Salary : $169,283.09 - $230,309.46 Annually
Location : Fire Department, 115 South G St./1100 North D St., Lompoc, CA
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Job Number:
Department: Fire
Opening Date: 06/15/2026
Closing Date: 6/29/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

DEFINITION/SELECTION PROCESS
For the detailed job bulletin, please click:

The City of Lompoc is seeking candidates for Fire Chief. Under the direction of the City Administrator, the position is the chief executive and operational officer of the Fire Department reporting directly to the City Administrator with responsibility for the effectiveness and quality of fire prevention and fire suppression activities of the City andreceives direction on administrative policy and major projects.

Typical Qualifications: Include any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates an ability to perform the duties of the position. The typical qualifying entrance background is bachelor's degree in Fire Science or closely related field AND a minimum of five (5) years of increasingly responsible fire management experience. Experience as a Fire Chief is highly desirable. Experience as a Fire Marshall or a broad background in building codes, code enforcement, plan review, and fire protection; and/or experience is desirable.

Application Process: Candidates must complete a City employment application (include copies of any professional certificates), résumé, and three professional references. All completed application packets will be reviewed.

Examination Process: Based on the information provided, the best qualified applicants will be invited for further examination. The examination process will consist of, but not limited to, a formal panel interview, in-basket and/or written exercise. Subsequently, top candidates will be invited for follow-up interview with the City Administrator.

Selection Process: The candidate ultimately chosen for the position, as authorized by City and state policy, will be subject to a background investigation and live scan fingerprinting for purposes of investigating criminal history for certification and employment consideration. In addition, a City-paid medical exam (based upon job-related physical standards) by a City-designated physician is required

Failure in any one part of the examination or selection process will disqualify a candidate from further consideration.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
DEPARTMENT HEAD position.
Not included in any bargaining unit.
The department head position is considered at-will. At-will employees have no formal probationary period, serve at the pleasure of the City Administrator, and may be rejected at any time without cause and without the right of appeal.

The information herein does not either constitute an expressed or implied contract. These provisions are subject to change without notice.

Job classes in this unit are subject to the City's Personnel Rules, Procedures, Policies, and the Management, Supervisory & Confidential ("MS&C") Compensation Plan ("Comp Plan"). Benefits include the following:

Bilingual Pay:Individuals determined to be in an eligible position and qualified by the City will be eligible for $150 per month bilingual. Employees with both oral and written bilingual skills shall receive $190 per month bilingual pay.

Deferred Compensation: The City encourages and supports employee retirement enrollment in either MissionSquare or CalPERS deferred compensation plan. Employees may contribute up to the maximum amount according to the IRS Retirement Plan Contribution Limits.

Dental Insurance: Effective the first day of the month following appointment, the employee and dependents are eligible for insurance; the City contributes a substantial amount of the premium for the employee and dependents.

Health Insurance:Effective the first day of the month following appointment, the employee and dependents are eligible for insurance; the City contributes a substantial amount of the premium for the employee and dependents. Employees can select from four (4) Blue Shield Plans including the Safety PPO Plan.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Employees of the City of Lompoc are eligible to receive EAP services administered by Anthem Blue Cross. Employee, spouse, and eligible dependents are entitled to receive five (5) sessions per family member, per incident. Services include counseling for various reasons/needs.

Holidays:Thirteen (13) days per year including one floating holiday.

Life Insurance: The City provides life insurance in the amount equivalent to two years' annual salary up to a maximum of $300,000. The premium is paid entirely by the City. Employees are eligible for enrollment after the first day following six (6) months of continuous employment. Additional employee coverage is available at group rates.

Long-Term Disability Insurance: Effective the first day of the month following six complete months of employment, the employee is eligible for insurance. The City pays 100% of the premium.

Retirement:Third Tier -- Employees hired after January 1, 2013 are covered by California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) 2.7% at age 57 safety retirement formula. Employees pay 50% of the normal cost of the member's contribution as prescribed by PEPRA. Final compensation is the average for the highest 36 consecutive months.

Second Tier -- Employees hired after November 19, 2011 and before January 1, 2013 are covered by California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) 3% at age 55 safety retirement formula. A nine percent (9%) member's contribution is paid by the employee. Final compensation is the average for the highest 36 consecutive months.

First Tier -- Employees hired prior to November 19, 2011 are covered by California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) 3% at age 50 safety retirement formula. A nine percent (9%) member's contribution is paid by the employee. Final compensation is the average for the highest 36 consecutive months.

Social Security: As a City of Lompoc employee, your earnings are not covered by Social Security. Under the Social Security law, there are two ways your Social Security Benefit amount earned under previous employers may be affected, "Windfall Elimination Provision" and "Government Pension Offset Provision." FOR MORE INFORMATION, please visit . You may also call 1-800-772-1213 or for the deaf or hard of hearing, call TTY number 1-800-325-0778, or you may contact your local Social Security Office.

Section 125 Tax Deferral:Program used for out-of-pocket health premiums, medical costs not covered under health plan, and day care/elder care.

Sick Leave: Commencing at the time of appointment, sick leave benefits accrue at a bi-weekly rate and the employee is eligible to use those benefits reflected as their sick leave balance; accrual rate is 12 days/year with unlimited accrual.

Tuition Reimbursement: The City will provide tuition reimbursement for college courses in accordance with Personnel Procedures Manual Chapter 43 "Tuition Reimbursement for College/University Courses." In addition, the City will provide community college students up to 100% tuition reimbursement and 100% reimbursement for required course books per semester. (Course syllabus and receipts identifying books purchased are required for books).

Uniform Allowance: These classifications will receive the following annual uniform allowance for replacement of worn and damaged uniforms:

• Chief of Police $650
• Fire Chief $650

Vacation: Commencing at the time of appointment, vacation leave benefits accrue at a bi-weekly rate based upon length of employment. Employees are eligible to use vacation leave following completion of six months employment and accrue 18 days each year, increasing to 28 days after 15 years (includes 8 days per year of management leave).

For more detailed benefit information, please review the Management, Supervisory & Confidential ("MS&C") Compensation Plan; go to the following link: