Fire Chief

City of Rocklin, CA

$188K — $256K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in fire technology/science, public or business administration, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred.
  • 10 years of comprehensive and progressive fire department experience needed.
  • 4 years of fire management experience preferred.
  • Valid California Class C driver license required; must have a satisfactory driving record.
  • Strong background in administrative leadership, budget management, and labor-management relations.

Responsibilities

  • Plan, direct, and manage Fire Department activities and operations.
  • Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, and procedures for the department.
  • Administer and oversee the department budget and fire protection contracts.
  • Coordinate emergency operations and disaster response planning.
  • Implement effective fire prevention and education programs.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package including CalPERS retirement plans.
  • 457(b) deferred compensation account with a $350 monthly City match for Department Directors.
  • 401(a) plan funded by employee contributions.
Full Job Description
Salary : $188,423.00 - $256,801.00 Annually
Location : Rocklin Fire Department, CA
Job Type: At-Will Employee
Job Number:
Department: Fire Department
Opening Date: 07/08/2026
Closing Date: 8/3/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Description
To be considered for this position, interested candidates must submit a cover letter and résumé below no later than Monday, August 3, 2026.

THE POSITION
Under administrative direction from the City Manager, the Fire Chief plans, directs, manages, and evaluates the activities, programs, and operations of the Fire Department, including fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency preparedness programs, and administration. The Fire Chief is supported by two Deputy Chiefs who oversee Field Operations and Fire Prevention. In addition, the Fire Chief coordinates assigned activities with other City departments and outside agencies; provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager; and performs related work as required. Essential duties of the Fire Chief include planning, developing, and directing the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the Fire Department; directing the preparation and administration of the department budget and managing multiple fire protection contracts; ensuring the development and implementation of effective fire prevention and education programs; developing, maintaining, and coordinating the emergency operations plan and disaster response; monitoring department activities, programs, and operations for effectiveness; and monitoring and evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced Fire Service leader with an engaging, accessible, and collaborative leadership style; have significant experience in administrative leadership, budget, human resources management, and labor-management relations; be visible and engaged in the community and demonstrate a hands-on approach toward the work; have a passion and commitment to providing service to a diverse community and supporting a diverse team of employees; and will demonstrate a proven ability to lead organizational change while engaging and collaborating with stakeholders across the City to implement meaningful and sustainable improvements.

Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in fire technology/science, public or business administration, or a closely related field as determined by Human Resources. A Master's degree is desirable.

AND
Ten (10) years of recent, broad, and progressively responsible experience in all major functions of a fire department. Four (4) years of equivalent fire management experience is preferred.

Licenses and Certifications
  • A valid California Class C driver license or higher with a satisfactory driving record is required at the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.


SALARY & BENEFITS
The annual salary range for the Fire Chief is $188,423 to $256,801. Placement within the salary range is negotiable and dependent upon qualifications. In addition, the City offers a comprehensive benefits package including retirement provided by CalPERS with a 3% @ 50 formula for Tier 1 Classic Employees, with an employee contribution of 11%. For employees covered under PEPRA, the retirement formula is 2.7% at 57, with an employee contribution of 15.75%. The City also partners with Empower to offer a 457(b) deferred compensation account. Department Directors receive a $350 monthly City match. A 401(a) plan is also available and is funded by employee contributions only.

For additional benefit information, interested candidates are encouraged to review the detailed recruitment brochure here.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS
To be considered for this position, interested candidates must submit a cover letter and résumé below no later than Monday, August 3, 2026.

Confidential inquiries are welcome to:

Bryan Noblett | | (916) 217-3696
To view the benefits for this position, visit our benefits page at:

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