Description
This is an internal Orange County Fire Authority Recruitment
The Wildland Operations Administration, South Operations is currently accepting letters of interest and resumés for the Wildland Operations Battalion Chief staff position.
ONLY letters of interest and resumés from current, qualified, non-probationary, Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Battalion Chief personnel will be considered for this staff position.
Assignment
The Wildland Operations Chief position requires a two-year minimum commitment on administrative assignment working a 4/10 or 9/80 schedule.
The Wildland Operations Battalion Chief will be responsible for overseeing the Hand Crew and Heavy Equipment Programs, as well as works with Wildland Pre-Fire Management to coordinated vegetation management projects. This position serves as the subject matter expert and agency representative for OCFA Hand Crew and Heavy Equipment resources. This role demands a strategic leader with a proven leadership history and a commitment to excellence in service delivery.
Additional Pay
Battalion Chief's assigned to a designated staff position, 4/10 or 9/80 work schedule, are eligible for ten percent (10%) staff assignment pay. Please refer to page 74 of the Chief Officer's Association Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for additional information.
Application Process
Last day to submit Letter of Interest and Resumé: Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 12:00 pm (noon)
- Letter of Interest (memo format) shall be emailed to Duke Steppe, Human Resources Manager at dukesteppe@ocfa.org and addressed to Assistant Chief Tim Perkins.
- Resumé detailing your education and work experience shall be emailed to Duke Steppe, Human Resources Manager at dukesteppe@ocfa.org
- Battalion Chief personnel currently in the Battalion Chief Wildland Operations Matrix will be contacted with further instructions
Tentative Schedule Of Events
- Last day to submit Letter of Interest and Resumé: Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 12:00 pm (noon)
- Selection interview: Week of March 31, 2024
- Notification of selected candidate(s): Week of April 7, 2025
- Tentative Start date: TBD
Essential Functions
Role and Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Manages and coordinates the mobilization of OCFA Hand Crews and heavy equipment. Works with EDO, Duty Chief and Operations Chiefs to identify crews and equipment available to support in and out of county incidents.
- Works with Hand Crew and heavy equipment leadership to maintain staffing for daily operations, upstaffing, and out of county responses.
- Maintains situational awareness of and advises EDO and Duty Chief on changes to Hand Crew and heavy equipment operational availability.
- Works with local incident commanders to support both incident and wildland operations personnel needs.
Personnel Management
- Recruits, hires, trains, and qualifies personnel for positions within the program including Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Squad Boss, Hand Crew Firefighter, Heavy Equipment Operator and Dozer Swamper.
- Oversees performance evaluations, promotions, and disciplinary actions.
- Manages staffing levels to ensure adequate coverage and operational readiness.
- Develops and implements training programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of Wildland Operations personnel.
- Fosters a positive work environment and promotes teamwork and morale.
- Responsible for succession planning within the program.
Resource Management
- Develops and manages several budgets and grants within the Wildland Operations budget.
- Manages procurement and maintenance of necessary equipment and supplies, including vehicles, chippers, chainsaws, and hand tools.
- Ensures the proper maintenance and upkeep of all equipment and facilities.
- Plans for and maintains Wildland Operations vehicle and equipment fleet including, crew carrying vehicles and heavy equipment.
Administrative Duties
- Prepares reports, documentation, and other administrative tasks as required.
- Oversees completion of all Wildland Operations reports including daily project logs, emergency activity reports, MARS reports, Cal Card reconciliation packets, travel requests and approvals, etc.
- Identifies and applies for grants to support program mission.
- Works with Pre-Fire Management, Accounts Payable and others to oversee grant budget, spending, and related administration.
- Maintains and revises OCFA’s Wildland Operations SOP’s and OCFA policies and procedures that relate to Wildland Operations.
- Maintains accurate records of personnel, equipment, and operational activities.
- Collaborates with other departments to coordinate logistics, planning, and public information.
- Represents the organization at meetings, conferences, and public events.
Vegetation Management and Project Work Management
- Works with OCFA Community Risk Reduction/Wildfire Pre-Fire Management personnel to plan and implement vegetation management projects throughout the county.
- Develops and fosters relationships with local landowners, land managers, fire managers and wildland operations personnel from outside jurisdictions to support risk reduction and mutually beneficial projects.
Safety and Compliance
- Enforces safety standards and protocols to minimize risks to personnel and the public.
- Conducts regular safety inspections and training sessions.
- Investigates accidents and incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
- Ensures compliance with relevant regulations, policies, and procedures.
Minimum Qualifications
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION
Experience
- Currently employed with the OCFA as a non-probationary Fire Battalion Chief.
- Experience in wildland firefighting operations, strategies, and tactics.
- Understanding of the following resources:
- OES Preposition process
- Cal Fire AOP
- State financial agreements (CFAA, CFMA, MMA, LFA, etc.)
- IROC
- CICCS
- Firescope FOG
Highly Desirable Qualifications
- Two years field experience as an OCFA Battalion Chief.
- Understanding of handcrews and heavy equipment.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and make critical decisions in high-stress situations.
