DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF
East Jefferson Fire Rescue - Port Townsend, WA

First Review: April 15, 2026
Salary Range: $185,000 - $205,000 annually DOQ

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Job Description
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East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR) is seeking a collaborative leader to serve as Deputy Fire Chief for this innovative fire district located in the northeastern corner of Washington’s spectacular Olympic Peninsula. EJFR protects approximately 123 square miles and about 28,000 residents in Port Townsend, Port Ludlow, and surrounding communities in eastern Jefferson County—90 minutes west of the Seattle metropolitan area. Jefferson County is home to Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest, and the District’s service area is a picturesque region defined by saltwater shorelines, forested hills, and vibrant rural communities.  

EAST JEFFERSON FIRE RESCUE

East Jefferson Fire Rescue is a full-service, combination (career & volunteer) fire district governed by a five-member elected Board of Fire Commissioners. The District operates with a budget of $21.4 million and a team of 66 FTEs at 5 fully staffed fire stations, 3 volunteer fire stations, and an administrative office. EJFR operates a three-shift platoon system, each with a dedicated Battalion Chief and a daily minimum staffing of 13 firefighters. All firefighters are EMTs or paramedics, providing industry leading BLS & ALS care and transport. In 2025, EJFR responded to 5,854 calls for service.  

THE DEPUTY CHIEF

Reporting to the Fire Chief, the Deputy Fire Chief serves as the senior executive officer of the Fire District. The Deputy Fire Chief is expected to reside within the District and to perform assigned responsibilities with a high degree of independence while working collaboratively with other members of the leadership team. Primary responsibilities include ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of District services, long-term planning, and developing and implementing policies and guidelines. The Deputy Fire Chief manages the Operations and Training Divisions, responding to significant incidents as necessary. 

WHY APPLY

East Jefferson Fire Rescue is a growing organization following recent consolidations. The department operates in a diverse coastal and rural environment with strong community support and features a young workforce, a revitalized volunteer program, and solid financial stability. The current Deputy Chief is retiring later this year, providing this opportunity for a new leader to help shape EJFR’s future while living and working in one of Washington’s most scenic and community-oriented regions. 

For questions on this position, please contact:


Gordie Olson
GMP Consultants
golson@gmphr.com
720) 518-7420