Police Chief ***INTERNAL POSTING***

Under the general direction and supervision of the City Manager, the Police Chief plans, directs, and coordinates the full range of duties associated with the Kenai Police Department, including the Police, Communications, and Animal Control divisions within the Department. The work involves a broad range of activities such as short and long-range planning, maintaining good public relations, staying current on developments in the law, managing a budget, personnel administration, and overseeing special projects and major cases. The position includes daily contact with the public and outside agencies, frequently requiring tactful resolution of controversial situations and citizen complaints. The Police Chief acts as a role model within the community and Department and must maintain the highest standards of performance and leadership.Manage and lead all functions, operations, and personnel at the Kenai Police Department, including public safety/police functions, animal control, and communications/dispatch.Develop and direct the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the Department to ensure that state and federal laws and local ordinances are enforced and that public peace and safety is maintained and to ensure maximum effective provision of police services.Prepare an annual budget request for operation and monitor the expenditures of Department funds to ensure compliance with the adopted budget, grant funds, and City policy.Select, train, supervise, evaluate and schedule the work of employees in accordance with City personnel policies. Meet regularly with subordinate supervisors to give assignments; advise employees on policy changes and coming events.Prepare, review, and approve department policies, reports, and correspondence related to Police services, including grants, budgets, personnel documents, permits, Standard Operating Procedures, state/federal reports, public education and safety programs. Participate with required updates and/or revisions to City Emergency Operations Plan, Hazard Mitigation Plan, Disaster Preparedness Plan, and other documents.Review and approve operational, tactical, and investigative plans for major cases. Oversee and direct investigations and review cases to maintain quality and integrity of the Department and to assure criminal cases are being pursued in a thorough and timely manner.Investigate and respond to complaints regarding the Department and/or employee conduct. Oversee internal investigations program, working closely with the police Lieutenant or other personnel.Discuss police matters with collaborating agencies such as the State Departments of Corrections and Health and Human Services, the Alaska Court system, school administrators, the Alaska State Troopers, surrounding communities, and federal law enforcement agencies.Ensure compliance with changing requirements in local, state and federal laws and regulations. Review proposed legislation, legal opinions, and court decisions.Perform the work of a Police Officer, Sergeant, or Lieutenant as needed.Represent the Department to the City Council, Borough, legislators, representatives of federal and state agencies, the general public, and members of civic, community, and business groups. Exhibit high standards of integrity and ethics and a neutral and businesslike demeanor.Maintain proficiency in operations of Department equipment such as vehicles, radar units, firearms, crime scene equipment, breath test instruments, and restraining devices.Maintain records and prepare reports. Maintain strict confidentiality of privileged communications and information and assure Department compliance with privacy laws and regulations.Attend City Council and work sessions as requested by City Manager, often at hours outside the normal work hours of the City.Attend and participate in professional training and attend conferences and meetings related to law enforcement to keep current with respect to new trends and developments in the field of public safety.Perform job duties with minimal or no supervision.Have regular, reliable, and predictable attendance at work.Perform other duties as assigned by the City Manager.Possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. The bachelor's degree requirement may be waived for candidates with an associate's degree and significant prior police supervisory experience.Possess prior law enforcement experience at or above the level of Sergeant with the Kenai Police Department (or its equivalent).Possess an intermediate police officer certificate issued by the Alaska Police Standards Council or by an equivalent agency in another U.S. jurisdiction. If not certified in Alaska at the time of hire, must be able to obtain Alaska Police Certification within one (1) year of hire.Possess or obtain a valid Alaska driver's license within thirty (30) days of employment or prior to operating a City vehicle. Applicants will be required to submit a Division of Motor Vehicles record upon request.The applicant (or employee after hire) must pass a drug screening test, criminal background check and other background investigations including a credit report in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and may be required to pass a medical examination, truth verification, polygraph examination, psychological evaluation, written and oral tests, and physical fitness testAll law enforcement officers are exposed to situations that might create certain temptations to engage in favoritism, corruption, or activities generating unlawful monetary gain. Accordingly, it is necessary that officers possess a demonstrated history and character of honesty and reliability.The employee must be available to work varying schedules, including weekend days and evenings, holidays, and shift extensions; the schedule may vary seasonally, and the employee may be asked to respond to emergency call-outs when available.DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS* Experience showing success or potential for success in dealing with people involved in stressful situations.* Successful completion of the following Police Command Schools: FBI National Academy, Southern Police Institute, or Northwestern University.WORKING ENVIRONMENT The work environment exposes the employee to dangerous and potentially dangerous situations and requires the employee to carry a weapon. Physical exertion is required to restrain disorderly subjects. The employee must be able to do strenuous work in all kinds of weather (e.g., high temp., low temp., winds, snow, ice, fog, direct sunlight) and on surfaces at, above, or below floor level. Duties are performed indoors and outdoors in a varied working environment, day and night, and often in inclement weather and extreme temperatures. Inside work is usually in buildings, adequately heated, lighted, and ventilated. The employee may be exposed to dust and other irritants, and toxic/poisonous substances. The employee is required to drive a vehicle and perform work inside a vehicle, including operating radios and computer equipment. Personal protective equipment is provided and must be used in accordance with best practices, federal and state laws, and City/Department policies and operating procedures.PHYSICAL DEMANDS This position requires a high level of physical ability, including vision, hearing, speaking, flexibility, and strength. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers dexterously (e.g., operate computers, radios, speed detection devices, handcuffs and restraining devices, and other equipment, tools, and weapons); is regularly required to work both inside and outside in all types of weather as well as in confined spaces and a vehicle; is required to climb ladders and stairs; is required to perform general duties that may include, but not be limited to, walking, running, climbing, pushing, pulling, reaching, dragging, carrying, jumping, balancing, and crouching; is required to exert in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally and in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently; is required to work in stressful environments and make quick decisions under stress. The employee must be able to get in and out of vehicles, often quickly.The employee will regularly be required to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods of time. The employee will be required to work long shifts. Specific vision requirements include close, distance, color and peripheral vision, the ability to adjust focus, and the ability to judge distances and spatial relationships. The employee must be able to hear and to talk and communicate verbally in-person as well as on a radio and telephone.MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATIONThe City of Kenai is an equal opportunity employer. Employment is based on qualifications free of personal and political considerations, with equal opportunity for all with no discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, changes in marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, genetic information or any other basis prohibited by law.This position is included in the Department Head Service, and positions in the Department Head Service are established by the annual budget or classification plan and serve at will. Salaries of employees in the Department Head Service are set by the City Manager within the range approved by the City Council as approved through the budget process.