Assistant Fire Chief (40-Hour) at Lathrop - Manteca Fire Protection District – Lathrop, California
Lathrop - Manteca Fire Protection District
Lathrop, California, 95330, United States
Posted on
Updated on
Salary:$157275 - $191164Employment Type:Full-Time
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About This Position
DEFINITION:
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED AUTHORITY EMPOWERMENT:
• Receives direction and supervision from the Fire Chief.
• Exercise direct, technical and functional supervision of assigned staff.
• When assigned to a program area, is responsible for program establishment, supervision, maintenance and
accountability of the program.
• Performs as Incident Commander at emergencies until/unless relieved by another Chief Officer.
• May act on behalf of the Fire Chief or designee in their absence.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:(The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification)
Experience and Education:
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be:
Experience:
Education:
• Associate’s Degree and/or Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science or related field is highly desirable.
Required Licenses and Certifications:
• Possession of Fire Officer or Company Officer Certificate in accordance with California State Fire Training requirements.
• Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain, a valid California driver license with a DMV Fire Endorsement and
remain insurable on the District’s insurance policy.
• Possess and maintain at a minimum valid EMT certification in accordance with State and Local EMS Agency.
• Incumbent must complete Chief Fire Officer Certification in accordance with California State Fire Training requirements
within 3 years of appointment.
Special Requirements:
• Incumbents in this class must have physical examinations performed at the interval indicated in the current
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
• External candidates must be recommended for the position as a result of a pre-employment physical,
psychological/management evaluation, and a background assessment.
PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
*Note: These are illustrative examples - the omission of specific statement of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment.
DISCLAIMER:
The duties listed above are illustrative examples - the omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment. The District reserves the right to modify or reassign duties as required.
Class Title: Assistant Fire Chief PCR Code: 011
Division: Fire Administration Unit: Executive Staff*
FLSA Status: Exempt Effective Date: 11/20/2025
Retirement: Safety Revision History: 11/20/2025
Tentative Timeline for Recruitment:
(Dive, Hazardous Materials, Technical Rescue and OES Water Rescue Teams)
If you have any questions or need accommodations, please contact HR Administrator, Hailey Salazar at hsalazar@lmfire.org.
The Assistant Fire Chief is responsible for assisting the Fire Chief in managing emergency and non-emergency work activities and directing the Fire District. This position is tasked with planning, organizing and directing the activities of the Fire Operations, Administration and Prevention Divisions as assigned. The activities include but are not limited to: commanding emergency incidents, fire suppression, investigations, prevention, personnel training, customer service activities, and public relations events. The Assistant Fire Chief is tasked with serving as the Fire Chief in the absence of the Chief and providing highly complex staff assistance to the Fire Chief.
The Assistant Fire Chief is responsible for representing and supporting the Mission, Vision, and Values of the District and is expected to make positive contributions to the organization by ensuring operational objectives are met through effective communication and implementation of District initiatives, and enforcement of District policies, procedures, and performance standards.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
An Assistant Fire Chief is a sworn, public safety officer classification responsible for the supervision of divisions within the District as assigned. This class is required to work a 40-hour work week and occasionally work beyond regularly scheduled hours when necessary for emergencies, miscellaneous projects, events, meetings, etc. As a management level position, manage confidential and sensitive documents and information appropriately and act on behalf of the Fire Chief, in their absence. The Assistant Fire Chief supports and implements District goals and objectives as well as representing the District in a professional manner.
This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Fire Chief in that the latter has overall responsibility for the Fire District. This position serves at the will of the Fire Chief.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED AUTHORITY EMPOWERMENT:
• Receives direction and supervision from the Fire Chief.
• Exercise direct, technical and functional supervision of assigned staff.
• When assigned to a program area, is responsible for program establishment, supervision, maintenance and
accountability of the program.
• Performs as Incident Commander at emergencies until/unless relieved by another Chief Officer.
