Job Description:
Fire Division Chief- 112 hours
Description
DescriptionThis is a Closed-Promotional recruitment. Only online city applications will be accepted, and they must be submitted no later than 5: 00 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026 . DEFINITION: Under general direction, plans and manages designated operations of the City's Fire Department in providing fire suppression, fire prevention, inspection, emergency medical services, emergency management and/or environmental safety programs.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Receives general supervision from the Fire Chief. Supervises a shift or battalion.
Test dates are tentative, and subject to change without prior notice, candidates will receive written confirmation from the Human Resources Department. Candidates must achieve a score of 70% or higher on each exam element to receive a final weighted score and be placed on to the eligibility list. Essential Job Functions ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following duties and responsibilities, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list of duties and responsibilities is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.
Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities: Positions in this classification typically perform a full range of duties at a level of complexity represented by the following types of responsibilities:
- Reviews and develops policy and procedures related to assigned function(s); assists the Fire Chief in the efficient operation of the Department overall.
- Responds to and establishes the incident command post for a full range of emergency situations including fires, hazardous materials incidents, mass casualties, explosions, radioactive materials, entrapments, vehicle accidents, bomb threats, acts of civil disobedience and violence; responds to mutual /automatic aid to assist other jurisdictions; conducts field inspections of fire, hazardous materials and emergency management operations; directs the preparation of activity reports, special reports and other communication.
- Develops comprehensive plans to meet the City's future needs for fire prevention, emergency management, and environmental safety services; manages and coordinates activities with those of other agencies; monitors and maintains appropriate City involvement in multi-jurisdictional matters.
- Provides leadership, program development, administration and coordination of designated Department operations, special projects and services; monitors for compliance with City and Department policy and procedures and Federal, State and local codes and regulations; serves as liaison with the community, professional groups and other external contacts and resources for the City.
- Identifies training needs; develops goals and objectives for Department and individual training activities; develops and delivers specific training programs applicable to all aspects of fire and Department related services; identifies external resources for providing training; maintains records and prepares reports; develop and monitor individual career development plans.
- Coordinates designated Fire Department operations with activities of other programs, departments or staff to ensure program delivery according to appropriate policies, procedures and specifications; confers with and advises staff and the public in providing advice, problem solving assistance, answers to questions and interpretation of Department procedures, goals and policy.
- Participates in the development of the annual budget including personnel, training, equipment, materials requirements and capital improvements; makes revenue and expenditure projections, develops program budgets, monitors budget expenditures and authorizes purchasing; monitors and evaluates program costs.
- Resolves discrepancies or procedural problems and responds to program administration and/or delivery questions ensuring necessary follow-up occurs; assists with, provides input and monitors Department records for operational and budget development and accountability; maintains records, conducts research and writes comprehensive reports; prepares and presents written and oral reports to other City departments, City Council, commissions, task forces, agencies and other groups.
- Directly and through subordinate supervisors, hires, directs work efforts and evaluates staff; provides for and/or conducts staff development; establishes work methods and standards; initiates corrective and/or disciplinary action and responds to grievances and complaints according to established personnel policies and procedures and in consultation with the Fire Chief and Human Resources.
- Regularly and predictably attends work; and
- Performs related duties as assigned.
- This position is required to be available to work extended hours and shifts and be available for call-back status for and during emergencies.
- May serve as Acting Fire Chief as assigned.
Qualifications KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Knowledge of: - Principles, practices and techniques of fire prevention, suppression, inspection, hazardous materials and emergency management;
- Fire department organization and management;
- Techniques and equipment used in firefighting;
- Labor relations, negotiations and labor law;
- Adult learning principles;
- Automated business computing systems;
- Principles and practices of effective management and supervision;
- Project management principles and practices; and
- Safe work practices
Skill in: - Conducting of all facets of fire management and fieldwork;
- Program development, implementation and evaluation;
- Developing and delivering professional and technical training;
- Conducting complex procedural and statistical analyses;
- Assessing objectives and operational requirements to develop and implement appropriate policies and procedures for the City and the Department;
- Managing, developing, motivating and evaluating professional and support staff;
- Managing special projects, activities and programs;
- Conducting research and preparing clear, concise and comprehensive reports;
- Understanding and applying complex regulations, procedures and guidelines;
- Communicating effectively orally and in writing;
- Using personal computers and office/financial related software in a Windows-based operating environment;
- Working under pressure, handling significant problems and tasks that arise simultaneously and/or unexpectedly;
- Appearing for work on time;
- Following directions from a supervisor;
- Understanding and following posted work rules and procedures;
- Accepting constructive criticism; and
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with staff, other City employees, and the public.
