Salary: $182,196.00 - $233,172.00 Annually
Location : Police Department 1015 39th Ave SE #100, Puyallup, WA
Job Type: Regular Full-time
Job Number: PD-26-ADM-013
Department: POLICE DEPARTMENT
Opening Date: 09/08/2026
Closing Date: 9/29/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Definition
The Puyallup Police Department is seeking its next Deputy Police Chief and is encouraging applicants that have strong leadership, a progressive mindset and a commitment to the Puyallup community, to apply for this exceptional opportunity.
It is impactful to join Team Puyallup and provide meaningful work in support of public service and the well being of our community. We value our culture of demonstrating excellence in our work, being service focused, supporting collaboration, and having integrity in all that we do. We encourage those that share these values to apply to our open positions and/or forward to colleagues who may be ready for their next career advancement opportunity.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the overall day-to-day operations of the Police Department. This position coordinates the functions of and gives general direction to division and section heads, who in turn manage their respective personnel. This position provides assistance in the development and execution of the Department's labor relations program by attending contract negotiation sessions and develops strategies/plans to foster improved communications within the Department.

Work is performed with a high degree of independence and level of authority. Work performance is evaluated by the quality of the Department's performance, achievement of goals and objectives, effective and efficient use of the Department's human and financial resources, and career development of subordinates.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE POSITION, BENEFITS AND DEPARTMENT - Brochure

Essential Functions

• Participates in police management team meetings and makes recommendations on significant issues to the Police Chief;
• Assists in the preparation of the department's budget and manages overall department budget in coordination with Chief of Police;
• Develops and coordinates programs for personnel using modern management and supervision principles and practices;
• Supervises and coordinates the functions of the Police Captains and evaluates their performance;
• Utilizes a team management approach, establishes department policy, goals and objectives;
• Assigns priorities and develops both long-range and contingency staffing plans and establishes work standards;
• Maintains discipline;
• Interviews and selects personnel;
• Assigns and coordinates personnel to achieve goals and objectives of the Department on a day-to-day basis;
• Keeps the Police Chief informed of overall operations, significant issues and changes impacting the department;
• Participates in strategy planning for labor negotiations;
• Represents or may represent the City in labor negotiations;
• Performs special projects as assigned by the Police Chief;
• May assume direct command at the scene of major emergencies;
• Represents the Department on committees and with other governmental and private sector agencies;
• Makes presentations to Council, service clubs and at public meetings;
• May temporarily assume the role and authority of the Chief of Police when such function is delegated;
• Safely drives vehicles in the performance of work functions;
• Maintains regular, reliable and punctual attendance; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Knowledge of:

• Administrative, managerial and leadership skills and abilities.
• Modern practices and principles of effective management.
• Modern police operational methods, crime prevention methods, departmental rules and regulations and of the laws and ordinances pertaining to the police service.

Ability to:

• Express ideas clearly and concisely both in writing and orally.
• Delegate responsibility and authority while effectively achieving department goals and objectives.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate achievement of goals and objectives of the department.
• Make professional presentations to public groups on sensitive, as well as routine issues affecting the public.
• Lead individuals and give orders effectively.
• Analyze situations quickly and correctly and implement effective courses of action.
• Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with the Chief, department and City employees, City officials, and the general public.
• Read, comprehend, and interpret technical and administrative materials.
• Establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of work.

Education and Experience:

• Ten years of management level work experience in a police setting.
• Bachelor's Degree.
• Or, a combination of education, experience, and training that indicates the ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position listed above.

Special Qualifications:

• Possession of or the ability to obtain and maintain a valid Washington State driver's license.
• Ability to pass a comprehensive police background investigation, to include polygraph examination, psychological evaluation and pre-employment medical examination.

Physical Characteristics and Work Environment
Generally, work is performed in an indoor office setting with low noise levels. When working in the office, incumbents typically work at a desk entering and retrieving data from a computer or terminal, sitting for extended periods of time with the ability to move about at will. A computer keyboard is used to enter and retrieve data and requires continuous or repetitive arm-hand movements. Incumbents read and comprehend written material and make inferences from the contents. Verbal communication is conducted face to face, on the telephone, and in group meetings or a classroom setting. Due to the varied and unpredictable nature of police work, incumbents may also be required to perform the following field activities: Make precise arm-hand positioning movements and maintain static arm-hand position such as when sighting and shooting a firearm; use sufficient strength and agility to enable the incumbent to sprint, jump, or physically overcome resistance when chasing or apprehending suspects; coordinate the movement of more than one limb simultaneously such as when using a hand radio while driving a vehicle or searching a building with firearm drawn, flashlight on and opening and closing doors; wear a 15-pound utility/gun belt which requires the continuous support from stomach and lower-back muscles; driving a vehicle which requires the continuous support of lower-back muscles; incumbents are required to listen for alarms, screams, breaking glass or other suspicious and unusual noises that may require investigation. Work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the elements, extreme temperatures and blood borne pathogens. Hours may include evening, holiday and weekend work.

SELECTION PROCESS
Applicants must include a resume as part of their application materials.

We respect the privacy of applicants during this process. Candidate identities and application materials will be held in strict confidence. Application materials will only be shared internally with the hiring committee directly involved in this recruitment process. We do not contact current employers or external references without an applicant's explicit consent.

Only applications that include the response to the Supplemental Questions will be accepted. Those applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the City's current needs will be contacted for oral interviews and/or testing. The appointing authority may conduct second interviews.

Notification - Following submission of application, an email acknowledgment receipt of application is given. Persons selected for an interview and/or testing will be notified by email, normally within 15 working days following the closing date on the job announcement.
Not Selected - No formal notification is usually sent by the City to applicants not selected for an interview or test. Should the same or another position open for which the applicant wishes to apply, he/she must apply online for each new opening.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Essential Functions - The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principalfunctions for this job, the level of knowledge, skills and abilities typically required and the scope of responsibility, but shouldnot be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned includingwork in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or to balance the workload.
Hours of Work - Normal work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with one hour lunch. Some after-hours meetings and projects may be required.
Union Affiliation - This position is a non-represented position.
We take care of our employees through a robust and well-rounded benefit program.

The City of Puyallup cares about your and your family's well-being. We strive to provide one of the best benefits plans in the area and offer coverage to you and your family at minimal cost. The city supports your work-life balance by offering impressive benefit and leave options.

The highlights include the following:

• Excellent health insurance offered: Medical, dental, vision, orthodontia, and prescription plans. Our employees are provided with a wellness program, and if successful in completing the wellness program our employees can achieve a zero premium share plan.
• Participation in Law Enforcement Officers' and Firefighters' Retirement System (LEOFF). Optional deferred compensation plans are also available and are eligible for a 4% match rate.
• Paid Leave: Generous paid vacation, sick and holiday leave available for immediate use.
• Professional learning opportunities including supervisory and leadership development.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Onsite workout facilities and fitness membership at the Puyallup Recreation Center.

01

Please describe why you are interested in this position and why this is a good time in your career to join the Puyallup Police Department.
02

Please describe your philosophy/style of leadership and provide an example of when you demonstrated outstanding leadership in your career.
Required Question