Fire Chief

Redwood Valley-Calpella Fire District (RVCFD) is seeking a qualified Fire Chief to direct, lead, manage and oversee the activities and operations of the RVCFD. Minimum qualifications include ten years’ experience in firefighting, fire prevention, fire administration, and experience as a command officer with at least five years in a supervisory capacity. A degree in Fire Science, Fire Officer or Administration is preferred. Additional requirements are possession of a valid California Class B driver's license or equivalent DMV firefighter’s endorsement and be insurable. Must be certified, and maintain certification, as a Public Safety First Aid (PSFA) within six months of appointment. Desired qualifications include certification as a Chief Officer and Emergency Medical Technician. The annual salary range is $110,286 to $121,591. The District offers paid time off, retirement contributions and health insurance benefits. The RVCFD provides all-risk fire protection services to its 60.5 square miles of unincorporated communities. In 2024, it responded to over 700 incidents for service. Besides the Fire Chief, RVCFD employs three full-time shift Duty Officers, allowing 24/7 coverage and a thirty-two hour a week Clerk. The current volunteer firefighter roster is 23. RVCFD is governed by five Board of Directors elected by the voters of the District. If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, please submit a compelling cover letter expressing your interest and resume to recruitment@redwoodvalleyfire.org . If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Interim Fire Chief Dan Grebil at recruitment@redwoodvalleyfire.org or 707-485-8121. Filing Deadline: Open until filled – early applicants encouraged

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE 

The ideal candidate will have proven leadership experience, and a balance of technical skills and  personal attributes, capable of organizing and directing staff to accomplish the goals established by  the District. The successful candidate will have a track record of maintaining the highest level of  integrity by adherence to ethical and professional standards.  

The Redwood Valley-Calpella Fire District is seeking a proven leader who can give clear direction for  the District, communicate effectively with the board, be responsive to the Board’s direction, and keep  the Board apprised on District business. The ideal candidate will motivate personnel and provide  challenging and rewarding opportunities for employees to grow and develop professionally.  

The Fire Chief will manage the development, planning, and implementation of District goals and  objectives, as well as recommend and administer policies and procedures. An individual with a  demonstrated record of continual recruiting, hiring, training, motivating, and retaining qualified  volunteers, as well as paid staff, is sought.  

In addition to fire fighting and emergency medical service training and experience, the successful  candidate should have experience in personnel supervision and management of both full-time paid  and volunteer staff, i.e. performance evaluations, staffing, disciplinary methods, etc.  

The ideal candidate is a highly skilled and strongly motivated individual with excellent leadership,  management, administrative, and budgeting skills. The selected candidate will be an active problem  solver who anticipates and responds to concerns in a timely manner and identifies potential solutions.  The District is seeking candidates with excellent verbal and written communication skills who are  politically aware and sensitive. The successful candidate will prove to be a forward and strategic thinker with a mindset for continuous improvement, capable of implementation through teamwork  and collaboration and able to communicate effectively with employees, executive staff, elected  officials, and community leaders.  

The typical candidate will have knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations  as they pertain to California fire districts, land development, field inspections, and plan reviews. The  administrative aspects of this position will require strong management, technical, and budget  administration skills. The Fire Chief must be capable of communicating professionally and  maintaining effective working relationships with both individuals and groups contacted in the course  of work. The ideal candidate will have the ability to effectively plan, direct, coordinate, and manage  complex projects, activities, and specialized administrative duties while advancing District initiatives  and implementing organizational changes.

Job Description