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The City of San Diego seeks an outstanding and forward-looking leader to step into the role of Fire-Rescue Chief! Dynamic, collaborative, and seasoned individuals capable of engaging with our diverse community are encouraged to apply. The Fire-Rescue Chief formulates and administers department policy, rules and regulations, and practices and procedures governing department personnel and operations. The Fire-Rescue Chief represents the City at City Council and Council committee meetings, and at various civic, community, professional and business forums. As an official representative of San Diego, the Chief is expected to have a visible and accessible presence throughout the City.

The Fire-Rescue Department protects the lives and properties of San Diego residents and visitors through a variety of safety services serving an area of approximately 326 square miles, with a resident population of 1.4 million. The major activities performed by the Fire-Rescue Department include fire suppression, Basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support emergency medical treatment, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, fire investigation, bomb squad, air operations, fire safety inspection and education programs, equipment and facilities maintenance, boating enforcement and rescue, beach safety and swimmer rescue, and the operation of two 911 communications centers and provides 911 dispatch services to five neighboring jurisdictions. The Fire-Rescue Department also oversees the operational and financial management of ambulance transport services in the city.

The Department is supported by over 1,210 uniformed Fire-Rescue personnel, 141 full-time and 325 seasonal uniformed Lifeguard personnel, and 198 civilian personnel operating through 51 Fire Stations, 9 permanent lifeguard stations, and 34 additional seasonal lifeguard towers during peak periods. The budget for Fiscal Year 2024 is $367 million. In FY 2023, the San Diego Fire Department responded to 182,378 fire-rescue calls for service and 7,057 lifeguard calls for service. The City is seeking a professional, inclusive, and experienced leader to serve as the next Fire Chief.

The annual salary range for the Fire Chief position is $300,000 - $325,000; placement within this range is dependent on qualifications and experience.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Mr. Joel Bryden or Ms. Stacey Stevenson at (916) 784-9080.