• May act on behalf of the Fire Chief or designee in their absence.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:(depending upon assignment, may include but are not limited to the following)
Examples of Typical Duties:
• Assist the Fire Chief in managing and directing the Fire District and act as Fire Chief in their absence
• Direct the administration of multiple divisions of the District and supervise division managers as assigned by the Fire
Chief
Chief
• In conjunction with division managers, review, research, and analyze District operations and make recommendations to
the Fire Chief
• Assist the Fire Chief in developing District goals and objectives; assist in the development and implementation of
policies and procedures, rules and regulations and memorandum of understanding agreements
the Fire Chief
• Assist the Fire Chief in developing District goals and objectives; assist in the development and implementation of
policies and procedures, rules and regulations and memorandum of understanding agreements
• Actively participate in the collective bargaining and meet and confer process
• Review the operation of all divisions to determine the accomplishment of the District’s primary missions and objectives
• Assist in ensuring District compliance with and enforcement of applicable Federal, State and local laws, ordinances
and codes
and codes
• Plan, organize, direct, coordinate and evaluate the work of assigned divisions, battalions, units, or programs including
fire suppression, emergency medical services, fire prevention, inspections, public education, training,
and support services
fire suppression, emergency medical services, fire prevention, inspections, public education, training,
and support services
• Develop and implement complex and/or highly visible programs, reports, and special projects
• Develop and implement assigned Division work plan; assign work activities, projects and programs; monitor workflow;
review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures
review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures
• Represent the District to the public, City/County officials, the Board of Directors, civic groups and media as requested.
• Assist in budget preparation and implementation; participate in the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing,
equipment, materials and supplies; assist the fire chief with administering the approved budget; recommend
strategies to improve fiscal efficiency
• Assist in budget preparation and implementation; participate in the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing,
equipment, materials and supplies; assist the fire chief with administering the approved budget; recommend
strategies to improve fiscal efficiency
• May respond and assume command at the scene of major fires, critical emergencies, significant catastrophic events,
and other related emergencies
and other related emergencies
• May act as a liaison with officials in fire, law enforcement, neighboring city and county jurisdictions, and state and
federal agencies
federal agencies
• Attend training sessions and conferences congruent with the effective application of the responsibilities of the position
• Represent the District on inter-agency committees and in other cooperative programs on behalf of the Fire Chief
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other District employees and the public using
principles of good customer service
principles of good customer service
• Research, prepare, and present technical, administrative, and Fire Board staff reports and prepare written
correspondence
correspondence
• Ensure that all reports, forms, recommendations, requisitions, administrative procedures, and requests are accurately
prepared and submitted timely or by an established deadline
prepared and submitted timely or by an established deadline
• Uphold and enforce District policy, procedures and rules, regulations ordinances and laws
• Review and evaluate subordinates work for accuracy and completion to ensure compliance with District regulations
and policy
and policy
• Remain current with changes in education, technology, rules, regulations, and laws related to the work; and
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/SKILLS: (The following are examples of the knowledge, abilities and skills necessary to perform the essential duties of the position)
Demonstrated Knowledge of:
• Principles, practices, and procedures of modern firefighting and emergency systems that may be utilized for the
protection of lives and property;
protection of lives and property;
• Basic and advanced instructional techniques, fire cause and determination;
• Fire suppression and first responder methods, practices and techniques;
• Fire Science and the Incident Command System (ICS);
• Principles and practices of leadership and supervision, command principles of chief officers, and hazardous materials
procedures for chief officers;
procedures for chief officers;
• Safety standards and precautions pertaining to the use and operation of fire equipment and fire suppression and first
responder activities;
responder activities;
• Emergency medical service techniques, CPR, basic life support, rescue and resuscitation equipment and practices;
• Ordinances, laws, rules and regulations, and California Fire Codes;
• The geographic layout of the District, names of streets and numbers, water main and hydrant locations, target hazards
and the best routes of travel, District resources and external resources provided through mutual aid;
and the best routes of travel, District resources and external resources provided through mutual aid;
• Effective supervisory practices and techniques;
• District’s policies and procedures;
• Principles and practices of progressive fire service management and leadership techniques, including mentorship,
professional development, positive performance management, participatory leadership;
professional development, positive performance management, participatory leadership;
• Effective writing techniques and Business English including spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and report writing
standards; and
standards; and
• Principles and practices of effective labor relations and conflict resolution techniques.
