Fire Chief

University of California; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 1,439,640 - 3,281,040; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

High quality and low-cost medical plans

Paid Holidays annually

Extensive leave benefits

Continuing Education allowance

Access to free professional development courses

On-site Employee Assistance Program

Retirement benefit options

Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer

Job summary

The University of California, Davis seeks a Fire Chief to lead its singular university-owned fire department. The role involves strategic oversight of fire and emergency response operations while enhancing community health initiatives, providing a unique opportunity for impactful leadership in a hands-on, essential service environment.

Qualifications

• Valid California driver's license required.
• Must be 21 years or older and a U.S. Citizen.
• Command level experience in fire/EMS agency.
• Advanced knowledge of fire industry regulations.

Responsibilities

• Leads the university fire department operations.
• Manages significant human, financial, and physical resources.
• Develops policies and oversees the Health 34 initiative.

Skills

Leadership

Conflict Resolution

Communication

Decision Making

Organizational Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in fire protection, safety, or related field

Master's Degree in Public Administration or related field

Job description

The Fire Chief is responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction to the only university owned and operated fire department in the UC system, ensuring the safety and well-being of a UC campus that is the largest in geographic size. The Fire Chief is in a highly influential position that requires strong leadership, innovative vision, advanced management skills, technical expertise, and a commitment to all aspects of fire and emergency response, mitigation, risk reduction. Under the Fire Chief’s leadership, the UC Davis Fire Department is classified as an ISO Class 1 fire agency, a distinction held by less than 1% of all US fire departments. Leads a large, complex, 24/7 operation and through subordinate managers, leads programs that have critical impact upon the UC Davis campus and community overall. The Fire Chief has significant responsibility for formulating and administering policies and programs, managing significant human, financial, and physical resources, and functions with a very high degree of autonomy. Oversees the accountability and stewardship of department resources and the development of systems and procedures to protect organizational assets. The Fire Chief leads the on-going development, partnerships, and operations of the campus Health 34 initiative. A first of its kind program providing 24/7 support and resource navigation for the community’s behavioral health and basic medical needs delivered by a team of health educators and providers. With mental health an emerging campus concern, Health 34 improves the wellbeing of the UC Davis community. It’s innovative approach to care is considered a model program, and as the creator of the initiative, the UC Davis Fire Chief helps other universities and regions develop similar programs. The Fire Chief serves as Executive Director of the department’s pre-hospital care educational offerings which include the nation’s top-ranked Emergency Medical Technician and accredited Paramedic Certification Programs for campus affiliates and the general public. The position also ensures the campus’ robust AED program, Stop the Bleed kits, public access Narcan lockers, and other safety resources are appropriately deployed and accessible. In addition, the Fire Chief has regional responsibility as head of the host agency for the West Valley Regional Fire Training Consortium (5 Yolo County fire departments plus training agreements with City of Sacramento Fire & El Dorado County Fire agencies), serves as Chair of the Yolo County Automatic Aid Chiefs, and manages the deployment of UC Davis Fire resources throughout the State of California as part of the mutual aid system. The Fire Chief has oversight of the Fire Department, consisting of approximately 150 full-time, part-time, student, and contract employees: 25 sworn personnel, 15 Student Firefighters, 25 Student EMTs, a 27 person EMS/Pre-hospital Care Division, and a 68-person cadre of instructors within the West Valley Regional Fire Training Consortium.

Apply By Date

June 30, 2025 by 11:59p PDT; screening and selection can begin at any time.

Minimum Qualifications

• Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in fire protection, safety, or closely related field.
• Must be 21 years or older and a U.S. Citizen.
• Command level and supervisory experience in an organized fire/ems agency.
• Experience and skills to effectively manage and resolve conflict.
• Advanced knowledge of contemporary fire/ems industry issues and workforce. Knowledge of applicable industry regulations. A working knowledge of the Firefighter Bill of Rights (FBOR).
• Skills to understand and interpret the rules and regulations of the fire department, pertinent ordinances, applicable State and Federal laws. Oral and written communication skills to develop written narratives, reports, memoranda, correspondence, department policies, procedures, and related material and convey them to a diverse community.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management. Skill to delegate responsibility, with commensurate authority to appropriate staff members.
• Decision making skills to conduct both routine and complex tasks in all aspects of department operations. Knowledge of administration principles and methods. Organizational skills to achieve timely progress on multiple simultaneous complex projects, distribute effort appropriately among the projects, meet deadlines and maintain a high level of productivity. Skill to use industry-specific equipment and technology.
• Knowledge to assess performance and communications skills to provide accurate and timely feedback, resolve problems/conflicts, and build effective team environments.
• Skill to develop logical plans, evaluating alternatives and anticipating risks, obstacles, and likely consequences. Skill to assess, prioritize, organize and direct others in event planning or incident response.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, or Fire & Emergency Services related field of study.
• Chief Fire Officer Designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence.
• California Certified Fire Chief issued by the CalFire State Fire Training.

Key Responsibilities

• 60% - Fire Administration and Operations
• 30% - Health 34

Department Overview

Reports directly to the Vice Chancellor – Finance, Operations, & Administration or equivalent position. Responsible for managing and directing the fire department and other delegated authorities and duties. Develops campus and/or organizational policies and authorizes their implementation. Represents the campus in campus wide, systemwide, region wide, and national meetings and discussions. Makes final decisions for the organization and ensures achievement of objectives. Erroneous decisions will have a serious impact on the overall success of division or the campus.

Position Information

• Full Salary Grade Range: $129 , 000 - $294 , 000 annually
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: Grade 28
• UC Job Title: CITY AND CAMPUS FIRE CHF MGR 3
• UC Job Code: 005996
• Number of Positions: 1
• Percentage of Time: 100
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F, 8am-5pm
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family’s needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans.
• More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Walking - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Sitting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Special Requirements

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community , our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks