DEPUTY CHIEF OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

DEPUTY CHIEF OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One Gig Harbor, WA Job Details Full-time $220,000 - $224,972 a year 1 day ago Qualifications Driver's License Team management Senior leadership Full Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Deputy Chief of Finance and Administration is a sworn executive leadership position and member of the Fire Chief's Command Staff. The position provides strategic leadership, oversight, and accountability for the District's Finance, Human Resources, Payroll, Benefits, Information Technology, Logistics, contracts, public records, and capital planning functions while maintaining operational readiness and serving in a command role. The Deputy Chief supports organizational leadership, long-range planning, fiscal sustainability, legal compliance, labor relations, policy development, and division performance. The position regularly presents information and recommendations to the Fire Chief, Board of Fire Commissioners, Command Staff, labor groups, and external stakeholders. The Deputy Chief acts on behalf of the Fire Chief as assigned and participates in Duty Chief rotation and emergency incident command responsibilities. This position requires professionalism, integrity, accountability, sound judgment, and strong leadership.

REPORTING

RELATIONSHIPSDirectly supervises and provides executive oversight for: Finance Director Division Chief of Logistics Information Systems Manager Human Resources Manager Payroll & Benefits Program Manager Administrative Assistant assigned to the Division

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND

RESPONSIBILITIESParticipates in Command Staff leadership, strategic planning, and organizational oversight, including support in the Fire Chief's absence. Ensures efficient, compliant, and effective operations of assigned divisions that are aligned with District goals. Ensures consistent application of policies, procedures, and regulations.

Reviews the effectiveness of emergency and non-emergency operations and supports continuous improvement.

Represents the District with governmental agencies, professional organizations, labor groups, contractors, and community stakeholders. Maintains effective working relationships with internal and external partners. Performs other duties as assigned by the Fire Chief. Finance and AdministrationOversee budgeting development, financial forecasting and planning, internal controls, revenue and expenditure monitoring, and long-range fiscal planning. Oversee capital planning, bond-related financial activities, major capital programs and compliance requirements. Ensures timely and accurate preparation and presentation of monthly, quarterly, annual, and special financial reports, including the District's annual end-of-year financial report and other reports as required by state or federal agencies. Oversee collaboration and compliance with State Auditor requirements and ensure audit responses and corrective actions are handled in a timely manner. Provides financial analysis, recommendations, and reports to District leadership, the Board and other groups as appropriate.

Ensures financial information and recommendations are accurate, strategic, aligned with the District's long-term needs, and effectively communicated. Payroll and BenefitsOversee payroll administration, employee benefits, leave administration, and related compliance functions. Ensures payroll and benefits systems are accurate, confidential, compliant, and aligned with personnel and budgetary controls. Oversee audits and reviews related to leave balances, benefits administration, and contractual compliance. Works collaboratively with staff and labor groups to resolve payroll and benefits issues.

Human ResourcesOversee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, promotions, discipline, employee relations, compensation, benefits coordination, personnel policies, and performance management. Ensures compliance with employment laws, regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and District policies. Supports return-to-work processes, light duty assignments, and related personnel actions as appropriate.

Oversees compensation studies, organizational development, coaching, mentoring, evaluations, and progressive discipline. Oversees investigations, personnel records, dispute resolution, return-to-work processes, and related personnel actions. Coordinates with legal counsel on personnel and labor matters as necessary. Labor Relations and NegotiationsServes as lead negotiator for collective bargaining agreements unless otherwise directed by the Fire Chief. Supports and assists with labor strategy, bargaining preparation, costing, comparables, contract language, mediation, grievances, arbitration preparation, and contract administration. Oversees interpretation and implementation of collective bargaining agreements in coordination with the Fire Chief and legal counsel.

Help maintain defensible documentation, analysis and management positions related to labor issues. Supports effective labor-management communication while advancing District operational and financial interests.

Information TechnologyOversee administrative and operational technology systems, communications infrastructure, cybersecurity, vendor management, and business continuity systems. Plan, evaluate and oversee the replacement and procurement of technology/communications systems. Evaluates, recommends and actively involved with radio system planning, infrastructure improvements, vendor selection, and capital technology projects. Ensures technology systems remain secure, reliable, and aligned with District operations.

LogisticsOversee purchasing, ordering, receiving, distribution, inventory, fleet, facilities, equipment, PPE, uniforms, and operational support services. Oversees maintenance, replacement planning, contractor services, and capital planning for apparatus, equipment, and facilities. Oversees contractor services related to fleet, facilities, projects, and support systems.

