Deputy Fire Chief - Community Risk Reduction Officer

Description

RECRUITMENT FOR DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF - COMMUNITY RISK REDUCTION OFFICER

SIERRA MADRE FIRE DEPARTMENT

The City of Sierra Madre is seeking an experienced, prevention-focused fire service leader to serve as its next Deputy Fire Chief – Community Risk Reduction Officer. Reporting directly to the Fire Chief and serving as the Department’s second-in-command, this position provides strategic leadership for the City’s Community Risk Reduction Division, fire prevention operations, and emergency management programs. The Deputy Fire Chief plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates a broad portfolio of activities that protect life, property, and the community’s long-term resilience. The Deputy Fire Chief leads and mentors staff responsible for fire inspections, code enforcement, permit

issuance, plan review, fire protection systems review, and construction inspections, ensuring consistent application of the California Fire Code and local ordinances.

Commensurate with City__Council__adoption, the proposed pay range will be amended accordingly.

RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

APPLICATION DEADLINE: JULY, 31, 2026EXTERNAL PANEL INTERVIEW: WEEK OF AUGUST 10, 2026 EXECUTIVE TEAM INTERVIEW: WEEK OF AUGUST 17, 2026

FIRE CHIEF EXECUTIVE INTERVIEW: WEEK OF AUGUST 24, 2026

The Sierra Madre Fire Department is a progressive, all-risk agency proudly serving the community from a centrally located station in downtown Sierra Madre. The Department provides comprehensive fire protection, advanced life support emergency medical services, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, and emergency management for a primarily residential city within the wildland-urban interface. The organization operates on a three-platoon, 48/96 schedule to ensure 24-hour coverage, with highly trained personnel delivering both strong command presence and paramedic-level care on every shift. The Department maintains robust automatic and mutual aid partnerships with regional agencies and participates in the Verdugo Fire Communications system, ensuring the closest appropriate resources respond regardless of jurisdictional boundaries. With roots dating back to 1921 and a transition to a full career department in 2019, SMFD combines its proud volunteer legacy with modern, prevention-focused leadership to reduce wildfire risk, strengthen community resilience, and provide exceptional service to residents, businesses, and visitors.

Follow the link below to learn more about the position and Sierra Madre Fire Department.

Deputy Fire Chief - Community Risk Reduction Officer

Examples of Duties

Department Leadership & Command Responsibilities:

• Serves as the Fire Chief's second-in-command, assuming command in the Chief's absence.
• Provides strategic leadership and direction for the Community Risk Reduction Division.
• Assists in policy development, budget planning, and departmental administration.
• Represents the Fire Department at City Council meetings, community events, and interagency collaborations.
• Responds to significant emergency incidents as part of the Department's command staff.
• Oversees and manages department personnel, ensuring operational efficiency and compliance with regulations.

Community Risk Reduction & Public Education:

• Develops and implements comprehensive risk reduction strategies tailored to the City of Sierra Madre.
• Coordinates and delivers public education programs, including fire prevention, disaster preparedness, and life safety training.
• Serves as the Fire Department's Public Information Officer (PIO), coordinating public safety messaging through media and outreach.
• Develops partnerships with community organizations, schools, and local businesses to enhance fire prevention efforts.

Fire Prevention, Code Enforcement, & Plan Review:

• Oversees and conducts fire prevention inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial properties.
• Ensures compliance with local, state, and national fire codes and enforces corrective actions when violations are identified.
• Supervises fire prevention personnel responsible for conducting inspections, issuing permits, and reviewing construction plans.
• Works with architects, engineers, and developers to ensure adherence to fire safety standards.

Emergency Response & Fire Investigations:

• Responds to significant emergencies to support incident command operations.
• Conducts fire cause and origin investigations and collaborates with law enforcement agencies on arson investigations.
• Provides technical expertise in fire suppression, prevention, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Ensures proper documentation and reporting of all fire incidents and investigations.

