OPPORTUNITY

The City of Santa Maria, Fire Department is accepting applications for the position of Battalion Chief.

Applications Open: May 19, 2026

Closing Date: May 29, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

Oral Board & Assessment Center: June 10/11, 2026

Chief's Interviews: Week of June 15, 2026

WHO WE ARE:

The City of Santa Maria is a full-service City with a City Council/City Manager form of government with over 700 employees and serves approximately 108,000 constituents. The City of Santa Maria is located on the beautiful central coast of California and covers over 23 square miles. The City has a harmonious balance of maintaining coastal and agricultural lands while promoting business. Santa Maria has been recognized nationally as an All-America City by the National Civic League and offers reasonably priced housing, community festivals, quality schools, and is in close proximity to beaches, cultural arts, a local airport, wineries, and higher education institutions.

WHAT WE DO:

The City of Santa Maria is experiencing explosive growth with thousands of residential, commercial, industrial, and retail projects in development. The Fire Department’s goal is to continue to develop staffing that will support continued growth of both the city and the Fire Department. The Santa Maria Fire Department provides all risk emergency services, as well as public education programs, fire prevention, and life safety measures to the City's residents. These services support the Fire Department's mission of effectively preserving lives and protecting property. The department provides Emergency Services, which include pre-hospital emergency medical services at the Emergency Medical Technician I (EMT-1) level; response to structural, vehicular and vegetation fires, hazardous materials response, water rescue, trench rescue, public assistance and other emergencies. The department also administers a hazardous materials business plan program in cooperation with Santa Barbara County.

THE POSITION:

The Battalion Chief receives general direction from the Fire Chief and/or Deputy Fire Chief in the performance of responsible management, technical, and administrative work in commanding and coordinating physical and human resources including: emergency operations, training, fire prevention, disaster preparedness, public education, public relations, facility/equipment maintenance; and other related programs and services. They provide highly technical staff assistance; implement program goals and objectives and oversee and supervise assigned staff. The Battalion Chief functions as the City's key representative pertaining to all Fire Department responsibilities and activities, primarily after normal business hours, on weekends and holidays, or otherwise in the absence of or as determined by the Deputy Fire Chief.

REQUIRED SUBMITTALS:

1. Application
2. Certificates (Fire Officer, Company Officer or Fire Officer 2, EMT-B, CPR card)
3. Resume
4. Cover Letter

DUTIES

DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION: Fire Battalion Chief

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Required licenses and/or certifications associated with the assignment, such as:
  • Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate’s degree or equivalent to completion of at least sixty (60) semester units from an accredited college or university, must submit proof with application.
  • Fire Officer/Company Officer/Fire Officer 2 certification issued by the California State Board of Fire Services or other equivalent certifying agency such as IFSAC, ProBoard, fire department specific certifications, etc.; or any equivalent combination of documented education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
  • Current Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Certificate issued within the State of California (current out of state EMT-B cards may be considered however, a State of California EMT-B must be issued prior to employment).
  • Current CPR card for Healthcare Providers.
  • Must meet current CICCS requirements for Chief Officers as detailed in the Santa Barbara County Operation All Hazards Mutual Aid Plan by the completion of probation.

Desired Qualifications

• Minimum qualification includes seven years of increasing responsibility and experience in a full-time fire agency providing a full range of urban fire protection services; and a minimum of three (3) years in the rank of Fire Captain or higher carrying out administrative and supervisory responsibilities in a career fire agency (acting/interim appointments do not meet this requirement) and; and
• Rope Rescue Technician, Structural Collapse Specialist 1 and 2, Trench Rescue Technician, Confined Space Rescue Technician, Safety Officer (S-404 or L-954), and Chief Fire Officer/Fire Officer 3 Certificates (provided by State Fire Training or other equivalent certifying agencies such as IFSAC/ProBoard) are highly desired.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
• A bachelor’s degree in fire science, business administration, management, public administration or other related course of study, from an accredited educational institution, is preferred.
• Current technical/professional knowledge of complex principles, methods, standards and techniques associated with the scope of work of a recognized profession, such as:
  • Fire ground tactics and strategy, emergency incident management, specifically the Incident Command System (ICS).
  • Incident safety, automatic and mutual aid agreements, hazardous materials incident management, confined space and technical rescue techniques.
  • Effective supervision; effective administration, budget, accounting, information technology, management, supervision, evaluation and training.
  • Training program development and implementation Fire science theory, principles and practices and their application to a wide variety of emergency service operations.
  • Operational characteristics and techniques used with fire apparatus and equipment.
  • Modern fire loss and fire prevention principles, methods and practices.
  • Disaster preparedness, emergency management and homeland security program development and administration.
  • Geography and street layout of the City and surrounding area.
  • Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations, City and departmental policies and procedures pertaining to fire and emergency medical services operations.
  • Personal protective equipment and its use and care.
  • Effective verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Microsoft Office Suite (or equivalent).
  • Use computers and other office equipment effectively.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• State approved Hazardous Material First Responder Incident Commander certificate by completion of probation.
• Chief Fire Officer/Fire Officer 3 position task book initiated prior to completion of probation.
• Strike Team Leader certificate; task book in progress by the completion of probation. If candidate is opening position task book, must be in compliance with CICCS Qualification Guide, 2025 version.
• Possession of a valid and appropriate Driver License. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record and meet City liability requirements to drive for City business.
• Requires completion of a background investigation to the satisfaction of the City.
• The incumbent must meet the physical requirements of the job class and have mobility, balance, coordination, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed.

