State of California

Deputy Chief Special Operations

State of California$126K — $164K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Current CAL FIRE Assistant Chief status is required.
  • Demonstrated experience in leadership and operations management.
  • Proficient in emergency response strategies and protocols.
  • Strong ability to work under arduous conditions and pass fitness tests annually.
  • Valid current certification in respiratory protection equipment use.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee special operations for the Riverside Unit.
  • Ensure compliance with safety and operational standards.
  • Train and mentor personnel on emergency response procedures.
  • Manage resources and deployment during incidents.
  • Coordinate with local agencies for operations and support.

Benefits

  • Paid leave credits through the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025.
  • Comprehensive health and retirement benefits detailed on CalHR and CalPERS websites.
  • Annual medical clearance for fitness to use respiratory equipment.
  • Potential for specialized training and career advancement opportunities.
Full Job Description
Please see the attached duty statement for details on this position.

Contact Unit Chief Robert Fish at (951) 940-6917 for questions related to the duties of the position.

Must be a current CAL FIRE Assistant Chief

Candidate may be selected by resume review.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions

Maintains the arduous Fitness Standard in accordance with Department Policy. The incumbent is required to wear respiratory protection equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). As such, Cal/OSHA requires the incumbent be annually medically cleared to be fit tested for respiratory protection equipment. May be subject to working nights, weekends, or holidays.

Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • ASSISTANT CHIEF
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-528153

Position #(s):
542-312-1039-601

Working Title:
Deputy Chief Special Operations

Classification:
ASSISTANT CHIEF $10,569.00 - $13,674.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:
1

Work Location:
Riverside County

Telework:
In Office

Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Facility:
Riverside Unit

Special Requirements
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 8/21/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Forestry & Fire Protection
CAL FIRE Southern Region Hiring
Attn: 542-312-1039-601
1234 East Shaw Avenue

Fresno , CA 93710

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Forestry & Fire Protection
CAL FIRE Southern Region Hiring
542-312-1039-601
1234 East Shaw Avenue

Fresno , CA 93710

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is required and must be included.
  • Other -
    Authorization to Release Information Form (PO-299): https://www.fire.ca.gov/-/media/D817B8E27D8049C3BC35297686467FB9
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Benefits
Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website. In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees' monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.

Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Alyssa Doyle
(559) 243-4103

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator
(916) 767-8359
[email protected]
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Required Documentation:

You must submit a completed State Application (STD. 678) [please include WORKING TITLE and POS# ], Resume, and Authorization to Release Information Form (PO-299).

https://www.fire.ca.gov/-/media/D817B8E27D8049C3BC35297686467FB9

Submit the required documents to the following address:

CAL FIRE Southern Region Hiring
POS#: 542-312-1039-601
1234 E. Shaw Ave
Fresno, CA 93710

Applications/Resumes postmarked after the final filing date may not be considered.

ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Applicants are highly encouraged to complete an OPTIONAL Recruitment Questionnaire , located at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HLYSH8V

About State of California

The State of California is a government entity responsible for providing a variety of services to its residents, including education, healthcare, and public safety. The state was admitted to the Union in 1850 and has since grown to become the most populous state in the United States. California is known for its diverse geography, including beaches, mountains, and deserts. The state government is committed to promoting economic growth and improving the quality of life for all Californians.
Learn more about State of California
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