-
Job Description
Description
This recruitment is being conducted by Teri Black & Company, LLC.
You can view the recruitment brochure and submit your application directly on their website.
The City of Palo Alto is home to approximately 68,000 residents and nearly 100,000 workers in the Silicon Valley. The Palo Alto Fire Department provides emergency response, fire, and life safety services to the Palo Alto community, Stanford University, and neighboring areas (through mutual and automatic aid agreements). The department responds to approximately 10,000 calls annually, almost 70% of which are medical-related and is supported by over 116 staff (97 sworn FTEs) and a 2025-26 budget of $59.33 million.
Theideal candidate is a visionary leader who champions innovation, operational excellence, and community-focused service in a dynamic environment. A high-energy and relatable presence, they will inspire a multi-generational workforce and drive modern approaches to emergency service delivery. Along with a passion for continuous improvement, candidates should have a solid background in fire and emergency services, strategic planning, budgeting, and organizational leadership.
The current salary range is $244,608-$366,912; salary supplemented by attractive benefits.
Closes Sunday, August 10, 2025 (midnight)
Follow this link to learn more about the Palo Alto Fire Department
For updates on the Fire Chief Selection visit our City of Palo Alto site
Supplemental Information
Application & Selection Process
The closing date for this recruitment is midnight, Sunday, August 10, 2025. 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.
Following the closing date, resumes will be screened in relation to the criteria articulated in this brochure. Applicants with the most relevant qualifications will immediately be granted preliminary interviews by one of the recruiters. Candidates deemed the most highly qualified will be invited to participate in additional interviews followed by further meetings with the City. Selection will be made shortly thereafter, following the completion of negotiations and extensive background and reference checks. Please note that references will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.
Apply Now!
Contact Executive Recruiters for Questions- Bill Weisgerber • 408.910.8044
- Teri Black • 424.296.3111
For more details visit our Careers Page, by clicking HERE.
Learn more about our Compensation Plan HERE.
Closing Date/Time: 8/10/2025 11:59 PM Pacific - Bill Weisgerber • 408.910.8044
-
ABOUT THE COMPANY
-
-
City of Palo Alto
Show morePalo Alto is located about 35 miles south of San Francisco; and 14 miles north of San Jose. Palo Alto, known as the “Birthplace of Silicon Valley” and global center of technology and innovation, is the corporate headquarters for many world-class companies and research facilities such as VMWare, Hewlett-Packard, IDEO, Tesla, and Skype. Home to Stanford University and a top-ranked public school system, Palo Alto also features beautiful and historic residential neighborhoods, vibrant shopping and retail districts.
Palo Alto has a highly educated and culturally sophisticated citizenry that is actively engaged in making a difference both locally and globally. Unique among city organizations, Palo Alto operates a full-array of services including its own gas, electric, water, sewer, refuse and storm drainage provided at very competitive rates for its customers.
The birthplace of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto, is a community of approximately 68,000 residents and nearly 100,000 jobs. Located on the mid-Peninsula between San Francisco and San Jose, Palo Alto is recognized worldwide as a leader in cutting-edge technology, medicine, and green innovation. Many world-class businesses maintained or started offices here, including Amazon, Tesla, Hewlett Packard, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Rivian, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, SAP Ariba, Houzz, Varian Medical Systems, and VMware. Numerous start-ups are also at home in Palo Alto, arguably making it the startup capital of the world.
Stanford University is foundational to the history and prestige of Palo Alto, reflected in the community’s dedication to life-long learning. Stanford’s cultural and educational offerings are integral to the vibrancy and charm of Palo Alto, while the City’s exceptional K-12 school district ranks among the top public school systems in the country. With more than 50% of adult residents holding a graduate degree or higher, Palo Alto is frequently listed as one of the most educated cities in the nation.
Home to picturesque tree-lined streets, bike lanes, and historic buildings that reflect its California heritage, Palo Alto boasts a genuine sense of community and an active citizenry with strong environmental values. Beautiful neighborhoods are complemented by vibrant commercial corridors and a bustling economy with premium shopping and dining options. Excellent health care facilities, performing arts, and diverse recreational opportunities are just some of this incredibly desirable community’s cherished amenities.
Join an Award Winning Team
Palo Alto is an award-winning City recognized nationwide as innovative and well-managed. Palo Alto is one of a small number of California cities with a AAA bond rating. Recently, Palo Alto became one of the most livable cities in the U.S. by Livability.com. It's the only city to receive the Platinum Beacon Award in sustainability best practices by California’s Institute for Local Government.
We offer a variety of career paths that relate to building and improving communities. The City has fourteen departments employing 1,000 full-time staff. Police officers, fire fighters, paramedics, and building inspectors keep us safe. Engineers and public works staff build and re-build the physical infrastructure. City planners help envision and shape future community growth. Recreation, arts and library professionals enhance community life. Utilities provides electric, gas, water, sewer and other services. Internal services departments help manage, staff, and protect the City.
-