Police Lieutenant

Under the direction of the Chief of Police and Deputy Police Chief, Lieutenants are responsible for overall management and administration of a major functional area or division within the Police Department.

• Leadership:
  Responsible and accountable Ethical Loyal Demonstrate and promote the mission, vision and values of the police department
• Communication:
  Written and Oral Working relationship with the community and other departments
• Positively influencing others:
  Role model Professional development Coach and mentor Demonstrate and promote a culture of fair and impartial policing
• Knowledge of:
  Laws, policies and practices Labor Agreements
• Supervision:
  Creative and innovative Day-to-day operations Decisiveness
• Ability to work under pressure:
  Multi-tasking

• September 2, 2026 - continuous:
  Application Period (to be considered in the first round of applications, please apply by 11:59pm on 9/16/26)
• October 26, 2026, 1400 hours:
  Candidate Briefing via Zoom
• November 12, 2026:
  Command
  
  Skills and Abilities
  
  Promotional Test
• November 17, 2026:
  Civil Service Commission Certification of Promotional List TBD
• Late November 2026:
  Chief’s Interview

The examination process is designed to measure the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the duties of the lieutenant. Four job-related exercises or simulations are validated by subject-matter experts in which candidate scores are integrated by a statistical process.

The exercises will consist of an assessment center. The assessment center will use trained assessors/raters selected by the Olympia Police Department and Civil Service. Candidates who are offered an opportunity to participate in the assessment center will receive a briefing about the nature and purpose of the testing prior to its commencement.

In accordance with City of Olympia Civil Service Rules, candidates must pass all portions and phases of the assessment center in order to be placed on the Promotional Police Lieutenant Register. Observers may be present during testing and may observe some or all of the test components. Candidates will be ranked on the Promotional Police Lieutenant Register in final ranking score order.

A candidate briefing will be conducted October 26, 2026, at 1400 hours via Zoom. Additional information about the zoom meeting will be provided. The purpose of this briefing will be to inform all candidates regarding the testing process.

The information contained in this classification specification is a representative sample of essential and other functions performed in this classification. Specific essential functions are identified for position recruitment or other administrative procedures.

• Demonstrate leadership ability to influence staff to engage in service and activity that supports the overall Mission, Vision and Values of the Department.
• Ensure that the Department maintains a high level of accountability and transparency.
• Provides leadership and direction to staff about expectations and work needed to achieve the Department's strategic priorities.
• Prepare and complete presentations to Media, City officials, community groups and other Department stakeholders about Department related activities.
• Manages, anticipates and facilitates planning for short and long range needs of the department.
• Represent the Department at meetings with government entities, community groups, and other City Departments regarding Departments role.
• Manages and oversees employee conduct to ensure it is in compliance with the law, Department Policy, training standards, and collective bargaining agreements. This includes conducting investigations of matters involving allegations of serious misconduct.
• Recommends corrective/disciplinary action or commendations as appropriate.
• Informs Chief of Police of issues or things that may have significant impact on the Department, City and/or the community.
• Provide management oversight to assigned staff including sergeants, officers, and civilian employees. Must possess the ability to positively influence others in their actions and performance.
• Develop and manage budgets for assigned work unit.
• Develop effective working relationships with employees, City staff, other law enforcement agencies, the Criminal Justice system, and members of the community.
• Approve the work of assigned sergeants or…