Police Lieutenant

City-of-Reno,-N; Reno (NV); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Reno promotes a Police Lieutenant position to current Sergeants, overseeing field operations and personnel development within the Reno Police Department. The role requires strong supervisory skills and adherence to strict standards while coordinating with regional partners.

Applicants must meet educational qualifications, hold Nevada POST certifications, and be actively employed as a sworn Sergeant through appointment.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or 60 semester credits (90 quarter credits) with 15 credits in criminal justice/public admin/business admin or related field.
• POST Intermediate can substitute for 30 credits; minimum 15 credits still required.
• POST Advanced certification satisfies education requirement.
• Transcripts or POST certificates must be attached to application or submitted to Civil Service by deadline.

Responsibilities

• Directs and oversees daily operations of assigned units, shifts, or programs to ensure consistent police services.
• Supervises and coaches sworn and civilian personnel, ensuring accountability and performance.
• Manages resource allocation, scheduling, budget considerations, and equipment needs.
• Reviews and implements policies and procedures compliant with laws and standards.
• Coordinates major incidents, emergencies, and complex investigations; assumes command when required.
• Collaborates with other divisions and agencies to support joint operations.
• Engages with the community through meetings and outreach about police services.
• Oversees preparation and review of reports and case materials for decision-making.

Skills

Supervisory leadership

Policy enforcement

Interagency coordination

Education

Associate degree or 60 credits with 15 in criminal justice/related field

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)mustbe 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.

To apply:You must submit your completed application and attachments athttps://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/reno by 11:00 a.m. PT on October 26, 2026.If a computer or mobile device is not available to you, suggested locations to complete an online application submittal include: computers available at the Reno Police Department, the City of Reno City Hall 2nd floor computer kiosk or the 5th floor Civil Service Offices, any locations of Nevada Job Connect or any local library or educational facility.If you are having difficulty logging into yourgovernmentjobs.com profile, please call the applicant support line at 855-524-5627. If for any reason, you are unable to complete and submit the required application by the deadline, you must contact Civil Service by phone (leave a message if after hours) or email prior to the deadline regarding the problem.

Application Preparation:
Applicants should prepare their application completely in a professional manner. Applications must show a clear and progressive work history with correct employment dates and a brief description of the tasks performed. Include academic experience which should demonstrate courses of study, verifiable university/college credits successfully completed or degrees earned, and provide supervisory and law enforcement training relative to this position. You may attach a resume (but not in lieu of a fully completed application).Incomplete applications will be rejected.

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 willbe 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 theChief 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 mailingchanges. 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.