Fire Chief

The Position

Working under the policy direction of the Board of Directors, the Fire Chief plans, organizes, and oversees all Fire District programs, operations, and service delivery. This includes emergency response command, fiscal oversight, budget preparation, strategic planning, and interagency coordination. The Chief ensures the District operates within its approved budget, directs proactive program development, and fosters partnerships with neighboring and governmental agencies. The role includes analyzing legislation, recommending policy changes, managing training and education programs, securing and administering grant funding, and overseeing incident investigations. The Fire Chief also represents the District at board meetings and other official functions, ensuring operational policies align with the District’s mission.

The Fire Chief must be a hands-on, working leader who brings vision, initiative, and a genuine interest in all aspects of the organization and its personnel. This is not a desk-bound role, meaning the Fire Chief is expected to actively participate alongside line personnel to help fulfill the District’s mission of delivering high-quality service.

Education & Experience

Candidates must have an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science or California State Chief Officer Certification, and five (5) years of progressively responsible administration experience in fire service at the management level, which includes considerable command-level experience in supervision, management or emergency services field.

Candidates must have a valid California Driver’s License, Class B, or firefighter endorsement, EMT certification or greater with CPR in California authorized through Sierra-Sacramento Valley (S-SV) Local EMS Agency (LEMSA), and have completed a P.C. 832 - Power of Arrest and Firearms Course.

A Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration or a related field is desirable but not required.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have a solid working knowledge of organizational leadership, administration, budgeting, and personnel management, along with experience navigating relevant federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations— particularly those related to fire prevention, inspections, and plan reviews.

Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential, as the Fire Chief will be a visible leader who clearly communicates District goals and expectations. The ability to instruct and provide regular training is also required, with expertise in specialty areas such as hazardous materials mitigation, USAR, and extrication highly desired. Camaraderie and professionalism are valued within the District, and the successful candidate will be trusted, confident, approachable, and fair, with a collaborative decision-making style.

The Fire Chief must demonstrate excellent people skills and the ability to lead in a small, combination department culture that relies on flexibility and innovation. This role requires someone who can take direction from the Board of Directors and effectively translate those directives into action. Residency within the District is required within six months of appointment.

Compensation & Benefits

• $80,000 - $90,000 DOQ Annually
• Retirement – Burney Fire District participates and contributes to the California Public Employees Retirement System (CALPERS). PEPRA Employees are required to pay the employee contribution.
• Holidays – 12 paid holidays per year.
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance – Fully paid by the District for the employee and their spouse.
• Life Insurance – Burney Fire District provides a $25,000 group life insurance policy.
• Vacation – Accrues based on length of service. New employees accrue 12 days per year.
• Personal Leave – Accrues 12 days per year.
• Additional Benefits – Employee Assistance Program (EAP), education, and training.
• Paid Administrative Leave – 40 hours per year.
• 457 Plan – District offers a 457 Retirement Plan. No matching contribution from the District.
• Uniforms and Safety Equipment – Provided by the District.