License
- Possession of a valid Class "C" Driver License.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
These requirements are detailed in the classification specification, which is available for review at www.ocfa.org.
Questions
All questions regarding this position should be directed to Assistant Chief Tim Perkins.
Technical Difficulties With Submitting Required Documents
Please contact the assigned recruiter, Duke Steppe, Human Resources Manager at (714) 573-6807 or via email at dukesteppe@ocfa.org.
Change In Scheduling
If there is a change in the selection process, Human Resources will notify all affected candidates.
American With Disability Act (ada) Accommodation
In accordance with the American's With Disabilities Act, anyone who needs an ADA accommodation for the purposes of employment testing should contact the assigned recruiter, Duke Steppe, Human Resources Manager at (714) 573-6807 or via email at dukesteppe@ocfa.org no later than 72 hours prior to any portion of the examination process.
Note
The above job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the department.
Orange County Fire Authority Chief Officers Association (COA) Representation: Fire Battalion Chiefs and Fire Division Chiefs classifications are represented by the COA. Please contact COA President Tim Perkins for information about joining the COA.
Base Salary Adjustments
- Effective July 1, 2024 - 2.25%
- Effective July 1, 2025 - 2.25%
- Effective July 1, 2026 - 2.10%
Annual Merit Review Program
Employees are eligible for performance salary increases from 2.75% to 5.5% annually based on their work performance and until they reach the top of their salary ranges.
Note: An employee hired or promoted into a classification in this Unit shall be eligible to receive a performance salary increase at the completion of their first performance rating year period of employment or promotion and each year thereafter.
Medical Benefit
Benefits
Employees have a choice of medical plans under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program and the Authority contributes towards the cost of health premiums as follows:
- 100% of cost for employee only premium
- 75% of cost for family premium
Employees with group health insurance through their spouses' or domestic partners' employment (or other acceptable sources) may waive coverage and receive $59.58 in bi-monthly taxable cash or may apply $59.58 bi-monthly credit towards the cost of voluntary accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
Please visit CalPERS for more information regarding the various plans offered under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program, as well as the current premium rates.
Dental, Orthodontia and Vision Care
Dental, orthodontia, and vision insurance are provided, at no cost to the employee, for the employee and dependents. Coverage begins on the first of the month following date of hire/promotion.
Optional Benefit Plan (OBP)
An annual cash allotment of $2,100 (pro-rated for mid-year hire/promotion date) will be provided to cover the cost of non-taxable benefits or as taxable cash, based on personal preferences. OBP begins on the 1st day of the month following a 28-day waiting period.
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Short-term and long-term disability insurance coverage are provided to Administrative Managers at no cost.
Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
A life and AD&D policy is provided to Chief Officers at no cost. Insurance coverage is based on the employee's annual base salary rounded to the nearest $10,000. Chief Officers may purchase additional
employee paid life, dependent life, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
Retirement
All regular OCFA employees are members of the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) - a defined benefit retirement program. Employees are enrolled in one of the following retirement formulas based on date of hire.
Legacy Safety Members (Closed): Employees hired on or prior to June 30, 2012 shall receive the 3% at age 50 retirement formula (Plan F).
Important note for Legacy Safety Members hired prior to January 1, 2011 who promote into a COA classification from the Orange County Professional Firefighters Association: The Health Care Converted Retirement Contribution (“HCRC”) credit in the amount of two percent (2%) does not apply to COA classifications.
Legacy Safety Members: Employees hired on or after July 1, 2012 who establish reciprocity with OCERS are enrolled in the 3% at age 55 retirement formula (Plan R). The compensation limit for Legacy members for 2024 is $345,000.
New Safety Members: Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 without reciprocity are enrolled in the 2.7% at age 57 retirement formula (Plan V). The compensation limit for PEPRA members for 2024 is $181,734 (non-Social Security Participants).
For more information about OCERS retirement, please visit OCERS, or view the Retirement Plan HERE.
Deferred Compensation Plan
Employees in regular or limited-term positions may voluntarily participate in the Authority’s deferred compensation plan. This plan is provided by Nationwide Retirement Services and allows for pre- and post-tax deferrals.
Retiree Medical
Employees hired prior to January 1, 2007 participate in the Retiree Medical Insurance Grant program. Employees newly hired on/after January 1, 2007 are enrolled in a defined contribution retiree medical savings plan (Health Care Reimbursement Account). All employees contribute 4.0% of base salary to their applicable plan.
OCPFA Supplemental Retiree Medical Plan
Employees promoted into this unit may
choose to continue contributing 1% of their base salary towards the Orange County Professional Firefighters Association Supplemental Retiree Medical Plan Trust Fund. You have the option to discontinue contributing, but must notify Human Resources and complete the appropriate paperwork.
Social Security
Orange County Fire Authority employees are not covered under the provisions of Federal Social Security (OASDI); therefore, they are not required to contribute 6.2% of salary towards Social Security.
Medicare
Employees contribute 1.45% to Medicare. Employee’s whose wages exceed $200,000 in a calendar year shall contribute an additional 0.9%.
