Professional Standards Program Manager

City of Vancouver; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Vancouver seeks a Professional Standards Program Manager to oversee Vancouver Fire Department’s professional standards, accountability systems and investigations. You’ll coordinate internal/external complaints, work with HR on investigations into misconduct, ensure policy/labor agreement compliance and promote a culture of integrity and accountability.

This full-time exempt role, under Civil Service rules, runs M–F 8am–5pm and is funded for three years.

Qualifications

• Five (5) years in Public Safety, Fire Service Administration or internal affairs in a leadership role.
• Bachelor's Degree Public Administration, Fire Science, Criminal Justice or related field; equivalent combinations may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Partner with HR to conduct and oversee administrative investigations related to internal and external complaints or personnel matters.
• Provide guidance to supervisors regarding accountability, coaching and counseling, performance management and professional conduct.
• In coordination with HR, provide recommendations for corrective actions, disciplinary measures, or recognition to reinforce professional conduct and organizational values.
• Coordinate with HR and risk management to support injured employees and facilitate return to work.
• Develop and maintain systems for organizing and storing records related to investigations, policy compliance, and reporting.

Skills

Leadership

Investigations

Policy development

Communication

Coaching

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree Public Administration / Fire Science / Criminal Justice

Job description

Salary Range

8,092.00 - 12,138.00

Job Summary

At the Vancouver Fire Department, every employee plays a vital role in supporting our mission to preserve life, protect property, and ensure a safe, prepared community. Whether serving on the front lines or behind the scenes, we work together to provide exceptional public safety services through collaboration, innovation, and community partnership. Guided by our values of Service, Engagement, Respect, Integrity, Excellence, and Safety, we are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees can thrive. If you are looking for meaningful work that directly supports the safety and success of our community, we invite you to join our team.

We’re currently recruiting for a Professional Standards Program Manager. The primary responsibilities for the job are to oversee Vancouver Fire Department's professional standards, accountability systems, and administrative investigations. Acting on behalf of the Fire Chief, coordinate and monitor internal and external complaints, partner with HR to conduct or oversee investigations into allegations of employee misconduct, ensure compliance with department policies and labors agreements, and promote a culture of professionalism, integrity, accountability, and organizational excellence.

This is a full-time, limited term exempt position. The schedule for this position is M-F, 8am to 5pm. This position is governed under the Civil Service rules.

Funded by

Funded by Clark County Fire District #5, this three-year limited-duration position supports implementation of the Vancouver Fire Department's Strategic Plan. The successful candidate will contribute to key initiatives that enhance public safety services, strengthen organizational effectiveness, and improve service delivery throughout our community. Continuation beyond the three-year funding period is not guaranteed and is contingent upon available funding.

Non-Union Pay Strategy

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to paying our employees fairly, equitably, and competitively. City salaries are structured so that the midpoint of the salary range approximates the amount typically paid for the job in this geographic area. Candidates with experience supporting their ability to come in and hit the ground running may receive a starting salary around the midpoint of the listed salary range. Actual salary at offer is influenced by a host of factors, including a candidate’s relevant experience, education, licensure, certifications, and internal equity. The higher end of the listed pay range indicates the salary growth potential of the position.

Job Details

Essential Functions

• Partner with HR to conduct and oversee administrative investigations related to internal and external complaints or personnel matters.
• Provide guidance to supervisors regarding employee accountability, coaching and counseling, performance management and professional conduct.
• In coordination with HR, provide recommendations for corrective actions, disciplinary measures, or recognition, as appropriate, to reinforce professional conduct and organizational values.
• Assist in the coordination and deployment of the Vancouver Fire Department Public Information Officer (PIO) program ensuring timely and accurate internal and external communication.
• Manage employee recognition programs and awards, to include planning annual Vancouver Fire Department awards program.
• Develop and review policies and procedures related to professional standards and compliance.
• Coordinate with HR and risk management, support injured employees and facilitate return to work.
• Develop and maintain systems for organizing and storing records related to investigations, policy compliance, and reporting.
• Support transparency and accountability by providing data and insights to leadership, auditors, or external stakeholders as required.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications Experience and Education

Experience: Five (5) years in Public Safety, Fire Service Administration or internal affairs in a leadership role

Education: Bachelor's Degree Public Administration, Fire Science, Criminal Justice or related field *Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Knowledge