QUALIFICATIONS: A combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities may be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience: Eight (8) years full-time experience in a professional fire department including three (3) years as a Fire Captain.
Education: Associate's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in fire science, public administration, business, or a closely related field is required; a Bachelor's degree is highly desirable.
- Completion of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800 is required at the time of application.
- Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations (FRO) certification is required at the time of application.
- Completion of California State Fire Marshal Chief Officer certification is required within twelve (12) months of appointment.
Completion of the following courses is highly desirable:
- California Chief Officer 3A- Human Resource Management
- California Chief Officer 3B- Budget and Fiscal responsibilities
- California Chief Officer 3C- General Administrative Functions
- California Chief Officer 3D- Emergency Services Delivery
- Intermediate ICS (1-300)
- Firing Operations (S-219)
- Basic Air Operations (S-270)
- Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290)
- All-Risk Task Force/Strike Team Leader (AH-330)
Licensing/Certification Requirements: - Possession of current EMT and CPR Certifications
- Certification as a California Incident Command Certification System (CICCS) Engine/Crew Boss is highly desirable.
- California Company Officer Certification is highly desirable.
- Due to the performance of field duties which requires the operation of a City vehicle, valid and appropriate California driver's license and acceptable driving record are required.
Supplemental Information Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, City of El Segundo employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
The City of El Segundo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives to build and sustain an environment that values diversity, welcomes opportunities to engage and understand others, and fosters a sense of belonging.
MANAGEMENT/ CONFIDENTIAL EMPLOYEES (M&C) Benefit Summary PERS Retirement :
Miscellaneous employees - Tier I-2% @ 55 . Tier II-2%@60 for individuals employed by the City on or after 12/30/12 who are already PERS members. Tier I and II members pay 7% of PERS member share and 1% shall be employee-paid cost-sharing of the City's contribution under Gov. Code section 20516(a). Single highest year is coordinated with Social Security and Medicare. PERS 2%@62 for new employees/members hired on or after 1/1/13. Three year average coordinated with Social Security and Medicare. Members pay 50% of normal cost (6.75%).
Safety employees (Battalion Chiefs) - 3% @ 55 for current employees and individuals hired by the City who are already PERS members. Single highest year. Employees pay a total of 12% towards retirement. 2.7%@5 7 for new employees/members hired on or after 1/1/13. Three year average final compensation. Members pay 50% of normal cost .
Social Security: The City matches employee’s Social Security contribution, which is 6.2% of your salary and is made on a pre-tax basis. The 2025 Social Security income cap is $176,100.
Medical - Monthly medical contribution of $1,800 ($932 for medical and $818 for flex dollars). Flex dollars may be used toward a medical premium and/or deferred compensation plan. Employees are responsible for paying any out-of-pocket balance of the medical plan premium through a pre-tax payroll deduction.
Deferred Compensation: Voluntary participation in Mission Square 457 plan.
Dental & Vision : MetLife Dental and VSP vision benefits are provided.
Flex Plan : Section 125 Plan, allows for payment of employee-paid insurance, medical treatment, and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Employee Assistance Program : Employees are eligible for the basic level of service.
Life Insurance : $50,000 term life policy provided by City; employee can purchase additional self and dependent coverage at group rates.
Long-Term Disability: In addition to basic LTD plan (66 2/3 % of first $9,750 after 60-day waiting period), City provides Executive LTD which pays 75% of first $12,000 of employee's salary less the amount of any other income, up to a total of $2,500. Applies to non job-related occurrences. 90 day waiting period.
Holidays : 12 fixed paid holidays plus one day of personal leave/floating holiday per year. Battalion Chiefs paid 156 hours.
Vacation Leave : Vacation Leave is earned at a rate of 4.15 hours per pay period. Total years of service in a CalPERS or comparable agency may be used for placement in a higher Vacation Leave accrual. One Personal Leave day per year is provided until such time the City recognizes an additional holiday.
Sick Leave : 8 hours per month.
Administrative Leave: Mid-Management and Confidential positions shall receive up to 56 hours per calendar year upon recommendation of the Department Director and approval of the City Manager.
Bereavement Leave: Three (3) working days (or 40 hours where travel is 500 miles or more) for qualifying incident.
Tuition Reimbursement : Up to $2,000/year for work-related college courses.
Cell Phone Stipend: City cell phone provided depending on position.
Other : Uniform Allowance ($40/mo) for Battalion Chiefs; Voluntary participation in Credit Union; Payroll Direct Deposit; Long-Term Care (premiums paid by employee).
1/14; 12/15; 8/19; 8/22; 24; 7/14/25
Closing Date/Time: 2/26/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Salary:
$17,882.63 - $21,908.29 Monthly