Demonstrated Ability to:
• Plan, assign, supervise and evaluate the work of subordinates fire officers and other assigned staff;
• Lead personnel effectively and maintain discipline while working efficiently with other District management, staff and
support personnel;
support personnel;
• Make sound decisions and direct operations in both emergent and non-emergent situations;
• Operate District vehicles, apparatus and equipment use in modern fire, medical and other emergency response
activities;
activities;
• Maintain appropriate California State driver’s license and maintain insurability within the District’s insurance policy;
• Maintain an EMT certification as approved by San Joaquin County EMS Agency;
• Effectively interpret, explain, support and make responsible, timely decisions in accordance with rules, regulations,
policies and procedures;
policies and procedures;
• Interpret and effectively apply local, state, and federal codes, laws, and regulations;
• Communicate effectively in writing, orally, and with others to assimilate, understand and be understood, and convey
information, in a manner consistent with job functions
information, in a manner consistent with job functions
• Operate cellular phones, tablets, apparatus and portable radio, computer systems and softwares, utilize word
processing, records management, spreadsheets, and electronic mail software;
processing, records management, spreadsheets, and electronic mail software;
• Prepare complete and concise reports and make sound decisions while directing fire personnel at the scene of an
emergency;
emergency;
• Learn job related material through structured lecture and reading and through oral instruction and observation;
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with employees, management, and the public;
• Travel to different sites and work locations and work protracted and irregular hours;
• Conduct public education training for the community;
• Represent the District effectively and professionally in contacts with representatives of other agencies and the public;
• Maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information; and
• Meet and maintain physical standards requirements to perform the job duties.
Demonstrated Skills in:
• Applying rescue operations methods and techniques;
• Basic keyboarding; and
• Operating a personal computer and/or tablet and appropriate worked-related applications, such as word processing,
calendar, and e-mail systems, etc.
calendar, and e-mail systems, etc.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:(The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification)
Experience and Education:
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be:
Experience:
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible full-time suppression experience including several years of command
level and management experience (e.g. Battalion Chief / Division Chief or equivalent) and at least four (4) years of
full-time experience as a Fire Captain at time of application.
level and management experience (e.g. Battalion Chief / Division Chief or equivalent) and at least four (4) years of
full-time experience as a Fire Captain at time of application.
Education:
• Associate’s Degree and/or Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science or related field is highly desirable.
Required Licenses and Certifications:
• Possession of Fire Officer or Company Officer Certificate in accordance with California State Fire Training requirements.
• Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain, a valid California driver license with a DMV Fire Endorsement and
remain insurable on the District’s insurance policy.
• Possess and maintain at a minimum valid EMT certification in accordance with State and Local EMS Agency.
• Incumbent must complete Chief Fire Officer Certification in accordance with California State Fire Training requirements
within 3 years of appointment.
Special Requirements:
• Incumbents in this class must have physical examinations performed at the interval indicated in the current
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
• External candidates must be recommended for the position as a result of a pre-employment physical,
psychological/management evaluation, and a background assessment.
PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The Lathrop-Manteca Fire Protection District is an equal opportunity employer and will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Incumbent must possess the mobility to have frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting, standing, and/or walking for long periods of time; occasional bending, squatting, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing and walking on uneven surfaces, or surfaces that maybe slippery from fire or water damage; occasional lifting up to 50 pounds; frequent lifting, pushing, and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds; constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work as well as driving and other distance-related activities; identification and distinguishing of colors and depth; frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching; frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the telephone, radio and computer; work for long periods of time requiring frequent physical activity, decision-making and intense concentration; frequent public and/or co-worker contact; occasional working alone; frequent exposure to all types of weather conditions and marked changes in temperatures; potential inhalation or contact with smoke, vapors, dust or gasses; possible exposure to potentially harmful chemical or biological agents; frequent exposure to computer screens and noise; use Self-Contained Breathing-Apparatus and protective clothing to prevent exposure to hazardous materials and infectious diseases; and rely on sense of sight, hearing, touch, and smell to help determine the nature of an emergency and make operational decisions.
Mobility to work in a typical office setting or field environment with exposure to extreme fluctuations in temperature; work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the outdoor elements; and travel across wet, slippery, rough, uneven or rocky surfaces. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts, on and near busy roads and freeways, in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, except during certain firefighting or EMT activities when noise levels may be loud.
