The City of Valdosta is seeking applications for a new Fire Chief. The City of Valdosta is a unique community, blending its historic past with a dynamic and high growth environment, coupled with a diversity to give it economic viability and strength. In 1860, Valdosta was incorporated as the new county government seat. With a population of 166 people, Valdosta thrived as the county government seat of Lowndes County and the inland capital for Sea Island Cotton. During the city’s first 10 years, it grew 622 percent to a population of 1,999. Valdosta has seen explosive growth in the most recent decade and is now approaching a population of 60,000. The determination of the little town that moved to the railroad is still evident in today’s city as it works toward a prosperous future. Valdosta provides a healthy, vibrant, safe environment where residents live, work, and play in a diverse community that values families and neighbors. Valdosta-Lowndes County is a thriving community with an economy balanced for growth, where wages are increasing at a healthy pace yet cost of living and business costs remain competitively low. Valdosta residents enjoy the scenic rural area of South Georgia along with a variety of urban shopping choices, dining, arts, and entertainment. Valdosta serves as the cultural, medical, and commercial hub for eleven South Georgia and north Florida counties. The city operates under the Council/Manager form of Government. The Valdosta City Council is comprised of a mayor and seven council members who serve four-year terms. The Council appoints the City Manager who is responsible for the daily operational functions of the city. The Fire Chief is an important part of the management team and reports to the City Manager.
Find details about the position expectations by reviewing the recruitment brochure at www.mercergroupassociates.com
The Valdosta Fire Department is entering its next phase of growth from a position of strength, with multiple initiatives already underway. The Fire Chief will be a dedicated and ethical team player who can quickly gain the confidence of staff, the community, and business owners. The new Chief will be an effective communicator and trusted organizational partner. The ability to communicate effectively with Mayor and Council, work collaboratively with the City Manager, and provide consistent directions to department staff is essential. Trust will be built through transparency, professionalism, and alignment between what is communicated and what is executed. The ideal candidate will bring a robust background of fire service leadership and public safety, with a demonstrated ability to guide a diverse team in delivering exceptional emergency response and fire prevention programs. The successful candidate must have the ability to demonstrate a culture of leadership and accountability that starts at the top. The Chief will be responsible for leading response efforts during emergencies, providing clear and decisive leadership in high-pressure situations. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make quick, informed decisions are essential. The new Chief must be skilled at building and maintaining strong working relationships with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as clear communication with the public, city, and county officials. Additionally, the Chief will act as the primary spokesperson for the department, keeping the community informed and encouraging engagement with the department.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Fire Science, Public Administration, Emergency Management, Business Administration, or a related field is required. Master’s degree is preferred.
• Completion of advanced fire service leadership, command, and management training through state-certified programs, national fire service organizations, or comparable professional development pathways is expected. Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE); National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program; upper-level NIMS training are highly desired.
• Minimum of five (5) years of executive experience in a command-level or senior leadership role in a fire department with similar complexities to the Valdosta department is expected. Any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that meet the requirements of the job will be considered.
• Must possess or be able to acquire a valid Georgia driver’s license within 3 months of employment
Compensation & Benefits:
The expected starting salary range for this position DOQ (depending on qualifications) is $125,000 - $140,000 with a very comprehensive benefits package including: Health, dental and vision insurance; no cost Medical Clinic – Premise Health; Basic Life and AD&D – provided by the city at no cost; Long-term disability paid by the city; Employee Assistance Program – EAP; Pension benefit – employee contributes 3%, vested in 10 years; Deferred Compensation 457 offered through Empower and Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates must submit by email a cover letter, resume, a list of at least five job related references (with email and phone numbers), as well as salary history no later than February 13, 2026 to lisaward912@gmail.com. Please direct any questions to Lisa Ward, Senior Associate, Mercer Group Associates, at 706-983-9326; or Alan Reddish at 706-614-4961.
Alan Reddish, Senior Associate, 107 Indigo Lane, Athens, GA 30606, Cell: 706-614-4961