CLOSED PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITY: FIRE DIVISION CHIEF

City-of-SAN-Marcos,-C; San Marcos (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of San Marcos Fire Department announces the 2026 Fire Division Chief Promotional Exam Process. This is a closed promotional opportunity limited to regular full-time City employees with required qualifications.

The Division Chief leads operations, supports the Fire Chief, mentors staff, and collaborates with other City departments to advance community safety. Applicants must meet criteria and submit required documents; an ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree, eight years of fire

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree highly desirable at appointment.
• Eight years of increasingly responsible experience with an agency providing urban fire protection services, including two years of management/administrative responsibility at Battalion Chief level.
• Three years of command/leadership experience as Division, Assistant or Deputy Chief is highly desirable, with blend of field operations and administrative duties.
• Valid California Firefighter I, II, and Fire Officer certifications and driving license requirements are listed; a Chief Officer certificate is recommended.

Responsibilities

• Directs, manages, supervises, and coordinates the activities of an assigned division within the Fire Department.
• Responds to emergency incidents and coordinates with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies.
• Provides administrative support to the Fire Chief and improves programs and services through innovation and adherence to safety and community standards.

Education

Bachelor's degree in fire science, fire administration, public administration, or related field

Job description

The City of San Marcos Fire Department is pleased to announce the 2026 Fire Division Chief Promotional Exam Process.

This recruitment for Fire Division Chief is a Closed Promotional opportunity and is open only to regular full-time City employees who have passed their original probationary period, or at-will full-time City employees who have completed twelve consecutive months of employment, and who meet the minimum qualifications for the position. Applications from individuals who do not meet these criteria will not be accepted.

The City of San Marcos is seeking a proven leader who is ready to take initiative, deliver results, and exemplify the Fire Department’s core values of integrity, competency, leadership, safety, and customer service. As Fire Division Chief, you will uphold the standard of excellence expected by San Marcos residents and the Fire Chief. You will serve on the front lines when emergencies demand it while also acting as a mentor, organizational leader, and advocate for community safety. You will collaborate regularly with other City departments, provide direct support to the Fire Chief, and effectively address sensitive and controversial issues on behalf of the City. Because San Marcos values innovation and vision, you will be expected to remain current with emerging technologies and industry trends and apply your expertise to improve business processes and service delivery. As a Department leader, you will exercise responsible stewardship of City resources, develop staff, maintain operational readiness, and be accountable to the highest standards of personal conduct and professional expertise. You will also be expected to contribute wherever and whenever duty calls.

Under administrative direction, the Fire Division Chief directs, manages, supervises, and coordinates the activities and operations of an assigned division within the Fire Department. Responsibilities may include operations, training, facilities and equipment maintenance, fire prevention, disaster preparedness, public education, and related programs and services. The Fire Division Chief responds to emergency incidents; coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Fire Chief.

Recruitment and Examination Process:

• Completed applications, required certifications, and supporting documents must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on October 5, 2026.
• Qualified candidates who are invited to continue in the process will participate in the examination phase on October 14, 2026. The examination process will include:
  • Fire Management Panel Interview
  • Directors Panel Interview
• Candidates who successfully complete the examination phase will be invited to a Chief’s Interview. The date and time will be provided to selected candidates.

In addition to a completed application, applicants must submit a resume, copies of all required licenses and certifications, and responses to the supplemental questionnaire as an attached PDF.

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in fire science, fire administration, public administration, or a related field is highly desirable at the time of appointment.

Experience

Eight years of increasingly responsible experience with an agency providing a full range of urban fire protection services, including two years of management and administrative responsibility at the Battalion Chief level. Highly desirable experience: Three years of command and leadership experience as a Division, Assistant or Deputy Chief, with a combination of field operations and administrative responsibilities.

License or Certificate

• Possession of a valid Class C driver's license with a Firefighter Endorsement
• Satisfactory driving record
• Possession of a valid CPR Certificate
• Possession of Hazardous Materials First Responder Incident Command certificate
• Possession of Strike Team Leader certificate
• Possession of Firefighter I, Firefighter II, and Fire Officer certifications issued by the State of California
• A Chief Officer certificate issued by the State of California is recommended.

Special Requirements

Any person hired as a Fire Division Chief after July 1, 1992, must remain a nonsmoker throughout employment with the San Marcos Fire Department. The Fire Division Chief must have no federal or state felony convictions and must reside within the department's residency boundary.