Clerk-Treasurer

TITLE: Clerk-Treasurer 

REPORTS TO: Mayor

CLASSIFICATION: Full Time, Non-Exempt 

SALARY RANGE: $70,000 – $90,000.00

DEPARTMENT: Administrative Services 

CLOSING DATE: 2/18/2026 11:59 PM PT

WORK HOURS: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday

About the City of Ruston: Nestled in the South Sound with stunning views of Mount Rainier and Commencement Bay, the City of Ruston is a historic, close-knit community of about 1,000 residents. Once home to the ASARCO smelter, Ruston has transformed into a vibrant area featuring mixed-use developments like the Silver Cloud Hotel and the Waterfront Market. Established in 1906, Ruston has retained its small-town charm with walkable neighborhoods connected to Point Defiance Park, Dune Peninsula, the Pearl District, and Point Ruston.

Summary: The Clerk-Treasurer oversees all administrative, operational, and strategic financial functions of the City. Core responsibilities include revenue collection, utility billing, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, cash and investment management, banking functions, debt management, federal and state financial reporting, and audit coordination.

The Clerk-Treasurer serves as the City’s financial advisor to the Mayor and City Council, providing fiscal analysis, recommendations, and policy development to balance competing priorities and support long-term financial sustainability. This position plays a key leadership role in managing complex public sector budgets and financing capital projects through innovative, solutions-oriented, and analytical approaches.

In addition to providing financial leadership, the Clerk-Treasurer serves as the City’s Public Records Officer, responsible for establishing, maintaining, and safeguarding official permanent City records, and providing assistance to the public, City staff, elected and appointed officials, and outside agencies. The position is responsible for preparing and processing legal publications and official documents, supporting the Mayor in the development of City Council agendas, and coordinating City Council meetings. Additional duties include general administrative support and serving as back-up to designated staff as needed.

This position is classified as Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) non-exempt.

Essential Job Functions

Clerk-Treasurer

• Perform all duties as prescribed by law for the Clerk-Treasurer.
  Schedule, attend, and support City Council meetings; develop and prepare City Council agendas and provide reports or information as requested.
• Manage, maintain, and archive ordinances, resolutions, and proclamations; coordinate codification and updates to the municipal code.
  Prepare and manage City Council packets and related legislative materials.
• Prepare, publish, and coordinate public notices and other legal advertisements, including publication dates and approved text, in accordance with statutory requirements.
• Prepare and publish City Council meeting schedules and required notices.
  Serve as custodian of the City’s Official Seal; prepare and certify true and correct copies of official records as necessary.
• Serve as liaison to the Pierce County Elections Office and the Public Disclosure Commission; provide required information and filings in compliance with applicable laws.
• Administer the Oath of Office to City Council members, Police Officers, and appointed board and commission members, as required.

Information Technology

• Serve as the lead coordinator for the City’s website; gather, review, and coordinate web content with City departments, including technical design, editing, upgrades, applications maintenance, and ongoing content accuracy and compliance.
• Coordinate the delivery of information technology services provided by the City’s IT contractor, including scheduling, issue resolution, and communication between departments and vendors.
• Oversee and administer the City’s administrative programs and enterprise software systems, ensuring effective operation, user access, data integrity, security awareness, and compliance with applicable laws, policies, and retention requirements.
• Serve as the primary point of coordination for Citywide software platforms and systems used for finance, utility billing, permitting, records management, public records requests, agenda management, and other municipal operations, in coordination with department staff and contracted service providers.

Records Management

• Oversee the design, development, and implementation of the City’s comprehensive records and information management program in compliance with applicable federal and state laws.
• Collaborate with City departments to establish efficient business processes for the systematic creation, maintenance, preservation, and disposition of records throughout their full lifecycle, utilizing both manual and automated systems as appropriate.
• Administer the City’s public records disclosure function, assisting the public with access to records and information in compliance with the Washington Public Records Act and City policies.
• Develop, implement, and administer the City’s records retention and disposition schedules; preserve, protect, and provide access to the City’s historical records and information.
• Coordinate records storage services, including preparation of records inventories, destruction requests, and related documentation in accordance with approved retention schedules.
• Evaluate, develop, and implement improvements to the City’s filing systems to enhance accessibility, efficiency, compliance, and long-term records integrity.

Administrative Support

• Provide support for business licensing and Business & Occupation (B&O) tax processing and administration.
• Assist the Mayor and City staff with special projects and initiatives, as assigned.
• Coordinate and maintain updates to the City’s official calendar and scheduling systems.
• Serve as a Notary Public, providing notarial services for the City and the public.
• Provide back-up support for the Utility Clerk and permit counter/Public
• Works support staff to ensure continuity of operations.

Other

• Perform duties in accordance with established policies, procedures, and applicable laws. 
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance as an essential function of the position.
• Attend evening meetings as required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in records management, municipal administration, finance, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Public sector experience is preferred.
• Education equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, accounting, finance, or a closely related field.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Washington State Notary Public commission within two (2) months of appointment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification as a Municipal Clerk is preferred; must be willing and able to obtain certification.
• Demonstrated experience working with public records, records retention schedules, and compliance with public disclosure laws.
• Experience supporting legislative bodies, elected officials, or public boards and commissions is preferred.
• Experience with municipal financial systems, utility billing, payroll, or governmental accounting is desirable.
• Proficiency with enterprise software systems, records management systems, and standard office technology, with the ability to learn new systems as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Modern office systems, practices, and technology, including personal computers, enterprise software applications, and standard office equipment.
• Applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to municipal administration, records management, and financial operations.
  Principles and practices of public records management, including records retention, disposition, and filing systems for both electronic and hard-copy records.
• Business correspondence, including professional letter writing, email communication, and report preparation.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting standards.
  Basic to intermediate principles of mathematics as applied to municipal finance, budgeting, and recordkeeping.
• Interpret, apply, and explain City policies, procedures, ordinances, and applicable laws accurately and consistently.
• Understand the organization, operations, and functions of the City and coordinate effectively with outside agencies, officials, and stakeholders.
• Perform a wide range of specialized clerical, administrative, and office support duties requiring independent judgment, accuracy, and initiative.
• Compile, analyze, and prepare data and information for reports, financial documents, and official records.
• Train, guide, and provide direction to clerical or administrative staff as assigned.
• Work independently with minimal supervision while managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Operate and adapt to a variety of office equipment, recording devices, and software programs, including agenda management and digital recording systems.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions effectively.
  Review, monitor, and work with budgetary and financial information with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Perform mathematical calculations accurately and efficiently.
• Remain current with evolving office technologies, records practices, and administrative procedures.
• Communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with elected officials, City staff, members of the public, and external partners.
• Successfully pass required background and credit checks.
   

Physical demands: The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee regularly sits and uses hands and fingers to operate computers, office equipment, and controls. The employee frequently communicates verbally and audibly and is required to see, talk, and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.

The employee may occasionally be required to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb, balance, or lift and carry objects weighing up to approximately 20–25 pounds.

The noise level in the work environment is typically moderate.

DISCLAIMER: Job profiles are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be, nor should they be construed as, an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, skills, efforts, working conditions, or requirements associated with the position. Duties and responsibilities may change or be added as operational needs require.

Compensation & Benefits

The City of Ruston is committed to offering a competitive compensation and benefits package to attract and retain a highly skilled workforce. The City provides 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage for eligible employees.

The City participates in the Washington State Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS).

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of Ruston is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, veteran or military status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law, provided the individual is able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants requiring accommodation during the application or interview process should notify the City.