Police Lieutenant

Reno; Reno (NV); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Reno Police Department is seeking an experienced Sergeant for an internal promotional opportunity to serve as Lieutenant. Under general supervision, you will supervise police work of average difficulty, manage shifts, and direct unit operations to ensure consistent service delivery.

You will also lead sworn and civilian staff, coordinate resources, and review policies to maintain compliance with laws and department standards while supporting public safety and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Four continuous years of full-time sworn law enforcement experience as a Police Sergeant.
• Education: Associate degree or 60 college credits with relevant coursework; POST certificates may substitute.
• Nevada POST Category I certification required; valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Directs and oversees daily operations of assigned units, shifts, or programs.
• Supervises, evaluates, coaches, and develops sworn and civilian personnel.
• Manages resource allocation, scheduling, budget considerations, and equipment needs.
• Reviews policies and procedures; ensures compliance with laws and standards.
• Coordinates major incidents and investigations; may assume command when required.
• Collaborates with divisions, agencies, and community partners to support operations.
• Engages with the community through meetings and transparent communication.
• Oversees preparation and review of reports and case materials.

Skills

Supervisory police work

Leadership

Interagency collaboration

Community engagement

Policy enforcement & compliance

Education

Associate degree / 60 credits

POST Intermediate Certification substitute

POST Advanced Certificate qualifies

Job description

This is an internal promotional opportunity for current City of Reno Police Sergeants who meet the minimum qualifications.

Under general supervision, Police Lieutenants are responsible for supervisory police work of average difficulty, managing or assisting in the management of a section or shift; and performs related work as required.

Note: The salary and benefits associated with this position are subject to change at any time.

• Directs and oversees daily operations of assigned units, shifts, programs, or specialized functions to ensure consistent delivery of police services.
• Supervises, evaluates, coaches, and develops sworn and civilian personnel, ensuring accountability, performance standards, and career growth.
• Manages resource allocation, scheduling, budget considerations, and equipment needs to support safe and effective operations.
• Reviews and implements policies, procedures, and operational improvements; ensures compliance with laws, regulations, and departmental standards.
• Coordinates major incidents, emergency responses, and complex investigations, assuming command when required.
• Collaborates with other divisions, outside agencies, community partners, and City departments to support effective communication and joint operations.
• Engages with the community through meetings, outreach, presentations, and transparent communication about police services.
• Oversees preparation and review of reports, records, documentation, and case materials to support decision-making, legal processes, and agency accountability.

The following minimum qualifications of the position must be met by the date of examination (January 11, 2027)*.

Education/Training:

Associate degree, or completion of at least 60 semester credits (90 quarter credits) with a minimum of 15 semester credits (22.5 quarter credits) in criminal justice, public administration, business administration, or a related field. Possession of a Nevada Peace Officer’s Standards and Training (POST) Intermediate Certification will substitute for 30 semester credits (45 quarter credits) of the required college-level coursework; the minimum of 15 semester/quarter credits of coursework in criminal justice, public administration, business administration, or a related field is still required. Possession of a Nevada Peace Officer’s Standards and Training (POST) Advanced Certificate will satisfy the education requirement.

Note: An unofficial copy of your transcripts detailing your Associate Degree conferred or 60 semester/90 quarter college credits earned and/or a copy of your qualifying Police Officers' Standards and Training (POST) Certificate(s) must be attached to your online application or submitted to the Office of the Civil Service Commission by the closing date and time. No postmarks will be accepted.

Work Experience:

Four continuous years of full-time sworn law enforcement experience as a Police Sergeant with the Reno Police Department.

License:

• Valid driver's license
• Candidates must possess a Nevada Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST) Category I certification in accordance with NRS 289.550.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Candidates must be actively employed as a sworn Police Sergeant with the Reno Police Department from the time of application through appointment.
• Candidates must maintain all required certifications and employment eligibility from the time of application through appointment to this classification.

Examination Process:

The examination process for this recruitment will consist of an assessment center to include a variety of job related exercises weighted at 100% of the final grade.

The Assessment Center is scheduled for the week of January 11, 2027.

Each candidate will be scheduled on only one of the testing dates.

The scores of all assessment center exercises will be averaged together to create the candidate's final score for the assessment center. Candidates must achieve an average final score of 70% or greater in order to pass the assessment center.

Notification:

Applicants are notified by email of their examination results. Applicants who do not meet the minimum qualifications will also be notified.

Testing Accommodation:

We strive to ensure equal access for all individuals. If you require accommodations due to a disability, we encourage you to inform the Chief Examiner by the closing date of this announcement. Your request will be handled with confidentiality and respect.

Contact and Demographic Information:

Applicants are responsible for keeping the Reno Civil Service Commission informed of all contact phone, email and mailing changes. Rule XV, Section 2.

Employee/Veteran Preference (In the Event of Tie Scores):

If two or more employees earn the same final score (including seniority points), veterans’ preference will be applied if any of the tied employees have submitted proof of an honorable military discharge. This preference is only used to break ties. If a tie still remains, it will be broken based on seniority in the current classification. Proof of honorable discharge must be submitted with the application.

Seniority Points:

Employees of the City of Reno Police Department shall receive seniority credit computed by adding to a passing score as follows: Grade to be ranked will include seniority points that will be added to the final grade of the assessment exercises. For each full year of continuous service completed, 0.2 points will be added up to a maximum of ten (10) years...2 points will be the maximum. Rule VIII. Section 9. Seniority Credit.

Appointment & Certification:

Appointments to positions in the City's Civil Service system are made on the basis of examination. Scores resulting from a competitive examination are used in determining a person's rank on an eligible register. The current certification rule in effect at the time a request is received by the Civil Service Commission will be used to refer names. The department may hire any of the persons referred. The names of those persons not hired may be considered when the next vacancy occurs, for as long as that register is viable.

Probationary Period:

As the final step in the selection process, newly promoted employees serve a probationary period of fixed duration to show their ability to perform the work.

Questions/Updates:

Questions about the information on this announcement and updates to application information should be directed to Civil Service at [e-mail] or [phone].

The City of Reno is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment, hiring, assignment, training, compensation, promotion, retention, and disciplinary decisions will be made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, political affiliation, membership in an employee association, or any other protected class status applicable under federal or state law or City Charter.