Deputy Fire Chief

Peckham & McKenney Inc.; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 187,000 - 233,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Outstanding benefits

Job summary

The City of San Luis Obispo Fire Department seeks a Deputy Fire Chief who is a strong communicator, direct, calm, and consistent. The role requires mentoring and coaching to develop others, and transparent decision-making to uphold integrity.

The position emphasizes ethical leadership and sound judgment in daily operations. Minimum qualifications include a four-year degree with related major and seven years as a full-time firefighter, including three years in a supervisory role.

Qualifications

• Strong communicator with direct, calm, and consistent approach.
• Ability to mentor and coach to develop others.
• Transparent in actions, decisions, and communication.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership as Deputy Fire Chief for City of San Luis Obispo Fire Department.
• Read people and situations to anticipate operational needs and allocate resources.
• Uphold organizational integrity through ethical behavior and sound judgment.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree (Fire Science / related field)

Job description

Deputy Fire Chief - City of San Luis Obispo, CA

The City of San Luis Obispo Fire Department seeks a fire service leader who is a strong communicator who is direct, calm, and consistent. The new Deputy Chief must read people and situations well, anticipate operational and organizational needs, and be committed to developing others through mentoring and coaching. The new Deputy Chief must be transparent in actions, decisions, and communication. They must project organizational integrity through ethical behavior and sound judgment.

The minimum requirements for this position are graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in fire science, fire technology, business administration, public administration, or a related field, seven years of experience as a full-time firefighter, including three years of supervisory experience equivalent to a Fire Captain or Fire Battalion Chief, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Desirable qualifications include California State Fire Training Chief Fire Officer Certification and Executive Chief Fire Officer Certification.

The annual salary range is $186,654 - $233,298. The City provides an outstanding benefit package.

Filing Deadline: October 19, 2026
Resumes are acknowledged within 2 business days.