GMP Consultants is a northwest-based public sector executive search firm with a collective 180 years of local government leadership experience.
Organization: Eastside Fire & Rescue
Position Title: Fire Chief
Address: 175 Newport Way NW, Issaquah, WA 98027
First Review: August 10, 2025
Salary Range: Eastside Fire & Rescue offers a competitive salary coupled with a generous benefit package that will place a candidate’s total compensation between $320,000 to $350,000 depending on qualifications and experience.
Eastside Fire & Rescue is seeking a Fire Chief for this diverse and growing region east of Seattle in King County, Washington—the 12th most populous county in the US. Headquartered in Issaquah, EF&R's service area encompasses the cities of Sammamish, Issaquah, Mercer Island, Woodinville, North Bend, Carnation, Duvall, the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe, and surrounding unincorporated areas. This region is a mix of rural areas and tech hubs, with many residents commuting to companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Nintendo, Costco, and T-Mobile.
EASTSIDE FIRE & RESCUE
Eastside Fire & Rescue (EF&R) serves a population of 228,500 across 277 square miles with a biennial budget of $147.5 million and a team of 289 FTEs. EF&R is governed by an eight-member Board of Directors representing five partner agencies: King County Fire District 10, Fire District 38, and the cities of Sammamish, Issaquah, and North Bend. In addition to its partner agencies, EF&R provides fire and emergency services through contracts with Woodinville Fire & Rescue (WFR), the City of Mercer Island, King County Fire District #45 (Duvall), and the Snoqualmie Tribe.
EF&R responds to about 18,000 calls annually and operates from 16 stations staffed by 242 cross-trained Fire and EMS personnel organized into four battalions. Day-shift special assignments include Training, Logistics, Fire Prevention, and Mobile Integrated Health. Six specialty stations provide technical rescue capabilities, including rope rescue, swift water rescue, boat operations, structural collapse, confined space, trench rescue, and hazardous materials response. Additional specialized training includes trail rescue, surface water rescue, vehicle extrication, wildland firefighting, and light rail emergency response.
WHY APPLY
This is an excellent opportunity to lead a respected organization filled with dedicated, talented professionals who care deeply about their work, their teammates, and the communities they serve. Set in a breathtaking region of Puget Sound, Eastside Fire & Rescue supports a growing population and is poised for future expansion. There is a strong sense of purpose here, and an equally strong desire for visionary leadership that can guide the organization through expansion and future challenges. This is more than just a chance to manage an operation—it’s an opportunity to inspire, unify, and shape the next chapter of a proud and capable department. For a leader who wants to make a meaningful impact while working with incredible people in an extraordinary place, this may be the ideal opportunity.
View the full position profile, job description, and benefits at gmphr.com.
More Information: GMP Consultants is assisting Eastside Fire & Rescue with this search. Learn more at gmphr.com. EF&R is an Equal Opportunity Employer. First Review is August 10.
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