Fire Prevention Battalion Chief

City of Murrieta, CA

Murrieta, California United States

Posted: Mar 12, 2026

Salary: $170,144.00 - $206,793.60 Annually USD

Full Time

Administration and Management

Fire and EMS

Description and Essential Functions

Connected by Amazing Employees

The City of Murrieta is accepting applications for the position of Fire Prevention Battalion Chief to fill one (1) current vacancy for our Fire Department. The eligibility list established may be used to fill upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to one (1) year.

DEFINITION

Under administrative direction, serves as Fire Battalion Chief; supervises daily City fire services including personnel and resource management in emergency operations or fire prevention; on an interim basis may serve as Training Officer and/or Disaster Preparedness Coordinator; serves as a member of the Department's management/supervisory team; performs related duties as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the Fire Chief. Exercises direct supervision over assigned staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

The Fire Prevention Battalion Chief works 40 hours per week. with the primary responsibility of overseeing the Community Risk Reduction Division of the Fire Prevention Bureau or Division.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Management reserves the right to add, modify, or remove job duties as necessary and will make reasonable accommodations to enable qualified individuals to perform the position’s essential functions. The omission of a specific duty does not preclude it from being assigned if it is similar, related, or logically aligned with the role’s overall responsibilities .

Performs responsible management, technical and administrative work in managing and leading the Fire Prevention Division and other related programs and services, to include but are not limited to, fire inspection, plan review, enforcement and fire investigation, public education program and administrative responsibilities, such as division budget, maintenance of records
Plans, directs, and coordinates enforcement of Federal, State, and local laws, codes and ordinances covering fire safety; recommend amendments to codes, policies, and standards as necessary
Supervises, assigns and reviews the work of assigned staff responsible for the enforcement and compliance of fire safety laws and ordinances with the jurisdiction
Reviews and evaluate employees' work performance; works with employees to correct deficiencies and; implements discipline procedures as directed
Coordinates with the Division of Building Safety, City Engineering, City planning and other regulatory agencies to ensure enforcement and oversight of City codes and standards during or after the building process
Provides technical information and fire protection assistance to architects, developers, contractors, engineers, and property owners
Make presentations before civic, business, and educational groups as necessary
Participates as a member of the department’s management team in establishing strategic goals, service level priorities, department policies, and organization development
Responds to citizen inquiries and resolves difficult and sensitive complaints
Manages, coordinates, and participates in the department’s public education program, including special events and school, business, and community-based programs
Attends City Council and City Planning Commission meetings and make presentations as assigned
Participates on a variety of boards and commissions; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of fire prevention and inspection

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications includes:

Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Fire Science, Fire Technology, Fire Administration, Public or Business Administration or related field; and one of the following:
Five years of responsible experience in one or more of the following municipal fire prevention, fire suppression, fire inspection, fire code enforcement, hazardous materials management, and fire education, including two years of supervisory experience.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Possession of Fire Prevention Specialist OR new Fire Inspector II certificate issued by the California State Fire Marshal
Possess and maintain a California State Fire Marshal Certification or an International Code Council (ICC) Fire Marshal Designation within one year of appointment.
Certified as a Damage Inspection Specialist through the California Incident Command Certification System Preferred
Incident Command System I-100, I-200, I-300, I-700 & I-800 within one year from hire date
P.C. 832 Powers of Arrest within one year from the hire date
Driving is an essential job function; therefore, a valid California Driver's License is required

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation, which includes a state and federal fingerprint-based background check (Live Scan), driving records screening, and a non-safety pre-employment physical and drug screening exam.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions

KNOWLEDGE OF

Personnel and financial management
Fire prevention methods, programs, and equipment. Public relations aspects of fire prevention activities
Fire investigation methods, procedures, and equipment. Related codes, ordinances, and regulations
City and departmental policies and procedures
Principles and practices of supervision, training, and performance evaluation
Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building, and personnel management
Principles of budget monitoring
English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation
Computer equipment and software applications related to the assignment
Hazardous materials waste legislation and programs. Criminal investigation procedures and requirements
Principles, practices, techniques, and procedures related to fire inspection, plan review, enforcement, and fire investigation
Pertinent local, State, and Federal laws, codes, standards, ordinances, and rules; building materials, construction methods, and fire alarm and suppression systems