*Note: These are illustrative examples - the omission of specific statement of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKER:
All District employees are, by State and Federal law, Disaster Service Workers. The roles and responsibilities for Disaster Service Workers are authorized by the California Emergency Services Act and are defined in the California Labor Code. In the event of a declaration of emergency, any employee of the District may be assigned to perform activities which promote the protection of public health and safety or the preservation of lives and property. Such assignments may require service at locations, times, and under conditions that are significantly different than the normal work assignments and may continue into the recovery phase of the emergency. If a “Local Emergency” is declared during the employee’s shift, employees will be expected to remain at work to respond to the emergency needs of the community. If a “Local Emergency” is declared outside of the employee’s shift, employees must make every effort to contact their direct supervisor or department head to obtain reporting instructions as Disaster Service Workers.
All District employees are, by State and Federal law, Disaster Service Workers. The roles and responsibilities for Disaster Service Workers are authorized by the California Emergency Services Act and are defined in the California Labor Code. In the event of a declaration of emergency, any employee of the District may be assigned to perform activities which promote the protection of public health and safety or the preservation of lives and property. Such assignments may require service at locations, times, and under conditions that are significantly different than the normal work assignments and may continue into the recovery phase of the emergency. If a “Local Emergency” is declared during the employee’s shift, employees will be expected to remain at work to respond to the emergency needs of the community. If a “Local Emergency” is declared outside of the employee’s shift, employees must make every effort to contact their direct supervisor or department head to obtain reporting instructions as Disaster Service Workers.
DISCLAIMER:
The duties listed above are illustrative examples - the omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment. The District reserves the right to modify or reassign duties as required.
Class Title: Assistant Fire Chief PCR Code: 011
Division: Fire Administration Unit: Executive Staff*
FLSA Status: Exempt Effective Date: 11/20/2025
Retirement: Safety Revision History: 11/20/2025
APPLICATION PROCESS:
- Submit completed applications and supporting documents on Government Jobs by February 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
- Candidates should be prepared for all correspondence after the application phase to be distributed via e-mail; a valid email address must be provided.
Selection Process:
Testing for this position may include the following:
- Application Review and Screening
- Written Examination
- Practical Assessment
- Oral Interview
- Chiefs Oral Interview
- Conditional Offer
- Background Investigation
- Physical Examination to Include Drug Screening; will also be used for SJCERA requirements.
- Psychological/Management Evaluation
- Job Offer
Tentative Timeline for Recruitment:
- Application Deadline: February 15, 2026 at 11:59 P.M.
- Application Review Period: February 16, 2026 through February 17, 2026
- Assessment Center: February 26 and 27, 2026
- Chiefs Interviews: March 5 and 6, 2026
- Conditional Offer: March 11, 2026
- Background Investigation, Physical Exam and Psych Evaluation: March 12, 2026 through April 24, 2026
- Official Offer: May 4, 2026
Compensation and Benefits:
Compensation: $157,275.04 - $191,164.48 (Base Pay not including eligible incentives)
Education: Up to 10.0% of base pay
Special Operations: Up to 5.0% of base pay(Dive, Hazardous Materials, Technical Rescue and OES Water Rescue Teams)
Uniform Allowance: $900.00 Annually
Vacation: Based on years of employment (minimum of 12 hours of per month)
Sick Leave: 18 hours per month
FLSA Designation: Exempt
Probationary Period: Twelve (12) Months; subject to an extension of up to six (6) months.
Health Insurance: Employee plus dependents – according to MOU
Medical: Up to 100% of CalPERS PERS Platinum for Employee & Eligible Dependents
Vision: 100% Employer Paid through Vision Service Plan
Dental: 100% Employer Paid through Sun Life Dental Plan
Retirement: SJCERA General Member Retirement per current MOU
Life Insurance: $10,000.00
Hours: 40 Hours per Week (Monday through Friday)
Lathrop – Manteca Fire District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
If you have any questions or need accommodations, please contact HR Administrator, Hailey Salazar at hsalazar@lmfire.org.
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Job Location
Lathrop, California, 95330, United States
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