Demo

Fire Chief

CPS HR Consulting (Client Recruitments)
Kirkwood, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 7/24/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 9/23/2026

Kirkwood Meadows Fire and Safety Response
Fire Chief 

Lead Essential Utility Operations in a One-of-a-Kind Mountain Community

The Kirkwood Meadows Public Utility District (District) is seeking to fill a Fire Chief position to provide supervision, training, and response to emergency operations. The Fire Chief is expected to work an average of 40 hours per week and maintain 24/7 availability to respond to emergencies and support department operations. Strong benefit package including CalPERS membership and salary is competitive based on experience.

Please Note: This position is currently under review by the District and CalPERS to establish eligibility for Safety Member designation. Applicants should be aware that the position's retirement designation is subject to change pending CalPERS' final determination. 

Examples of Duties:
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Selects, assigns, directs, reviews and evaluates the work of volunteer staff ensuring adherence to local, state and federal laws, regulations and procedures; offers advice and assistance when needed
  • Supervises, plans and directs the training and development of department volunteer personnel in fire and EMS; adherence to state and federal laws and regulations; and County policies and procedures.
  • Reviews and evaluates reports for accuracy, completeness and compliance with department policies and procedures.
  • Develops short and long-range goals for the department.
  • Analyzes and evaluates the effectiveness of existing operations and recommends improvements in department services as appropriate; develops training programs to improve incident response and increase effectiveness.
  • Determines program funding needs and participates in the preparation of the department’s annual budget; authorizes payment of invoices; prepares grant applications and administers grant funding program.
  • Prepares reports concerning department projects, services and operations; appears before the Board of Directors to present reports.
  • Directs response to major incidents; responds to major incidents and participates in fire suppression and life safety operations as necessary.
  • Ensures inventory maintenance and inventory controls.
  • Maintains and tests equipment.
  • Establishes specifications for and purchases equipment.
  • Receives and responds to inquires, request for assistance, concerns and complaints from the public regarding fire service and safety matters.
  • Keeps abreast of new developments and legislation affecting fire fighting and prevention operations, training and administration.
  • Attends community meetings and events to explain and promote the activities and functions of the department and to establish favorable public relations; gives public speaking presentations as requested.
  • Performs general administrative work as required including preparing reports and correspondence, conducting and attending meetings, reviewing mail and literature, etc.
  • Coordinates with Law Enforcement and Hazmat involving major incidents such as coordinating shelter and evacuation plans and procedures
  • Acts as a technical resource throughout the emergency,
The ideal candidate is an experienced and community-focused fire service leader with the ability to effectively lead, train, and support a volunteer fire department. They possess strong emergency response, organizational, and administrative skills, along with the ability to manage budgets, grants, equipment, and regulatory compliance. This individual is a collaborative communicator who can build positive relationships with volunteers, public officials, partner agencies, and the community while maintaining a high standard of professionalism, preparedness, and public service. The successful candidate is adaptable, self-motivated, and committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the Kirkwood community.
Education
High school diploma or GED equivalent. Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate's degree in fire science highly desirable.

Experienc
e:

Three (3) to Five (5) years of increasingly responsible paid fire service experience, or Seven (7) years of experience in the volunteer fire system with a minimum rank of Captain. 


Or any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the desired knowledge and abilities.

Additional Requirements:
  • Possession of a valid Class B Firefighter I certificate or equivalent.
  • Possession of a valid Emergency Medical Technician 1B certificate and enrollment in the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.
  • Valid California or Nevada Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
  • Ability to obtain the ICS-300 (Intermediate Incident Command System) certification; and the ICS-200 (ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents) certification; and the IS-700 (National Incident Management System, an Introduction) certification within ninety (90) days from date of hire.
  • The ability to obtain the ICS-300 (Intermediate Incident Command System) certification and the IS-800 (National Response Framework, an Introduction) certification within one (1) year from date of hire. 
All applicants must submit copies of all certificates at the time of filing. 
Benefits
A strong benefit package including CalPERS membership is included, and salary is competitive based on experience.

Why Work for KMPUD?
Working at KMPUD means enjoying the stability and clear purpose of public service while navigating the exciting, fast-paced environment of a world-class mountain resort community.
  • A Dynamic Environment: While Kirkwood has a tight-knit core of about 100 year-round residents, our population surges up to 6,500 daily guests during peak ski season. You will solve unique, high-demand infrastructure puzzles that change drastically from summer to winter.
  • Impactful Public Service: Because we operate in a remote mountain terrain, our crew is the true backbone of the valley. The work you do directly impacts the safety, comfort, and recreation of thousands of residents and outdoor enthusiasts.
  • A Close-Knit Team: We operate as a small, highly collaborative agency where every single employee is a vital link in the chain. You aren’t just a number here; your ideas matter, and your hard work is visibly celebrated.
Our Location: Kirkwood, CA
Nestled high in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Kirkwood is a legendary, resort-oriented community world-renowned for its pristine beauty and deep winter snowpack.
  • An Outdoor Enthusiast’s Paradise: If you love the outdoors, there is no better backyard. Hit the slopes at Kirkwood Mountain Resort—famed for some of the best powder and technical ski terrain in North America.
  • Year-Round Recreation: When the snow melts, the valley transforms into a stunning landscape for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and fishing, with close proximity to South Lake Tahoe..
About Kirkwood Meadows PUD
Established in 1985, the Kirkwood Meadows Public Utility District is an independent public agency serving approximately 1.875 square miles in the Sierra Nevada. In addition to providing essential utility services, the District operates the Kirkwood Volunteer Fire Department, a single-station volunteer fire department serving Kirkwood Valley and surrounding areas. KVFD responds to a wide range of emergency incidents, including structure and wildland fires, emergency medical calls, propane leaks, fire alarms, hazardous materials incidents, and mutual aid requests. The department averages fewer than 140 emergency responses annually, providing an opportunity for a leader who values community engagement, volunteer development, emergency preparedness, and operational excellence.

Salary.com Estimation for Fire Chief in Kirkwood, CA
$89,513 to $113,649
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