DESIRED CORE COMPETENCIES

Middle Manager:
Incumbents should have a solid foundation of Individual Contributor and Front-line Supervisor core competencies identified by the organization, as well as the following core competencies identified as essential for Middle Manager (click the hyper link to see the full definition Middle Manager Competencies):

• Talent Development - Effective performers keep a continual eye on the talent pool to monitor skills and needs of team members. They expand staff skills through training, coaching, and development. They evaluate and articulate present performance and future potential.
• Organizing & Planning - Effective performers have strong organizing and planning skills that allow them to be highly productive and efficient, manage time wisely, and effectively prioritize multiple competing tasks.
• Organization Knowledge - Effective performers understand the workings of a municipal organization, formal and informal policies and structures, and know "how the place works."
• Relationship Building - Effective performers understand that a primary factor in success is establishing and maintaining productive relationships. They interact with people and are good at it. They devote appropriate time and energy to establishing and maintaining networks.
• Results Orientation - Effective performers maintain appropriate focus on outcomes and accomplishments, are motivated by achievement, and persist until the goal is reached.
• Industry Knowledge - Effective performers understand the general workings of local government within which the organization functions, and maintain a current knowledge base.
• Written Communication - Effective performers write clearly and concisely, composing informative and convincing documents. They use written language to convey substance and intent with simplicity, accuracy and clarity.
• Financial Acumen - Effective performers understand the financial framework of the organization. They are cost conscious and fiscally responsible, and use financial data to make informed business decisions.
• Change Agility - Effective performers are adaptable, are effective in the face of ambiguity, and support an orientation for change.
• Technology Savvy - Effective performers use technology to be successful in their organizational role. They value technology and leverage existing and new technology to achieve efficiency.

SELECTION PROCESS

The completed electronic application packet will include the online application and electronic attachments of certificates, resume, and cover letter.

The most qualified candidates will be selected to appear before a panel for an oral board and assessment center tentatively scheduled for June 10/11, 2026. Those applicants invited to interview will be notified electronically at the e-mail address provided by each candidate through application process. Therefore, it is the applicant's responsibility to provide an accurate email address and to allow their inbox to receive emails in regard to this recruitment. The eligibility list established from the selection process will recommend a limited number of candidates to proceed to the Chief's Interview from which the Battalion Chief may be selected. Chief's interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week of June 15, 2026.

Prior to an offer of employment, applicants must pass a thorough background investigation.

If you have further job-related questions, please contact staff in the HR Division at 805-925-0951 x2203. If you are experiencing any technical (computer related) difficulties, please call the NEOGOV help line for technical assistance at 1-855-524-5627.

