The City of Hanford is seeking an experienced and progressive leader to serve as Deputy Fire Chief for the Hanford Fire Department. The Deputy Fire Chief is a senior executive position within the Fire Department, responsible for assisting the Fire Chief in planning, directing, and coordinating all operational, administrative, and strategic activities of the department. This includes fire suppression, emergency medical services (EMS), fire prevention, training, disaster preparedness, and public education. This position oversees the Fire Prevention Community Risk Reduction (CRR) division as the Deputy Fire Marshal under the direction of the Fire Chief. The Deputy Fire Chief ensures departmental readiness, fiscal responsibility, and regulatory compliance and promotes a culture of safety, equity, and continuous improvement.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Duties
The Deputy Fire Chief will hold delegated authority from the Fire Chief. Executive oversight of specific departmental operations and divisions as assigned.Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Assist the Fire Chief in developing and implementing the department's strategic goals, mission, and vision.
Manage departmental programs, including operations, fire prevention, EMS, training, logistics, emergency management, and special operations (e.g., HazMat, USAR).
Serve as Acting Fire Chief in their absence.
Support development and oversight of the annual budget; monitor expenditures and ensure cost-effective operations.
Analyze organizational needs and recommend staffing, equipment, and resource allocations.
Supervise Battalion Chiefs and other Command Staff; ensure clear operational protocols and accountability.
Direct emergency operations in large-scale or high-risk incidents may serve as Incident Commander or in Unified Command in the EOC.
Oversee shift operations and coordination between stations and divisions.
Ensure compliance with NFPA, OSHA, NIMS, and California Fire Code standards.
Function as the Deputy Fire Marshal to oversee the Fire Prevention and CRR division, ensuring the enforcement of fire and life safety codes, ordinances, and fire safety regulations.
Works with City departments to conduct or oversee complex plan reviews of proposed projects to ensure compliance with Fire, Health and Safety, Building, and other applicable adopted codes and standards.
Promote community education and outreach regarding fire prevention and emergency preparedness.
Promote career development, leadership mentoring, and succession planning within the department.
Support and evaluate training programs; ensure personnel maintain required certifications and skills.
Lead internal investigations and disciplinary actions in coordination with Human Resources.
Foster a positive, inclusive, and equitable workplace culture.
Represent the department in city management meetings, regional fire and EMS consortia, mutual aid groups, and public forums.
Collaborate with other public safety and emergency management agencies at the local, state, and federal levels.
Serve as liaison during large-scale emergencies or disaster response (e.g., wildfires, earthquakes).
Assists the Fire Chief with special administrative duties; performs related duties as assigned.Knowledge of:
Modern fire suppression, prevention, EMS, and incident management practices.
CAL OES mutual aid systems and State of California emergency response protocols.
Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Budgeting, strategic planning, data analysis, and personnel management.
Ability To
Develop and oversee complex fee-for-service billing and collection processes in a public or local government setting.
Work collaboratively with diverse teams and the public.
Remain calm and make critical decisions in high-pressure environments.
Experience and Education
Experience
Any combination of experience, training, and education that provides the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Minimum of ten (10) years progressively responsible fire service experience, including at least five (5) years in a supervisory or command role at the Battalion Chief level or higher. Experience in the Fire Prevention / Code Enforcement Division is highly desirable.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, Emergency Management, or a related field required. A Master’s degree is preferred.
License and Certificate
Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license, or the ability to obtain one by date of appointment, is required. Driving is an essential function of this position and is necessary for emergency response, field inspections, and interfacility travel.
Possession of a California State Fire Marshal Chief Officer certification, or equivalent IFSAC or Pro Board certification, is required.
Possession of a California State Fire Marshal Executive Chief Officer certification, or equivalent IFSAC or Pro Board certification is desirable.
ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800 certifications required.
Possession of, or the ability to obtain within one (1) year of appointment, California State Fire Marshal Fire Marshal Series certification (including Plans Review), ICC Fire
Plans Examiner certification, or equivalent IFSAC or Pro Board certification is required.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification is highly desirable.
Current CPR and/or Advanced Life Support (ALS) certifications are strongly preferred.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
Primarily office-based with frequent field visits and emergency scene responses.
On-call availability required, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
May involve exposure to hazardous environments during emergency response.
Occasional lifting of heavy equipment and participation in emergency operations.
