The Organization
The City of Coronado is Accepting Applications for the Position of
Fire Division Chief
“To maintain a highly trained, professional organization providing excellent service to our community, region, state, and each other through Duty, Honor, Respect, and Family.” – Fire Department Mission Statement
The purpose of the Fire Department is to accomplish its department goals. This is achieved through the following programs: Fire Administration, Operations and Training, Emergency Medical Services, and Community Risk Reduction.
Department Goals
- To ensure fiscal responsibility while delivering the highest level of customer service possible.
- To foster and maintain an atmosphere of mutual cooperation throughout the community.
- To eliminate future fire hazards and ensure access and firefighting capabilities through planning, code enforcement, and plan checks.
- To respond quickly to and extinguish fires so as to minimize the loss of life, damage to property, and economic impact upon the community.
- To provide the best available emergency medical support and transport systems to the residents and visitors of Coronado.
- To ensure that the City and its residents are prepared to effectively respond to major disasters by providing information and education in the areas of fire safety and emergency preparedness.
- To provide prompt and courteous response to public calls for service and fire hazard complaints.
The Position
Under administrative direction, to direct, manage, supervise and coordinate the activities and operations of an assigned division within the Fire Department. Divisional assignments may include Operations, Training, Fire Prevention, EOC emergency management, Emergency Medical Services, and general administrative functions; to coordinate assigned activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; and to provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Fire Chief.
Class Characteristics: Employees in this class may be assigned on a 40 hour per week schedule or a 56 hour per week shift schedule at the sole discretion of the Fire Chief. Employees within this class, may be assigned to a Division on a rotational basis, at the discretion of the Fire Chief. The term of the assignment may vary but is intended for the purpose of succession planning and to gain experience. Compensation for additional hours worked during non-scheduled hours will be made at the normal hourly rate.
The Ideal Candidate will be a highly motivated, community-oriented individual who will uphold the department’s mission statement in serving the City of Coronado. The ideal candidate will have at least eight (8) years of increasingly responsible full-time work experience in fire suppression, prevention, and emergency medical response; including three (3) years of administrative and supervisory responsibility for a professional fire department. Additionally, they will possess the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in the fire sciences, public administration, business administration, or related field.
To view the full job description, click the following link: Fire Division Chief
Minimum Requirements
Examination & Selection Process:
Application Review Phase
A completed City of Coronado employment application, resume, and certifications must be received by the Human Resources Division by 11:59 PM PST on May 10, 2026. Applications will be evaluated based on relevant experience, education, and training.
Examination Phase
Highly rated applicants will be invited to participate in the examination process designed to evaluate the applicant's skills, knowledge, and abilities related to the position. Examination components, will include:
- Tactical Simulation (40%)
- Written Exercise (15%)
- Interviews/Presentation (45%)
Establishment Of Eligibility List
Candidates who successfully complete the examination process will be placed on the eligibility list for a period of at least six months. Candidates must obtain a 70% or above in all components of the examination to pass. Applicants will be notified via email of their eligibility status.
Additional Information
All appointments are subject to successful completion of a medical examination and thorough background check conducted by a licensed professional. All new employees are required to submit verification of legal right to work in the United States. The City of Coronado is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.
Supplemental Information
The Coronado Community
Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, Glorietta Bay, and San Diego Bay, this picturesque seaside resort destination is linked to the Southern California coastline and the city of San Diego by the graceful and stately San Diego - Coronado Bridge, and to the south by a narrow strip of land known as the Silver Strand.
This uniquely enchanting city which measures 13.5 square miles, is home to some of the world's most pristine beaches, 18 public parks, an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, a public pool, and recreation facilities, as well as dedicated bicycle paths.
This vibrant, thriving community welcomes more than 2 million visitors annually to soak up the sun and the sand while enjoying the lush surroundings and village appeal of Coronado. With 15 hotels, including amongst them three world-class resorts, 1,900 hotel rooms, and many highly acclaimed restaurants, this island community has a resident and Navy population of approximately 23,000 as well as a flourishing tourist population. Coronado is also home to Naval Air Station North Island, Coronado (NASNI) Naval Amphibious Base Coronado (NAB), and Silver Strand Training Complex, Coronado, supported by nearly 20,000 military and civilian personnel.
What Coronado Has To Offer
- A rich benefits package contributes to the total compensation value. Benefits include voluntary retirement savings/deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, group term life, short-term and long-term disability coverage, an employee assistance program, and more.
- Lateral Vacation Service Credit, effective January 1, 2023, employees shall be given credit for prior verifiable public service employment for annual leave accrual rates.
- As part of ensuring our employees maintain a work/life balance, employees earn 144 hours of Annual Leave per year for the first 5 years. After 5 years, the accrual rate increases.
- The City provides Term Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance in an amount equal to a one-time annual salary or $50,000, whichever is greater, at no cost to the employee.
- The City provides short- and long-term disability insurance equal to 66 2/3% of income. Employees that earn over the maximum benefit of $5,000/month available under the long-term disability plan, have the option to purchase enhanced long-term disability insurance.
- The City provides up to $2,000 per fiscal year for reimbursement of directly related costs of tuition, school fees, books, and required materials for approved courses and professional development opportunities. Student Loan Repayment can be used under this benefit.
- Longevity Pay; bonus at 5 years and every 5 years after.
- Access to community pool and gym. Valuable experience, training opportunities, and engaged leadership in a supportive community environment.
TO VIEW AN AERIAL TOUR OF OUR CROWN CITY, CLICK HERE
Benefits described below assume full-time status. Benefits for positions considered less than full-time are pro-rated based upon hours and may differ from those described below.
ANNUAL LEAVE
Self-Represented employees accrue annual leave (combined vacation and sick leave) at the following rates:
- 144 hours per year (0-5 years of service)
- 192 hours per year (6-10 years of service)
- 216 hours per year (11-19 years of service)
- 232 hours per year (20+ years of service)
HOLIDAYS
Employees will receive twelve (12) paid holidays per year.
Fire Division Chiefs are given eighteen (18) hours credit on July 1 of each year for Lincoln’s Birthday and Caesar Chavez’ Birthday to be used as FLOATING HOLIDAYS. In order to accrue this time, an employee must be employed by the City within the pay period including July 1 of the fiscal year.
Fire Division Chiefs are given twenty-two and a half (22.5) hours credit on July 1 of each year in recognition of Lincoln’s Birthday and Caesar Chavez’ Birthday to be used as a FLOATING HOLIDAY. In order to accrue this time, an employee must be employed by the City within the pay period including July 1 of the fiscal year.
Fire Division Chiefs who are assigned to and work on a twenty-four (24) hour shift basis shall be paid a holiday premium of ½ their regular rate of pay for all hours worked on a holiday. Fire Division Chiefs who are on a forty (40) hour assignment and have a regularly scheduled workday fall on a recognized holiday for Self-Represented employees, shall receive eight (8) hours of paid holiday leave.
Fire Division Chiefs, whose normal day off falls on a holiday will receive a FLOATING HOLIDAY, the quantity being determined by an employee’s typical workweek: Employees working a 40-hour (or more) workweek will receive 8 hours, those working a 30-hour workweek will receive 6 hours, and those working a 20-hour workweek will receive 4 hours. The FLOATING HOLIDAY hours will be added to their leave bank in lieu of time off.
CAFETERIA BENEFIT PLAN
The City provides a Cafeteria Benefit Plan that is dependent on medical plan enrollment. This can be used to help cover the cost of medical dental, vision, supplemental life insurance, and ancillary benefits. The City participates in the CalPERS Group Health Benefits, which offers several options including HMO and PPO plans.
Medical Enrollment Tier2026 Monthly Cafeteria AllotmentEmployee + Family$2,608Employee + 1$2,347Employee Only or Waive$1,565
LIFE INSURANCE
The City provides group term life insurance and AD&D in an amount equal to $50,000 or one times base annual salary, whichever is greater. Employees may purchase up to $500,000 of additional employee term life insurance. Coverage over $150,000 is subject to approval by the insurance provider. Employees may also elect supplemental life insurance coverage for their spouse/registered domestic partner and child(ren).
