ASSISTANT CHIEF

Department Of Forestry & Fire Protection; California; On-site; USD 118,000 - 153,000; Full time

Job summary

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is seeking a Division Chief for the Merced Division. This 12-month limited-term, in-office leadership role will oversee operations within Merced County and coordinate with the Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit.

New hires will be placed at the appropriate salary step; the position offers a stable government schedule and the chance to contribute to fire protection, resource management and public safety in California.

Qualifications

• ASSISTANT CHIEF

Job description

Job Posting: Division Chief - Merced Division (D4204)

Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

JC-537905 -

JC-537905 - Division Chief - Merced Division (D4204) ASSISTANT CHIEF

$10,569.00 - $13,674.00 per Month. New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 11/14/2026

Application Methods: Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account) By Mail Drop-off

Please see the attached duty statement for details on this position.

*Filling Limited Term for up to 12months with the possibility of becoming permanent.

Job Description and Duties

Please see the attached duty statement for details on this position.

*Filling Limited Term for up to 12months with the possibility of becoming permanent.

Contact Acting Unit Chief Justin Macombat [phone] or by email at [e-mail] for questions related to the duties of the position.

Candidate may be selected by resume review.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

Will be subject to working nights, weekends, or holidays.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ASSISTANT CHIEF

Division Chief - Merced Division (D4204)

Classification

ASSISTANT CHIEF $10,569.00 - $13,674.00 New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions: 1

Work Location: Merced County

Telework: In Office

Job Type: 12 Month Limited Term - Full Time

Facility: Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit

Department Information

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is California's fire department and resource management agency. The organization is comprised of nearly 12,000 permanent and seasonal employees. The mission of the Department is to serve and safeguard the people and protect the property and resources of California. When you join CAL FIRE, you join a family of employees that function as a team. You will build trust and friendship with your co-workers, as together you respond to emergencies and challenging situations. CAL FIRE provides employees with a variety of career choices and opportunities. We hope that you will consider a rewarding and challenging career with CAL FIRE!

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Required Documentation

You must submit a completed State Application (STD. 678) [please include WORKING TITLE and POS#], Resume, and Authorization to Release Information Form (PO-299).

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Other - Authorization to Release Information Form (PO-299): https://www.fire.ca.gov/-/media/D817B8E27D8049C3BC35297686467FB9

Applications/Resumes postmarked after the final filing date may not be considered.

Maintains the Arduous Fitness Standard in accordance with Department policy. The incumbent is required to wear respiratory protection equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). As such, The Division of Occupational Safety and Health of California (CALOSHA) requires the incumbent to be annually medically cleared to be fitted for respiratory protection equipment.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact: Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator [phone] [e-mail]

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.