FIRE CHIEF

Salary : $210,120.00 - $281,592.00 Annually
Location : City of Hemet, 510 E Florida Ave., Hemet, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 25/26-030
Department: Fire Department
Opening Date: 01/26/2026


THE CITY
**THE CITY OF HEMET IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER**
The City of Hemet is currently looking for a proven leader and experienced professional to serve as Fire Chief. The ideal candidate will have a passion for delivering high-quality services and an individual who can assist the City Manager with the vision of moving the City forward.


To be considered for this exceptional career opportunity, please submit the following required attachments:
**REQUIRED ATTACHMENT MATERIALS

• Cover Letter/Letter of Interest
• Resume
• Degree/Transcripts
• Five (5) References

References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.

Summary Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act may include, but are not limited to the following characteristics, duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills and other characteristics.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Plan, develop, manage, and direct Fire Department activities and services including fire suppression, protection and prevention, hazardous materials and disaster preparedness, medical response and other related activities; command major fire emergency and disaster situations affecting the City, as appropriate.
• Direct the development and administration of the department budget; monitor and approve expenditures and implement budget adjustments; present budget to fiscal committee.
• Conduct and direct studies; prepare and present master plan reports addressing growth impact on emergency services; ensure proper planning occurs for disaster preparedness programs and activities; ensures activities are in accordance with ordinances, laws, codes, policies and regulations.
• Prepare reports and make presentations at City Council and other meetings; serve on various internal and external committees; attend meetings as part of senior executive team; serve as liaison with the community, professional groups, the media and other external contacts and resources for the City.
• Establish, implement, and enforce department policies and procedures; work with City staff to establish Citywide policies and procedures.
• Resolve discrepancies or procedural problems and respond to program administration and/or delivery questions ensuring necessary follow-up occurs; confer with and advise staff and internal and external customers by providing advice, problem-solving assistance, answers to questions and interpretation of program goals and policy.
• Directly and through subordinate supervisors, hire, direct work efforts and evaluate staff; provide for and/or conduct staff development; establish work methods and standards; initiate corrective and/or disciplinary action and respond to grievances and complaints.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge of municipal organization and administration.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of effective leadership, management and supervision. Knowledge of municipal budget preparation and control.

Knowledge of modern fire suppression, protection and prevention principles and practices.

Knowledge of program and project management principles and practices.

Knowledge of city, state and federal fire and building codes and regulations.
SKILL

Skill in program development, implementation and evaluation.

Skill in assessing objectives and operational requirements to develop and implement appropriate

administrative policies and procedures for the city and the department.

Skill in managing, developing, motivating and evaluating professional and support staff.

Skill in managing special projects, activities and programs.

Skill in understanding and applying complex regulations, procedures and guidelines.
ABILITY

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to conduct research and prepare clear, concise and comprehensive reports.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, employees, and the public.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree (Masters degree preferred) in fire technology, public administration or a related field and five (5) years progressively responsible fire service management experience including three (3) years battalion chief or higher level supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
CERTIFICATION/LICENSES

State of California class "C" driver's license.

Supplemental Information

**REQUIRED ATTACHMENT MATERIALS

• Cover Letter/Letter of Interest
• Resume
• Degree/Transcripts
• Five (5) References

ENVIRONMENTAL AND PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Requires the mobility and manual dexterity to work in a standard office environment, use standard office equipment and attend off-site meetings; speech and hearing to communicate in person and by telephone; vision to read handwritten and printed materials and a computer screen; strength and agility to lift and carry items weighing up to 20 pounds. Some accommodations may be made for some physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodations.
SELECTION PROCESS
All properly completed applications will be reviewed and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. The process may include any combination of a written exam, oral board interview, and/or skills assessment to further evaluate job-related qualifications. Candidates who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on an eligibility list which will remain valid for a minimum of twelve months.
Note: Prospective employees will undergo, and must successfully pass, a background reference check (including fingerprinting) and a medical examination. Drug screening may be required.
At-Will / Directors
Benefits Summary
(Updated January 2026)
The following is a summary of the provided benefits to full-time, At-Will / Director employees. For further information, please contact Human Resources.

Retirement: The City contracts with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS).

Miscellaneous Members:

• Classic Members: 2.5% at 55 Formula; 1959 survivor benefit; final compensation based on single highest year; employee contributes 8% (no Social Security deduction).
• PEPRA (New) Members: 2% at 62 Formula; 1959 survivor benefit; final compensation based on a three-year average; employee contributes 50% of total normal cost, currently 8% (no Social Security deduction)

Safety Members:

• Classic Members: 3% at 55 Formula; 1959 survivor benefit; final compensation based on single highest year; employee contributes 12% (no Social Security deduction).
• PEPRA (New) Members: 2.7% at 57 Formula; 1959 survivor benefit; final compensation based on a three-year average; employee contributes 50% of total normal cost, currently 14.75% (no Social Security deduction).

Medical Coverage:

• The City contributes 100% of premium for employee only coverage on the City's Kaiser plans.

Plan Year 2025/2026
(September 2025- August 2026)
Dental & Vision Coverage:

• The City pays 100% of the premium for dental & vision coverage for employees and their dependents.

Life & Long-Term Disability Insurance:

• The City pays 100% of the premium for a term-life insurance policy of one time base pay rate.
• The City pays 100% of the premium for long-term disability insurance.

Deferred Compensation:

• The City contributes 2.5% of employee's monthly salary.

Educational Reimbursement:

• The City will provide up to $5,000 per calendar year.

Leave Accruals:

• Employees earn up to the following amounts of leave:
  • 256 hours annually Vacation Leave
  • 40 hours annually Administrative Leave
  • 4 hours per month Sick Leave
  • 10 paid Holidays annually
  • 3 Floating Holidays

Work Schedule:

• The City participates in flexible work scheduling based on providing appropriate coverage and adequate service to the public.

Auto Allowance:

• $500 per month. This benefit is only applicable with approval of the City Manager.

Note: The provisions of this summary do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this summary may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contributions toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract negotiations between the recognized employee association and the City of Hemet.