Current Openings

Fire Chief

South King Fire (WA)

South King Fire is the dedicated fire service provider for several diverse communities including the City of Federal Way, City of Des Moines, Lakeland North area and Lakeland South area of unincorporated King County, Washington. The District is entrusted with safeguarding the well-being of 160,000+ residents across 41 square miles of Urban, Suburban and Rural areas. South King Fire now responds to over 27,000 emergency calls each year. South King Firefighters work a 24-hour shift, four platoon schedule. The District is served by seven fully operational fire stations; six staffed with Engine Companies and one staffed with a 100 ft. Quint.

The South King Fire Chief is the top-level Executive of the Fire District and operates under general guidance of the Board of Fire Commissioners. The Fire Chief plans, organizes, directs, and controls all operational functions of the Fire District, and is responsible for applying extensive knowledge to a wide variety of Fire District functions in order to develop, implement and manage policies, guidelines, procedures and programs that are of optimum benefit to the District and the community.

If you meet the minimum qualifications and desire to manage this flourishing, passionate agency, don’t miss this opportunity to apply.

Fire Chief Salary: $270,200

South King Fire also provides a generous benefits package.

South King Fire – Fire Chief Recruitment Brochure (opens in browser)
South King Fire – Fire Chief Job Description (opens in browser)
South King Fire– Fire Chief Application (application will save to your downloads folder)

Recruitment Timeline

• Completed Application Materials: Must be received by October 24, 2025.
• Semifinalist First Interviews: Virtual interviews will be scheduled with semifinalists for November 10th and November 12th. All interviews will be conducted virtually.
• Finalist Interviews, In-Person Events:

1. “Meet and Greet”: Is scheduled on December 1st and December 2nd

2. Finalist Interviews: Are scheduled on December 3rd

3. The District will cover travel and hotel expenses for out of area finalist candidates.

Please submit a signed and completed application, cover letter, resume, and any other relevant supporting documentation.

Application materials must be sent electronically to: recruitment@esci.us