Personnel Management & Training:

• Supervises Fire Prevention personnel, including Inspectors and Specialists, ensuring compliance with department policies and performance expectations.
• Provides leadership, mentorship, and training opportunities for department staff.
• Develops training programs focused on fire prevention, risk reduction, and emergency response.

Data Analysis & Reporting:

• Analyzes fire incident data to identify trends and develop targeted risk reduction programs.
• Prepares reports, presentations, and policy recommendations for City leadership.
• Maintains accurate records of inspections, investigations, and public education activities.

Typical Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, Emergency Management, or a related field. Master's Degree is highly desirable, but not required.
• The City recognizes that executive-level fire service experience, advanced professional certifications, and demonstrated leadership accomplishments may provide equivalent preparation. Accordingly, a combination of education, training, certifications, and experience that demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in fire prevention, community risk reduction, emergency management, fire code enforcement, public education, and fire operations.

Required Certifications

• California State Fire Marshal Fire Inspector I & II, FEMA IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800, California Driver's License and PC 832 (within one year.)

Preferred Certifications

• Fire Marshal, Chief Officer, Executive Chief Officer, All-Hazard Public Information Officer, Certified Fire Investigator and ICS 300 / 400.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of California Fire Code, Building Code, and environmental laws.
• Expertise in fire engineering principles, fire suppression systems, and life safety standards.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to supervise personnel effectively.
• Excellent communication, public speaking, and media relations skills.
• Ability to develop and implement data-driven risk reduction programs.
• Proficiency in reviewing construction plans, blueprints, and technical specifications.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for fire investigations and compliance enforcement.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city staff, community organizations, and regulatory agencies.

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands and Working Conditions - Ability to work in diverse environments, including office settings, construction sites, and emergency scenes. - Must be able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary. - May be required to work evenings, weekends, or holidays to respond to emergencies or attend community events. - Potential exposure to hazardous materials, smoke, and toxic gases during fire investigations and inspections.

Disaster Service Workers All City of Sierra Madre employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Sierra Madre is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  In compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, the City of Sierra Madre will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Summary of Benefits Confidential Exempt Employees for Safety

PERS Retirement - Classic Members - 3% @ 55 safety / 2.5% @ 55 misc - Final year single highest year - New Members - 2.7% @ 57 safety / 2% @ 62 misc - EE pay 50% of normal cost - Final compensation determined by highest 36 consecutive month period - 1953 Survivor Benefit

Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance - PERS Medical Plans available (HMO/PPO) - City provides up to $1,250/month for premiums for employee and dependents - $325/month stipend for employees enrolled in alternate group insurance

Life & Accidental Death Insurance - Term Life Policy $75,000 for employee

Disability - City pays full cost of short- and long-term disability insurance

Deferred Compensation - Plans with ICMA - City contributes $50 per pay period

Foreign Language Bonus - $750 bonus for reading and writing a second language   Management Leave - 80 hours per year at July 1 - Buy back at anytime Sick Leave - Accruable at 96 hours per year - Buy back option, with limitations

Vacation Leave - 96 hours per year, with additional accrual for each year of service after four years - For new hires, vacation based on years of public service - Buy back option, with limitations Holidays - New Year's Day - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - President's Day - Memorial Day - Independence Day - Labor Day - Columbus Day - Veteran's Day - Thanksgiving Day - Friday after Thanksgiving Day - Christmas Eve (4 hours) - Christmas Day - Work days between Christmas & New Year's (non-Public Works Yard employees) - New Year's Eve (4 hours) - Three Floating Holidays _Public Works Yard employees only_   Allowances* - Mobile Phone - $40/month

Tuition Reimbursement - Up to $10,000 for cost of tuition.

Computer Loan Program - Up to $3,000 loan and payroll deduction

Alternative Work Week - 9/80 work week

Flexible Spending Program - Medical  ($2,550 annually) - Childcare/parent care ($5,000 annually)

Employee Assistance Program - Health EAP - WorkLife Services - Confidential Advice

Ancillary Benefits Available through Payroll Deduction - Accident Insurance - Additional Life Insurance - Cancer Insurance - Disability Insurance