The Position

The Fire Chief serves as the Chief Executive of the Fire  District, reporting directly to a five-member elected Board of Directors. This role requires a "working chief" mentality— someone who is as comfortable managing million-dollar budgets and long-term strategic plans while simultaneously providing command presence and direction on the fire ground daily.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a long-range master plan for equipment replacement, staffing, and facility upgrades.
• Emergency Operations: Oversee all fire suppression, EMS, search and rescue, and hazardous materials responses.
• Community Relations: Act as the face of the District, maintaining strong ties with Felton residents, local businesses, and neighboring San Lorenzo Valley agencies.
• Fiscal Stewardship: Manage the District’s annual budget, ensuring transparency and seeking out grant opportunities.

Personnel Development: Lead a dedicated team of both volunteer and career staff, fostering a culture of continuous training, safety, and inclusivity.

Ideal Candidate Profile

We are looking for a leader who possesses:

• Experience: A deep knowledge of fire behavior in urban, suburban environments and mountainous terrain, with a focus on threat reduction and community preparedness.
• Collaborative Spirit: A proven track record of working effectively with state and local fire resources, and Santa Cruz County officials.
• Integrity: High ethical standards and a transparent communication style.
• Adaptability: The ability to navigate the evolving landscape of California’s fire service and community expectations. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Certification: Must be presently certified to the Company Officer level through California State Fire Marshal (CSFM), ProBoard Officer 2 , or the National Fire Academy Officer 2 level.
• Education: Minimum high school graduate or equivalency. (preferred Associate's Degree or higher) 
• Experience: Minimum 15 years in the fire service and 5 years of progressive leadership at the rank of Captain or higher. (Must be able to demonstrate through the hiring process an above average level of leadership, program management, budgetary management, human relations, and communications.)
• Residency: Must reside within a reasonable response distance to the Felton Fire Station within 6 months of hire. (As determined by the Board of Directors at time of conditional offer)

Minimum Required Certification at Completion of Probationary Period 

• Certification: Must be certified to the Fire Chief level through California State Fire Marshal (CSFM), ProBoard Officer 4, or the National Fire Academy Officer 4 level.

Must Also Possess: CSFM HazMat IC, CSFM or ProBoard Instructor 2, CSFM or ProBoard Inspector 1, CSFM Safety Officer, ICS 400