Police Chief

Salary : $243,048.00 - $295,392.00 Annually
Location : City of Monterey, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-0605
Department: POLICE
Division: POLICE-ADMINISTRATION
Opening Date: 11/13/2026
Closing Date: 12/6/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: EXEC

TO APPLY

Submit your application online through the City of Monterey's website at monterey.gov/hr.

Your application must include:

• A detailed resume.
• A cover letter describing your relevant qualifications and experience. Please include the number of employees you currently supervise and the size of the budget you manage.

The City will review application materials and invite a limited number of candidates whose qualifications, experience, education, and training most closely align with the needs of the position to participate in the selection process.

Applications and supporting materials must be submitted through the online application system. Materials submitted by mail, in person, fax, or email will not be accepted, except as necessary to provide a reasonable accommodation or as otherwise required by law.

Application Deadline: To be considered, submit your completed online application, resume, and cover letter by December 6, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Reasonable Accommodation: Applicants who need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or recruitment process may contact the City of Monterey Human Resources Department at 831-646-3765 or
RECRUITMENT TIMELINE

Filing Deadline - December 6, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Interview and Selection Process: Dates to be determined

Examples of Duties
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Direct and participate in the development of goals, objectives, policies and priorities;
• Plan, direct, and coordinate the activities of Police Department personnel in preserving order, protecting life and property, and in enforcing laws and municipal ordinances;
• Formulate departmental rules, procedures, and policies and see that they are carried out;
• Research modern police management methods, formulate and enforce rules, procedures and policies for efficient operation of the Department;
• Review the evaluations of employee performance and take appropriate disciplinary action where necessary;
• Prepare and administer the Department budget;
• Attend meetings and make presentations before the City Council, boards and commissions, and community groups;
• Confer with citizens and City officials on law enforcement problems and programs;
• Attend county, area, and State police conferences and meetings with other public officials;
• Cultivate good community relations by appearing before civic, fraternal and other community groups;
• Recommend adoption and assist in preparation of ordinances;
• Coordinate law enforcement activities with the activities of other City departments and other law enforcement agencies;
• Select, supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff; perform related duties as assigned.
• Support the relationship between the City of Monterey and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff.
• Maintain confidentiality of work-related issues and City information.
• Perform other job-related duties within the scope of this job classification as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Completion of a bachelor's degree from a college or university with major coursework in police science and public or business administration, or a closely related field is preferable. Possession of a graduate degree and a police management course such as the FBI Academy, P.O.S.T. Command College, or the Police Executive Research Forum SMIP Program is highly desirable.

Experience: Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal law enforcement, encompassing the major phases of police operations and administration, including at least three (3) years of experience serving in a senior law enforcement executive capacity at a minimum as an Assistant/Deputy Police Chief or an equivalent position.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION:

• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Must possess a POST Management Certificate.

Supplemental Info
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
Knowledge of:

• Modern principles, practices, and techniques of police administration, organization, and operation.
• Technical and administrative phases of crime prevention and law enforcement, including investigation and identification, patrol, traffic control, animal control, records management, and care and custody of persons and property.
• Law, ordinances, and regulations affecting the work of the Department.

Skill in:

• Communicating clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Planning, directing, supervising, and coordinating the work of the Police Department.
• Developing and administering sound departmental policies.
• Properly interpreting and making decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, and policies.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Physical Demands

• Standing & Walking - Standing for extended periods of time and/or walking distances (1 or more miles).
• Sitting - Ability to work in a seated position at a computer station for extended periods of time.
• Lifting - Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds; use proper lifting techniques including bending at the knees.
• Climbing - Ability to ascend 10 ft. or more up ladder(s).
• Manual Dexterity - The ability to perform multiple work activities requiring a significant level of physical and mental coordination, such as accurate field measuring; repair and calibration of instruments; computer keyboard; writing.
• Visual - Acuity for driving long periods; reading literature for long periods; industry warning signs and instruments; reading maps and diagrams, computer screen.
• Hearing and Speech - Ability to communicate in person, before groups and over the telephone.
• Mobility - Ability to operate a motor vehicle, and reach, push, pull, stoop, bend, and squat.
• Reflexes - Ability to quickly and automatically respond to emergency and safety situations.

Environmental Elements

This position requires a combination of field work and office work. Employees are exposed to inclement weather, noise, dust, grease, fumes, gasses and potentially hazardous materials. Employees may work in very hot, very cold or wet environments. Employees must be able to respond physically to alarms and/or calls for help, and be in a full sprint from a standstill, in a matter of seconds and occasionally drive at high speeds. Employees must have the mental acuity to act under stress in life-threatening situations, and to maintain calm efficient judgment. Employees may be subjected to verbal and physical abusive behavior, threats, insults, and be in contact with persons that carry weapons and communicable diseases. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. This position requires the ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings, nights and holidays and the ability to be available for work on an emergency basis.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All City of Monterey employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
This is a summary of benefits for employees holding classification in the Monterey Executive Management Employees' Association ("MEMEA") bargaining unit. This summary is for information purposes only. More specific details regarding these benefits can be found in the Memorandum of Understanding between the City and MEMEA

Retirement: The City provides CalPERS 3.0% @ 50 with highest year formula for "classic