Fire Battalion Chief

Salary : $139,229.70 - $163,249.50 Annually
Location : Compton, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-27:25
Department: Fire
Opening Date: 10/28/2026
Closing Date: 11/16/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

GENERAL PURPOSE
Under general direction of the Fire Chief, has immediate supervision of fire companies on an assigned shift in directing fire fighting activities, supervising training and maintenance of equipment, fire apparatus, and fire stations; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The fire Battalion Chief has the immediate responsibility for training, maintenance, housekeeping, and discipline of personnel, and for commanding all fire fighting activities on an assigned 24-hour shift, thus partially relieving the Deputy Fire Chief and Fire Chief of the responsibility for checking and reviewing a variety of routine functions, and the necessity of turning out for every fire.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
TYPICAL TASKS
Responds to fire alarms; selects the best route to the fire, investigates the situation and assigns placement of fire apparatus and equipment to be used, and directs personnel in the best methods for extinguishing the fire and taking necessary precautions for the protection of life and property; directs salvage and cleanup operations; makes reports of fires extinguished; conducts staff meetings for the purpose of improving fire fighting techniques; makes regular inspection of fire stations, apparatus, equipment, and personnel; requires compliance with Fire Department rules and regulations; reviews performance reports; passes upon questions of discipline; directs training of personnel; orders fire drills, observes personnel in the use of apparatus and equipment; assists and makes suggestions to personnel and officers during fire drills; consults with the Fire Chief regarding the adequacy and completeness of th e training program, problems of discipline, and fire fighting problems; submits regular and special reports to the fire Chief; and dictates correspondence.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: Seven (7) years of increasingly responsible experience in fire protective service in a municipal fire department. At least three (3) years of the required experience must be at the level of Fire Captain.
Education: An Associate of Arts/Science Degree, preferably in Fire Science is required. State Certification as a Fire Officer or its equivalent is desired.

OR

Experience: Eight (8) years of increasingly responsible experience in fire protective service in a municipal fire department. At least three (3) years of the required experience must be at the level of Fire Captain.
Education: Completion of a minimum of 24 semester units from an accredited college is required. State certification as a Fire Officer or completion of all classes required for the Fire Officer Certification Program is required.
Knowledge and Abilities: Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of modern fire fighting, and of the equipment and apparatus used; thorough knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Compton fire department, and of the state and city fire laws and ordinances; thorough knowledge of the operations and maintenance of the types of apparatus and equipment used by the Compton fire Department, together with the ability to direct the efficient use of such apparatus and equipment; thorough knowledge of training principles and the ability to organize and direct a fire training program; thorough knowledge of the geography and the major fire hazards of the City of Compton; thorough knowledge of the principles and methods of the Incident Command system (ICS); understanding of the principles of organization and management of personnel, together with the ability to establish cooperative working relations with subordinates; ability to prepare reports and to speak effectively in public; and ability to meet physical and health status requirements for this classification and work category, as described in the city's medical Standards for Applicants and Employees.
License: Possession of a valid California Operator's License issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles.

Internal applicants must use their personal email to apply, as City of Compton work emails will not be accepted for job applications. While we cannot prevent applicants from using their work email, the City is not responsible for missed communications due to system outages, firewall restrictions, employee leave, or any other technical or accessibility issues affecting City email accounts.All applicants must meet the minimum qualifications for the position and submit all required documents -such as licenses, certifications, and proof of education- outlined in the job posting. Incomplete applications, including those missing any required documentation, will not be considered.
Please note: Only the first 50 applications received that best meet the qualifications and needs of the hiring department will be invited to continue in the hiring process. Additional applications may be reviewed at a later time, based on hiring needs.

EXAMINATION

The purpose of this examination is to establish an eligible list from which vacant position(s) may be filled.

Phase one (1) is a green cell simulation (weighted 60%) which will measure all or portions of the above knowledge, and skills. Phase two (2) is an oral examination (weighted 40%) that will be administered by an appraisal panel to evaluate professional qualifications, background and suitability. The oral examination may include graded simulation exercises, writing exercises, and oral presentations. A passing score for each phase is 70%. Each candidate will be notified via mail or e-mail.

The City of Compton reserves the right to utilize alternative testing methods, if deemed necessary. Failure in one phase of the examination shall be grounds for declaring the applicant as failing in the entire examination, and as disqualified for subsequent parts of an examination.
GENERAL INFORMATION TO EXAMINATION APPLICANTS

Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must give advanced notice to the Human Resources Department prior to the final filing date.

ELIGIBLE LISTS
Recruitment may be conducted on a (a) promotional basis, (b) open-competitive basis, or (c) promotional and open-competitive basis simultaneously. All candidates who attain an overall score of at least 70.00 (open-competitive) and at least 75.00 (promotional) will be placed in rank order on the relevant eligible list(s).

