Assistant Director of Administration and Finance

Position Description

West Pierce Fire & Rescue (WPFR) is hiring an Assistant Director of Administration and Finance, with a tentative start date of June 1, 2026.

This new position serves as the assistant division head within WPFR, as assigned by the Fire Chief. The Assistant Director supervises and coordinates all aspects of their assigned division. It's an exciting opportunity to develop a new role within the organization. To learn about our Mission, Vision and Core Values, please see Who We Are.

Hiring Process

• Date(s) are subject to change. We will email candidates if change(s) occur. The application period closes at 5:00 (PST) on Friday, April 17. To apply, you must submit an online application via GovernmentJobs.com. The following attachments are required and must be uploaded to the online application fields as defined below. Failure to include the required attachments will result in removal of your application from consideration.
• Cover letter: maximum of one page
• Resume: maximum of two pages
• References: You may attach letters of recommendation, maximum of three. Letters are optional, but an attachment is required. To bypass, attach a blank document.
• Other: You are required to answer the following, maximum of two pages: Describe your leadership philosophy (this should include your views on what it means to serve in a leadership role; to include expectations of a leader and your approach to leading others). Additionally, describe what it means to both lead a team and be a member of a team.
  
  

NOTE: We do not accept emails and/or other forms of applications. You must submit a completed online application through GovernmentJobs.com with the required attachments identified above.

Candidates selected for interviews will be notified by April 20. This will occur via email and include instructions to self-schedule an interview for Monday, April 27. We are unable to accommodate alternative date(s) and/or remote option(s).

We anticipate a conditional offer of employment will occur by April 30. The conditions are successful completion of a background investigation, candidate must provide proof of a valid Washington State driver's license as WPFR deems the ability to drive during work hours an essential job function of the position and/or related to legitimate business purposes, driving record review (WPFR's insurance applies to employee vehicle use for business purposes) and references. WPFR pays all costs associated with these conditions.

Our primary form of communication is email. Candidates unselected for interviews and/or a conditional offer, will be notified via email.

The Benefits tab includes detailed information on the comprehensive benefits, paid leave and incentives offered.

Please read over the FAQ before reaching out with any questions. Emails may be sent to employment@westpierce.org.

Essential Job Functions

CONTROLS OVER WORK:

The position shall report, and is accountable to the Fire Chief or Director of Administration and Finance and shall provide certain supervisory and technical assistance and staff support. Performance is evaluated by the Fire Chief and/or Director of Administration and Finance through observation of daily activities, review of reports, briefings, program effectiveness, and degree of harmony with community members, co-workers, and outside partner agencies.

The position is designated FLSA Executive Exempt. Attendance at required meetings and other functions during evening hours, weekends and holidays is necessary of the position.

The Position Shall

• Assist in District policy planning, development, and performance of related duties as assigned.
• Provide proper management, oversight, direction, training, and support to meet the needs of subordinate personnel in order for them to adequately carry out their assigned tasks.
• Prepare performance appraisals of subordinate supervisors and review appraisals of their respective subordinates, as described in the applicable District policy.
• Manage discipline as authorized and delegated by the Director of Administration and Finance.
• Supervise the following functions: payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and financial services.
• Research and analyze budgetary data; assist in resolution of budget issues and requests for information.
• Be responsible for daily cash management and establishing and implementing proper internal controls for cash receipting and other functions.
• Prepare journal entries for Fire District accounts; analyze financial data for discrepancies and errors and make corrections through journal entries.
• Provide proper accounting controls to ensure that the accounting system contains current account numbers and operates in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
• Maintain and apply knowledge of financial laws, regulations and accounting standards.
• Supervise the preparation of contracts and legal documents as required by law and as may be directed by the Director of Administration and Finance.
• Ensure compliance with Local, State and Federal regulations/laws and Fire District standards and policies.
• Assist with annual Fire Benefit Charge process.
• Administration and Finance staff are assigned to multiple locations. The Assistant Director may be called upon to drive at any time during work hours, for meetings and/or other administrative purposes.
  
  

The Position Shall Have

• Knowledge of budget and accounting practices and current practices and regulations relating to other business management issues.
• Commitment to the mission of the District and development of a vision that embraces the trust and support of the District and the community.
• Clear and unequivocal commitment to cultural diversity as a core value, both personally and organizationally.
• Knowledge of statutes, laws and regulations relative to Fire Districts and/or the ability to acquire them.
  
  

The position shall have demonstrated the ability and skill to effectively:

• Communicate in the English language, both orally and in writing, including group facilitation skills, collaboration, managing feedback, and excellent public speaking ability.
• Apply political acumen, diplomacy, tact and integrity in building coalitions within the community, including elected officials, government agencies, public agencies and labor groups.
• Deal with social and economic issues that impact the community and the District.
• Listen to and invite opinions of diverse groups and take them under advisement.
• Maintain an effective working relationship within the District which maximizes the service potential and maintains an environment in which employees are eager and proud to serve.
• Develop and maintain management skills, including supervisory skills, problem analysis, decision making, planning, organizing and management control, adaptability, flexibility, stress tolerance, conflict resolution, counseling skills, motivational techniques, time management skills and public relations skills.
• Work with the general public, co-workers, media, and related agencies.
• Lead, manage, and supervise direct reports, including coaching and counseling skills, performance management, and discipline, consistent with District policy and authority.
• Work with minimum supervision.
• Exercise sound judgment and management control in personnel and labor relations.
• Work closely with the Fire Chief and the Director of Administration and Finance in a confidential relationship as a member of the management team.
• Carry out assignments in a timely manner that fulfills the mission and needs of the district.
• Operate contemporary office electronic devices, including a personal computer, with various software applications connected to a networked system.
  
