Job summary
Job post source
This job is from a recruiting firm hiring for a separate company.
Job overview
The Fire Chief role for the City of Palo Alto leads the fire department, focusing on innovation, operational excellence, and community service to support emergency response and safety for the city and surrounding areas.
Responsibilities and impact
The Fire Chief will provide visionary leadership, inspire a diverse workforce, drive modern emergency service delivery, and oversee strategic planning, budgeting, and organizational leadership for the fire department.
Compensation and benefits
The salary range is $244,608 to $366,912, supplemented by attractive benefits.
Experience and skills
Candidates should have a strong background in fire and emergency services, strategic planning, budgeting, and organizational leadership, with a passion for continuous improvement.
Work environment and culture
The role requires a high-energy, relatable leader who can inspire a multi-generational workforce and champion innovation and community-focused service in a dynamic environment.
Company information
The City of Palo Alto serves about 68,000 residents and 100,000 workers, with a fire department responding to around 10,000 calls annually, supported by over 116 staff and a $59.33 million budget for 2025-26.
Team overview
The fire department includes 97 sworn full-time employees and supports emergency services for Palo Alto, Stanford University, and neighboring areas through mutual aid agreements.
Job location and travel
The position is based in Palo Alto, California, serving the local community and neighboring areas.
Application process
Applicants must submit their application through the recruiting firm's website by August 10, 2025, midnight.
Unique job features
This role offers the opportunity to lead a well-resourced fire department with a significant budget and a focus on innovative emergency service delivery.
Company overview
The City of Palo Alto operates as a municipal government providing essential services such as public safety, utilities, and community development to its residents. They generate revenue primarily through taxes, utility fees, and service charges. Founded in 1894, Palo Alto is known for its role in the development of Silicon Valley and its commitment to sustainability and innovation, including being one of the first cities to offer municipal fiber internet.
How to land this job
Position your resume to highlight leadership in fire and emergency services, emphasizing strategic planning, budgeting, and organizational management skills relevant to the City of Palo Alto Fire Chief role.
Focus on showcasing your ability to inspire and lead a diverse, multi-generational workforce, along with a track record of driving innovation and operational excellence in emergency service delivery.
Apply through multiple platforms including the Teri Black & Company recruitment site, the City of Palo Alto official job site, and LinkedIn to maximize your application visibility.
Connect on LinkedIn with current Palo Alto Fire Department leadership or city officials; start conversations by referencing recent department initiatives or expressing your enthusiasm for community-focused emergency services.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'strategic planning,' 'budgeting,' 'organizational leadership,' 'emergency response,' and 'community service' to ensure it passes automated screenings.
Use Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate application submissions across platforms, tailor your resume with relevant keywords, and identify key LinkedIn contacts, freeing you to focus on preparing for interviews and networking effectively.
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