Assistant Fire Chief (40-Hour)

Lathrop, CA - USA

Yearly Salary: $ 157275 - 191164

Posted on: 5 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Department:

Administration

Job Summary

Description

DEFINITION:

The Assistant Fire Chief is responsible for assisting the Fire Chief in managing emergency and non-emergency work activities and directing the Fire District. This position is tasked with planning organizing and directing the activities of the Fire Operations Administration and Prevention Divisions as assigned. The activities include but are not limited to: commanding emergency incidents fire suppression investigations prevention personnel training customer service activities and public relations events. The Assistant Fire Chief is tasked with serving as the Fire Chief in the absence of the Chief and providing highly complex staff assistance to the Fire Chief.

The Assistant Fire Chief is responsible for representing and supporting the Mission Vision and Values of the District and is expected to make positive contributions to the organization by ensuring operational objectives are met through effective communication and implementation of District initiatives and enforcement of District policies procedures and performance standards.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

An Assistant Fire Chief is a sworn public safety officer classification responsible for the supervision of divisions within the District as assigned. This class is required to work a 40-hour work week and occasionally work beyond regularly scheduled hours when necessary for emergencies miscellaneous projects events meetings etc. As a management level position manage confidential and sensitive documents and information appropriately and act on behalf of the Fire Chief in their absence. The Assistant Fire Chief supports and implements District goals and objectives as well as representing the District in a professional manner.

This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Fire Chief in that the latter has overall responsibility for the Fire District. This position serves at the will of the Fire Chief.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED AUTHORITY EMPOWERMENT:
Receives direction and supervision from the Fire Chief.
Exercise direct technical and functional supervision of assigned staff.
When assigned to a program area is responsible for program establishment supervision maintenance and
accountability of the program.
Performs as Incident Commander at emergencies until/unless relieved by another Chief Officer.
May act on behalf of the Fire Chief or designee in their absence.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:(depending upon assignment may include but are not limited to the following)

Examples of Typical Duties:

Assist the Fire Chief in managing and directing the Fire District and act as Fire Chief in their absence

Direct the administration of multiple divisions of the District and supervise division managers as assigned by the Fire
Chief

In conjunction with division managers review research and analyze District operations and make recommendations to
the Fire Chief
Assist the Fire Chief in developing District goals and objectives; assist in the development and implementation of
policies and procedures rules and regulations and memorandum of understanding agreements

Actively participate in the collective bargaining and meet and confer process

Review the operation of all divisions to determine the accomplishment of the Districts primary missions and objectives

Assist in ensuring District compliance with and enforcement of applicable Federal State and local laws ordinances
and codes

Plan organize direct coordinate and evaluate the work of assigned divisions battalions units or programs including
fire suppression emergency medical services fire prevention inspections public education training
and support services

Develop and implement complex and/or highly visible programs reports and special projects

Develop and implement assigned Division work plan; assign work activities projects and programs; monitor workflow;
review and evaluate work products methods and procedures

Represent the District to the public City/County officials the Board of Directors civic groups and media as requested.
Assist in budget preparation and implementation; participate in the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing
equipment materials and supplies; assist the fire chief with administering the approved budget; recommend
strategies to improve fiscal efficiency

May respond and assume command at the scene of major fires critical emergencies significant catastrophic events
and other related emergencies

May act as a liaison with officials in fire law enforcement neighboring city and county jurisdictions and state and
federal agencies

Attend training sessions and conferences congruent with the effective application of the responsibilities of the position

Represent the District on inter-agency committees and in other cooperative programs on behalf of the Fire Chief

Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers other District employees and the public using
principles of good customer service

Research prepare and present technical administrative and Fire Board staff reports and prepare written
correspondence

Ensure that all reports forms recommendations requisitions administrative procedures and requests are accurately
prepared and submitted timely or by an established deadline

Uphold and enforce District policy procedures and rules regulations ordinances and laws

Review and evaluate subordinates work for accuracy and completion to ensure compliance with District regulations
and policy

Remain current with changes in education technology rules regulations and laws related to the work; and

Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/SKILLS:(The following are examples of the knowledge abilities and skills necessary to perform the essential duties of the position)

Demonstrated Knowledge of:

Principles practices and procedures of modern firefighting and emergency systems that may be utilized for the
protection of lives and property;

