Escondido lies 30 miles northeast of San Diego and 100 miles south of Los Angeles, just 18 miles from the coast. The Escondido Fire Department, supported by 135 FTEs (including Chief Officers) and a $44.89 million operating budget, provides fire, rescue, emergency planning, fire prevention, and EMS services to 165,268 residents across nearly 50-square-miles, including one of Southern California's most significant wildland-urban interface environments.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an innovative, collaborative leader to help shape one of California's premier municipal wildfire resilience programs. The City seeks a Fire Chief who combines outstanding operational and administrative expertise, strategic vision, and experience advancing wildfire risk reduction through community partnerships, data-driven decision-making, and proactive mitigation. Experience collaborating with nonprofit organizations and regional partners to strengthen community resilience is highly desirable.

Requires a bachelor’s degree, California Chief Fire Officer certification (or ability to obtain), and 10 years of progressively responsible experience, including three years of management & administrative responsibility at DC level or above.

The salary range is $198,938 - $296,105 DOQE + excellent benefits. Closes at midnight on Sunday, August 23, 2026. 

Pro tip: When you are ready to apply, have your cover letter, resume, 
and list of six references prepared to upload.