Assistant Fire Chief

Known as the "Capital of Silicon Valley," the City of San José plays a vital economic and cultural role anchoring the world's leading region of innovation. Encompassing 180 square miles at the southern tip of the San Francisco Bay, San José is Northern California's largest city, third largest in the State, and the 12th largest city in the nation.

The City of San José is a full-service Charter City and operates under a Council-Manager form of government. The City Council consists of ten (10) council members elected by district and a mayor elected  addition to providing a full range of municipal services including police and fire, San José operates an airport, a municipal water system, a regional wastewater treatment facility, some 200 neighborhood and regional parks, and a library system with 24 branches.

City operations are supported by 6,994 full-time equivalent positions and a total operating and capital budget of $6 billion (for the 2024-25 fiscal year).

The San José Fire Department (SJFD) is committed to serving the community by protecting life, property, and the environment through prevention and response. SJFD is a full-service, all-hazard metropolitan fire department that serves the City of San José and unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County. SJFD deploys all-hazard, advanced life support response resources from 34 fire stations, responding to roughly 110,000 service calls annually.

SJFD is organized into seven bureaus and divisions that report to the Fire Chief. The Assistant Fire Chief, four Deputy Fire Chiefs, a civilian Deputy Director, and a Division Manager report to the Fire Chief. The Fiscal Year  Fire Department Operating Budget is $ and authorizes 872 full time positions including 735 sworn personnel and 137 civilian personnel. Currently, there are 34 stations in operation with the 35th station currently under construction.

The Assistant Fire Chief is second in command in the Fire Department and assumes full command in the absence of the Fire Chief. To successfully discharge their duties, the Assistant Fire Chief must have in-depth knowledge of the modern principles, practices, and techniques of Fire Department administration, organization, and operation. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to effectively command large complex fire suppression operation and supervise a large staff.

They must be able to relate effectively to employees and the public and express themselves clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Finally, they must have the skills and experience to effectively plan, develop, and implement a comprehensive fire suppression and prevention program.

To be considered, candidates must be currently employed in a chief fire officer rank such as Battalion Chief, Division Chief, or Deputy Fire Chief. A bachelor s degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, management sciences or related field is highly desirable.

Salary Range: $199,689 to $308,864

Apply on-line by December 15, 2025 at  For questions, please contact Sherrill Uyeda at  or Wesley Herman at  Main Office: . EEO/ADA.