Find & Apply For Law Enforcement Chief / Deputy Jobs in Waterville, Ohio

Chief of Police Waterville Township Waterville, OH Job Details Full-time $50,540.62 - $60,866.12 a year 3 days ago Qualifications Criminal Justice Hiring Recruiting Community relationship building Delegation Time management Full Job Description

WATERVILLE TOWNSHIP CHIEF OF POLICE

Job Description Position:

Chief of Police Department:

Waterville Township Police Department Reports To:

Waterville Township Board of Trustees Employment Status:

As determined by Township policy

Salary:

DOE (Depending on Experience)

POSITION SUMMARY

Waterville Township is seeking a diligent, experienced, and community-focused Chief of Police to provide leadership, supervision, and strategic direction for the Township Police Department. The Chief is responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, and supervising police operations; managing department personnel and investigations; developing and implementing policies and procedures; coordinating training; maintaining effective relationships with other governmental agencies and the community; and ensuring the department operates effectively, professionally, and within applicable laws and Township policies. The Chief exercises independent judgment in the day-to-day administration and operation of the Police Department and serves as a key advisor to the Board of Trustees on matters involving public safety, police operations, staffing, equipment, capital needs, and departmental priorities. The Chief is also responsible for developing, managing, monitoring, and reporting on the Police Department's budget. The Chief shall manage departmental expenditures within Board-approved appropriations and shall work closely with the Township Fiscal Officer to ensure compliance with applicable fiscal requirements, purchasing procedures, and Township policies. The successful candidate will possess strong leadership, analytical, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; extensive knowledge of police methods and practices; and a thorough understanding of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Police Operations and Administration Plan, organize, direct, and supervise the activities and operations of the Police Department. Conduct the planning and assignment of police programs, activities, patrol functions, and other departmental responsibilities. Exercise sound judgment regarding day-to-day police operations and public safety matters. Establish operational priorities and ensure effective deployment of department personnel and resources. Oversee police responses to emergencies, significant incidents, and other public safety situations. Manage and oversee departmental investigations. Maintain effective coordination with other law enforcement agencies, emergency services, governmental agencies, and community organizations. Ensure departmental records, reports, documentation, and other required records are accurately prepared and maintained. Monitor departmental performance and identify opportunities to improve operational effectiveness and service delivery. Ensure police equipment, vehicles, communications systems, technology, and other departmental assets are properly maintained and utilized. Leadership and Personnel Management Supervise, direct, evaluate, and manage department personnel. Establish clear expectations for employee performance, professionalism, conduct, and accountability. Participate in recruitment, selection, assignment, promotion, discipline, and other personnel matters in accordance with Township policy and applicable law. Prepare and conduct employee performance evaluations. Address personnel issues promptly, fairly, and consistently. Foster a professional, ethical, respectful, and accountable workplace. Maintain appropriate staffing levels and develop schedules and assignments to support effective police coverage. Monitor overtime and staffing costs and take appropriate action to maintain expenditures within approved budget levels. Policies, Procedures, and Compliance Develop, review, update, and implement Police Department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations. Ensure departmental practices comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Maintain current knowledge of law enforcement standards, legal requirements, and emerging public safety issues. Establish appropriate internal controls and procedures to promote accountability and operational consistency. Ensure departmental activities and expenditures comply with Township policies and applicable statutory requirements. Cooperate fully with required audits, investigations, inspections, and reviews. Develop corrective action plans when departmental deficiencies or audit findings require remediation. Training and Professional Development Identify departmental training needs and establish appropriate training programs. Coordinate required inter-departmental training and continuing education. Ensure personnel maintain required certifications, qualifications, and professional competencies. Support appropriate OPOTA and other law enforcement training and continuing education. Promote professional development and succession planning within the department. Maintain awareness of evolving law enforcement practices, technology, equipment, and public safety strategies.

BUDGET AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

The Chief of Police is responsible for the development, administration, monitoring, and reporting of the Police Department's budget within the financial authority established by the Board of Trustees and in coordination with the Fiscal Officer. The Chief manages departmental spending but does not exercise the Fiscal Officer's statutory responsibilities or the Board of Trustees' appropriation authority. The Chief shall propose, monitor, and control departmental spending within approved appropriations and shall work closely with the Fiscal Officer on all fiscal matters. Budget Development Prepare and defend the Police Department's annual budget request. Conduct a mid-year review of current-year spending and provide preliminary estimates of the following year's needs. Prepare and submit the full departmental budget request in accordance with the Township's budget calendar. Present the proposed Police Department budget to the Board of Trustees and respond to questions and requests for revisions. Develop budget projections based on staffing, overtime, operations, equipment, vehicles, training, technology, and capital requirements. Provide written justification for significant increases in budgeted line items. Identify and prioritize potential expenditures that may be deferred if budget reductions are necessary. Develop multi-year capital replacement plans for police vehicles, radios, cameras, weapons, technology, facilities, and other major equipment. Expenditure and Purchasing Management Manage departmental expenditures within Board-approved appropriations. Ensure no departmental commitment or expenditure is made without the required appropriation and Fiscal Officer certification. Follow all Township purchasing, procurement, credit card, travel, and expenditure policies. Ensure expenditures are charged to the appropriate fund and budget line. Monitor purchasing activity and maintain appropriate documentation. Obtain required quotes, approvals, and competitive bids in accordance with Township policy and applicable law. Do not make purchases or commitments that exceed the Chief's delegated authority without obtaining the required Board approval. Ensure purchases are made for legitimate public purposes. Monitor grant expenditures and ensure grant funds are used in accordance with grant requirements. Obtain appropriate approval before applying for grants that involve matching funds, continuing financial obligations, new positions, subscriptions, or significant reporting requirements. Budget Monitoring and Reporting Review departmental appropriations, actual expenditures, and encumbrances with the Fiscal Officer on a monthly basis. Monitor departmental spending against the approved annual budget. Track overtime expenditures and take corrective action when spending trends indicate a potential budget overrun. Provide the Board of Trustees with regular fiscal reports identifying year-to-date spending, budget utilization, overtime status, anticipated pressures, and significant variances. Promptly report any projected budget overrun to the Board and recommend an appropriate corrective action. Request Board action when an appropriation transfer or supplemental appropriation is necessary. Do not make unilateral transfers between appropriations or budget lines. Cooperate with year-end financial closeout procedures and provide a year-end budget-to-actual summary. Cooperate fully with audits conducted by the Ohio Auditor of State or other authorized entities.

