Battalion Chief

Salary: $151,330.69 - $183,972.42 Annually
Location : 140 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande, CA
Job Type: Permanent Full Time
Job Number: 2026-FCFA-001
Department: Five Cities Fire Authority
Opening Date: 09/01/2026
Closing Date: 10/8/2026 5:00 PM Pacific


Description

Step into a pivotal operational leadership role as one of three Duty Chiefs overseeing fire and emergency response on a 48-hour shift schedule

• 1 Vacancy
• Open to Internal & External Candidates

For More Information, CLICK HERE .
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.


DEFINITION
Under general direction, performs responsible management, technical and administrative work in commanding and coordinating fire emergency operations, training, fire prevention, public education, emergency planning, facility/equipment maintenance, and other related programs and services; provides responsible and technical staff assistance; implements program goals and objectives; assists with preparation and administration of budget; oversees and supervises assigned staff.


SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from the Fire Chief. Exercises supervision over assigned staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Under general direction of the Fire Chief, the Shift Battalion Chief functions with primary responsibility to ensure that assigned personnel, apparatus, equipment, and facilities are maintained in appropriate readiness to respond to a variety of emergency calls for service. Under general direction, leads, manages, supervises, and coordinates the activities and operations of assigned shift within the Fire Department including operations, training, facility/equipment maintenance, fire prevention, emergency planning, public education and related programs; serves as Duty Chief for assigned shift and responds to emergency incidents; coordinates assigned activities with other shifts, divisions, departments, and outside agencies, providing work direction and assistance to department staff, participating in department management at the policy level, analyzing community needs, and designing strategies to prioritize programs and services to meet them; provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Fire Chief, and may act as Fire Chief in their absence.

Essential Function Statements
Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Serves as the acting Fire Chief in his/her absence.
• Serves as Duty Chief; responds to emergency incidents as required by departmental policy and assumes command of incident unless relieved of command by a superior officer.
• Assumes management responsibility for assigned programs, activities and operations of assigned shift including operations, training, fire marshal, emergency management, facility/equipment maintenance, public education and related programs and services.
• Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for departmental programs and services; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.
• Reviews and analyzes a variety of reports, records, and documents; produces a variety of specialized reports, may develop report formats and utilize varied databases.
• Prepares and directs the preparation of a variety of written correspondence, reports, procedures, ordinances, and other written materials.
• Prepares designs, specifications, and cost estimates for assignments and projects.
• Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for assigned shift; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Participates in the selection and evaluation of assigned personnel; prepares performance evaluations of Company Captains and reviews evaluations for shift personnel as assigned.
• Manages personnel issues including disciplinary actions.
• Participates in the development and administration of the Department's annual budget; participates in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; implements adjustments.
• Oversees implementation of the Department's training programs for fire fighting, technical rescue, hazardous materials and other emergency response services and programs; implements training programs and schedules; identifies the training needs of company personnel; provides or coordinates shift training and drills in firefighting methods, techniques, and related subjects; coordinates training programs with other shifts, divisions, departments and outside agencies; maintains shift personnel training records.
• Assists in the purchasing, maintenance, and inventory of all fire related equipment, vehicles, and property including communication equipment, vehicles and related equipment, and safety equipment.
• Trains fire personnel in the use of a variety of fire equipment, station equipment and communication equipment as necessary.
• Participates in facilities planning for the Fire Authority; coordinates maintenance and repairs to existing facilities as necessary.
• Prepares a variety of public information materials; conducts or has subordinates conduct public information/education classes related to fire prevention, hazardous materials, disaster preparedness and other department activities.
• Provides staff assistance to the Fire Chief.
• Serves as the liaison for assigned shift to other shifts, divisions, departments, and outside agencies; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
• Serves as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of fire prevention, suppression, training, and management; attends training classes.
• Coordinates special events as required.
• Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Performs related duties as required.

