Chief, Air Operations, Fire Service - Emergency Appointment

Position: CHIEF, AIR OPERATIONS, FIRE SERVICE - EMERGENCY APPOINTMENT
FIRE DEPARTMENT

TYPE OF RECRUITMENT

OPEN COMPETITIVE - FIRE EMERGENCY

APPLICATION FILING PERIOD:

Applications will be accepted beginning Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. (PT)

This examination will remain open until the needs of the department are met and is subject to close without notice.

EXAM NUMBER:

30215B-FR

The LA County Board of Supervisors has unanimously ratified a Proclamation of Local Emergency in response to the windstorms and wildfires, including the Palisades and Eaton Fires, that have devastated communities across the County. We are looking for qualified and passionate individuals to assist the County in mobilizing resources and support needed to help our residents recover and rebuild. If you are looking for a new career that will directly benefit the population of LA County, this may be the opportunity for you.

County of Los Angeles Fire Department is seeking qualified candidates to fill emergency Chief, Air Operations, Fire Service vacancy related to this unprecedented natural disaster.

Under the emergency order, applicants who meet the requirements may be hired for an initial period of up to 90 days, with an opportunity for permanent County employment.

Before the end of your initial work period, you will be assessed on your work performance.  This assessment will be weighted 100%.

Those who successfully pass the assessment will be considered for permanent appointment to Chief, Air Operations, Fire Service.

DEFINITION:

Has immediate charge of the aerial fire fighting program of the Fire Department.

CLASSIFICATION STANDARDS:

The single position allocable to this level reports to a Deputy Fire Chief and is distinguished by its overall administrative and technical responsibility for aviation operations including the related mechanical services to airplanes and helicopters in the Fire Department. The position requires knowledge of the principles of management and supervision.

* Plans, directs, and supervises the Department's aerial fire fighting program.

* Coordinates the Department's air operations with that of other cooperating agencies.

* Pilots aircraft in fire fighting operations.

* Directs air tanker activities.

* Directs, supervises, and trains flight and ground support personnel.

* Ensures the proper movement, use, and servicing of all helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, equipment and supplies used in aerial fire fighting.

* Develops new or revises existing aerial fire fighting techniques and equipment.

* Prepares new or revised specifications for airborne fire fighting equipment.

* Advises departmental personnel on aircraft capabilities and limitations.

* Prepares new or revises existing departmental manuals and directives relating to the Department's air operations.

* Represents the Department at meetings and technical symposiums concerning the use of aircraft to combat fire.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Three years' experience as a helicopter pilot in fire suppression operations.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS:

* A Commercial Pilot's certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with a rotorcraft-helicopter rating*, and

* A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

You MUST meet the above requirement(s) in order to be appointed to fill any vacancies related to this recruitment.

* Applicants for this examination must attach a copy of the required certificate at the time of filing (preferred).  If you are unable to attach the required documents at the time of filing, you must email to Fire-Examinationounty.gov within fifteen (15) calendar days from the application submission.  Please ensure to indicate the examination title and number on the subject of your email.  

We do not accept password-protected documents.  Ensure documents are unlocked before attaching to your application or sending to the exam analyst.

PHYSICAL CLASS:

Physical Class IV - Arduous:
This class involves frequent heavy lifting over 25 pounds, often combined with bending, twisting, or working above ground on irregular surfaces. It includes those positions that occasionally demand…