Deputy Fire Chief - Community Risk Reduction Officer

About the role

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.

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.
• Aids 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.
• Develops and implements comprehensive risk reduction strategies tailored to the City of Sierra Madre.
• Collaborates with community organizations, schools, and local businesses to enhance fire prevention efforts.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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
  • All-Hazard Public Information Officer
  • Certified Fire Investigator
  • ICS 300 / 400

Qualifications

• 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.

Skills

• Knowledge of fire engineering principles, fire suppression systems, and life safety standards.
• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Excellent communication, public speaking, and media relations skills.
• Data analysis and reporting 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.

Benefits

Confidential Exempt Employees For Safety PERS Retirement Classic Members3% @ 55 safety / 2.5% @ 55 miscFinal year single highest yearNew Members2.7% @ 57 safety / 2% @ 62 miscEE pay 50% of normal costFinal compensation determined by highest 36 consecutive month period1953 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 ICMACity 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 1Buy back at anytime Sick Leave Accruable at 96 hours per yearBuy back option, with limitations Vacation Leave 96 hours per year, with additional accrual for each year of service after four yearsFor new hires, vacation based on years of public serviceBuy back option, with limitations Holidays New Year's DayMartin Luther King, Jr. DayPresident's DayMemorial DayIndependence DayLabor DayColumbus DayVeteran's DayThanksgiving DayFriday after Thanksgiving DayChristmas Eve (4 hours)Christmas DayWork days between Christmas & New Year's (non-Public Works Yard employees)New Year's Eve (4 hours)*Three Floating Holidays*

Pay

Commensurate with City Council adoption, the proposed pay range will be amended accordingly.

Schedule

The Department 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.