EQUIPMENT, ASSETS, AND CAPITAL PLANNING

Maintain an inventory and replacement plan for departmental vehicles, equipment, technology, communications systems, and other capital assets. Develop and maintain a multi-year vehicle and equipment replacement schedule. Identify future capital needs and incorporate them into long-range departmental planning and budget requests. Ensure departmental assets are properly maintained, secured, and used for authorized purposes. Ensure the disposal of surplus vehicles and equipment is conducted only through authorized Township procedures and applicable law. Evaluate emerging technologies and equipment that may improve officer safety, operational effectiveness, and community service.

COMMUNITY AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS

Serve as the Police Department's primary representative to the community and other governmental organizations. Establish and maintain positive relationships with residents, businesses, elected officials, community organizations, and other stakeholders. Communicate effectively with the public regarding police activities and public safety matters. Represent the Township and Police Department at public meetings, community events, and other appropriate functions. Work cooperatively with neighboring law enforcement agencies, fire and emergency medical services, county agencies, state agencies, and other partners. Respond professionally and appropriately to citizen concerns, complaints, and inquiries. Promote public confidence in the Police Department through transparency, professionalism, responsiveness, and ethical conduct.

RECORDS, REPORTING, AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Prepare and maintain accurate departmental records and reports. Ensure required operational, personnel, investigative, financial, and administrative records are maintained appropriately. Provide regular reports and recommendations to the Board of Trustees. Maintain appropriate documentation supporting departmental decisions, expenditures, policies, and operations. Monitor departmental performance and establish appropriate measures of effectiveness. Identify operational, financial, personnel, and compliance risks and develop appropriate mitigation strategies. Maintain confidentiality of sensitive departmental information in accordance with applicable law and Township policy.

FIRST-YEAR EXPECTATIONS

Following appointment, the Chief will be expected to: Within 30 days: Complete a fiscal and administrative orientation with the Fiscal Officer. Review departmental funds, current appropriations, encumbrances, open purchase orders, active grants, and purchasing procedures. Within 60 days: Provide a written assessment of the Police Department's current budget condition. Identify inherited financial, operational, staffing, contractual, overtime, equipment, and maintenance risks. Within 120 days: Present a written multi-year police vehicle and equipment replacement plan. Identify significant capital, technology, facility, staffing, and training needs.

First Budget Cycle:

Personally prepare and present the Police Department's annual budget request in accordance with the Township's established budget calendar. Budget development is a core responsibility of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, public administration, or a related field, or equivalent education and experience . Extensive professional experience in law enforcement and police department operations. Demonstrated supervisory and leadership experience. Thorough knowledge of police methods, practices, procedures, and operations. Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies. Demonstrated ability to supervise personnel and manage complex operational responsibilities. Demonstrated ability to prepare, manage, and monitor a departmental budget. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Excellent public speaking and presentation abilities. Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Ability to exercise sound independent judgment in day-to-day operations. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, elected officials, governmental agencies, and the public. Ability to work independently while maintaining appropriate communication and accountability to the Board of Trustees. Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, discretion, and commitment to public service.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The successful candidate should demonstrate: Strong knowledge of modern police methods and practices. Knowledge of federal and Ohio laws and regulations applicable to law enforcement and local government. Strong leadership and personnel-management skills. Budget development and financial-management capabilities. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Effective public speaking and presentation skills. Strong analytical and critical-thinking abilities. Sound judgment and decision-making skills. Effective conflict-resolution and problem-solving skills. Strong organizational and time-management skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities and competing demands. Ability to develop and implement policies and procedures. Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation. Ability to establish accountability while fostering a positive organizational culture. Ability to work collaboratively with the Board of Trustees, Fiscal Officer, employees, other governmental agencies, and the community.

FISCAL AND GOVERNMENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY

The Chief of Police shall operate within the financial and governmental structure established by Ohio law and Waterville Township. The Board of Trustees retains appropriation authority, while the Fiscal Officer serves as custodian of Township funds and performs the statutory financial certification and accounting functions. The Chief is responsible for managing the Police Department within approved appropriations and complying with all applicable purchasing, expenditure, reporting, and documentation requirements. Failure to operate within approved appropriations, make unauthorized commitments, comply with required purchasing procedures, or promptly report projected budget overruns may result in disciplinary action consistent with Township policy and applicable law.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The Chief of Police is expected to perform all duties in a professional, ethical, effective, and legally compliant manner. The Chief shall comply with all applicable Township policies, ordinances, resolutions, rules, regulations, collective bargaining requirements where applicable, and federal and state laws. This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the Chief of Police. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or requirements. Duties and responsibilities may be modified as necessary to meet the needs of Waterville Township and the Police Department.

Salary:

DOE (Depending on Experience) - the range provided by Indeed is not accurate please submit resume to by September 30, 2026 Waterville Township is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEOC) Employer.

Pay:

$50,540.62 - $60,866.12 per year

Work Location:

In person