Chief of Police

The City of Columbia Falls is seeking a community-oriented Police Chief with demonstrated leadership capabilities, professional demeanor and the ability to convey a sense of integrity, inspiration, respect, trust and operational excellency. The future Police chief should be a strategic visionary who brings positivity and mentorship to the department. The Police Chief reports to the City Manager and serves as a key member of the City’s management team.

This position leads the City’s 12-member Police Department including sergeants, detective, police officers and one non-sworn police clerk. The Chief directs the planning, delivery and evaluation of all department services and activities; plans and assigns work and reviews and evaluates performance of subordinate personnel; assesses workload and the administrative support system to identify opportunities for improvements; directs the implementation of changes; and promotes positive community relationships. The successful candidate will have a strong law enforcement background with thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of modern community policing, and all aspects of police work; considerable knowledge of public budgeting and fiscal control; ability to write and administer grants; and must be technologically proficient. The successful candidate must be experienced, well qualified, personable, and possess exceptional management skills.

All applicants that meet the minimum qualifications must pass a written test, psychological test, in-basket exercise, and an oral interview. The minimum education and experience qualifications are: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a minimum of an associate’s degree, ten (10) years of experience in police work, five (5) years of supervisory experience, and must be able to possess a Montana P.O.S.T. Certificate and a P.O.S.T. Supervisory Certificate within one year of hiring. The salary range for the Police Chief position is $100,000-115,000 depending on experience and education. The City of Columbia Falls offers a competitive benefit package that includes MT Municipal Police Officers Retirement System, paid vacation and sick leave in accordance with State statute, 12 paid holidays, optional IRS 457 flexible benefit plans, and substantial contributions to health, dental and vision coverage for employee/spouse/family. Those wishing to apply for the position of Police Chief must return a complete application packet, as one file, consisting of: A letter of interest, a completed MT POST Job Application, a comprehensive resume including at least 3 professional references, and the MT P.O.S.T. Personal History Form to the City Clerk at the following address or email no later than 5:00 p.m., Monday, July 22, 2024, City Clerk, 130 6th Street West, Columbia Falls, MT 59912 or staalandb@cityofcolumbiafalls.com.

The City of Columbia Falls is located within the scenic and growing Flathead Valley in Northwest Montana, and centrally located within numerous outdoor recreational opportunities to include fishing, hiking, hunting, golfing, skiing, water sports, and many more family-friendly adventures. Columbia Falls is in close proximity to Glacier National Park which receives over 3 million visitors each year, most of which travel directly through our jurisdiction to their destination. The Columbia Falls School District supports over 1500 students and provides exceptional sports teams and club opportunities. Our community appreciates and supports its law enforcement partners, and in return, we strive to provide exceptional community policing services.