Police Captain

City of Coronado, CA

$169K — $227K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years law enforcement experience with administrative/supervisory roles
  • Preferred: 2 years as a Police Lieutenant or higher
  • Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, public administration, or related field
  • Valid Class C California Driver's License
  • Advanced Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Certificate required, Management certificate preferred

Responsibilities

  • Direct and manage division activities within the Police Department
  • Provide administrative support to the Police Chief
  • Develop relationships with residents, businesses, and public safety entities
  • Apply knowledge of police legitimacy and community policing
  • Foster professional development within the department
  • Communicate effectively under pressure
  • Demonstrate strong writing and research skills

Benefits

  • Cafeteria allotment of $2,168 and educational reimbursement budget of up to $2,000
  • Retirement benefits with CalPERS options including longevity bonuses
  • Comprehensive insurance including life and disability coverage
  • Annual leave accruing at increased rates over time
  • Access to community recreational facilities (pool and gym)
Full Job Description
Salary : $169,413.14 - $227,030.18 Annually
Location : Police Services Department, 700 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-00013
Department: Police Services
Division: Administration
Opening Date: 06/15/2026
Closing Date: 7/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt

The Department:
The City of Coronado is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Police Captain. Under administrative direction, this position directs, manages, supervises, and coordinates the activities and operations of an assigned division within the Police Department, including either the Field Services Division or Support Services Division. The Police Captain provides highly responsive and complex administrative support to the Police Chief.
The Position
The ideal candidate will be a proactive leader with a working knowledge of the concepts of police legitimacy, procedural justice, community policing and problem solving. The ideal candidate will understand the need to build and maintain working relationships within the City of Coronado with other city departments, our residents, business community, schools, faith-based organizations, and the United Sates Navy, as well as, maintaining relationships with adjacent local, state, and federal public safety agencies. They will have a depth of technical knowledge in law enforcement and police administration, dispatch, property and evidence, court procedures, project management, and municipal budgeting process. He/she will possess a high degree of emotional intelligence, political astuteness and be engaged in the professional development of the members of the police department. Additionally, the ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator, skilled at working under pressure and handling challenges and tasks that arise simultaneously and/or unexpectedly. Lastly, the successful candidate will demonstrate excellent writing and research skills.

To view the full job description, click the following link:

Minimum Requirements
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:
  • At least ten (10) years of increasingly responsible law enforcement experience, including four (4) years of administrative and supervisory responsibility.
  • Two (2) years of management experience at the rank of Police Lieutenant or higher is preferred.

Education/Training:
  • Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in criminal justice, business administration, public administration or a related field.

Licenses and Certificates:
  • Possession of a valid Class C California Driver's License with a safe driving record.
  • Possession of an Advanced Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Certificate.
  • Possession of a P.O.S.T. Supervisory certificate.
  • Possession of a P.O.S.T. Management certificate is preferred.

Examination Process:

Application Review:

A completed City of Coronado employment application must be completed by July 20, 2026. Copies of licenses and/or certificates must be attached to the application. Applications will be reviewed on the basis of relevant education, training, and experience.

Examination Process:

Applicants considered most qualified will be invited to participate in an oral panel interview. Additionally, applicants may be requested to undertake any or all of the following exercises - assessment, practical, or presentation - as part of the evaluation process.

Department Interview:

Top candidates will be invited to participate in a department interview with the Police Chief. Additionally, applicants may be requested to undertake any or all of the following exercises - assessment, practical, or presentation - as part of the evaluation process.

Establishment of Eligibility List:

Candidates who successfully complete the examination process will be placed on the eligibility list for a period of at least six months. Candidates must obtain a 70% or above in all components of the examination to pass. Applicants will be notified via email of their eligibility status.

Additional Information:

The successful candidate will be issued a conditional offer subject to the successful completion of a psychological examination and a medical exam, including a drug screening.

Supplemental Information
THE CORONADO COMMUNITY:
Rich in history, natural beauty, and a charming ocean village atmosphere, Coronado is most deserving of its royal "nickname" - The Crown City.
Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, Glorietta Bay, and San Diego Bay, this picturesque seaside resort destination is linked to the Southern California coastline and the city of San Diego by the graceful and stately San Diego - Coronado Bridge, and to the south by a narrow strip of land known as the Silver Strand.
This uniquely enchanting city which measures 13.5 square miles, is home to some of the world's most pristine beaches, 18 public parks, an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, a public pool, and recreation facilities, as well as dedicated bicycle paths.
This vibrant, thriving community welcomes more than 2 million visitors annually to soak up the sun and the sand while enjoying the lush surroundings and village appeal of Coronado. With 15 hotels, including amongst them three world-class resorts, 1,900 hotel rooms, and many highly acclaimed restaurants, this island community has a resident and Navy population of approximately 23,000 as well as a flourishing tourist population. Coronado is also home to Naval Air Station North Island, Coronado (NASNI) Naval Amphibious Base Coronado (NAB), and Silver Strand Training Complex, Coronado, supported by nearly 20,000 military and civilian personnel.
What Coronado has to offer:
  • A rich benefits package contributes to the total compensation value. Benefits include a monthly cafeteria allotment of $2,168 voluntary retirement savings/deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, group term life, short-term and long-term disability coverage, an employee assistance program, and more.
  • The Retirement Benefit Formula for Classic CalPERS hired prior to January 1, 2013, is Members is 3% at 60. The current employee contribution rate is 9.5%.
  • The Retirement Benefit Formula for PEPRA CalPERS Members, hired after January 1, 2013, is 2% at 62. The current employee contribution rate is 7.50%.
  • As part of ensuring our employees maintain a work/life balance, employees earn 144 hours of Annual Leave per year for the first 5 years. After 5 years, the accrual rate increases.
  • The City provides Term Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance in an amount equal to a one-time annual salary or $50,000, whichever is greater, at no cost to the employee.
  • The City provides short- and long-term disability insurance equal to 66 2/3% of income. Employees that earn over the maximum benefit of $5,000/month available under the long-term disability plan, have the option to purchase enhanced long-term disability insurance.
  • The City provides up to $2,000 per fiscal year for reimbursement of directly related costs of tuition, school fees, books, and required materials for approved courses and professional development opportunities. Student Loan Repayment can be used under this benefit.
  • Longevity Pay; bonus at 10 years and every 5 years after.
  • Lateral Vacation Service Credit, effective January 1, 2023, employees shall be given credit for prior verifiable public service employment for annual leave accrual rates.
  • Access to community pool and gym.
  • Valuable experience, training opportunities, and engaged leadership in a supportive community environment.

