Fire Chief

City of Costa Mesa; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 222,000 - 298,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement package

Job summary

The City of Costa Mesa is seeking a visionary Fire Chief to lead its Fire and Rescue Department and serve on the Executive Management Team. The role requires strategic leadership, collaboration with the City, and a focus on community protection and public safety.

Ideal candidates have extensive fire service leadership, a 4-year degree in fire science or public administration, and certification as a Chief Fire Officer, with a track record of progressive administration and intergovernmental

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in fire suppression and prevention work.
• Supervisory and administrative experience.
• Graduation from a 4-year college with major coursework in fire science or public administration.
• Certification as a Chief Fire Officer by the California State Board of Fire Services.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Fire Department and set strategic direction as part of the Executive Management Team.
• Collaborate with intergovernmental partners at the regional and state level.
• Oversee administration and programs protecting life and property.

Education

Bachelor's degree in fire science or public administration

Job description

Description

Are you ready to lead a dynamic, forward-thinking Fire and Rescue Department and step into a pivotal role on our Executive Management Team? If you are driven, visionary, and eager to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to bring your leadership, expertise, and strategic vision to our community as Costa Mesa's next Fire Chief.

The Position

For leading the Fire Department, the City is seeking a fire professional who is motivated by public service, recognizes the Department’s success is founded on the success of the City, works collaboratively with others, embraces teamwork and collaboration, is progressive and creative, cultivates strong community ties, supports professional development, leads by example, and serves as a leader in intergovernmental relations throughout the region and state. The typical background for a successful Chief is extensive experience in fire suppression and prevention work, including supervisory and administrative experience; graduation from a 4-year college with major coursework in fire science, public administration, or a closely related field; Certification as a Chief Fire Officer by the California State Board of Fire Services; and knowledge of the principles, practices and equipment of modern fire department administration for the protection of life and property.

Salary

The City offers a competitive salary of $222,324 up to $297,924 based on experience and qualifications, plus a competitive health benefits and retirement package.

Benefits

• plus a competitive health benefits and retirement package.

Other

Filing deadline is September 18, 2026.

Please refer to Executive Resolution 2026-29.