Lieutenant

Mcfarland City•City of McFarland, CA

22h•$44 - $57•Onsite

About The Position

Under general direction of the Chief of Police, plans, organizes, coordinates, supervises, and evaluates the activities of an assigned division, bureau, or watch within the Police Department. Serves as a member of the Department's management team and exercises independent judgment in directing personnel, managing resources, implementing departmental goals, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws, policies, and professional standards. The Police Lieutenant serves as the on-duty commanding officer during assigned shifts and assumes command of major incidents, critical events, and emergency operations until relieved by higher authority. The Lieutenant provides leadership that promotes officer safety, constitutional policing, ethical conduct, accountability, community trust, and operational excellence.

Requirements

Equivalent to graduation from high school or possession of a GED.
Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible California law enforcement experience with a California POST participating agency.
Minimum of two (2) years as a permanent Police Sergeant.
Increasingly responsible supervisory and administrative experience.
Valid California Driver's License.
California POST Advanced Certificate.
California POST Supervisory Certificate.
Must obtain: Successful completion of the California POST Management Course within twelve (12) months of appointment if not already completed.

Nice To Haves

An associate’s degree is desirable.
A Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Command and supervise all personnel assigned to an operational watch or division.
Provide leadership, mentoring, coaching, and professional guidance to subordinate supervisors and employees.
Establish operational priorities and ensure efficient deployment of personnel and resources.
Conduct supervisory briefings, planning meetings, and operational debriefings.
Serve as the Department's on-duty command officer.
Direct police operations during critical incidents, major crimes, disasters, tactical situations, and special events.
Assume Incident Command consistent with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS).
Coordinate mutual aid operations and interagency responses.
Evaluate ongoing incidents and adjust staffing and resources as operational needs change.
Ensure timely follow-up and documentation of significant incidents.
Review and approve reports, arrests, search warrants, citations, use of force investigations, pursuit reports, and other official documents.
Ensure accuracy, completeness, and legal sufficiency of reports.
Prepare administrative reports, statistical summaries, and operational analyses.
Maintain shift activity logs and communicate significant issues to executive staff.
Assist in budget planning, equipment purchases, strategic planning, and policy development.
Supervise Police Sergeants and evaluate supervisory performance.
Conduct employee performance evaluations.
Identify training needs and recommend professional development.
Resolve employee conflicts and promote positive morale.
Recommend personnel actions including hiring, transfers, commendations, corrective action, and discipline.
Ensure compliance with Department policies, labor agreements, and applicable California law.
Promote constitutional policing and ethical decision-making.
Ensure compliance with Department policies, California law, POST standards, and applicable federal regulations.
Review high-liability incidents.
Conduct supervisory reviews involving use of force, pursuits, complaints, and critical incidents.
Ensure timely completion of required administrative investigations and documentation.
Develop and maintain positive relationships with community members.
Respond to citizen complaints and concerns.
Represent the Department before community groups, City officials, schools, businesses, and partner agencies.
Foster partnerships that improve public safety and community trust.
Ensure efficient utilization of Department vehicles, equipment, facilities, and technology.
Monitor equipment needs and coordinate replacement or repair.
Oversee staffing assignments to maximize operational readiness.
Promote officer wellness and officer safety.
Ensure personnel utilize appropriate tactics and sound judgment.
Identify operational risks and implement corrective measures.
Conduct supervisory reviews designed to reduce organizational liability.
All other duties as assigned
In the absence of the Chief of Police or higher-ranking authority, the Lieutenant may exercise operational command of the Police Department, make emergency operational decisions, coordinate emergency notifications, represent the Department with outside agencies, and authorize emergency expenditures when necessary.

Benefits

Comprehensive City-paid medical, dental, and vision benefits for the employee and dependents.
Life insurance of $50,000 (employee only)
Retirement: Effective July 1, 2026, the City of McFarland will participate in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Eligible employees are enrolled in CalPERS in accordance with applicable laws and the City's contract with CalPERS.
Supplemental life insurance (Optional)
AFLAC (Optional)
Section 125 Plan Participation
10 days' vacation and 1 Personal Day
12 days of sick pay accrued annually
12 days' Holiday Pay
Take Home Vehicle Program
POST Supervisor or Management Certificate: $200.00 per month
$100 per month Bilingual Pay
Uniform Allowance $1200.00 per year
Upon employment the city pays for the first two (2) sets of uniforms and all equipment issued
Tuition Reimbursement Eligibility requirements