Qualifications

Knowledge of :

• Modern safety practices within the fire serviceModern organizational management practices
• Current, widely accepted emergency response practices in the area of medical, fire, hazardous materials, and technical rescue
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, fire safety codes, and regulations
• Operational characteristics of fire suppression and emergency medical apparatus and equipment
• Principles and practices of public agency budget development, administration, and accountability
• Principles of supervision, personnel development, and training
• Personnel management, procedures, and guidelines
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public, to member community staff, and outside agencies
• Modern office methods and procedures, office equipment, computers, and related software applications

Ability to :

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Lead, direct, and motivate others
• Work independently
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Analyze problems and apply sound judgment in developing alternatives
• Appreciate participatory/political concerns of the three communities
• Interpret, explain, and apply policies and procedures in managing a variety of diverse and complex situations
• Handle confidential operation and employee information
• Manage a variety of diverse and complex functions
• Lead operations staff in delivering emergency services
• Conduct surveys and studies to determine training needs
• Critique emergency calls
• Coordinate training records; set up system and review updating of individual and company training records
• Coordinate interviews, references, physicals, and other personnel selection methods for new staff
• Serves as liaison with the San Luis Obispo County Training and/or Fire Prevention Officer's Association
• Evaluate assigned staff
• Respond to requests and inquiries from the public
• Operate office equipment including computers and related software applications

Experience and Training Guidelines
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be seven years of increasingly responsible experience as a fulltime firefighter or higher rank, four of those years must be at a Captain level or above if an external candidate, minimum of 2 years full time and 2 years of Acting/Interim Captain for internal candidates, and one of the following:

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in a related field
• Equivalent to an associate degree from an accredited college or university
• Possession of a Chief Fire Officer certification issued by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, International Fire Services Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), or Pro Board; or
• Completion of all Chief Fire Officer curriculum requirements at time of application.

Licenses or Certificates
Requires the possession of the following:

• Company Officer certification issued by the Office of the State Fire Marshal (IFSAC or PRO-Board)
• Advanced Incident Command System (ICS-400)
• Valid California issued Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic License
• Current California Driver's License
• Fire Operations in the Urban Interface (S-205/S-215) or Company Officer 2E
• Ignition Operations (CA-219 / S-219)
• Basic Air Operations (S-270)
• Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290)

Possession of the following certificates is highly desirable:

• Chief Fire Officer certification
• Executive Chief Fire Officer certification
• FEMA All-Hazards Operations Section Chief L- 958
• FEMA All Hazards Safety Officer L-0954
• FEMA O-305 All Hazards Type 3 Incident Management
• CSFM Incident Management of High-Rise Fires
• CSFM Command and Control of the RIC Deployment
• CSFM All Risk Division Group Supervisor S-339
• Qualification under the California Incident Command Certification System (CICCS) in one or more supervisory / overhead positions
• Hazardous Materials Incident Commander certification within two years of appointment

At the Fire Chief's discretion, the required certifications may be substituted with other state and/or federal certifications for current Chief Officers with a minimum of two years' experience. If substituted, completion of Company Officer certification issued by the State Fire Marshal must be completed within two years of appointment.

Within 12 months of appointment must complete the following:

• Five Cities Fire Authority Battalion Chief Task Book (if not completed at time of appointment)
• All State Fire Training Chief Fire Officer Courses (if not completed at time of appointment)
• Complete Chief Officer task book, required educational degree, and obtain Chief Fire Officer Certification within two years of appointment (if not completed at time of appointment)

Additional Required Documentation

• Cover Letter explaining why you are the best candidate for the position, reflecting on professional and personal experience, education, and training.
• Resume

WORKING CONDITIONS
Environmental Conditions:
Office and field environment; travel from site to site; exposure to emergency firefighting environment; exposure to computer screens, motorized vehicles and equipment, noise, dust, grease, flames, smoke, blood and other bodily fluids, fumes, gases, chemicals, and extreme heat or cold; slippery or uneven walking surfaces; work at heights on ladders; work with water.


Physical Conditions:
Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time; heavy, moderate or light lifting; climbing with both legs and arms; crouching, crawling, or kneeling for various periods of time; use of respirator; vision sufficient to assess emergency situations and recommend effective courses of action.


