City of San Luis Obispo is Now Hiring a New Fire Chief

The City of San Luis Obispo is seeking an experienced fire management leader to serve as the City’s new Fire Chief and continue the high-quality, community-focused service provided by the Fire Department’s talented staff. The Fire Chief reports directly to the City Manager.

“We are looking not just for an experienced fire service professional, but a leader; someone who inspires others and leads by example,” said City Manager Whitney McDonald. “The Fire Chief is a highly visible role in our community, and the right candidate will be approachable, knowledgeable, collaborative, and inspiring. Fire management and direct operational experience is also a must.”

Eligible applicants must have at least five years of fire management experience and a bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree is preferred and experience in both operations and fire prevention is highly desirable, particularly in a community with significant ongoing development activity.

The deadline to apply is Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Interested parties can download the recruitment brochure and apply online via TB&Co Recruiting.

San Luis Obispo sits in the heart of California’s Central Coast, midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. The San Luis Obispo Fire Department is a full-service, all-risk agency staffed by 49 sworn personnel and 12 prevention and support staff operating from four stations, with a FY 2025–26 budget of $19 million. The department responds to more than 7,000 calls annually, provides ALS emergency medical services, serves Cal Poly through a service agreement, and is planning a fifth station to meet growing demand in the southern portion of the City.

The annual salary range for this position is $208,208 to $260,286, with a 3% cost-of-living adjustment in July 2026. The City also offers a highly competitive benefits package.

To be considered for this opportunity, upload a compelling cover letter, resume, and list of six professional references using the “Apply Now” feature at www.tbcrecruiting.com. This is a confidential process and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the process.