Description
SALARY: The salary indicated for this position corresponds with a 56-hour average duty week.
This promotional opportunity is open to current, qualified Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) employees.
Essential Functions
The essential functions section of the Battalion Chief class specification has been updated to include the following:
“The Orange County Fire Authority is an agency that supports the California mutual aid system. Battalion Chiefs will receive the necessary training to become qualified as Strike Team leaders to continue to support this mission. Battalion Chiefs will need to complete an issued NCWG strike team leader task book that will often require out-of-county assignments.”
All essential functions are detailed in the class specification, which is available for review at www.ocfa.org.
Minimum Qualifications
EXPERIENCE (At time of application):
Candidates must possess all experience listed below.
- At least five (5) years of full-time experience as a Fire Captain with OCFA, a successor fire department, or other California local government fire department
- At least three (3) years of full-time experience as a Fire Captain assigned to an engine or truck company, including the Heavy Rescue and Crash units
- At least two (2) years of full-time experience as a Fire Captain with OCFA;
- Currently employed with the OCFA as a Fire Captain with a standard or higher rating on the last two (2) annual performance reviews
EDUCATION/TRAINING (Submitted no later than Monday, August 17, 2026, at noon):
Completion of
all* of the courses listed below is required. Proof of documentation is required; certificates must be attached to the electronic application or delivered to Human Resources no later than
Monday, August 17, 2026, at noon. Failure to submit proof of documentation by the deadline will result in disqualification from the Fire Battalion Chief recruitment and selection process.
- ICS-300 Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents (In-person class only, virtual/online courses will not be accepted)
- ICS-400 Advanced ICS (In-person class only, virtual/online courses will not be accepted)
- IS-700 National Incident Management System (NIMS)
- IS-800 B, C, or D National Response Framework
- AH-330 Strike Team/Task Force Leader All Hazards**
- S-230 & S-231 Engine Boss (Single Resource) or ENGB Qualified
- C-234 Ignition Operations or CA-219 Firing Operations***
- S-270 Basic Air Operations
- S-290 Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (In-person class only, virtual/online courses will not be accepted)
- RT-130 Annual Fireline Safety Refresher Training
- Qualified applicants who possess all but CA-219 Firing Operations will be allowed to participate in the selection process. Newly promoted Fire Battalion Chiefs will have until the end of the promotional probation period to complete and submit the missing certification.
- AR-330 and S-330 will NOT be accepted in lieu of AH-330 for this recruitment process.
- S-219 and S-234 will NOT be accepted in lieu of CA-219 for this recruitment process.
Performance
- Standard or higher rating on last two (2) annual performance reviews
License
- Possession of a valid Class "C" Driver License and acceptable driving record
Highly Desired Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or higher with coursework in Fire Administration, Public Administration, or related field
- Chief Officer Certification from California State Fire Training
Knowledge, Skills, and Ability: These requirements are detailed in the classification specification, which is available for review at www.ocfa.org.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS And WORKING CONDITIONS
These requirements are detailed in the classification specification, which is available for review at www.ocfa.org.
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.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
This recruitment and selection procedure will be held in accordance with the Authority Merit System Selection Rules and Appeals Procedure and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the OCFA and the Orange County Fire Authority Chief Officers Association, both of which are available on line at www.ocfa.org or in the Human Resources Department.
Application Review: Candidates must complete an online application at ocfa.org. The deadline to submit an online application, resumé (required), and required certifications is
Monday, August 17, 2026, at noon. Human Resources reviews all applications to identify the qualified candidates to be referred to the next step of the selection process.
Written Examination
The written examination is scheduled for Thursday, September 3, 2026 (C-shift). The written examination consists of information contained in the following materials:
- Progressive Discipline Guide and Firefighters Bill of Rights - January 2019
- Best Practices in Personnel Management
- OCFA Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and any referenced handbooks
- OCFA General Orders (GO)
- OCPFA Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
- NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (January 2025 edition)
- Structural Firefighting Handbook (Command Procedures)
- OCFA Guides, Manuals, and Handbooks
- OCFA Organizational Doctrine
Note: The following link has been created to provide applicants with the BC Study Material.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
- Monday, August 17, 2026, at noon - Last Day to Submit Online Application, Resumé, and required certifications
- Thursday, September 3, 2026 - Written Examination
- September 28 through October 2, 2026 - Oral Interview/Promotability Outlook
- October 19, 21, & 23, 2026 - Prep Days (One per assessment simulation – the Prep Days are for those candidates who successfully complete the oral interview and written exam with scores of 80% or better)
- January 8 through February 18, 2027 - Fire Battalion Chief Academy 34
- February 1 through 4, 2027 - Dynamic/Static/Human Resources Assessment Center
- TBD - Fire Chief's Interview
If there is a change in the selection process, Human Resources will notify all affected candidates.
WEIGHTS FOR SELECTION COMPONENTS
Written Exam – 10%
The minimum passing score for this selection component is 80%. Candidates who pass with an 80% or above will be invited to the Fire Battalion Chief Oral Interview. Candidates' final overall selection component score will include 10% of their written exam score.
Oral Interview – 30%
The minimum passing score for this selection component is 80%. Candidates who pass with an 80% or above may be invited to the Fire Battalion Chief Assessment Center. Candidates' final overall selection component score will include 30% of their oral interview score.
Fire Battalion Chief Assessment Center – 60%
The Fire Battalion Chief Assessment Center will consist of dynamic, static, and Human Resources simulations. Candidates must pass the
dynamic, static, and Human Resources simulations, each with a minimum score of 80%. The dynamic simulation will be worth 20%, the static simulations will be worth 20%, and the Human Resources simulations will be worth 20% (combined 60% total) of the candidates’ final overall component score.
