Fire Chief in Escalon, California at Donnoe & Associates, Inc.

The Escalon Consolidated Fire Protection District

Is recruiting for

FIRE CHIEF

APPLY BY MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2026

The Escalon Consolidated Fire Protection District is looking for its next Fire Chief, a hands-on, community-minded leader who is ready to make Escalon home and invest in the District for the long term. Serving the City of Escalon and surrounding rural community since 1912, we are a combination department built on strong relationships among our career, reserve, and volunteer personnel.

We’re looking for an experienced fire service professional who can lead our people, manage the District thoughtfully, work closely with our Board and community partners, and bring both professionalism and a genuine commitment to Escalon. Most importantly, we hope to find someone who sees this not simply as the next job, but as a place to put down roots, build relationships, and lead for years to come.

This recruitment is being conducted by Donnoe & Associates, Inc. Following review of applications and supplemental responses, the most qualified candidates will be invited to a one-day, multi-panel interview process, tentatively scheduled for the week of October 19, 2026, with the strongest candidates advancing to a final interview with the Fire District.

The Fire Chief Position

The Fire Chief serves as the District’s chief executive and operational officer, providing overall leadership, administration, and direction for the Escalon Consolidated Fire Protection District.

The Fire Chief is responsible for the day-to-day management of the District, including personnel, budgeting and fiscal oversight, policies and procedures, training, operations, prevention, safety, facilities, apparatus, and equipment. The Chief leads the District’s career, reserve, and volunteer personnel and provides technical and administrative support to the Board of Directors.

As the District’s senior command officer, the Fire Chief provides leadership at major emergency incidents, maintains strong relationships with neighboring agencies and community partners, and works closely with the Board to ensure professional, responsive fire and emergency services to the Escalon community.

The Fire District

The Escalon Consolidated Fire Protection District has served the community since 1912, providing fire protection, emergency medical, rescue, and other emergency services to the City of Escalon and surrounding rural areas.

The District serves approximately 65 square miles of primarily agricultural land in southeastern San Joaquin County and operates as a combination department supported by career, reserve, and volunteer personnel.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ten years of full-time fire service experience, including five years in a command staff or administrative role as a Chief Officer.
• California State Certified Fire Officer.
• Valid California EMT or Paramedic license.
• Associate of Arts or Science degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Valid California Class A, B, or C driver’s license with Firefighter Endorsement.
• Experience with fire district finance, budgeting, cost control, administration, the Incident Command System, and serving as an Incident Commander.
• Must reside within 15 miles of the District boundary within six months of appointment.
• Must successfully complete required medical, physical, and background standards.
• Intention to provide a long-term commitment to the Escalon Consolidated Fire Protection District.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• California SFM Certified Chief Officer.
• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, or a related field, or equivalent coursework and experience.
• Experience in a combination career/volunteer agency.
• Experience working for a California Special District and/or Board of Directors.

PAY AND BENEFITS

• Salary Range: $ 140,000.00 - $ 160,000.00
• Health Insurance: 100% coverage for employee and family with CalChoice.
• Dental Insurance: Premier Access. 100% coverage for employee and family.
• Vision Insurance: Assurant Vision Plan. 100% coverage for employee and family.
• Vacation, Sick Leave, Administrative Leave
• Education Incentive: $ 500.00 per year.
• Retirement: District contributes 15% of gross base salary to a 457-deferred comp plan.
• Uniform Allowance: $ 800.00 per year, plus uniform (safety) boots as needed.