THE CITY OF GILROY IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THAT IT IS NOW HIRING FOR FIRE DIVISION CHIEF
Annual Salary:
$156,056 - $214,337 plus 5% shift differential.
Gilroy also offers an excellent benefits package!
Under the general direction of the Fire Chief, manages a Fire Division and supervises one of three emergency response platoons. Fire Division Chiefs rotate in one of three divisions: Emergency Medical Services, Training, and Operations, depending upon the need of the department. Division Chief will perform Battalion Chief functions as the 24-hour duty chief of an assigned platoon/shift. May serve as the acting Fire Chief.
The Ideal Candidate: The ideal candidate will:
- Be a dynamic leader, teacher, mentor, and fire service innovator who is approachable, open, and experienced at developing relationships in a team environment.
- Have demonstrated the ability to exercise sound judgment and decision-making both in an emergency response environment and in administrative and management situations.
- Be an excellent communicator and be able to express himself/herself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Possess strong emotional and social intelligence skills.
- Have the ability to successfully interact with different personalities and work styles in a positive and constructive manner.
- Represent the Fire Department and make effective presentations in public situations including City Council meetings and community events.
- Be a seasoned fire officer experienced at the command of all types of emergencies, preferably as a Chief Officer or Acting Chief Officer.
- Possess a solid understanding of the Incident Command System and be capable of managing complex multi-unit and multi-agency emergency incidents.
- Have experience as a Duty Chief or Battalion Chief with management/supervision experience over a platoon (shift) of stations and captains.
- Have demonstrated experience handling citizen inquiries and customer complaints; the ability to perform effective public relations functions; can effectively resolve disputes, MOU issues, and disciplinary matters.
- Have experience working in an ALS delivery system and strong knowledge of EMS service delivery.
- Have hands-on experience developing and managing a budget for a division or workgroup.
- Have direct experience with policy/procedure development and have program and project management experience.
- Be proficient in using PC’s and laptop computers and programs such as MS Outlook, Word, and Excel.
- Have a working knowledge of automated fire records management systems.
- Have firsthand experience in contemporary labor relations and the implementation and use of labor/management committees.
First Year Projects
- Training and mentoring of new and promoted employees
- Building and staffing Gilroy's 4th permanent fire station (a temporary station is in place now)
- Implementation of a new Gilroy Fire Department Policy Manual
- Building the Gilroy Fire Department Leadership Team with a new Chief who will begin work in May 2025 and two existing, and very dedicated, Fire Division Chiefs
Illustrative Examples Of Essential Duties
- Manage programs and personnel associated with one of three divisions: Fire Operations Division, Fire Training Division or Emergency Medical Services Division
- Develop and direct the implementation of Division goals, objectives, policies and procedures.
- Develop recommendations and participate in the budget development and administration on a divisional level.
- Draft and submit accurate, concise and complete reports within appropriately established timelines.
- Propose amendments and/or adoption of Standard Operating Procedures, rules, regulations, and directives.
- Skillfully and tactfully represent the interests of the City and the Fire Department when working with the media and making public presentations.
- Maintain open and effective communications with staff through regularly scheduled meetings. Be receptive and open to staff's ideas and suggestions.
- Comply with City and Department policies, including MOU between Firefighters Local 2805 and the City.
- Establish appropriate performance targets and objectives for staff and conduct timely, objective and impartial employee performance appraisals.
- Maintain a friendly and professional relationship with peers and members of the community.
- Train and direct staff and be available to them for guidance.
- Mentor individuals and motivate them to achieve maximum performance.
- Plan, implement, coordinate and evaluate pre-fire planning and inspection programs.
- Plan, implement, coordinate and evaluate the Fire Department safety program; investigates accidents and recommends appropriate action; instructs fire officers and personnel in safety practices.
- On a rotational basis, perform Battalion Chief functions, having responsibility for a 24 hour platoon/shift on an average of 10 shifts per month.