TO VIEW AN AERIAL TOUR OF OUR CROWN CITY, CLICK HERE
ANNUAL LEAVE

Self-Represented employees accrue annual leave (combined vacation and sick leave) at the following rates:
  • 0-5 Years of Service: 144 hours per a year
  • 5-10 Years of Service: 192 hours per a year
  • 10-19 Years of Service: 216 hours per a year
  • 20+ Years of Service: 232 hours per a year

ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE

Police Captain accrues 80 hours of administrative leave each fiscal year. These hours are credited on July 1 and must be used by the last day of the final pay period in the fiscal year earned.

HOLIDAYS

The City observes 11 holidays and provides eight (8) hours of holiday pay to employees on the following days:
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King's Birthday
  • President's Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Columbus Day
  • Veteran's Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Day after Thanksgiving
  • Christmas Day

In addition to the above specified holidays, employees are credited with two eight (8) hour floating holidays each fiscal year in observance of Lincoln's Birthday, Juneteenth, and Cesar Chavez's Birthday.

RETIREMENT

Enrollment in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) as follows:

PEPRA Members: 2.7% at 57

Participants enrolled in the CalPERS Retirement Plan after January 1, 2013, are considered new members. The retirement benefit is based on age at retirement, years of service, and a consecutive 36-month compensation period. Employees currently pay 13% (pre-tax) toward the retirement contribution, which for PEPRA members, is determined by CalPERS each fiscal year based upon the actuarial report.

Classic Members: 3% at 50

Participants enrolled in the CalPERS Retirement Plan prior to January 1, 2013, with no break in service or a break in service of less than 6 months are considered Classic Members. The retirement benefit is based on age at retirement, years of service, and the single highest year of compensation. Employees pay 10.5% (pre-tax) toward retirement benefits.

Deferred Compensation Employees are eligible to join the ICMA-RC 457 deferred compensation plan. This plan allows employees to set aside pre-tax wages for retirement.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

Cafeteria Benefit Plan

The City provides a Cafeteria Benefit Plan that can be used to help cover the cost of medical, dental, vision, supplemental life insurance, and ancillary benefits. The City participates in the CalPERS Group Health Benefits, which offers several options including HMO and PPO plans. Cafeteria allotment is dependent on medical plan enrollment.

Medical Enrollment Tier

2026 Monthly Cafeteria Allotment

Employee + Family

$2,298

Employee + 1

$2,068

Employee Only or Waive

$1,379

Short-Term & Long-Term Disability

The City provides short-term disability insurance equal to 66-2/3% of income (up to $1,000/week) after a 14-day waiting period. The City provides long-term disability insurance with a monthly benefit of up to $5,000 after a 90-day waiting period. Employees have the option to elect enhanced long-term disability insurance (up to $8,000/month).

Life Insurance

The City provides group term life insurance and AD&D in an amount equal to $50,000 or one times base annual salary, whichever is greater. In addition to the basic group life insurance provided by the City, employees may purchase up to $500,000 of supplemental life insurance. Coverage of over $150,000 is subject to approval by the insurance provider. Employees may also elect supplemental life insurance coverage for their spouse/registered domestic partner and child(ren).

Employee Assistance Program

The City provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP provides confidential evaluation and up to 6 free counseling visits for employees, family members, and anyone residing in the home of an employee.

Education Incentive

P.O.S.T Certification incentive pay of 10% of base pay for Advanced certificates is available to Police Captains.

$2,000 Tuition Reimbursement

Each fiscal year $2,000 is available for reimbursement for costs such as tuition, fees, books, and other required materials for approved courses leading to a college degree. Reimbursement is made upon written verification of satisfactory completion of coursework. All expenses in excess of $2,000 will roll over to subsequent years and will be reimbursed up to $2,000 per year so long as the employee remains employed with the City. Student Loan Repayment can be used under this benefit.

Longevity Pay

Bonus at five (5) years of uninterrupted service with the City and every five (5) years after.

Lateral Service Credit

Effective January 1, 2023, employees shall be given credit for prior verifiable public service employment for annual leave accrual rates.

Social Security & Medicare

The City participates in Social Security and Medicare.

Uniform Allowance

All sworn Police personnel will receive an annual uniform allowance of $850, payable in August of each year. Newly hired personnel will receive $800 in the form of credit at one or more area uniform stores available prior to the first day of employment.
For more information regarding benefits and retirement CLICK HERE.

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