Fire Chief

Fire Chief Recruitment Brochure


The Kirkland Fire Department is seeking to hire a Fire Chief!
Why Kirkland?

• In the absence of the City Manager and Deputy City Managers, may assume the duties of Acting City Manager as needed.
• Provides effective leadership as evidenced by staff morale.
• Remain abreast of national and regional fire service trends regarding leadership, administration, and delivery of services.
• Performs functions as assigned in the City's emergency response plan in the event of an emergency, including maintaining availability to respond to large-scale incidents to support field command at extended operations.
• Develops and maintains the Department's professional standards, succession planning, and departmental performance standards, including Washington Surveying and Rating Bureau rating.
• Responsible for developing measurable implementation plans that achieve the City's initiatives in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Roadmap.
• Performs other work as assigned by the City Manager.

• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Thorough knowledge of fire science, management principles, methods, current codes and ordinances.
• Knowledge of fire incident management; fire and building code development, implementation, application, and interpretation; and various forms of Fire/EMS-related technologies.
• Knowledge of fire suppression, EMS, fire prevention, investigations, emergency management, and how these services intersect with broader community safety priorities.
• Skilled in public relations, negotiations, labor relations, and supervision.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrates the knowledge of and adherence to a high standard of personal and professional ethics.
• Skilled in building relationships both internally and externally, including regional peers and community partners.
• Skilled in writing, presenting, and speaking to elected officials, neighborhood and community groups, and the media.
• Skilled in communicating clearly and consistently, setting high standards for the department and holding parties accountable for performance and results.
• Skilled in active listening, able to demonstrate authentic support for staff, consider varying perspectives before making timely and informed decisions, and explaining reasoning.
• Knowledge of public disclosure laws, records management, project management, and grant writing.
• Be innovative and flexible in approach to duties and possess the ability to readily adapt to a changing community and Department needs. Ability to work confidentially with discretion.
• Ability to make informative and persuasive presentations to individuals and groups, conduct public meetings and participate in public forums.
• Advanced working knowledge of budget preparation and monitoring.
• Advanced analytical skills to comprehend, interpret, and explain rules, regulations, legal requirements, and policies.
• Possess tact, diplomacy, and the ability to deal effectively with individuals, groups, and organizations representing a wide variety of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs.
• Basic PC proficiency and knowledge of technology applications pertinent to the Department's operations and management systems requirements.
• Ability to attract retain, lead, and motivate a competent and professional staff. Ability to lead by engagement and be highly present within the department and visible in the community.
• Extensive knowledge of management principles and practices.
• Extensive knowledge of employee and public relations.
• Extensive knowledge of organizational and planning concepts.
• Extensive knowledge of Civil Service regulations, labor agreements, and RCW and WAC rules that have direct application to administration of the Fire Department.
• Familiarity with King County regional systems, services models, and partnerships is preferred.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in business or public administration or relevant discipline.
• Experience: 10 years of increasingly responsible experience in a similar organization of similar or greater size, including 5 years of supervisory experience with advanced leadership knowledge.
• Or: In place of the above requirements, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual's knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.
• A thorough knowledge of fire science, management principles, methods, current codes and ordinances is required. Applicant must pass a psychological evaluation, background investigation, and medical evaluation prior to employment.

• A proven track record of success as a Fire Chief or Deputy Fire Chief is desired.
• Ability to demonstrate a strong collaboration in a highly unionized environment, fostering productive labor management relationships.
• Must have a valid Washington State Driver's license and ability to remain insurable under the City's insurance to operate motor vehicles.

Physical Demands and Working Environment:
Work is generally performed in a typical office environment. The position requires sitting for extended periods while performing keyboard operations. The incumbent is required to attend meetings in and around the Kirkland area, which may be held outside of normal office hours. In case of emergency, the incumbent may be exposed to the hazards of working at an emergency site (i.e., fire ground, exposure to outside weather conditions, or other disaster) or in the emergency operations center.

Selection Process

Interested applicants must submit a packet to include a resume (three pages maximum), your responses to the supplemental questions, and a cover letter detailing your experience, leadership style, and why you are interested in the Deputy Chief position.

The first review of applications will take place the week of April 6, 2026. Interviews are expected to take place in the latter half of April. Applicants who are selected for next steps in the hiring process will be invited by phone or e-mail.

The City of Kirkland is a welcoming community where every person can thrive and grow. We value diversity, inclusion, belonging, and work together to support our community. We do this by solving problems, focusing on the customer, and respecting all people who come into the City whether to visit, live, or work. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to creating a workforce that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. We encourage qualified applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply to our job postings. Persons with a disability who need reasonable accommodations in the application or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 425-587-3210 or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf 711.