- Exercise direct supervision over assigned Fire Department personnel. When performing Battalion Chief functions, exercise direct supervision over all platoon/shift supervisors (i.e., Fire Captains).
- Investigate and/or oversee the investigation of fires for cause, origin and circumstances.
- May assume command of the Fire Department in the absence of the Fire Chief.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
- May fill a position in the EOC.
Position Requirements
A combination of education, experience, and training equal or equivalent to the following:
- A Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, fire science, fire technology, another fire service-related program, or another related field of study.
- Six years of full-time paid experience in an organized Fire Department which includes a minimum of three (3) years as a Fire Captain or higher. Further, the three (3) years of Captain experience must include structural and wildland firefighting work experience.
- A State of California Office of the Fire Marshal Fire Officer Certification or equivalent educational certification from another jurisdiction.
- ICS-300 Certificate or equivalent certification.
The City of Gilroy reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to determine whether or not the combination of education, experience, and certification is qualifying. The most qualified candidates will be determined at the City's sole discretion.
- Possess and maintain a valid California Driver License and a safe driving record necessary to operate assigned vehicle(s) by the time of appointment.
- Possess and maintain a valid CPR/AED and First Aid certification.
- Pass a detailed background investigation for employment to include a criminal records check.
- Pass a post-offer, comprehensive psychological evaluation for employment.
- Pass a post-offer, comprehensive medical examination for employment, including a drug screen (includes testing for psychoactive marijuana metabolites).
- Must sign a non-tobacco use contract.
- Must participate in annual occupational health and wellness screening as required by the City of Gilroy.
- Must reside within a fifteen-minute response time to any of the City of Gilroy fire stations within six months of appointment to fulfill the duty coverage requirement of the position. However, a dorm is available at Fire Administration Headquarters to be utilized as needed for duty coverage when Division Chief resides more than 15 minutes, but less than 90 minutes from any Gilroy station.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) desired, but not required.
Application And Recruitment Process
Application Closing Date:
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
Qualifications
If you meet the above qualifications and are interested in pursuing this exciting career opportunity, please attach and submit the following required items in your application:
- Responses to supplemental questions
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Required Certifications
Applications that do not include all required items are incomplete and will not be considered.
Next Steps
Applicants moving forward will participate in an in-person assessment tentatively planned for June, 2025.
Apply Online: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofgilroy
City Application Form – Candidates must complete the NEOGOV City of Gilroy application form for this position and submit online. Please prepare attachments prior to completion of the NEOGOV application as incomplete applications will not be accepted.
After viewing the Job Description, click the ‘Apply’ tab. If this is the first time you are applying using our online job application, you will need to create an account and select a Username and Password. After your account has been established, you can import your resume from LinkedIn, upload it from a saved document on your computer, or manually enter your personal information. This application will be saved and used to apply for future job openings.
Only the most qualified applicants with the most relevant experience and education will be invited to continue in the selection process. In addition, final candidates for the position are required to pass a comprehensive background check, including a polygraph evaluation, State of California Department of Justice criminal records check, medical evaluation, psychological and drug screen, given at the City’s expense, prior to appointment. If special accommodations are necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact HR right away 408-846-0228.
THE CITY OF GILROY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND SUPPORTS WORKFORCE DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND BELONGING.
JOIN OUR TEAM!
Compensation, Benefits, And Additional Information
Persons appointed to this position on a full-time basis will receive the following benefits:
Health Allowance And Flexible Benefits Plan
Depending upon the number of dependents the health allowance ranges from $939.36 to $2,480.68 per month for core health benefits. Subject to specific rules, a cash back program is also available with proof of other medical coverage. City employees participate in the PERS Health Program, and may choose their medical coverage from a variety of providers. The City's flexible benefits plan includes medical and dental coverage as core benefits. A range of optional benefits including vision care and medical and dependent care accounts are also available. A term life insurance policy equal to annual salary, long-term disability plan, and an employee assistance plan are provided at City expense.