SHORT-TERM & LONG-TERM DISABILITY
The City provides short-term disability insurance equal to 66-2/3% of income (up to $1,000/week) after a 14-day waiting period. The City provides long-term disability insurance with a monthly benefit of up to $5,000 after a 90-day waiting period. Employees have the option to elect enhanced long-term disability insurance (up to $8,000/month).
RETIREMENT
Enrollment in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) as follows:
New Members: Participants enrolled in the CalPERS Retirement Plan after January 1, 2013, are considered new members. The City provides the "2.7% @ 57" formula for new members. The retirement benefit is based on age at retirement, years of service, and a consecutive 36-month compensation period. Employees currently pay 13% (pre-tax) toward the retirement contribution, which for PEPRA members, is determine by CalPERS each fiscal year based upon the actuarial report.
Classic Members: Participants enrolled in the CalPERS Retirement Plan prior to January 1, 2013, with no break in service or a break in service of less than 6 months are considered Classic Members. The City provides the "3% @ 50" formula. The retirement benefit is based on age at retirement, years of service, and the single highest year of compensation. Employees pay 10.5% (pre-tax) toward the retirement benefit.
For all safety members, the City provides the 1959 Survivor's Benefit.
- 457 DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
Employees are eligible to join the ICMA-RC 457 deferred compensation plan. This plan allows employees to set aside pre-tax wages for retirement.
UNIFORM ALLOWANCE
Employees are provided a uniform allowance in the amount of $1,225.00 per fiscal year, payable in August of each year.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
Each fiscal year $2,000 is available for reimbursement for costs such as tuition, fees, books, and other required materials for approved courses leading to a college degree. All expenses in excess of $2,000 will roll over to subsequent years and will be reimbursed up to $2,000 per year so long as the employee remains employed with the City.
OVERTIME
The City has established a twenty-eight (28) day, 212-hour work period for Fire Division Chiefs. Any hours worked in excess of this schedule shall be paid at straight-time. Fire Division Chiefs will be compensated portal to portal when assigned to strike team or pre-positioned emergency response, consistent with other fire personnel and where the City is reimbursed for its participation.
CERTIFICATION PAY
Employees who possess a Paramedic License are eligible to receive 2.0% of their base salary in certification pay.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
The City provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP provides confidential evaluation and up to 6 free counseling visits for employees, family members and anyone residing in the home of an employee.
For more information regarding benefits and retirement
CLICK HERE.
For more information regarding Personal Authorization & Compensation Plan (PACP),
CLICK HERE
01
The supplemental questionnaire is used to further evaluate your experience and education to determine your eligibility for this position. Please answer each question accurately and thoroughly. To be considered for this position, the experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the "Work History/Experience" section of your Employment Application. Failure to complete the "Work History/Experience" section of the employment application will result in your application not being considered. Please do not refer your response to your resume. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications.
- I have read and acknowledge the instructions stated above.
02
Do you possess a valid Class C California Driver's License with a safe driving record?
03
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?
- Some High school
- High School Diploma/GED
- Some College
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
04
Please indicate your years of experience in fire suppression, prevention and emergency medical response.
- 0-1 years
- 2-3 years
- 4-5 years
- 6-7 years
- 8-9 years
- More than 10 years of experience
05
Please indicate your years of experience in administrative and supervisory responsibility.
- No experience
- 1 year
- 2 years
- 3 years
- 4 years
- 5 or more years of experience
06
Do you possess a Fire Officer certification? (If you selected yes, please attach a copy of certification to your application)
07
Do you possess a valid Emergency Medical Technicians-Basic (EMT-B) certification? (If you selected yes, please attach a copy to your application)
08
Do you possess a valid Emergency Medical Technicians-Paramedic (EMT-P) certification? (If you selected yes, please attach a copy to your application)
