Recruiting San Diego's Next Fire‑Rescue Chief

Recruiting San Diego's Next Fire‑Rescue Chief

The City of San Diego seeks an outstanding and forward-looking leader to step into the role of Fire-Rescue Chief. We are in search of a dynamic, collaborative, and seasoned individual capable of engaging with our diverse community. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in resource management and implementing innovative business solutions.

Get Involved

Bob Murray & Associates – an executive recruiter – is leading the recruitment effort on behalf of the Mayor and the City. Interested candidates must apply directly with Bob Murray & Associates. The hiring brochure outlines the application process.

San Diegans are invited to participate in two community meetings happening in April 2024. Additionally, an online survey will be available for community members to provide input and share their priorities for the next Fire-Rescue Chief.

Take the Online Survey Realice la encuesta en línea

Final interviews with top candidates will be held in May 2024.

Community Meetings

The Mayor's Office will be holding two community meetings in April 2024 to gather San Diegan’s opinions on the next Chief of Fire-Rescue. An online survey will be available for residents who are not able to participate in-person.

Wednesday
April 3
5:30 p.m.

Fire-Rescue Chief Recruitment Community Forum
Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center

Thursday
April 4
5:30 p.m.

Fire-Rescue Chief Recruitment Community Forum
Kearny Mesa Recreation Center

Recruiting Process

Recruiting Process

Mayor Gloria is committed to a transparent and inclusive recruitment process. Following the community meetings, a stakeholder interview panel will be comprised of nominees from each City Council Office, and the Mayor will select nominees for an executive panel to include executive-level public safety enforcement officials and other regional leaders.

The process to hire a new Chief of Fire-Rescue, outlined in Article V of the City Charter, calls for the Mayor to appoint a candidate to be confirmed by the City Council.

Timeline of Significant Steps in the Recruitment Process

NOTE: This timeline is subject to change.

March 2024

Recruitment period opens in March and closes on the application deadline, April 22, 2024

Take the Online Survey Realice la encuesta en línea

April 2024

Two community meetings will be scheduled and the online survey will be available for all San Diegans to provide input.

Interview panels will be scheduled.

Wednesday
April 3
5:30 p.m.

Fire-Rescue Chief Recruitment Community Forum
Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center

Thursday
April 4
5:30 p.m.

Fire-Rescue Chief Recruitment Community Forum
Kearny Mesa Recreation Center

May 2024

Interviews will be held

June 2024

Candidate will be selected

July 2024

City Council confirmation and appointment

August 2024

Chief Stowell retirement