ABILITY TO

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Research and prepare complex reports on a variety of subjects
Establish and maintain effective relationships with the community at large, the City Council, and other public officials
Select, train, supervise and evaluate employees. Represent the City in a variety of meetings
Make decisions regarding operational and personnel functions. Operate programs within allocated budget
Analyze unusual situations and resolve them through application of management principles and practices
Assist in developing comprehensive plans to meet future City needs/services. Deal constructively with conflict and develop effective resolutions
Assist in planning and enforcing a balanced budget
Provide technical expertise in the area of assignment
Effectively operate a computer and a variety of software programs. Meet the physical requirements established by the City
On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job
Intermittently analyze work papers, reports, and special projects
Identify and interpret technical and numerical information
Observe and problem-solve operational and technical policies and procedures
Write complex reports, and memorandums
Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff
Plan and coordinate work assignments
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, and implement recommendations
Work independently and with minimal supervision
Work with complete discretion and confidentiality
Develop and recommend policies and procedures related to assigned operations
Prepare and maintain accurate and complete records and reports
Maintain confidentiality and security of records and information
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner
Make decisions in accordance with laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, policies, and procedures
Solve problems and negotiate disputes
Read and prepare reports, tables, charts, maps, plans, and other forms and documents
Oversee and participate in the management of fire prevention services and activities
Interpret and administer departmental policy in the areas of fire protection planning, community development-related issues, fire inspection, plan review, enforcement

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls, and to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or walk, sit, and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

On an intermittent basis, sit at desk for periods of time, walk and stand, intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulations; use telephone, and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; and lift or carry weight of 10 pounds or less. See in the normal vision range with or without correction to read typical business documents and computer screens; hear in the normal range with or without correction.

When indoors, work is performed in a carpeted and air-conditioned office environment with fluorescent lighting and moderate noise level; there is some exposure to the external environment when going to outlying offices or fire stations. Work is frequently disrupted by the need to respond to in-person and telephone inquiries.

Work is performed outdoors when performing field inspections. When outdoors there may be exposure to a variety of weather conditions; exposure to traffic, noise, physical barriers, and around heavy equipment and hazardous substances; work on slippery or uneven surfaces; and work in conditions involving fire, chemicals, and fire debris.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Fire Prevention Battalion Chief is assigned a 40-hour workweek.

Supplemental Information

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
A City application form and resume must be submitted online. Applicants can apply online at www.MurrietaCA.gov .

SELECTION PROCESS
Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application materials that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the position may consist of any combination of appraisal interview, performance test and writing exercise to evaluate the applicant's skill, training, and experience for the position. Successful applicants will be placed on an eligibility list. The City may also merge lists.

SPECIAL EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
The selected candidate(s) must successfully complete pre-employment clearances, which may include a physical, drug screen, and Live Scan background investigation. Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The City of Murrieta is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. All employment practices such as recruitment, selection, and promotions are administered in a manner designed to ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age (over 40), marital or veteran status, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, disability, or any other basis that is inconsistent with federal, state or local laws.

THE COMMUNITY
Located just north of San Diego County, the city of Murrieta is home to approximately 116,000 people. Central to all of Southern California, residents of Murrieta live in one of the safest cities in the U.S. With top-ranked schools, 52 parks, and 1,300 acres of trails, it is consistently ranked the top place to live in Southwest Riverside County. Murrieta has a dynamic business environment, an educated population, and a high median income. All of these attributes support the exceptional quality of life residents enjoy and the engaged and connected community that sets Murrieta apart from the rest.