Promotability Outlook – Bonus 10%
There is no minimum passing score for this selection component. The promotability outlook score will increase a candidates' final overall selection component score by a maximum of 10%. The additional points awarded for the promotability outlook will not be counted towards another selection component to raise a failing score.
ELIGIBILITY LIST
The promotional and academy eligibility lists will be established in rank order and promotions will occur in rank order. The promotional and academy eligibility lists will remain in effect for a period of one (1) year from the date of establishment or until all the names on the list are exhausted. The Human Resources Director may abolish or extend promotional eligible lists (Article V, Section 4.C Authority Merit System Selection Rules and Appeals Procedure; Article V, Section 4.C).
FIRE CHIEF INTERVIEW
Upon successful completion of the Fire Battalion Chief Assessment Center and establishment of the Fire Battalion Chief Academy 34 eligibility list, the Fire Chief will hold selection interviews. Fire Chief's interviews are scheduled for the week of February 9, 2027 or February 15, 2027.
FIRE BATTALION CHIEF ACADEMY
Placement into Fire Battalion Chief Academy 34 will be in ranked order and will be determined by the Authority’s current needs.
Deferments to a later academy will not be allowed.
The Mandatory, 6-week, Fire Battalion Chief Academy 34 Is Scheduled Friday, January 8, Through Thursday, February 18, 2027. Battalion Chief Candidates Will Be Placed On a 5/40, Monday – Friday, 0800 – 1700 Schedule. Fire Battalion Chief Academy 34 Will Be Comprised Of 7 Modules
- Module 1: Strategy & Tactics – Dynamic Simulations
- Module 2: Employee Relations & Human Resources
- Module 3: Strategy & Tactics – Static Simulations
- Module 4: Review
- Module 5: Assessment Center
- Module 6: L-960 Div. Group Supervisor
- Module 7: On-Boarding/MCD
AMERICAN WITH DISABILITY ACT (ADA) ACCOMMODATION
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, anyone who needs an ADA accommodation for the purposes of employment testing should contact the assigned recruiter, Brad Stephens, Senior Human Resources Analyst at (714) 573-6816 or via email at bradstephens@ocfa.org no later than 72 hours prior to the need for an accommodation.
QUESTIONS
All questions regarding this recruitment should be addressed to Brad Stephens, Senior Human Resources Analyst at (714) 573-6816 or via email at bradstephens@ocfa.org.
NOTE
The provisions of this publication do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision in this publication may be modified or revoked without notice.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Orange County Fire Authority is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
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.
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). Please visit OCERS to view compensation and benefit limits.
https://www.ocers.org/post/compensation-and-benefit-limits
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). Please visit OCERS to view compensation and benefit limits.
https://www.ocers.org/post/compensation-and-benefit-limits
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
- Master's Degree or higher OR California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection office of the State Fire Marshal State Fire Training Executive Chief Officer Certification AND either a) Bachelor's Degree, or b) National Fire Academy Executive Chief Officer Certification (NFA) = 10.0%
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 nine and one half percent (10.0%) percent of base salary per month, prorated on an hourly basis for all regular hours paid.
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 **Effective PP18 - 26 (August 7, 2026)
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 168 hours per year;
- After 3 years but less than 10 years: Approx 224 hours per year;
- After 10 years: Approx 280 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 Peoples' 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)
The OCFA offers regular, limited-term, and probationary employees both a Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), which allows you to contribute pre-tax dollars into an account that can be used throughout the year on qualified medical or dependent care expenses. Participants pay fewer taxes and take home more money.
Pet Discount Program
The 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).
Revised 08/2026
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
01
The Orange County Fire Authority uses e-mail to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of applications. We do so as part of our ongoing efforts to increase efficiency, conserve resources, and minimize delays and costs. Therefore, as an applicant, please ensure that the e-mail address you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. We recommend that you do not share e-mail addresses with other individuals who may inadvertently delete important communications sent to you. Spam or other filters should be adjusted to accept e-mails from ocfa.org and governmentjobs.com. Please read each e-mail notice carefully and in a timely manner. Follow further instructions, if any. Please acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the above.
02
Are you a current OCFA employee?
03
How many years of full-time experience as a Fire Captain with OCFA or a fire agency that the OCFA assumed fire protection responsibility for, will you possess as of Monday, August 17, 2026?
- Less than five years of experience
- Five or more years of experience
04
How many years of full-time experience as a Fire Captain assigned to an engine or truck company, including the Heavy Rescue and Crash units, will you possess as of Monday, August 17, 2026?
- Less than three years of experience
- Three or more years of experience
05
From the list provided below, please select the certificates that you possess. You must submit proof of documentation by either attaching copies of the required certificates to this electronic application or via email to Brad Stephens at bradstephens@ocfa.org no later than 12:00 p.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026. Qualified applicants who possess all but CA-219 Firing Operations of the courses listed BELOW will be allowed to participate in the selection process. Newly promoted Fire Battalion Chiefs will have until the end of the promotional probation period to complete and submit the missing certification.
- ICS-300 Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents (In person class only)
- ICS-400 Advanced ICS (In person class only)
- IS-700 National Incident Management System (NIMS)
- IS-800 B, C, or D National Response Framework
- AH-330 Strike Team/Task Force Leader All Hazards
- S-230 & S-231 Engine Boss (Single Resource) or ENGB Qualified
- C-234 Ignition Operations or CA-219 Firing Operations
- S-270 Basic Air Operations
- S-290 Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (In person class only)
- RT-130 Annual Fireline Safety Refresher Training
- Required Question
