• 
  AA/AS degree from an accredited college or university; and
• Seven (7) years of full-time, paid experience in the fire service, including three years of supervisory experience at the level of Fire Captain or above.

• 
  Nine (9) years of full-time, paid experience in the fire service, including three years of supervisory experience at the level of Fire Captain or above; and
• 36 units of college courses in fire science or a related field.

• Santa Cruz Fire Department Vision, Mission, Values and Expectations.
• Standard fire department policies, procedures and practices.
• Techniques, tools, equipment and materials related to fire suppression, prevention and incident command.
• Supervisory techniques and staff scheduling practices.
• Principles and practices of staff supervision, training, evaluation and development.
• Standard report writing techniques.
• Principles of program management and administration.

• Techniques and materials related to training;
• Course and lesson plan development.

• Effectively lead, motivate, train and evaluate personnel.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain an effective working relationship with others.
• Assess situations quickly and adopt effective courses of action.
• Tactfully and effectively interact with all people regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, age or economic status.
• Maintain physical health, strength and agility to meet the physical demands of fire suppression work as determined by a pre-employment examination.
• Work under physically demanding conditions and in potentially hazardous or stressful situations.
• Read, comprehend, retain, and apply a large number of technical procedures, policies, codes and orders.
• Obtain valid Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification prior to completion of the first year of employment.
• Coordinate training, prevention and other fire-related activities.
• Work a 24-hour continuous shift and to be subject to recall during emergencies.

• Acquire knowledge of applicable federal, state and local agencies, laws, codes, and regulations related to firefighter training.

• Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver's license.
• California State Fire Marshal “Fire Officer” or “Company Officer” certification.
• California State Fire Marshal Fire Instructor 1A and 1B; or Training Instructor 1A and 1B; or Instructor 1; or Training Instructor certificate.
• Hazardous Materials On Scene Commander certificate.
• California Incident Command Certification System Engine Boss (CICCS ENGB) qualification.
• Within one (1) year of appointment and to successfully complete probation, California State Fire Marshal Command 2A, 2C, and 2E certificates; or Chief Fire Officer 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D certificates.
  • Course equivalencies for required courses above are acceptable from recognized training organizations like, but not limited to, California State Fire Marshal, CalFire, National Fire Academy, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Emergency Management Institute, US Forest Service, California Specialized Training Institute, National Wildfire Coordinating Group, and the International Association of Fire Fighters.

• With the Division Chief’s permission, and the shift Battalion Chiefs have turned down the overtime opportunity, the Training Battalion Chief may fill the shift Battalion Chief’s position.
• May serve as the shift Battalion Chief during the time period of their normal working hours when a shift Battalion Chief has turned down the opportunity to work. E.g., the Training Chief assumes the Battalion Chief emergency response duties during their regularly scheduled work day.

• BA/BS degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• ICS 400 certificate.
• S-330 Task Force/Strike Team Leader certificate.
• California State Fire Marshal S-404 Safety Officer certificate.
• Completion of the Acting Battalion Chief training program or equivalent.
• California State Fire Marshal “Chief Officer” certification or “Chief Fire Officer” open/completed task book.
• Coursework related to the principles and practices of employee development and training.
• Coursework related to the principles of fire investigation for determining cause and origin.
• Experience in Course and Lesson Plan development.
• California State Fire Marshal Training Instructor II or Instructor 2 Series certification
• P.C. 832 certificate.

• Fire Chief
• Fire Division Chief
• Fire Battalion Chief
• Fire Captain/Deputy Fire Marshal
• Fire Engineer
• Firefighter/Fire Prevention Inspector II
• Fire Prevention Inspector I

Fire Management Benefits


RETIREMENT: All regular employees become members of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) 2.7% @ 57 (three year average final compensation); this formula will apply only to regular employees who have an original hire date after 1/1/2013. Prior PERS membership may affect retirement formula. Employees will contribute 15.75% of their salary to PERS on a pre-tax basis. An employee is vested after 5 years of membership. No Social Security is withheld.

INSURANCE: PERS medical plan, dental and vision insurance and an employee assistance program are all provided to the employee and eligible dependents. Employees pay a minimal portion of the selected medical plan. Represented employees contribute an additional $35 per pay period toward the cost of health care benefits. Basic life, family dental and vision are currently at no cost to a full-time employee.

VACATION: Employees working a 40 hour per week schedule are eligible for 80 hours per year for the first 5 years; 6-10 years = 120 hours; 11 or more years = 120 hours plus 8 hours for each year of service after 10 years to a maximum of 160 hours.

Employees working a 56 hour per week schedule are eligible for 12 hours per month for the first 5 years; 6-10 years=18 hours per month; 11 or more years up to 24 hours per month.

MANAGEMENT LEAVE: For employees working a 40 hour per week schedule, 80 hours of additional vacation per year is awarded. For employees working a 56 hour per week schedule, 112 hours of additional vacation per year is awarded. This additional vacation may be converted to cash.

OPTIONAL BENEFIT PLAN A $1300 < 10 years or $1500 > 10 years annual contribution may be used to purchase additional vacation, be placed in deferred compensation account, or be paid in cash.

HOLIDAYS: 40 hour employees receive up to 11 specific paid holidays and 24 hours of floating holiday. 56 hour employees receive 192 holiday hours.

SICK LEAVE: 40 hour employees receive eight (8) hours per month. 56 hour employees receive 12 hours. The City has a sick leave incentive program.