THE DEPARTMENT
Murrieta Fire & Rescue (MFR) provides fire suppression, emergency medical services, technical rescue, hazardous materials mitigation, fire prevention, public education, and disaster preparedness, to approximately 35.4 square miles of southwestern Riverside County, California. The department delivers emergency services with 60 personnel (20 per shift) from five fire stations. In support of these efforts, MFR is managed administratively by a Fire Chief and a Deputy Chief, and employs a Fire Marshal, Emergency Medical Services Coordinator, Disaster Preparedness Coordinator and a Training Officer. MFR has a long tradition of providing excellent customer service to the region's residents and guests. Since the department's inception in 1947, the expectation of our first responders has grown to include much more than fire suppression and basic first aid. Progressive, "all - risk" agencies are now expected to deliver advanced paramedic services, public education, hazardous materials, technical rescue, and wildland-urban interface response. MFR is consistently working to achieve and/or maintain the highest level of professionalism and efficiency on behalf of those it serves.

MFR's personnel are expected to be fully engaged with the agency and community, including assignments on committees and project teams. The agency is an active participant in statewide mutual aid and national USAR deployments, which requires long stretches on duty. The shared vision of the agency is to become a Fire Department from which other progressive agencies measure themselves.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Organization: Management, Professional & Confidential

Adopted: August 8, 2023

MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL & CONFIDENTIAL

The following is a summary of the benefits provided to full-time employees in this un-represented group. For further information, please refer to the unit's Salary Resolution or Agreement .

RETIREMENT : The City participates in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS).
- Tier 1 (Classic Members hired prior to 12/30/2012)
  - Formula: 2.7% at 55
  - Member Contribution: 8.0% of compensation
  - Final Compensation: Highest twelve (12) consecutive month period
- Tier 2 (Classic Members hired on or after 12/30/2012)
  - Formula: 2.0% at 60
  - Member Contribution: 7.0% of compensation
  - Final Compensation: Highest thirty-six (36) consecutive month period
- Tier 3 (New Members / PEPRA)
  - Formula: 2.0% at 62
  - Member Contribution: 50% of normal cost (currently 8.0% of compensation)
  - Final Compensation: Highest thirty-six (36) consecutive month period
MEDICAL INSURANCE : The City contributes up to $1,891.28 per month toward medical insurance for employees and their eligible dependents.
RETIREE MEDICAL INSURANCE : Please refer to the MPC Compensation Plan for details.
DENTAL INSURANCE : The City pays for 100% of the premium for the employee and their eligible dependents.
VISION INSURANCE : The City pays for 100% of the premium for the employee and their eligible dependents.
LIFE INSURANCE : The City pays for 100% of the premium for a life insurance policy equal to one time an employee's base salary. Additional life insurance is available.
SHORT-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE: The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee.
LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE : The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION : Employees are eligible to participate in a deferred compensation plan through Nationwide Retirement Solutions. The City contributes a matching amount to the employee's account on a dollar-for-dollar basis, not to exceed the following amounts.
- $3,400 per year for Department Heads toward 401a plan.
- $3,000 per year for Managers towards the 457 plan.
- $2,000 per year for Confidential towards the 457 plan.
ANNUAL LEAVE AND HOLIDAYS : 192 hours of annual leave and 117 hours of holiday leave.
ADMIN LEAVE ACCRUAL : Department Heads and Management staff.
- Department Heads - 120 hrs per year.
- Management - 80 hrs per year.
AUTO ALLOWANCE : $300 per month Department Heads only (Exception Fire & Police Chief)
FLEX SCHEDULE : Administrative staff currently works a 9/80 alternative work schedule. Other schedule options (5/8, 4/10) may be available based on the City’s operational needs.
SPANISH LANGUAGE PAY : 2.5% of base pay for eligible members of the association who are fluent in Spanish. Eligibility is based on business necessity.

Note: The provisions of this summary do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this summary may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contributions toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic revisions to the MPC Compensation Plan and the City of Murrieta.

Closing Date/Time: 3/31/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

City of Murrieta

(951) 461-6087

The City of Murrieta, located in southwest Riverside County, was incorporated under the general laws of the State of California on July 1, 1991 and currently supports a population of approximately 114,000 residents. While offering affordable housing and high quality schools, the City represents a blend of dynamic growth amid the traditional values of a historic rural community dating back to the 1890's. Every resident and employee of the City has the opportunity to be an integral part in shaping the Murrieta of today, and, more important, the Murrieta of tomorrow.

City of Murrieta, CA

About Company

Fire Prevention Battalion Chief