• Deep understanding of public safety organizational culture
• Workplace investigation methodologies
• Policy development and governance
• Organizational risk mitigation
• Pertinent federal, state and local laws that pertain to: Employment and labor relations
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment
• Use of personal computers and basic software

Abilities

• Lead and influence without direct authority
• Objectively conduct and oversee sensitive investigations
• Interpret and apply policies, laws, and labor agreements
• Coach and develop others
• Write, speak, and facilitate with clarity and diplomacy
• Operate a personal computer and appropriate software
• Work in a manner consistent with the City of Vancouver’s Operating Principles
• Work and act as a team player in all interactions with other City employees
• Provide a high level of customer service at all times
• Project and maintain a positive image with those contacted in the course of work
• Develop and maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships with team members and others
• Consistently provide quality service
• Maintain regular and dependable attendance
• Demonstrate a commitment to valuing differences among people and to being inclusive
• Show the utmost respect for others, and act as a team player
• Promote safety as a guiding principle and a regular practice in accomplishing work by focusing on safe practices and complying with safety and health policies and procedures
• Recognize unsafe conditions which may be hazardous to an employee or to the public
• Works in safe and responsible manner; not putting self or others at risk
• Complies with applicable policies and procedures including but not limited to using personal protective equipment, observing warning signs, learning about potential hazards, and reporting all unsafe conditions
• This position is subject to successful completion of a pre‑employment reference check and background check

Selection Process

Application Review : Candidates will be evaluated based on the content of their application and those deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

Assessment (Pass/Fail): This recruitment MAY require online assessments which will be job related and may include, but not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement.

Oral Interview (Pass/Fail based on 70%): Questions will be job related and may include but may include, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement. Minimum passing score of 70% is required. The oral board will consist of a three to five member interview panel who will ask the same position-related, pre‑established written questions of all candidates. The panelists' evaluations will be combined resulting in candidate interview scores. Those passing with a 70% or higher will be placed on an eligibility list.

Final Interview: As positions become available up to the top three candidates from the eligibility list will be invited to participate in a final selection interview.

The City of Vancouver is committed to advancing equity and creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We recognize that progress depends on more than just a verbal commitment; it depends on making meaningful organizational change.

We hope you’ll consider joining us on the journey!

Safety

The City of Vancouver believes every employee plays a role in maintaining a safe workplace.

The City of Vancouver promotes safety as a guiding principle and practice and accomplishes work by creating safe work environments, complying with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently seeking improvements that support operational excellence.

Diversity and Inclusion

At the City of Vancouver, we value and foster a workplace comprised of people with a range of different backgrounds, experiences and cultures. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is key to innovation, effectiveness and a positive culture. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of Vancouver is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability sexual orientation or gender identity. Employment decisions will be made to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of equity and nondiscrimination.

Veterans’ Preference

Under Washington law, qualified veterans may be eligible for Veterans’ preference when applying for City of Vancouver positions. Honorably discharged Veterans, their surviving spouses or spouses of honorably discharged Veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability who would like to be considered for a Veterans’ preference for this job should provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

ADA Accommodation

Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the City can reasonably provide them without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources: call 360-487-8417 or email [e-mail]

Job Posting End Date November 4, 2026

The City of Vancouver looks for people who are passionate about service and want to be part of the City's ambition to become a more exceptional community. We value employees who are adaptable, innovative, collaborative and hold themselves to the highest standard of integrity and excellence in the spirit of public service. Our greatest assets are the more than 950 people who make the City of Vancouver work every day. Whether architects or engineers, lawyers or accountants, police officers or firefighters, journeymen or apprentices, our employees work every day to make Vancouver a more safe, welcoming, vibrant and prosperous city. The services we provide touch every resident and business in the city. If you are looking for a challenging career where you can make a difference every day, the City may be the place for you. City departments span a wide range of specialties, from public works, parks, administration and human resources to communications, public safety, information technology, finance, economic development and law. The size and scope of our organization means that the opportunities we offer are as diverse as the people that work here. Beyond the City’s competitive salaries, our benefits and work environment support and encourage a healthy, balanced lifestyle and ongoing development and learning opportunities. Working at the City is not just a “government” job. A career at the City can be a rewarding way to contribute to your community and earn a living. Our organization is made up of dynamic employees who enjoy the many opportunities and benefits offered by challenging and rewarding work.

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