Santee Resumes National Search for Fire Chief

The city of Santee has reopened its search for a Director of Fire and Life Safety Services / Fire Chief after it was determined that an appropriate replacement for soon-to-be-retiring Chief Mike Rottenberg had not been located.

Rottenberg, who has held the position since 2007, had, has agreed to stay on in his current role until his successor is hired.

"We initially opened up recruitment in March," said Santee Human Resources representative Rita Freeman.  "But after several rounds of interviews and an initial selection of finalists, we had not found the person who was right for the position, which is why we reopened the search."

Requirements for the position include a varied combination of education and experience, including but not limited to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in fire science, fire administration, business or public administration, and eight years of experience in all major areas of a municipal fire department, including three years experience as a Division Chief.

"We've been seeing both local and out of state candidates," Freeman said.  "We have received several from California but have a lot coming in from other states as far away as Florida."

Although the City has not set a hiring deadline for, they are actively working toward finding a candidate best suited to carry out the responsibilities of the position.

"It's really hard to tell when we might have the position filled," she said.  "We do not have a goal start date. It's more important that we find the right person for the job."