have you successfully overcome obstacles or roadblocks in the planning and implementation process?
4. Describe a recent personnel issue or problem that you addressed as a supervisor. What did you learn from the situation that has made you a better leader and officer?
5. Describe the most significant contribution (program, project, initiative, service delivery improvement, etc.) that you have led at your current department. How did it improve or benefit the organization, and what did you learn from the experience?

Panel Interview & Assessment Center

Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may be invited to participate in the Panel Interview and Assessment Center scheduled for Friday, November 13, 2026.

Chief Interview

Final candidates will be invited to participate in a Chief's Interview on Tuesday, November 24, 2026.

Examination Preparation
Testing for this position will include mock scenarios involving multiple resources. Candidates should also be prepared to participate in panel interviews and discussions designed to assess their knowledge, skills, abilities, leadership, and decision-making.

Benefit Summary

Hours: 48 X 96 Shift Schedule

Insurance:
Medical: Benefits are provided through CalPERS and include several PPO or HMO options. The District contribution toward the premium cost of health insurance shall be calculated at 95% of the Cal PERS 2026 Health Premium - Regional rates for Kaiser at each benefit level (Family, Two-Party, or Single).

Unit members who choose to waive health coverage will be entitled to a monthly cash payout of $350 per month. Members who waive coverage are required to provide proof of alternative health plan coverage.

Dental: The District pays 100% of the premium per month for the Delta Dental Insurance Plan for each employee and their spouse and minor children.

Vision: The District pays the total cost of the premium for the Vision Service Plan (VSP).

Retirement: Pension benefits are provided by CalPERS.

• CalPERS Classic Tier II Members: 3% 55 Formula
• PEPRA (hired on or after 01/01/2013): 2.7% @57 Formula.
• Internal Candidates: Current District employees appointed to the Battalion Chief classification will retain their existing CalPERS retirement tier.

Personal Leave:
Years of ServiceAccrual per Pay PeriodAnnual Equivalent1-3 years10.1 hours11 shifts per year4-7 years12.9 hours14 shifts per year8-11 years13.85 hours15 shifts per year12+ years14.77 hours16 shifts per year
Sick Leave: Twenty-four (24) hour shift employees shall accrue sick leave at the rate of seven/twelves (7/12) of one twenty-four (24) hour shift per month up to a maximum of one hundred sixty-eight (168) hours in any one (1) calendar year.

Disability Insurance: The District covers the cost under a long-term disability insurance plan by the California Association of Professional Firefighters.

Life Insurance: The District covers the cost of a $50,000 life insurance policy and $50,000 additional accidental death and dismemberment insurance policy.

Incentive Pay
Education Incentive: Up to 12.5% of base salary in accordance with the applicable labor agreement.
Paramedic Incentive: 5% of base salary for eligible Battalion Chiefs who meet the requirements of the District's Paramedic Program.
Longevity: Battalion Chiefs are eligible for longevity pay in accordance with Article 23(b) of the applicable labor agreement.
Deferred Compensation: 457 and Roth 457 plans are available.

Website:
http://www.amcanfire.ca.gov
01

What is your highest level of education? Please upload a copy of your diploma or degree, if applicable, in the attachment section.

• HIgh School Diploma/GED
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher

02

Do you have at least five years of municipal fire department experience?

• Yes
• No

03

Are you currently serving as a Fire Captain or above?