Police Chief

THE COMMUNITY WE SERVE The City of Owatonna is a growing community strategically placed at the crossroads of I‑35 and two major US highways, approximately one hour south of the Twin Cities metro area. The community has a commitment to growth, access to services, and quality of life for its 27,000 residents. Click the link below to learn more about the community this position would have the opportunity to be part of and serve. ABOUT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT PURPOSE: We believe that our community thrives when lives, property, and rights of all people are safeguarded through trusted partnerships. The Police Department creates a better tomorrow by providing law enforcement services that prioritize the quality of life and maintain a safe and secure community. As an organization, our Purpose is to create a better tomorrow. We are guided in that work by our organization’s 3 Core Values: Better Together, Community Stewardship, and Pride in Our Work. Better Together Holding each other and ourselves accountable—to our peers and the community Trusting our peers will always be there to provide backup and support Building the team by helping each other out, mentoring, and collaborating Taking our work seriously, but not ourselves—humor is appreciated Community Stewardship Conducting ourselves in a professional and approachable manner in the community Operating with integrity at all times Participating in opportunities for community engagement and partnership Taking care of the equipment, facilities, and other public resources we are entrusted with Spending taxpayers’ money and using city resources wisely, efficiently, and effectively Maintaining a reputation as trusted responders Pride in Our Work Showing up with a caring and positive attitude ready to support any individual on their worst day Having a willingness to learn new things and seek self‑improvement Always giving 100% Proudly honoring the positive public image of the police service and the responsibility that comes with that Giving and earning respect – within the department, the City, and the community Policing with professionalism HIRING PROCESS Application Period: June 18, 2026 - July 13, 2026 First Round Interviews: July 22, 2026 Second Round Interviews: July 29, 2026 Third Round Interviews: August 5, 2026 Leadership and Management Assessment will be scheduled and completed on top candidate(s) Mid August Extend conditional offer of employment to successful candidate end of August Target start date: September 21, 2026 WHAT YOU'LL DO The Police Chief – Director oversees law enforcement operations, emergency response, and public safety initiatives. This role sets department goals, directs patrol, investigations, and records divisions, and manages personnel, training, and performance. The Director IV serves as a liaison to community partners, stakeholders, and elected officials while representing public safety interests. Responsibilities include policy development, ordinance review, budgeting, risk management, compliance, media relations, and emergency preparedness. Additionally, this position ensures enforcement of state laws, approves city event permits, and upholds confidentiality and regulatory standards. Specifically, as the Police Chief, you will: Direct the work of technical, professional, divisional and management staff of multiple programs, including assigning work, training staff, conducting performance counseling, conducting performance reviews and making disciplinary, hiring and promotion decisions. Lead the development of multiple department operations, including development of goals, policies, staffing levels, budget and procedures for all department services; directing management in the development of work plans for the department; and leads strategic planning. Act as a technical resource for the City, management, boards, government representatives, and staff to ensure effective service delivery and address community needs; including analyzing and resolving issues associated with daily work, contracts, and projects; ensuring staff work complies with applicable standards, codes and regulations; attending internal and external meetings to answer questions and provide information; providing advice on division work; and providing information on all department activities; Serve as a lead representative of the City in negotiations, on committees, in meetings, on boards, or in other public groups. Direct the management of City finances; monitors and approves expenditures in accordance with City goals; manages and administers operating, capital improvement and capital equipment budgets. Perform other duties of a similar nature or level. ABOUT YOU A successful candidate will have some or all of the following: Bachelor’s degree in assigned field of expertise; 8 years related experience, including 4 years command experience (captain or above); or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. Advanced leadership training such as FBI National Academy, NUCPS Executive Leadership Award, or Southern Police Institute preferred. Licensing in: Valid driver's license MN POST license, or eligible for Peace Officer License in the state of Minnesota upon hire Knowledge of: Managerial and leadership principles and practices; Budget principles and practices; Financial Management principles; Public Administration principles; Strategic planning principles; Applicable Federal, State, and Local laws, codes, and regulations. Skill in: Leadership and management; Preparing reports; Managing division operations; Analyzing and developing policies and procedures; Using a computer and related software applications; Public relations and public speaking; Interpreting laws and regulations; Negotiation and persuasion; Preparing budgets; Program and project management; Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction. Hours of Work / Physical and Mental Demands This is a full‑time exempt position. Flexibility is important to us and our employees; schedule may vary based on need. To view the full job description, including position specifications and physical demands, click here. #J-18808-Ljbffr