PLEASE NOTE:
All permanent City employees that attain an overall score of at least 75.00 will be placed on both the promotional eligible list and the open-competitive eligible list. All City employees that attain a score of 70.00 on EACH PHASE of the examination but an overall score of less than 75.00 will be placed on the open-competitive eligible list only.

Each eligible list shall remain in effect one (1) year from the date of its establishment unless it is extended, abolished or exhausted. Whenever possible, three (3) names are certified to fill any one (1) vacant position. No candidate may be certified more than three (3) times for any one classified position. When certifying eligible lists to appointing powers, the promotional eligible list takes precedence over the open-competitive eligible list. A department manager's recommendation for employment is subject to the City Manager's approval.

EXAMINATION APPEAL PROCEDURE
A candidate may, within five (5) days after taking the written examination, file in writing with the City Manager an appeal against any part of the test, citing the item or items against which the appeal is directed, and the reason(s) for such appeal. The Personnel Board will consider appeals from the decisions and ratings of qualifications appraisals (interview) boards if such appeals meet the conditions described in the Personnel Rules and Regulations (Section 6.8).

EXAMINATION RECORDS
All examination papers, including the employment application, resume, and other attachments submitted by candidates are the property of the Personnel Board and are confidential records which may be open to inspection only for purposes and under conditions established by the Personnel Board.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE
In all entrance examinations (open-competitive only) for positions in the Classified Service, veterans who served in the armed forces of the United States during time(s) of war, and who attain an overall passing score in the examination are allowed additional preferential credit in accordance with the Personnel Rules and Regulations. In order to claim veterans' credit, the applicant must submit proof of service and honorable discharge (showing specific dates of service) on a U.S. Military form (DD-214) at the time of application or not later than the final filing date for the examination.

FRINGE BENEFITS
The City's comprehensive fringe benefits program includes: retirement (Public Employees' Retirement System), medical, dental, life and vision insurances, deferred compensation, sick and vacation leaves, after-hours education reimbursement, ride share program, uniform allowance and other provisions.

• CalPERS Retirement- Secure pension through the California Public Employees' Retirement System
• Lifetime Medical Coverage for Retirees- Fully funded by the City after 5 years of service with CalPers
• CalPERS Health Benefits Program- Choice of 10 health plans, with City-paid premiums for employees and eligible dependents (up to the annual Kaiser family rate)
• Employer-Paid Vision and Dental Insurance- For both employees and eligible dependents
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance- Offered through UNUM
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)- For healthcare and dependent care expenses through American Fidelity
• Employee-Sponsored Supplemental Benefits- Optional coverage such as life, disability, and accident insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off- Vacation, sick leave, and 16* paid holidays per year
• 4/10 Flexible Work Schedule- Most Administrative roles based at City Hall enjoy a 4-day workweek, with Fridays off*
• Educational Reimbursement- Up to $3,000 per fiscal year for tuition and books
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)- Confidential services for personal and professional support
• Professional Development Opportunities- Ongoing training and career growth resources

*Total number of holidays are subject to change based on the fiscal year.
*City Hall is closed on Fridays. Please contact HR to confirm if the position you're interested in follows a 4/10 schedule.
01

How many years of increasingly responsible experience in fire protective service in a municipal fire department do you possess? (Please note that this experience must be clearly outlined in your application)

• Eight (8) years or more.
• Seven (7) years but less than eight (8) years.
• Less than seven (7) years.
• I do not possess experience in fire protective service in a municipal fire department.

02

How many years of the required experience do you possess at the level of Fire Captain?

• Three (3) years or more.
• Less than three (3) years.
• I do not possess experience at the level of Fire Captain.

03

Which of the following best describes your completed education? Please attach supporting transcripts or proof of degree to your application for validation.

• I possess an Associate of Arts/Science Degree.
• I have completed a minimum of 24 semester units from an accredited college.
• I have not met either of the above educational requirements.

04

Which of the following best describes your Fire Officer Certification status?

• I possess State Certification as a Fire Officer.
• I possess the equivalent of State Certification as a Fire Officer.
• I have completed all classes required for the Fire Officer Certification Program.
• I do not possess State Certification as a Fire Officer or its equivalent and have not completed all classes required for the Fire Officer Certification Program.

05

Do you possess a valid California Class C Driver license?

• Yes
• No

06

Are you a current, permanent City of Compton employee? Please note this excludes individuals currently on probation.

• Yes
• No

07

Do you have any relatives employed by the City of Compton? If you have any relatives that work for the City of Compton, please indicate their name. If you do not, please type in N/A.
08

This brings you to the end of your application. Before submitting your application, please make sure you have done the following: 1. Read the entire job description and understand the position you are applying for.2. Read the Minimum Qualifications and clearly state your relevant experience and education on your application; including any licenses and/or certificates if applicable.(Note: resumes will not be reviewed in lieu of a completed application.)3. Attach any proof of education, licenses and/or certificates if applicable.4. Completed all sections of the application and answered all questions thoroughly.

• I certify that I have read this notice and understand the instructions provided.

Required Question