DEPUTY CHIEF OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

Posted: 05/14/2026

Fire, Law Enforcement, and Security

FIRST REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS - JUNE 29, 2026

POSITION 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 RELATIONSHIPS
Directly 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 RESPONSIBILITIES

Participates 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 Administration

Oversee 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 Benefits

Oversee 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 Resources

Oversee 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 Negotiations

Serves 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 Technology

Oversee 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.

Logistics

Oversee 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 Coordination

Serves 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 Support

Works 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 Planning

Oversee 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 Expectations

Participates 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 ABILITIES

Fire 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 partnerships
Executive leadership and organizational management
Strrategic 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 management
Lead 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

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 EXPECTATIONS
Because 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 ONE
Gig 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.

SALARY/BENEFITS

Annual base salary up to $224,972.40
FLSA Salary/Exempt
WA State LEOFF or PERS Retirement
100% paid Medical/Dental/Vision for employee and family
Employer paid Life/AD&D coverage
Education Incentives: Associates 2%; Bachelors 4%; Masters/EFO 6%; CPSE/CFP 1% additional
Generous vacation and sick leave accruals
12 Holidays + 4 Floating
Deferred Compensation (up to 8.5% match)

HIRING PROCESS TIMELINE

June 29 – First review of applications (position will be open until filled)
July 6-10 – Interviews
September 11 – Conditional offer
September 14-25 – Pre-employment screening
September 25 – Final offer
Early November – Anticipated start date

HOW TO APPLY
Submit required documents electronically to hr@gigharborfire.org. Required documents include a completed GHFMO application, resume and cover letter. Optional documents include references, letter(s) of recommendation, and/or training/education certifications. The application and more information regarding this position can be found on the website at www.gigharborfire.org/employment.

Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One

Janelle Gunder