South King Fire & Rescue is inviting applications for its next Fire Chief, calling for a visionary leader to guide the fire district that serves more than 160,000 residents across south King County.
The district announced Oct. 1 that the position reports directly to the Board of Fire Commissioners and will oversee a team of 148 firefighters and professional staff.
South King Fire responds to more than 27,000 calls annually from seven fully-staffed stations across Des Moines, Federal Way, and the Lakeland North and Lakeland South areas of unincorporated King County.
Board Chair Greg Baruso said the district is seeking a people-centered leader who values integrity, accountability, and collaboration.
“South King Fire is a community-centered organization that values integrity, accountability, and collaboration,” Baruso said. “We are looking for a leader who shares those values, someone who inspires trust, supports the well-being of our members, and continues advancing our mission of service to the public.”
The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of progressive leadership in fire service, including five years at the battalion chief level or higher, with experience in managing operations, labor relations, and strategic planning.
The district said it wants an approachable, innovative leader who supports inclusion, succession planning, and regional partnerships.
The new chief will be tasked with maintaining the district’s Class 2 Insurance Rating, leading long-term planning and budgeting, and overseeing facility development as South King Fire grows to meet community needs. The district also operates specialized response teams in technical rescue, hazardous materials, marine response, and rescue swimming, along with a Mobile Integrated Health program.
Applications are open until Oct. 24, with virtual interviews scheduled Nov. 10–12, a finalist meet-and-greet Dec. 1–2, and final interviews Dec. 3.
South King Fire has partnered with Emergency Services Consulting International (ESCI) to manage the recruitment process.
More information and applications are available at esci.us/executive-recruitment.
For additional information, please contact recruitment@esci.us.
