The Position
Reporting directly to the City Manager, the Fire Chief provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and organizational direction for a high-performing, regionalized fire service delivery system.
This role is uniquely positioned at the intersection of municipal leadership and regional collaboration. The Fire Chief not only leads Daly City’s Fire Department but also currently serves as the North County Fire Authority (NCFA) Chief. Through this current model, the Chief provides executive oversight across jurisdictions, ensuring consistent, high-quality service while navigating varied priorities and governance structures. Success requires strong coordination, clear communication, and the ability to build alignment among elected officials, partner agencies, and internal teams.
The Fire Chief oversees all aspects of fire and emergency medical services, including fire suppression, prevention, emergency preparedness, training, and administrative functions. This includes leadership of multiple Deputy Fire Chiefs across operations, special services, and administrative services bureaus, as well as responsibility for cross-jurisdictional coordination and performance.
This is a highly visible and engaged role requiring strong collaboration with multiple partner agencies and community stakeholders. Success in this role will require political acumen, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate complex governance dynamics while building trust and alignment across diverse interests. The Fire Chief is expected to be an active and approachable leader participating in community events, and serving as a steady, credible voice during both routine operations and critical incidents.
Employment Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess a combination of executive fire service leadership experience, operational expertise, and strong interpersonal and organizational management skills.
Experience
- Seven (7) years of full-time experience in firefighting and fire prevention, including at least three (3) years in a responsible supervisory capacity in the permanent rank of Fire Captain or higher within a fire protection agency serving a population of at least 35,000.
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Completion of additional college courses or specialized training programs concerned with matters directly related to fire department operations and administration is desirable.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, or a related field is highly desirable.
Compensation and Benefits
The expected hiring range is $260,721 - $316,908 annually, depending on qualifications. Daly City offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package which can be viewed in the recruitment brochure here.
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at raftelis.com. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will be open until June 19, 2026.
