Fire Battalion Chief

Undisclosed; Patterson (CA); On-site; USD 128,000 - 156,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Patterson Fire Department invites applications for a Fire Battalion Chief to lead daily operations, including serving as on-scene incident commander and directing emergency response. The role requires strong leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to supervise multiple divisions.

Ideal candidates hold an Associate degree (Bachelor’s preferred) with Fire Officer training; six years in fire service and four years in a Company Officer role are expected. Apply by Sept 29, 2026.

Qualifications

• Associate degree with fire science/administration or related field; Bachelor's preferred.
• Completion of Chief Fire Officer series is desirable.
• Six years of full-time fire service experience; four years as a Company Officer.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, direct, coordinate, and supervise daily operations of the assigned division or shift.
• Serve as on-scene incident commander and direct emergency response for all incident types.
• Develop, implement, and monitor training activities and requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic decision-making

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor's degree desirable

Chief Fire Officer series (Cal Fire)

Job description

Fire Battalion Chief

Annual Salary: $128,352.48 $156,013.20

The City of Patterson's Fire Department is seeking to fill the position of Fire Battalion Chief. The Fire Battalion Chief is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and supervising the daily operations of the assigned division(s), or shift, including serving as on-scene incident commander, directing emergency response operations for all incident types, and exercising sound judgment and independent decision-making in accordance with established organizational policies and procedures.

The Fire Battalion Chief for the City of Patterson will respond to emergency incidents for both suppression and evaluation; commands the firefighting activities of fire companies in response to all emergency incidents; serves as Duty Officer for assigned shifts; performs a full range of administrative duties and tasks; develops, implements, and monitors all training activities and requirements; performs related duties as required and special projects assigned.

The ideal candidate leads by example; is a positive influencer and creates a sense of unity through a shared common vision; and by fostering trust, credibility, collaboration, and teamwork. Possesses a strong command presence with excellent verbal, written communication, listening, interpersonal and administrative skills.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in fire science, fire administration, business or public administration, or a related field; Bachelors degree is highly desirable. Completion of all courses of the California State Board of Fire Services Chief Fire Officerseries.
• Six (6) years of increasingly responsible full-time, career fire suppression and fire prevention experience in a professionally recognized fire agency; four (4) years of Company Officer experience equivalent to that of a Fire Captain with the City of Patterson.

Deadline to apply: September 29, 2026 at 5:00 PM

Tentative Recruitment Schedule

• Assessments and Presentation - October 22, 2026
• Fire Chief's Interview - November 4, 2026