Deputy Police Chief

West Valley Police Department; Montana; On-site; USD 145,000 - 199,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Parental leave

Pension / 401(k)

Job summary

West Valley Police Department seeks an executive-level Chief of Police to plan, direct, and coordinate department operations. The role requires a certified law enforcement officer with substantial leadership and budget management experience, and POST certification at hire.

The successful candidate will oversee patrol, investigations, dispatch, and community relations, while collaborating with city officials and external agencies to ensure public safety and policy compliance.

Qualifications

• Executive leadership experience in law enforcement.
• Seven years of progressive experience in a related field.
• Certified Law Enforcement Officer or POST certification preferred.
• Must meet Utah POST requirements at hire.

Responsibilities

• Plan, directs and coordinates police department operations.
• Assist in development and administration of the departmental budget.
• Oversee patrol, investigations, dispatching and related services.
• Coordinate with city, county, state and federal agencies.
• Develop programs and supervise staff, training and evaluation.
• Establish and maintain communications with community groups.

Skills

Executive leadership

Communication

Budget planning

Policy administration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

POST certification

Job description

This is an Executive level leadership position for those that are currently certified as a Law Enforcement Officer and have Police Officer experience with a state or local law enforcement agency or department. This position is Exempt and At-Will. If you do not meet this criteria, please apply to the position you are qualified for or apply at a different time. More information can be found on our website. Please review all of the information below regarding our application and hiring process.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Documents must be uploaded with application. You may be disqualified if you fail to attach the proper documents with your application. Attachments will not be accepted in person.

REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS

• LEO Certificate
• Resume

OPTIONAL ATTACHMENTS

• Letter from current/former agency that outlines: Years of experience, Specialty assignments, & Title/Rank
• Copy of College Diploma

HIRING PROCESS

• Application - All applications must be filled out correctly and include the required attachments
• Panel Review
• Command Staff Review
• Conditional Offer of Employment
• Background and Drug Screen - Out of state candidates will need to pass the Utah POST waiver process Waiver/Reactivation Process | DPS – Peace Officer Standards and Training
• Final Offer

SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the Chief of Police plans, directs and coordinates the operations of the Police Department.

Starting Pay: $144,982- $199,350 Depending on Experience

• Benefits: Full Benefits; health, dental, vision, life insurance, paid time off and paid holidays, parental leave, etc.
• Retirement: Utah Retirement Systems, pension and/or 401(k)
• Job Posting Close Date: May close any time after November 16th, 2026

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Acts as Chief of Police in absence of Chief of Police.
• Assists subordinate supervisors with planning and organizing programs within the various bureaus of the Police Department.
• Assist the training, evaluating, disciplining and supervision of subordinate employees.
• Aids in the development, and administration of the departmental budget including the various divisional budgets. Prepares recommendations for the use by the Chief of Police for submission to the City Manager, Mayor and City Council regarding budgetary issues.
• Plans, organizes and directs programs, including the provision of patrol, investigative, school crossing guards, emergency dispatching and related services.
• Selects, supervises, trains, evaluates and disciplines employees.
• Prepares and submits annual operating budget requests and administers approved departmental budgets.
• Prepares recommendations for the City Council and implements approved policies.
• Directs the formulation of departmental policy and reviews operations to insure adherence to that policy.
• Coordinates law enforcement and service activities with those of other city agencies and with county, state and federal agencies, as appropriate.
• Advise and assists subordinates in solving highly complex police problems.
• Keeps the Chief of Police apprised of special law enforcement and service needs of the community.
• Establishes and maintains effective communications with community groups.
• Maintains professional association membership and attends meetings, seminars and conventions to represent the city and stay abreast of current trends and innovations.
• The employee performs duties that actively prevent or detect crime and enforce criminal statutes or ordinances of the state of Utah. The employee responds to situations involving threats to public safety and makes emergency decisions affecting the lives and health of others. The employee performs duties that consist of providing community protection.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervises Police Lieutenants, Police Sergeants, Police Officers and other police personnel including non-sworn personnel as assigned.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Graduation from high school or equivalent; plus, a Bachelor’s degree (preferably a Master's Degree) in Police Science, Sociology, Criminology or other related field; plus seven years progressive experience in a related field; or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Language Skills

Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills in the English language.

Certificates, Licenses, and/or Registrations

Possess a valid Utah driver’s license or have the ability to obtain one.

Current Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification as a Law Enforcement Officer is required at the time of hire.

Other

Knowledge of the standards by which the quality of police service is evaluated and the use of police records and their application to police administration. Knowledge of the functions of other governmental agencies and authorities as they relate to police work. Ability to plan, organize, direct and evaluate the work of subordinates engaged in diversified activities. Ability to analyze complex verbal and statistical reports and to formulate action based on analysis. Ability to analyze complex organizational problems and to determine proper courses of action. Ability to prepare and present effectively oral and written informative material relating to the activities of the department. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, other City officials, state and federal authorities, civil leaders and the public. Ability to work independently.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The job places life or personal safety at risk. Comfortable working conditions, handling light weights. Intermittent sitting, standing, and walking. Generally pleasant working conditions with some exposure to dangerous situations in extreme emergencies. Intermittent exposure to stress as result of human behavior.

West Valley City is an “Equal Opportunity Employer” and selects, hires, promotes, and compensates employees without regard to race, religion, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, color, national origin, or any other non-meritorious factor. The City evaluates applicants for employment or candidates for promotion based upon their knowledge, skills, experience, education, and potential for job performance consistent with the needs of the position.