FIRE CHIEF

This recruitment is being conducted by Teri Black & Company, LLC.

You can view the recruitment brochure and submit your application directly on their website.

The City of Palo Alto is home to approximately 68,000 residents and nearly 100,000 workers in the Silicon Valley. The Palo Alto Fire Department provides emergency response, fire, and life safety services to the Palo Alto community, Stanford University, and neighboring areas (through mutual and automatic aid agreements). The department responds to approximately 10,000 calls annually, almost 70% of which are medical-related and is supported by over 116 staff (97 sworn FTEs) and a 2025-26 budget of $59.33 million.

The ideal candidate is a visionary leader who champions innovation, operational excellence, and community-focused service in a dynamic environment. A high-energy and relatable presence, they will inspire a multi-generational workforce and drive modern approaches to emergency service delivery. Along with a passion for continuous improvement, candidates should have a solid background in fire and emergency services, strategic planning, budgeting, and organizational leadership.

The current salary range is $244,608–$366,912; salary supplemented by attractive benefits.

Closes Sunday, August 10, 2025 (midnight)

Follow this link to learn more about the Palo Alto Fire Department

For updates on the Fire Chief Selection visit our City of Palo Alto site