The Battalion Chief receives general direction from the Fire Chief and/or Deputy Fire Chief in the performance of responsible management, technical, and administrative work in commanding and coordinating physical and human resources including: emergency operations, training, fire prevention, disaster preparedness, public education, public relations, facility/equipment maintenance; and other related programs and services. They provide highly technical staff assistance; implement program goals and objectives and oversee and supervise assigned staff. The Battalion Chief functions as the City's key representative pertaining to all Fire Department responsibilities and activities, primarily after normal business hours, on weekends and holidays, or otherwise in the absence of or as determined by the Deputy Fire Chief. REQUIRED SUBMITTALS:Application. Certificates (Fire Officer, Company Officer or Fire Officer 2, EMT-B, CPR card) Resume. Cover Letter DUTIES DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION: Fire Battalion Chief MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Required licenses and/or certifications associated with the assignment, such as:Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate’s degree or equivalent to completion of at least sixty (60) semester units from an accredited college or university, must submit proof with application. Fire Officer/ Company Officer/ Fire Officer 2 certification issued by the California State Board of Fire Services or other equivalent certifying agency such as IFSAC, Pro. Board, fire department specific certifications, etc.; or any equivalent combination of documented education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Current Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Certificate issued within the State of California (current out of state EMT-B cards may be considered however, a State of California EMT-B must be issued prior to employment). Current CPR card for Healthcare Providers. Must meet current CICCS requirements for Chief Officers as detailed in the Santa Barbara County Operation All Hazards Mutual Aid Plan by the completion of probation. Desired Qualifications. Minimum qualification includes seven years of increasing responsibility and experience in a full-time fire agency providing a full range of urban fire protection services; and a minimum of three (3) years in the rank of Fire Captain or higher carrying out administrative and supervisory responsibilities in a career fire agency (acting/interim appointments do not meet this requirement) and; and. Rope Rescue Technician, Structural Collapse Specialist 1 and 2, Trench Rescue Technician, Confined Space Rescue Technician, Safety Officer (S-404 or L-954), and Chief Fire Officer/ Fire Officer 3 Certificates (provided by State Fire Training or other equivalent certifying agencies such as IFSAC/ Pro. Board) are highly desired. An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. A bachelor’s degree in fire science, business administration, management, public administration or other related course of study, from an accredited educational institution, is preferred. Current technical/professional knowledge of complex principles, methods, standards and techniques associated with the scope of work of a recognized profession, such as:Fire ground tactics and strategy, emergency incident management, specifically the Incident Command System (ICS). Incident safety, automatic and mutual aid agreements, hazardous materials incident management, confined space and technical rescue techniques. Effective supervision; effective administration, budget, accounting, information technology, management, supervision, evaluation and training. Training program development and implementation Fire science theory, principles and practices and their application to a wide variety of emergency service operations. Operational characteristics and techniques used with fire apparatus and equipment. Modern fire loss and fire prevention principles, methods and practices. Disaster preparedness, emergency management and homeland security program development and administration. Geography and street layout of the City and surrounding area. Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations, City and departmental policies and procedures pertaining to fire and emergency medical services operations. Personal protective equipment and its use and care. Effective verbal and interpersonal communication skills. Microsoft Office Suite (or equivalent). Use computers and other office equipment effectively. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:State approved Hazardous Material First Responder Incident Commander certificate by completion of probation. Chief Fire Officer/ Fire Officer 3 position task book initiated prior to completion of probation. Strike Team Leader certificate; task book in progress by the completion of probation. If candidate is opening position task book, must be in compliance with CICCS Qualification Guide, 2025 version. Possession of a valid and appropriate Driver License. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record and meet City liability requirements to drive for City business. Requires completion of a background investigation to the satisfaction of the City. The incumbent must meet the physical requirements of the job class and have mobility, balance, coordination, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed. DESIRED CORE COMPETENCIES - Middle Manager:Incumbents should have a solid foundation of Individual Contributor and Front-line Supervisor core competencies identified by the organization, as well as the following core competencies identified as essential for Middle Manager (click the hyper link to see the full definition Middle Manager Competencies):Talent Development - Effective performers keep a continual eye on the talent pool to monitor skills and needs of team members. They expand staff skills through training, coaching, and development. They evaluate and articulate present performance and future potential. Organizing & Planning - Effective performers have strong organizing and planning skills that allow them to be highly productive and efficient, manage time wisely, and effectively prioritize multiple competing tasks. Organization Knowledge - Effective performers understand the workings of a municipal organization, formal and informal policies and structures, and know "how the place works."Relationship Building - Effective performers understand that a primary factor in success is establishing and maintaining productive relationships. They interact with people and are good at it. They devote appropriate time and energy to establishing and maintaining networks. Results Orientation - Effective performers maintain appropriate focus on outcomes and accomplishments, are motivated by achievement, and persist until the goal is reached. Industry Knowledge - Effective performers understand the general workings of local government within which the organization functions, and maintain a current knowledge base. Written Communication - Effective performers write clearly and concisely, composing informative and convincing documents. They use written language to convey substance and intent with simplicity, accuracy and clarity. Financial Acumen - Effective performers understand the financial framework of the organization. They are cost conscious and fiscally responsible, and use financial data to make informed business decisions. Change Agility - Effective performers are adaptable, are effective in the face of ambiguity, and support an orientation for change. Technology Savvy - Effective performers use technology to be successful in their organizational role. They value technology and leverage existing and new technology to achieve efficiency. SELECTION PROCESS The completed electronic application packet will include the online application and electronic attachments of certificates, resume, and cover letter. The most qualified candidates will be selected to appear before a panel for an oral board and assessment center tentatively scheduled for June 10/11, 2026. Those applicants invited to interview will be notified electronically at the e-mail address provided by each candidate through application process. Therefore, it is the applicant's responsibility to provide an accurate email address and to allow their inbox to receive emails in regard to this recruitment. The eligibility list established from the selection process will recommend a limited number of candidates to proceed to the Chief's Interview from which the Battalion Chief may be selected. Chief's interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week of June 15, 2026. Prior to an offer of employment, applicants must pass a thorough background investigation. If you have further job-related questions, please contact staff in the HR Division at 805-925-0951 x 2203. If you are experiencing any technical (computer related) difficulties, please call the NEOGOV help line for technical assistance at 1-855-524-5627.

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