Incumbents in this classification work 48-hour shift assignments, including weekends and holidays, and may be required to work overtime with little or no notice. Attendance at off-hours meetings and occasional travel are required. Due to the varied and unpredictable nature of the work, incumbents may also be required to work under the following conditions: unpredictable interruptions of sleep during which they must function effectively, including directing the work of others in emergency situations. While performing many emergency-related duties, they are required to lift, carry and/or drag objects such as a hose line weighing up to 80 pounds, wear special protective clothing weighing and self-contained breathing apparatus weighing up to 100 pounds, lift and carry victims weighing up to 160 pounds, must be able to observe or monitor people or objects to ensure compliance
Our Community
Arroyo Grande, incorporated in 1911, is located on the California Central Coast midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Located in San Luis Obispo County, the City is 5.45 square miles with a population of over 18,000 residents. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean, beautiful foothills, lakes, and world-class wineries, the City boasts fine homes, excellent schools, and a thriving agricultural and tourism-based economy.

Downtown Arroyo Grande, or the "Village" as locals call it, is the quaint heart of the city. The walkable downtown has antique shops in old Victorian buildings, farm-to-table eateries and watering holes, and exhilarating outdoor exploration. In the middle
of the village overlooking Arroyo Grande Creek is the historic Swinging Bridge, which is owned and maintained by the City. Constructed in 1875, it spans a total length of 171 feet, is suspended 40 feet above the creek, and is the only one of its kind in California.

The City prides itself on its beautiful array of parks, open space, and multiple community facilities. From the many parks to the sports complexes to the wildlife preserve, the City of Arroyo Grande encourages a strengthened community and improved
psychological health. Each year, the Harvest Festival and Summer Concerts in the Park Series draw crowds of visitors seeking an old-fashioned good time.

Arroyo Grande is one of the cities on the central coast known as the "Five Cities," which includes Grover Beach, Oceano, Pismo Beach, and Shell Beach or Halcyon. Known for its Mediterranean climate, summers are warm and dry with an average temperature of 70 degrees. Meanwhile, winters are mild with an average temperature between 50 and 60 degrees.

Benefits
There are a wide variety of benefits available to City of Arroyo Grande employees. These benefits include: health, dental, vision, life insurance, optional life and disability insurance plans, an employee assistance program and a deferred compensation program.

In addition, the City of Arroyo Grande provides full-time employees accrued Sick and Vacation leave and paid Holidays.

The City also participates in CalPERS retirement and Social Security.

The Memorandum of Understanding or Resolutions define the benefit details for each classification.

For a benefits overview click here:
01


Do you have at least four years' experience as a full-time Fire Captain with a career department?

• Yes
• No

02


If you answered "No" to Question #1, do you have at least two-years experience as a Fire Captain with the Five Cities Fire Authority, and two-years of experience as an Acting Fire Captain with the Five Cities Fire Authority?

• Yes
• No

03


Have you completed an Associate's degree with major course work in fire science/administration, business, public administration, or a closely related field?

• Yes
• No

04


Have you completed a Bachelor's degree with major course work in fire science/administration, business, public administration, or a closely related field?

• Yes
• No

05


If "No" to questions 3 or 4, do you possess a Chief Fire Officer certification issued by the Office of State Fire Marshal (IFSAC or PRO-Board)?

• Yes
• No

06


Have your completed all Chief Fire Officer curriculum requirements at the time of application?

• Yes
• No

07


Do you possess a current California Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

08


Do you have a Company Officer certification issued by the Office of the State Fire Marshal (IFSAC or PRO-Board)?

• Yes
• No

09


Do you have a current Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification from any California county or National Registry?

• Yes
• No

10


Do you have an Advanced Incident Command System (ICS-400) certification?

• Yes
• No

11


Do you have a Fire Operations in the Urban Interface (S-205/S-215) or Company Officer 2E certification?

• Yes
• No

12


Do you have an Ignition Operations (CA-219 / S-219) certification?

• Yes
• No

13


Do you have a Basic Air Operations (S-270) certification?

• Yes
• No

14


Do you have an Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290) certification?

• Yes
• No

15


Have you submitted the following requirements for you application?- Cover letter- Resume- Copies of all required and desirable licenses (including driver's license) and certifications,

• Yes
• No

Required Question