Job Posting: Fire Chief - Pearland, TX
The Pearland, TX, Fire Department is seeking applicants for the position of Fire Chief.
How to apply:
Interested candidates should apply immediately by submitting a comprehensive resume and cover letter to 65th North Group at [email protected].
Open until filled. First review of resumes: February 4, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. CT.
Direct all inquiries to 65th North Group, Dave Ross, at [email protected] or 480-386-5344
Salary: $180,000-220,000
The Position
The Fire Chief is the senior administrative and operational leader of the City of Pearland Fire Department and is responsible for the overall direction, performance, and effectiveness of the organization. Reporting to the City Manager’s Office, the Fire Chief provides strategic leadership for fire suppression, emergency medical services, training, fire prevention, emergency management coordination, and all-hazards response while ensuring alignment with City goals, policies, and community expectations.
The Fire Chief is responsible for developing and managing the department’s operating and capital budgets, establishing long term strategic priorities, and ensuring that resources are deployed efficiently and responsibly. This role requires the ability to balance operational readiness and service excellence with fiscal stewardship, regulatory compliance, and workforce sustainability.
The Fire Chief also plays a key role in regional coordination, intergovernmental partnerships, and mutual aid planning. As a member of the City’s executive leadership team, the Fire Chief works collaboratively with City leadership and provides clear, accurate, and data informed recommendations. The position requires strong communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to represent the department and the City with professionalism, credibility, and integrity.
The Ideal Candidate
The City of Pearland seeks an authentic, visionary, and people-centered leader who inspires collaboration and models integrity, accountability, and respect in every interaction. The ideal candidate brings both strategic insight and operational discipline and is able to think broadly about the future of the organization while executing effectively in day-to-day operations. This individual values transparency and understands that trust is built through consistent actions, sound judgment, and a clear appreciation of the broader municipal mission.
The successful candidate will be a proven fire service professional with a strong command of modern fire suppression, emergency medical services, and all-hazards response, paired with a deep appreciation for prevention, preparedness, and community risk reduction. Experience managing complex operating and capital budgets, implementing strategic initiatives, and leading organizational change is essential. The ideal candidate will balance service excellence with fiscal responsibility while ensuring departmental priorities align with Citywide goals, available resources, and longterm sustainability.
Candidates must possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in public administration, fire science, emergency management, or a closely related field. A master’s degree is strongly preferred. Candidates must have a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible fire department management experience, including at least three years in a senior command or deputy/executive leadership role such as Assistant Fire Chief or Fire Chief. Experience in a full-service, career or combination fire department servicing a complex or growing community is highly desirable. The Fire Chief must obtain TCFP Head of Department certification within six months of hire, or a timeframe approved by the City. Fire Service Executive Officer and TCFP Fire Officer IV certifications preferred.
Compensation & Benefits
The City of Pearland offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top municipal leadership talent. The starting salary range for this position is $180,000 to $220,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. The City provides a fantastic benefits package that includes 100 percent employer-paid health insurance for employees and 60 percent coverage for dependents. The selected candidate will also receive four (4) weeks of paid executive leave, a comprehensive suite of professional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement, and more.
Retirement benefits are provided through the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS), featuring a 7 percent employee contribution and an exceptional 2:1 City match