Fire Chief - Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, CA at Peckham & McKenney Executive Search

, California, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

21 May, 26

Salary

319496.0

Posted On

20 Feb, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Executive Leadership, Large Agency Operations, EMS Transport Systems, Hazardous Materials Response, Industrial Safety, WUI Operations, Labor Relations, Community Engagement, Regional Collaboration, Financial Acumen, Capital Project Oversight, Organizational Development, All-Risk Emergency Response, Fire Officer Certification

Industry

Government Relations Services

Description

The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Contra Costa Fire) is seeking an experienced, forward‑thinking leader to serve as its next Fire Chief. Serving more than 790,000 residents across 13 cities and 11 unincorporated communities, the District provides full‑service, all‑risk emergency response across 582 square miles. With 37 fire stations, 41 companies, and 650 personnel, Contra Costa Fire protects one of the most diverse and complex regions in the San Francisco Bay Area, including dense urban centers, major industrial corridors, transportation hubs, and extensive WUI zones. Through its nationally recognized Fire‑EMS Alliance, the District delivers integrated first response and high‑performance ambulance transport, overseeing a system that includes 300–400 AMR personnel. The next Chief will guide major initiatives including Alliance 2.0, consolidation with the Rodeo‑Hercules Fire Protection District, and the 2026 transition to a unified hazardous materials and industrial safety organization. The Ideal Candidate The District seeks a decisive, politically aware executive with deep experience in large‑agency operations, EMS transport systems, hazardous materials response, industrial safety, and WUI operations. The Chief must be an authentic, relationship‑driven leader who excels in labor relations, community engagement, and regional collaboration. Strong financial acumen, capital project oversight, and organizational development skills are essential. Qualifications • Certified Fire Officer (CFSTES) • Three years of full‑time experience as a Deputy Fire Chief or equivalent • Valid California Driver’s License • Residency within a reasonable response distance Desirable: Bachelor’s or master’s degree; EFO; extensive EMS/ALS transport and HazMat/industrial safety background Compensation & Benefits Annual salary: $262,850–$319,496 plus CCCERA retirement, medical/dental/vision, life and disability insurance, leave benefits, professional development, and District vehicle. Filing Deadline: March 20, 2026 Resumes are acknowledged within 2 business days. By submitting an application and clicking “submit application” for this position, I agree to the terms of conditions here of the recruitment process facilitated by Peckham & McKenney Executive Search.

Responsibilities

The Fire Chief will lead a full-service, all-risk emergency response district serving over 790,000 residents across 582 square miles, overseeing 37 fire stations and 41 companies. Key initiatives include guiding Alliance 2.0, consolidation with the Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District, and transitioning to a unified hazardous materials and industrial safety organization by 2026.