Supports apparatus acquisitions, facility improvements, staffing expansion, and related capital projects. Public Records, Contracts, and Legal CoordinationServes as the District's Public Records Officer and responsible for oversight of all public records requests, records compliance, retention, disclosure, and coordination. Oversees contract review, routing, execution, renewals, compliance monitoring, and related administrative processes. Serves as the administrative gatekeeper for the District's use of outside legal counsel and helps ensure legal services are used appropriately and efficiently.

Coordinates with legal counsel on contracts, labor matters, personnel issues, public records, and other legal matters. Oversees use and evaluation of outside contractors and legal services.

Board of Fire Commissioners SupportWorks closely with the Fire Chief, Board Chair and others, as needed to plan, organize and support Board of Fire Commissioner meetings. Attends Board meetings, participates on Board committees, and provides reports, recommendations, presentations, and supporting materials that are accurate, timely and well organized. Assists with Board policies, governance-related materials, and compliance expectations tied to Board initiatives and District administration. Policy, Procedures, and Strategic PlanningOversee development, review, implementation, and maintenance of District policies, procedures, and Board policies. Supports strategic initiatives, organizational assessments, staffing analysis, capital planning, and future service delivery planning. Helps ensure Standard Operating Guidelines and other policy documents remain current and aligned with District direction, legal requirements, and professional standards.

Assists with levy planning, ballot measures, current and future funding strategies, staffing studies, facilities planning, and organizational development initiatives.

Emergency Response and Operational ExpectationsParticipates in Duty Chief rotation and responds to incidents assigned. Maintains readiness to function as Incident Commander and support emergency operations. Supports post-incident review, operational analysis, and lessons learned activities using

NIMS/ICS

principles to support standardization, continuity and effective leadership. Attends meetings, participates in committees, travels between worksites, and performs other duties as assigned. Responsible for actions, words, and attitudes while demonstrating cooperation, courtesy, and consideration to foster a respectful and productive team environment. Ensures all behaviors align with organizational values.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND

ABILITIESFire service organization, administration, and emergency operations Public sector budgeting, finance, payroll, purchasing, and reporting Human resources, labor relations, employment law, and collective bargaining Public records, contracts, Board governance, and policy administration Information technology, communications systems, logistics, and capital planning

NIMS/ICS

principles and command-level emergency operations Intergovernmental relations and regional partnershipsExecutive leadership and organizational management Strategic planning and problem solving Financial analysis and budget oversight Communication, negotiation, report writing, and public presentation Coaching, supervision, and employee development Project management and implementation Labor relations, negotiation preparation, and conflict managementLead multiple complex divisions through subordinate managers Exercise sound judgment in sensitive matters Maintain confidentiality and professionalism Build trust, effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders Analyze complex issues and present practical recommendations Manage competing priorities, deadlines and organizational pressures Respond to and function effectively in emergency and command environments

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Associate's degree in Fire Science, Business Administration, Public Administration, Human Resources, Finance, Management, or a related field. Equivalent education and experience may be considered as determined by the Fire Chief. Significant fire service experience, including command or chief officer experience deemed sufficient by the Fire Chief to prepare the candidate for the position of Deputy Chief of Finance and Administration. Experience supervising personnel and managing complex programs, projects, or divisions. Experience in budgeting, administration, labor relations, or organizational leadership. Valid driver's license and ability to obtain/maintain required Washington State driving privileges. Ability to maintain qualifications and readiness for rotating Duty Chief responsibilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in a related field. Executive-level fire service leadership experience. Experience in public sector finance, labor relations, contracts, grievances, mediation, collective bargaining agreement administration, public records, and administrative oversight. Experience with elected officials, audits, capital planning, levy planning, technology and support-services oversight. National Fire Academy coursework or equivalent advanced professional development.

ADDITIONAL

EXPECTATIONSBecause this position participates in the Duty Chief rotation, the incumbent must reside within a reasonable response distance to meet District operational expectations.

ABOUT GIG HARBOR FIRE & MEDIC

ONEGig Harbor Fire & Medic One is a progressive, highly respected fire and EMS agency serving a growing and supportive community through emergency response, prevention, and community risk reduction services. Services are provided to an estimated population of 53,000, covering approximately 54 square miles in suburban and rural areas. Governed by an elected Board of Fire Commissioners, the District operates an annual budget exceeding $75 million and employs 143 staff members, including 126 uniformed and 117 non-uniformed personnel. The agency responded to 7,860 calls for service in 2025, with continued year-over-year growth driven by regional development and increasing service demand. Supported by voter-approved levies and capital bond initiatives, Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One continues to invest in modern facilities, apparatus, technology, and personnel while maintaining a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility, professional excellence, and community-centered service.

Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One is dedicated to making our community safer, healthier, and stronger by mitigating the loss of life and property from fires, medical emergencies, and other disasters. Founded on a strong commitment to community, Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One is honored to serve the people of Gig Harbor.