Fire Battalion Chief - Department Promotional

Salary : $8,639.89 - $10,325.47 Monthly
Location : 5642 Victor Street, Bakersfield, CA
Job Type: Full time
Job Number: 10183
Department: FIRE
Opening Date: 11/02/2026
Closing Date: 11/6/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Position Information
This is a Department Promotional Examination and is open only to eligible employees of the Kern County Fire Department who have permanent status in the classified service and received an overall rating of standard or better on the last employee performance report.

Examination Schedule:

• Written Exam: Qualified candidates will be notified at least five days prior to the examination.

Examination: Written Exam (Weight 100%): Will be conducted for the purpose of assessing the applicant's knowledge of the principles and practices of fire prevention and suppression; the use and maintenance of firefighting equipment and apparatus; departmental rules and regulations; county geography, fire hazards and fire-fighting resources, such as personnel, equipment, water supply, communications; and first aid.
Applicants must attain at least a 70% score on each phase of the examination process.
Examination components for promotional testing will be administered during the scheduled dates/times/locations without exception.
Minimum Qualifications / Employment Standards:

Three (3) years of experience as a Fire Captain in the Kern County Fire Department AND possession of a valid Kern County Fire Department Battalion Chief Verification of Eligibility.

Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Driver's License.
Please ensure applicable materials are attached to your application by the final filing deadline. If you are unable to attach materials to your application, you may e-mail a copy to For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Brenda Guerra at 661-868-3926.

Full job description:

Kern County Employee Benefits

*As a regular or provisional employee of Kern County, working twenty (20) hours or more per week, you are presently eligible for the following benefits as described below:

: (Medical/Dental/Vision): Kern County offers five affordable medical options. Kern Legacy Health Plans are medical and prescription health plan options administered directly by the County of Kern. Kaiser Permanente is also an option. Employees may also choose from two dental plans; Liberty Dental PPO or HMO. The vision coverage is provided through Vision Service Plan (VSP).

: Kern County Employees' Retirement Association (KCERA). This Section 401 (a) defined benefit retirement plan requires employer and employee contribution and pays retired employees a pension based on salary, years of service, and age upon retirement.

: This section 457 plan allows employees to contribute on a pre-tax basis to a supplemental retirement account which is then paid out to them when they retire.

Note: Both Kern County and the employee contribute to Social Security and Medicare as follows:

• The County of Kern withholds 6.2% for Social Security (FICA1) and 1.45% for Medicare (FICA2) from employee's payroll warrants
• The County matches the employee's 6.2% for Social Security and 1.45% for Medicare

: EAP is available to help you take control of your life!

: Chimienti & Associates (Administrator) offers the following voluntary benefits and can be deducted on a pre-tax bases: Short Term Disability Coverage, Accident Plan, Cancer Plan and a Flexible Spending Account.

Paid Holiday Leave: 12 set days (per calendar year)
01

I have successfully completed my 6 month probationary period as an employee of Kern County (temporary and extra help time is not qualifying). A "no" response is disqualifying - refer to Civil Service Rule 903.00.

• Yes
• No

02

I had an overall rating of Standard or better on my last performance appraisal. A "no" response is disqualifying - refer to Civil Service Rule 903.00.

• Yes
• No

03

Have you for any reason separated from County employment (layoff, voluntary or involuntary resignation) and gained re-employment within the last six months? A "yes" response is disqualifying - refer to Civil Service Rule 903.00 and County Ordinance 3.08.140 A & B.

• Yes
• No

04

I understand that this is a competitive examination. I agree that I will not discuss the content or nature of any component for this examination, in general or specific terms, with anyone until the examination process is completed for all candidates.

• Yes
• No

05

I understand the unauthorized disclosure of examination material is a violation of Civil Service Rules and can result in my disqualification, by the Civil Service Commission, from this examination and future examinations with the County of Kern.

• Yes
• No

06

I was appointed to my present classification and level on (Date):
07

I certify I possess a valid Kern County Fire Department Battalion Chief Verification of Eligibility.

• Yes
• No

Required Question