ASSISTANT CHIEF

State of California; California (MO); On-site; USD 118,000 - 153,000; Full time

Job summary

CAL FIRE in California is seeking a Leadership – Assistant Chief to oversee program areas within the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. This permanent, full-time role blends executive leadership with field operations and requires strong strategic judgment.

The position includes a monthly salary of $10,569.00 to $13,674.00 and eligibility for state benefits, with a focus on emergency response readiness, safety, and compliance with PLP 2025 pay adjustments.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications as per the Official Classification Specification.

Responsibilities

• Oversee leadership and program areas within CAL FIRE.
• Coordinate field operations with administrative functions.
• Ensure safety, emergency readiness, and compliance with regulations.

Job description

Job Posting:LEADERSHIP – ASSISTANT CHIEF

Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

JC-530466 -

JC-530466 - LEADERSHIP – ASSISTANT CHIEF 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: 9/9/2026

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

Please Note: Due to postal service delays, electronic submission of application is recommended.

Please see the Duty Statement link, found in the Additional Documents section, for more information.

Applicants are highly encouraged to complete a Recruitment Questionnaire, located at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HLYSH8V

In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.

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

Working Conditions

Duties involve field work requiring physical performance calling for above-average ability, endurance, and superior condition, including occasional demand for extraordinarily strenuous activities in emergencies, under adverse environmental conditions, and over extended periods of time; requires running, walking, difficult climbing, jumping, twisting, bending and lifting over 25 pounds; and the pace of work is typically set by the emergency situation. Duties mainly involve office type work with occasional field activity characterized by light physical exertion requiring basic good health. Activities may include climbing stairs, standing, operating a vehicle and long hours of work, as well as some bending, stooping or light lifting. Individuals can usually govern the extent and pace of their physical activity. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite preferred. Statewide travel may be required up to 5% and may include overnight stays.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ASSISTANT CHIEF

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:

Telework:

In Office

Job Type:

Permanent, Full Time

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 14,000 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. CAL FIRE offers well-paying careers and opportunities for advancement. We hope that you will consider a rewarding and challenging career with CAL FIRE!

Special Requirements

This position requires Respiratory Protection Program (RPP) Clearance prior to the incumbent being hired.

• The incumbent may be required to wear respiratory protection equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). The use of such equipment may place a physiological burden on the incumbent that varies with the type of equipment used, the job and workplace conditions in which the equipment is used, and the medical status of the incumbent. As such, California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (CalOSHA) requires that the incumbent be annually medically cleared to be fit-tested for respiratory protection equipment. This clearance process consists of a comprehensive medical evaluation including a review of the incumbent’s medical history, a complete physical examination, and vision, hearing, spirometry, and exercise treadmill tests. Duties involve field work requiring physical performance calling for above-average ability, endurance, and superior condition, including occasional demand for extraordinarily strenuous activities in emergencies, under adverse environmental conditions, and over extended periods of time; requires running, walking, difficult climbing, jumping, twisting, bending and lifting over 25 pounds; and the pace of work is typically set by the emergency situation.

All job applicants must provide their employment history on the application form (State Application STD 678) rather than attaching a resume to the form, otherwise the application may be considered incomplete.

1. Do NOT include ANY confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your State application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver’s license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.

2. Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined a candidate does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate will be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board.

The minimum qualifications can be found in the Assistant Chief classification specifications.

• 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.

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.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit 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.