Basic and advanced instructional techniques fire cause and determination;

Fire suppression and first responder methods practices and techniques;

Fire Science and the Incident Command System (ICS);

Principles and practices of leadership and supervision command principles of chief officers and hazardous materials
procedures for chief officers;

Safety standards and precautions pertaining to the use and operation of fire equipment and fire suppression and first
responder activities;

Emergency medical service techniques CPR basic life support rescue and resuscitation equipment and practices;

Ordinances laws rules and regulations and California Fire Codes;

The geographic layout of the District names of streets and numbers water main and hydrant locations target hazards
and the best routes of travel District resources and external resources provided through mutual aid;

Effective supervisory practices and techniques;

Districts policies and procedures;

Principles and practices of progressive fire service management and leadership techniques including mentorship
professional development positive performance management participatory leadership;

Effective writing techniques and Business English including spelling grammar vocabulary and report writing
standards; and

Principles and practices of effective labor relations and conflict resolution techniques.

Demonstrated Ability to:

Plan assign supervise and evaluate the work of subordinates fire officers and other assigned staff;

Lead personnel effectively and maintain discipline while working efficiently with other District management staff and
support personnel;

Make sound decisions and direct operations in both emergent and non-emergent situations;

Operate District vehicles apparatus and equipment use in modern fire medical and other emergency response
activities;

Maintain appropriate California State drivers license and maintain insurability within the Districts insurance policy;

Maintain an EMT certification as approved by San Joaquin County EMS Agency;

Effectively interpret explain support and make responsible timely decisions in accordance with rules regulations
policies and procedures;

Interpret and effectively apply local state and federal codes laws and regulations;

Communicate effectively in writing orally and with others to assimilate understand and be understood and convey
information in a manner consistent with job functions

Operate cellular phones tablets apparatus and portable radio computer systems and softwares utilize word
processing records management spreadsheets and electronic mail software;

Prepare complete and concise reports and make sound decisions while directing fire personnel at the scene of an
emergency;

Learn job related material through structured lecture and reading and through oral instruction and observation;

Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with employees management and the public;

Travel to different sites and work locations and work protracted and irregular hours;

Conduct public education training for the community;

Represent the District effectively and professionally in contacts with representatives of other agencies and the public;

Maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information; and

Meet and maintain physical standards requirements to perform the job duties.

Demonstrated Skills in:

Applying rescue operations methods and techniques;

Basic keyboarding; and

Operating a personal computer and/or tablet and appropriate worked-related applications such as word processing
calendar and e-mail systems etc.

Typical Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:(The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification)

Experience and Education:
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge skills and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge skills and abilities would be:

Experience:

Seven (7) years of progressively responsible full-time suppression experience including several years of command
level and management experience (e.g. Battalion Chief / Division Chief or equivalent) and at least four (4) years of
full-time experience as a Fire Captain at time of application.

Education:
Associates Degree and/or Bachelors Degree in Fire Science or related field is highly desirable.

Required Licenses and Certifications:
Possession of Fire Officer or Company Officer Certificate in accordance with California State Fire Training requirements.
Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain a valid California driver license with a DMV Fire Endorsement and
remain insurable on the Districts insurance policy.
Possess and maintain at a minimum valid EMT certification in accordance with State and Local EMS Agency.
Incumbent must complete Chief Fire Officer Certification in accordance with California State Fire Training requirements
within 3 years of appointment.

Special Requirements:
Incumbents in this class must have physical examinations performed at the interval indicated in the current
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
External candidates must be recommended for the position as a result of a pre-employment physical
psychological/management evaluation and a background assessment.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The Lathrop-Manteca Fire Protection District is an equal opportunity employer and will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Incumbent must possess the mobility to have frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting standing and/or walking for long periods of time; occasional bending squatting lifting carrying pushing pulling climbing and walking on uneven surfaces or surfaces that maybe slippery from fire or water damage; occasional lifting up to 50 pounds; frequent lifting pushing and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds; constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work as well as driving and other distance-related activities; identification and distinguishing of colors and depth; frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping holding and reaching; frequent hearing and talking in person and on the telephone radio and computer; work for long periods of time requiring frequent physical activity decision-making and intense concentration; frequent public and/or co-worker contact; occasional working alone; frequent exposure to all types of weather conditions and marked changes in temperatures; potential inhalation or contact with smoke vapors dust or gasses; possible exposure to potentially harmful chemical or biological agents; frequent exposure to computer screens and noise; use Self-Contained Breathing-Apparatus and protective clothing to prevent exposure to hazardous materials and infectious diseases; and rely on sense of sight hearing touch and smell to help determine the nature of an emergency and make operational decisions.