Other Benefits
Fire Safety Employees Categorized as "Classic" CalPERS Members Hired On or After January 1, 2013:The City shall provide the 2% at 55 CalPERS retirement plan for employees in the Fire Safety CalPERS category that were hired to a full-time Fire Safety position with the city of Gilroy on or after January 1, 2013 who are categorized as a "classic" member of CalPERS. Final compensation is based on a three year average. The employee shall pay a seven (7%) employee contribution as a pre-tax payroll deduction pursuant to IRC 414(h)(2).
Fire Safety Employees Hired On or After January 1, 2013 Categorized as "New" CalPERS Members:The city shall provide the 2% at 57 CalPERS retirement plan for employees in the Fire Safety CalPERS category that were hired to a full-time Fire Safety position with the city of Gilroy on or after January 1, 2013 who are categorized as a "new" member of CalPERS. Employees in this category shall have a pre-tax payroll deduction for 50% of the total normal cost of the plan as identified annually by CalPERS. This employee payroll deduction amount may change from year to year as required by PEPRA. Final compensation is based on a three year average.
Vacation, Sick Leave, Holidays, and Shift Differential Pay
Annual vacation ranges from two to four weeks per year, based on years of service with the City of Gilroy. Employees accrue eight hours of sick leave each month. Employees receive 44 hours of personal leave time and 56 hours of administrative leave time in July of each fiscal year which must be used during the fiscal year (pro-rating in year of hire/separation). The City observes 11 paid holidays each year.
Fire Division Chiefs receive additional 5% of base salary as shift differential pay for the hours of work required of a Fire Division Chief, which includes evening and weekend hours on a regular basis. The base work schedule (repeats every six days) consists of two 12-hour workdays with 24-hour duty coverage (assigned shift) and one 10-hour administrative day.
Bilingual Pay, Uniform Allowance
Fire Division Chiefs who are bilingual in Spanish/English may receive 5% bilingual pay following testing. Employees receive a uniform allowance of $1100 per fiscal year, paid at the rate of $91.67 per month.
Medicare/Social Security
Employees participate in Medicare (1.45% for both the employer and employee) as this is a mandated federal program. City of Gilroy does not participate in Social Security.
Payroll
All City employees are paid monthly, on the first business day of each month for the prior calendar month via direct deposit.
Representation
Persons appointed to this position are covered by the Gilroy Management Association (GMA) Memorandum of Understanding.
01
Please describe your specific fire operations, EMS, training, and administrative experience and include in your response the related projects you have managed.
02
What leadership qualities do you possess that will allow you to be successful in the role of Fire Division Chief. Provide an example from your experience that exemplifies your leadership qualities.
03
Describe your supervisory and management experience and approach. Include in your response a recent and challenging personnel situation you personally had to handle as a fire supervisor/manager.
04
Describe your hands on experience mentoring and training newly hired Firefighter (Licensed Paramedic) employees as well as newly promoted Fire Engineer and Fire Captain employees.
05
Customer service is a key core value and priority of the Gilroy organization. If hired as a Division Chief with the Gilroy Fire Department how will you help to further this value in the department? Please include at least two specific examples in your response.
06
Specifically, why are you interested in the Fire Division Chief position with the City of Gilroy Fire Department? What motivated you to apply?
07
What are your short-term (next three years) and long-term (next five to ten years) career goals? Be specific.
08
If you are applying from out of the area, have you carefully evaluated your housing options alongside the duty chief requirements of this position? Please explain how you will meet the obligations of this position. Job Requirement: Must reside within a fifteen-minute response time to any of the City of Gilroy fire stations within six months of appointment to fulfill the duty coverage requirement of the position. However, a dorm is available at Fire Administration Headquarters to be utilized as needed for duty coverage when Division Chief resides more than 15 minutes, but less than 90 minutes from any Gilroy station.
