Fire Chief

City of Mesa; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 192,000 - 258,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PSPRS retirement program

Deferred compensation

Job summary

The City of Mesa, Arizona, seeks an exceptional Fire Chief to provide executive leadership for the Fire & Medical Department. The Chief will shape emergency response strategy, community risk reduction, and organizational development while guiding a team of 800 FTE under a roughly $180 million budget.

This role reports to the City Manager and collaborates with regional partners and City officials. The ideal candidate has a track record of strategic thinking, strong communication skills, and the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Fire Science, Public Administration, Management, Business or related field.
• Master's degree preferred for advancement.

Responsibilities

• Oversee emergency response activities and public safety initiatives.
• Lead fire prevention and risk reduction programs.
• Direct budgeting, staffing, training, and regulatory compliance.
• Develop policies and plans to improve departmental services and facilities.
• Serve as primary liaison to City officials and emergency service partners.

Education

Bachelor's degree (Fire Science / Public Administration / Management / Business)

Master's degree preferred

Job description

THE OPPORTUNITY

The City of Mesa, Arizona, is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as its next Fire Chief. This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the Southwest’s premier fire departments in a thriving, innovation-driven city of more than half a million residents. The next Chief will build upon a legacy of operational excellence while shaping the future of emergency response, community risk reduction, and organizational development. As a key member of the City’s executive leadership team, the Fire Chief will influence strategic initiatives, foster strong regional partnerships, and inspire a highly skilled workforce dedicated to protecting lives and property. Mesa offers the chance to make a lasting impact in a dynamic, rapidly growing community that values forward-thinking leadership, collaboration, and exceptional public service.

THE CITY OF MESA

Located in the heart of the East Valley within the Phoenix metropolitan area, Mesa is Arizona's third-largest city and one of the nations’ largest cities, home to more than 510,000 residents across approximately 139 square miles. Mesa combines the amenities of a major metropolitan community with the character of welcoming neighborhoods, a vibrant downtown, rich agricultural heritage and a thriving innovation corridor. The city's diverse landscape includes major healthcare systems, higher education institutions, two airports, advanced manufacturing and technology campuses, and a diverse and resilient economy, creating a dynamic environment for public safety and public service leadership.

THE MESA FIRE & MEDICAL DEPARTMENT

The Mesa Fire & Medical Department operates 22 stations across 138 square miles to serve over half a million residents. It is an all-hazards department, responding to calls ranging from medical issues to fires, to complex hazardous emergencies or rescues. Additionally, fire prevention programs support community safety and risk reduction by helping to prevent fires and other dangers before they occur. The Fire and Medical Department is comprised of 800 FTE who are supported by a budget of approximately $180 million and is an ISO Class 2 organization, along with being an accredited agency through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) for the past 20 years. The Fire Chief is assisted in leading the Fire and Medical Department by four Assistant Fire Chiefs and a Deputy Director.

THE POSITION

The Fire Chief is appointed by the City Manager and provides executive leadership and administrative direction for all municipal fire and emergency medical services operations, personnel, and programs. This position is responsible for overseeing emergency response activities, fire prevention and public safety initiatives, disaster preparedness, training, and regulatory compliance to ensure the protection of life and property within the community. The Fire Chief directs departmental operations through the supervision of command staff and review of operational activities, ensuring efficiency, effectiveness, and adherence to local, state, and federal regulations. Responsibilities include developing and implementing policies and procedures; directing the preparation of the budget and managing resources; overseeing maintenance of firefighting and medical services equipment and facilities and planning for future needs; developing plans and objectives to improve departmental services; serving as the primary liaison to City officials, community organizations, and a partner with emergency service agencies; and communicating with the general public, staff, City officials, City employees, other fire departments, and community organizations to enhance public relations and employee morale.

The ideal candidate will be a team-oriented, problem-solving, collaborative, people-centric leader with an approachable demeanor; have a strong focus on staff wellness; have a progressive mindset and the ability to harness the unique contributions of staff from different generations and backgrounds; be a visionary leader with strong strategic thinking skills; have a community-oriented, relationship-driven leadership style; have strong communication skills and the ability to make difficult decisions; and have a strong labor/management relationship.

Qualifications

• Education: Possession of a Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, Management, Business or related field. A Master's degree is preferred.
• Experience: Ten (10) plus years of progressively responsible administrative and supervisory experience in fire and life safety education, prevention, and emergency response work at the rank of a Fire Battalion Chief or higher. Service in a municipal or county fire department is preferred.
• License or certification: Must possess a valid Class D Arizona Driver's License by the date of hire or promotion date. Must not be on the Office of Inspector General (OIG) list of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).

Salary & Benefits

The annual salary range for the Fire Chief is $191,609 to $258,044. Placement within the range is negotiable and dependent upon qualifications. In addition, the City offers a comprehensive benefits package including retirement provided by the Arizona Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS). A deferred compensation program is also provided, including employer participation with a minimum of one year of service.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS