Police Chief

City of Cordova Position Job Description

Police Chief

Full Job Description: https://www.cityofcordova.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Police-Chief-Job-Description.pdf

The Police Chief manages and oversees the daily operations and successional planning of the Cordova Police Department to include law enforcement, dispatch, contract jail facility, DMV, and animal control.

CLASSIFICATION: FULL TIME, OVERTIME EXEMPT, SALARIED AND CONFIDENTIAL

ANNUAL SALARY:  $91,350 – $125,577 ANNUALLY, DOE

HOURS: VARIABLE, INCLUDES NIGHTS, HOLIDAYS, AND WEEKENDS

BENEFITS: RELOCATION ASSISTANCE, SIGNING BONUS FOR CERTIFIED OFFICERS, ALASKA PUBLIC EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT SYSTEM (PERS), GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE, LIFE INSURANCE, OPTIONAL 457 DEFERRED COMPENSATION, EMPLOYEE-PRICED RECREATION FACILITY ACCESS, ANNUAL AND SICK LEAVE ACCRUAL, PAID HOLIDAYS

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must meet Alaska Police Standards Council basic standards for police officers (13AAC 85.010) and police chiefs (AS 18.65.240, 280). Minimum 5 years in law enforcement, with three years in supervisory role, preferably at the rank of sergeant or above. Graduate of an accredited Police Academy. Possess an Advanced Certificate from the Alaska Police Standards Council, or ability to obtain one within 14 months. (Out of state certified officers must attend a recertification academy in Alaska)

DUTIES:

• Manages Police Department and State contracted community jail facility.
• Enforces City, State, and Federal laws.
• Conducts crime prevention programs and investigations as necessary.
• Supervises, manages, and evaluates department personnel to include CSO (Community Service Officer), police officers, D.A.R.E. Officer, communications specialists/dispatchers, and other administrative staff. Is responsible for recruitment, training, and discipline of department personnel.
• Maintains all department records, including agency criminal and non-criminal records in accordance with city, state, and federal CJIS records retention policies according to current best practices.
• Participates in public relations efforts such as assisting with community events, parades, and activities.
• Develops annual departmental budget based on balance of contemporary best practices and department needs. Monitors and authorizes department expenditures in accordance with approved budget.
• Stays current with professional Public Safety practices, best practices, and procedures. Ensures departmental personnel understanding and compliance with same.
• Makes recommendations to the City Council regarding changes in Municipal ordinances.
• Represents the City in matters regarding law enforcement. Makes public presentations, provides testimony, and regularly interfaces with the public.
• Coordinates local law enforcement activities with State and Federal agencies as requested.
• Responsible for all advertising and hiring efforts for the agency outside of regularly advertised open positions through City of Cordova website.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Non-traditional work hours are occasionally required, to include evenings, weekends, holidays and shift work. Work is occasionally performed outdoors, often in inclement weather, in conditions that subject the employee to potential personal danger. Employee may be exposed to verbal and physical abuse by suspects or other individuals in antagonistic situations. Daily work is accomplished in a general office setting. This position is a working chief and is expected to work occasional shifts as staffing needs require.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Clarity of speech and sufficient hearing, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits effective communication during interactions with others. Sufficient vision, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to identify criminal activity. Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate police equipment and detain criminals or assist individuals in need, to include the ability to lift, drag, or otherwise move incapacitated individuals. Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to perform duties that may include running, climbing, jumping over or crawling under obstacles. Periodic examinations of physical agility may be required.

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS:

As a condition of employment, this position is subject to pre-employment substance abuse testing and a background check (criminal history, verification of education and employment history).

Must possess and maintain a valid Alaska driver’s license.

Police certifications and security clearances must be maintained for the duration of employment.

TO APPLY: Download a City application and complete job description, which includes necessary knowledge, skills, abilities and working conditions. Interested individuals should submit a City application to Human Resources, humanresources@cityofcordova.net. Applications accepted until position filled.

THE CITY OF CORDOVA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER