Address
Form of work
SalaryJOB INFORMATION
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.
Benefits:
The City offers a robust benefits package that includes:
- Defined retirement plan, including pension reciprocity, dependent on an employee’s eligibility status (new hire, rehire, etc.).
- A wide variety of cafeteria-style health and wellness plans or in-lieu cash waiver.
- 11 paid City holidays per calendar year and 1 floating holiday per fiscal year.
- Approximately 176 hours of paid annual leave for an employee’s first 15 years of service, and approximately 216 hours for 16+ years of service.
- Management Leave- 80 hours per year.
- Up to 24 hours of paid discretionary leave per fiscal year.
- Up to 320 hours of paid Parental Leave per childbirth or placement of a child.
- Up to 40 hours of paid Bereavement Leave per fiscal year.
- Tuition reimbursement up to $2,000 per fiscal year, and complimentary LinkedIn Learning professional development opportunities.
- Free transit pass (including MTS Trolley, MTS Bus, and all Rapid and Rapid Express bus services).
- Access to premier City golf courses at a discounted rate.
- Reduced-rate fitness center memberships.
- City-paid life insurance.
The Department:
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 Fire-Rescue leadership team consists of two Assistant Fire Chiefs who oversee Emergency Operations and Business Operations, as well as an Assistant to the Fire Chief who oversees Fiscal Services. They are directly supported by the members of the executive command staff including one Lifeguard Chief, and nine Deputy Fire Chiefs. The Deputy Fire Chiefs are responsible for the Emergency Communications Dispatch Center, Logistics, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Operations, Special Operations, and the Community Risk Reduction Division. Ambulance services are contracted by Faulk and American Medical Response (AMR) but Fire-Rescue is responsible for the management of the overall transport system. For more information on department programs, please visit the Fire-Rescue Department’s website: sandiego.gov/fire.
The City:
With more than 1.4 million residents, the City of San Diego is the eighth largest city in the United States and the second largest in California. The City of San Diego’s strong economy, diverse population, great educational institutions, unsurpassed quality of life, and world-renowned location make it the ideal place to work, live, and play. With its great weather, miles of sandy beaches, and major attractions, San Diego has something to offer for everyone.
The City’s Mission, as stated in the Strategic Plan is “Every day we serve our communities to make San Diego not just a fine city, but a great City.” The City’s Vision is "Opportunity in every neighborhood, excellent service for every San Diegan".
As one of the region’s largest employers, the City of San Diego employs nearly 12,000 highly dedicated employees and has a combined Fiscal Year 2024 operating and capital budget of approximately $5 billion. Additional information about the City of San Diego can be found on the City’s website.
How to Apply:
If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply online at: Bob Murray and Associates
Following the closing date, resumes will be screened according to the qualifications outlined. The most qualified candidates will be invited to virtual interviews with Bob Murray and Associates. Candidates will be advised of the status of the recruitment following finalist selection. Finalist interviews will be held in person with the City of San Diego, and panel interviews will be a part of the process. A select group of candidates will be asked to provide references once it is anticipated that they may be recommended as finalists. References will be contacted only following candidate approval.
Filing Deadline: April 22, 2024
The City of San Diego has an active Equal Opportunity/ADA Program for employment and vigorously supports diversity in the workplace.
