THE COMMUNITY 

The City of Shelton is a Council/Manager municipality of approximately 10,400 residents located at the picturesque base of both Oakland Bay and the Olympic Mountains.  Twenty miles west of the state capitol of Olympia, Washington, it serves as the county seat and is the only incorporated city in Mason County.  

Shelton is a vibrant, safe, and family-friendly community where residents enjoy active lifestyles without the commotion of the big city.  The City itself and surrounding area provide many opportunities to enjoy various special events as well as the great outdoors.  The community takes pride in being an attractive home to young families as well as long-time residents. 

THE DEPARTMENT 

The Shelton Police Department is a full-service Police Agency that is WASPC accredited.  A valued member of the community, the SPD affirmatively promotes community security and safety while providing quality services to residents and the business community.  The Shelton Police Department is comprised of two Lieutenants, two Detectives, four Sergeants, twenty sworn Police Officers, two Records and Evidence staff, one Code Enforcement/Animal Control Officer, as well as Reserve Police Officers.  The department enjoys strong support from elected officials.  The agency enjoys mutual aid agreements with all agencies in the local area. 

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE 

Shelton’s next Chief of Police is a professional, experienced leader, who appreciates the community and will be vested in Shelton as their home.  Their judgement is technically sound in every aspect of law enforcement, community policing, and alternative ways of keeping a community safe.  The successful candidate is open, honest, and personable, a person of character and impeccable integrity, who conducts themselves accordingly both on and off duty.  Shelton is looking for an ethically and morally grounded person that will maintain a high level of professional police services as well as advance community participation and engagement. 

The Chief of Police will be completely invested in continuing to build a modern, model police department in Shelton, reflecting the unprecedented societal changes transforming law enforcement today.  The successful candidate holds diversity, equity, and inclusion as professional values with a demonstrated history of commitment to them.  The ideal candidate truly understands the multi-faceted nature of the role of police in society and the nuances of the position of Chief. 

The ideal candidate for Police Chief enjoys police work, is passionate and engaged, approachable, and will ensure a positive culture within the department.  The ability to be a confident decision-maker under various circumstances is required, along with the ability lead by example and inspire trust throughout the Department and community.  At the same time, the successful candidate is a capable executive and manager who is skilled in budget preparation and management, being vested in data-driven decision-making.  The next Chief of Police has experience in collective bargaining, and appreciates having meaningful partnerships with staff and community members.  They are also excellent at managing staff, building and maintaining relationships, exhibits a high level of emotional intelligence and connects well with others in and outside of the department. 

The next Chief of Police will be a reliable, contributing member of the City’s Leadership Team, and is excited at the prospect of working together to support the City of Shelton. 

MINIMUM CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS 

Under the general direction of the City Manager, the Chief of Police provides leadership, management, administration and direction for the overall operations and activities of the Shelton Police Department.  In addition to the requirements set forth in RCW section 35.21.333, a bachelor’s degree in police science, administration of justice, criminal justice, or closely related field, and at least five years of increasingly responsible sworn supervisory/managerial level municipal law enforcement experience is required.  A Master's degree is preferred, as is executive leadership training experience such as the FBI National Academy, the School of Police Staff and Command, the Police Executive Leadership Institute, PERF's Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP), or other public safety leadership program.  Must successfully pass a comprehensive background check including but not limited to the requirements of RCW section 35.21.334.  Out of state applicants are welcome, and should familiarize themselves with the Basic Law Enforcement Equivalency Academy through the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission. 

THE COMPENSATION 

The salary range for this position is $94,354 to $126,622 per year dependent upon experience and qualifications.  The City of Shelton provides an excellent benefits package including comprehensive medical, dental, vision and life insurance, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, a 6.2% match to a deferred compensation plan, and professional development.  Retirement benefits are provided by the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems program. 

THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS 

Apply at:  https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sheltonwa