  

The Position Shall Have The Demonstrated Physical Ability To

• Communicate over the telephone and speak in person to individuals and groups.
• Read standard text and to write.
• Operate office machines.
• Sit, talk and hear, move about, and operate or control objects, tools, and machines.
• Lift and/or move objects weighing up to ten (10) pounds such as files, books, office equipment, etc.
• Possess acceptable auditory and visual senses to meet the requirements of the job.
  
  

Recruiting Requirements

The following minimum requirements represent those we believe will support employee success in this position. We understand alternative option(s) may also prove beneficial for this role. We encourage applications where such connections are clearly defined in the cover letter and resume.

Minimum

• Associate degree or higher in fire service administration, human resource management, business administration, public administration, or another closely related field.
• Ten years or more of progressively responsible experience in public administration and/or finance.
• Minimum of three years serving in a supervisory and/or leadership position deemed to adequately prepare the candidate for the position of Assistant Director of Administration and Finance, as determined by the Fire Chief.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license.
  
  

Desirable

• Bachelor degree and continuing education opportunities that enhance the candidate’s ability to perform essential functions of the job.
• Five years or more serving in a supervisory and/or leadership position.
• Residency within the District.
  
  

Non-represented employees are provided a Professional Services Contract (PSC), identifying terms of employment. The candidate selected for this position will receive a PSC for 2026-2027.

Pay Incentives

The following are calculated by the monthly base salary.

Employees may be eligible for education incentive of 5% for a Bachelor's degree plus an additional 4% for a Master's degree. Transcript and/or degree copy will be reviewed prior to start date and incentive approved; where applicable.

Proficiency in a foreign language or American Sign Language shall receive 1% incentive for each; to a maximum of 4%. Such proficiency shall be proven with an exam selected by WPFR.

Longevity begins at 36 months of service on the Executive Leadership Team (ELT); 2% increase to monthly base salary.

Employees shall receive a district-issued cell phone OR may use their personal cell phone for job-related duties. If this option is selected, the employee will receive a monthly cell phone allowance of $150.

Employees utilizing their personal vehicle in place of an assigned staff vehicle will receive a monthly vehicle allowance of $150; and may seek mileage reimbursement in accordance with District policy.

Schedule

The schedule is generally a 40-hour workweek, with remote work possible on occasion; subject to supervisor approval.

Vacation Hours

Employees receive 224 vacation hours on January 1 of each year, with hours pro-rated for 2026 based on hire date.

Holiday Hours & Pay

Employees receive 108 holiday hours annually, pro-rated for 2026 based on hire date.

Sick Leave

The employee is provided 40 hours of sick leave at time of hire and earn sixteen (16) hours for each full month of service.

Medical, Vision & Dental

Medical and vision insurance is provided by the LEOFF Trust (Medical Plan B). Dental insurance is via MetLife. WPFR pays premiums for employees and eligible dependents.

HRA

The health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) is a tax-free account for eligible medical, dental and/or health related expenses. WPFR contributes $4,000 shortly after hire and annually. Any monies remaining in the HRA at the end of the plan year remain in the employee's account.

Pension

Employees contribute a percentage of salary to the Department of Retirement Systems PERS (Public Employees Retirement System) Plan 2 or 3. WPFR also contributes a percentage on a monthly basis to your retirement account. These percentages are set by the Department of Retirement Services.

Deferred Compensation

The District pays 6% of the employee's monthly base salary into a section 457(b) deferred compensation plan.

EAP

All employees/members are offered an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This service is available to you, your family, or anyone residing in your home. The program offers confidential, professional help for drug or alcohol problems, marital difficulties, child and family problems, emotional stress, job stress or any combination of these.

01

Highest Level Of Education Completed

• Associate's degree (minimum required)
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Doctoral degree
  
  

02

Years Of Experience In Public Administration And/or Finance

• 10 years (minimum required)
• 11 to 15 years
• 16 to 20 years
• More than 20 years
  
  

03

Years Of Experience In a Supervisory And/or Leadership Position

• 3 years (minimum required)
• 4 to 5 years
• More than 5 years
  
  

04

Years of experience managing accounts payable, accounts receivable and/or payroll:

• None
• 1 to 5 years
• 6 to 10 years
• More than 10 years
  
  

05

Please list your experience with accounting/financial software and/or programs.

06

I have attached the REQUIRED documents to my online application: cover letter, resume and response to the essay-style questions.

• Yes
• No
• Required Question