Mobility to work in a typical office setting or field environment with exposure to extreme fluctuations in temperature; work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the outdoor elements; and travel across wet slippery rough uneven or rocky surfaces. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts on and near busy roads and freeways in high precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions fumes or airborne particles toxic or caustic chemicals risk of electrical shock and vibration.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate except during certain firefighting or EMT activities when noise levels may be loud.

*Note: These are illustrative examples - the omission of specific statement of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar related or a logical assignment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER:
All District employees are by State and Federal law Disaster Service Workers. The roles and responsibilities for Disaster Service Workers are authorized by the California Emergency Services Act and are defined in the California Labor the event of a declaration of emergency any employee of the District may be assigned to perform activities which promote the protection of public health and safety or the preservation of lives and property. Such assignments may require service at locations times and under conditions that are significantly different than the normal work assignments and may continue into the recovery phase of the emergency. If a Local Emergency is declared during the employees shift employees will be expected to remain at work to respond to the emergency needs of the community. If a Local Emergency is declared outside of the employees shift employees must make every effort to contact their direct supervisor or department head to obtain reporting instructions as Disaster Service Workers.

DISCLAIMER:
The duties listed above are illustrative examples - the omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar related or a logical assignment. The District reserves the right to modify or reassign duties as required.

Class Title: Assistant Fire Chief PCR Code: 011
Division: Fire Administration Unit: Executive Staff*
FLSA Status: Exempt Effective Date: 11/20/2025
Retirement: Safety Revision History: 11/20/2025

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Submit completed applications and supporting documents on Government Jobs by February 15 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Candidates should be prepared for all correspondence after the application phase to be distributed via e-mail; a valid email address mustbe provided.

Selection Process:

Testing for this position may include the following:

Application Review and Screening
Written Examination
Practical Assessment
Oral Interview
Chiefs Oral Interview
Conditional Offer
Background Investigation
Physical Examination to Include Drug Screening; will also be used for SJCERA requirements.
Psychological/Management Evaluation
Job Offer

Tentative Timeline for Recruitment:

Application Deadline: February 15 2026 at 11:59 P.M.
Application Review Period: February 16 2026 through February 17 2026
Assessment Center: February 26 and 27 2026
Chiefs Interviews: March 5 and 6 2026
Conditional Offer: March 11 2026
Background Investigation Physical Exam and Psych Evaluation: March 12 2026 through April 24 2026
Official Offer: May 4 2026

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation: $157275.04 - $191164.48 (Base Pay not including eligible incentives)

Education: Up to 10.0% of base pay

Special Operations: Up to 5.0% of base pay
(Dive Hazardous Materials Technical Rescue and OES Water Rescue Teams)

Uniform Allowance: $900.00 Annually

Vacation: Based on years of employment (minimum of 12 hours of per month)

Sick Leave: 18 hours per month

FLSA Designation: Exempt

Probationary Period: Twelve (12) Months; subject to an extension of up to six (6) months.

Health Insurance: Employee plus dependents according to MOU

Medical: Up to 100% of CalPERS PERS Platinum for Employee & Eligible Dependents

Vision: 100% Employer Paid through Vision Service Plan

Dental: 100% Employer Paid throughSun Life Dental Plan

Retirement: SJCERA General Member Retirement per current MOU

Life Insurance: $10000.00

Hours: 40 Hours per Week (Monday through Friday)

Lathrop Manteca Fire District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If you have any questions or need accommodations please contact HR Administrator Hailey Salazar at.

Required Experience:

Chief

DescriptionDEFINITION:The Assistant Fire Chief is responsible for assisting the Fire Chief in managing emergency and non-emergency work activities and directing the Fire District. This position is tasked with planning organizing and directing the activities of the Fire Operations Administration and ...