Unit Chief

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE); Monterey (CA); On-site; USD 124,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

CAL FIRE is seeking a Unit Chief in Monterey County to lead a key operations unit. The position is permanent, full-time in-office, with responsibilities centered in field coordination and program management. Salary ranges from $11,093 to $14,360 per month.

Final filing date is 9/12/2026. The role requires aligning with CAL FIRE’s strategic plans and fire protection objectives. Details are in the attached duty statement.

Job description

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.

Position Details

Job Code # JC-530629

Position #(s) 542-419-1037-001

Working Title Unit Chief

Classification UNIT CHIEF

$11,093.00 - $14,360.00

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 Monterey County

Telework In Office

Job Type Permanent, Full Time

Facility San Benito-Monterey 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. CAL FIRE offers well-paying careers and opportunities for advancement. We hope that you will consider a rewarding and challenging career with CAL FIRE!

Job Description And Duties

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

Contact Assistant Southern Region Chief Joshua Nettles at [phone] 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.

Special Requirements

Knowledge of: All of the Assistant Chief, and public relations methods and interagency relationships in fire protection and resource management programs in California; and cultural heritage and demographics.

Ability to: All of the Assistant Chief, and ensure that the unit's policies are consistent with the Department's Strategic Plan, Fire Plan, and Board of Forestry and Fire Protection policies

Final Filing Date 9/12/2026

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).

Required Application Package Documents

• 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

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.