Educational Incentive Pay
Employees who have satisfactorily completed college-level semester units and/or specific certification programs are eligible for educational incentive pay as follows:
- 60+ college-level semester units OR California State Fire Marshal Chief Officer Certification (or Chief Fire Officer after January 1, 2017) = 2.5% of base salary per month; OR
- 60+ college-level semester units AND California State Fire Marshal Chief Officer Certification (or Chief Fire Officer after January 1, 2017) = 5% of base salary per month; OR
- Bachelor’s Degree or higher OR National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Certification (or Executive Chief Fire Officer after January 1, 2017) = 7.5% of base salary per month
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification or Paramedic License Pay
Employees receive 6.5% of base salary for an EMT Certification and/or paramedic license.
Longevity Pay
Employees shall receive three percent (3%) of their base pay as longevity pay at the commencement of their third year in a bargaining unit position. Effective July 1, 2023 on the commencement of their sixth year in a bargaining unit position, this amount will increase to six percent (6%).
Bilingual Pay
If qualified, bilingual pay is $0.25 per hour (approximately $43 per month).
Duty Officer Compensation (Fire Division Chief)
Fire Division Chief shall be assigned as Duty Officer and shall receive duty officer compensation of nineand one half percent (9.5%) percent of base salary per month, prorated on an hourly basis for all regular hours paid. This amount shall increase to ten percent (10%) effective July 1, 2025.
Tuition Reimbursement
Tuition reimbursement is $2,000 per fiscal year to cover certain expenses associated with academic pursuits.
Annual Physical Examination
Chief Officers are provided a voluntary annual physical examination by an Authority-designated physician at no cost.
Uniforms
The Authority provides uniforms to Chief Officers.
Vacation Leave
Chief Officers accrue vacation based on hours of completed continuous service:
Staff Battalion Chiefs (Except BCs assigned to 56-hour workweek in ECC) and Fire Division Chiefs
- 0 to 3 years: Approx 120 hours per year;
- After 3 years but less than 10 years: Approx 160 hours per year;
- After 10 years: Approx 200 hours per year.
Shift Battalion Chiefs (Including BCs assigned to 56-hour workweek in ECC)
- 0 to 3 years: Approx 112 hours per year;
- After 3 years but less than 10 years: Approx 168 hours per year;
- After 10 years: Approx 224 hours per year.
Sick Leave: Sick leave is accumulated from year-to-year and accrues as follows:
Staff Battalion Chiefs (Except BCs assigned to 56-hour workweek in ECC) and Fire Division Chiefs
- 0 to 3 years: Approx 72 hours per year;
- After 3 years: Approx 103 hours per year.
Shift Battalion Chiefs (Including BCs assigned to 56-hour workweek in ECC)
- 0 to 3 years: Approx 101 hours per year;
- After 3 years: Approx 144 hours per year.
Holidays: Chief Officers observe 13 holidays within the calendar year:
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday
- Lincoln's Birthday
- President's Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Indigenous Peples' Day/Columbus Day
- Veteran's Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Day after Thanksgiving
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas Day
Please see the MOU for additional information on holiday compensation pay as it varies by classification and/or shift in this bargaining unit.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Employees may participate in a voluntary medical and/or dependent care FSAs. These programs allow employees to contribute pre-tax dollars into an account that can be used throughout the year on eligible expenses.
Pet Discount Program
OCFA has partnered with United Pet Care to offer a pet healthcare program. This program helps employees reduce the cost of escalating veterinary bills at an affordable rate. All pets are eligible regardless of their age or medical condition.
Benevolent Association
Employees have the option to join OCFA’s Benevolent Association which was created to “Take Care of Their Own.” Included in your $8.00 per pay period cost is $10,000 Member Death Benefit, $4,000 Dependent Death Benefit, $30,000 Annual Scholarships for Members and Dependents, Hardship Grants/Loans, Annual Picnic for Members, Holiday Ball, and Retiree Tribute. In addition, Discount Offers- Recreation/Amusement Parks, fitness 19 and 24-Hour Fitness gym membership, discount movie tickets, Angels Baseball game with tailgate party, etc. Membership also allows access to very good supplemental insurances of many types, including, Long Term Disability, Long Term Care, various AFLAC (ICU, Cancer, Accident Injury, CSFA membership, Living Trusts and more. The Family Auxiliary and KIDS Fund (provides monetary assistance only to kids of members), both operate under the Benevolent As
Revised 06/24/2024
This benefit summary is intended to provide an easy way for current and prospective employees to access fringe benefit information, including voluntary options. This summary is intended to be accurate, but it is not an official plan document, and has no legal or binding effect as an expressed or implied contract, or otherwise, and does not alter or amend any provision of the Memoranda of Understanding, Personnel and Salary Resolution, retirement contract, insurance policy contract, or any other official document of the Orange County Fire Authority, including Standard Operating Procedures and General Orders. All insurance benefits described in the summary are subject to the terms and limitations of the Orange County Fire Authority's insurance contracts with individual insurance providers. Should you have any questions pertaining to information in this summary, please contact Human Resources Department at (714) 573-6800
