Police Chief

Summary

The City of Medford is seeking a Police Chief to serve as the City’s senior public safety leader and chief law enforcement executive. Reporting to the City Manager, the Police Chief sets department priorities, provides strategic direction, and oversees operations and long‑term planning. This role works closely with City leadership and community partners to build trust, strengthen readiness for critical incidents, support employee development and performance expectations, and advance modern practices that improve service delivery.

If you are a steady, collaborative leader committed to results and community‑focused public safety, we invite you to apply.

The position is open until filled. The first review date is scheduled for Monday, February 23rd, 2026. Priority will be given to candidates who submit their application on or before Sunday, February 22nd, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.

• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.
• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience as a sworn police officer, with five (5) years of progressively responsible experience as a police supervisor.
• Bachelor’s degree in criminology, law enforcement, public administration, business administration or other specific area of study as deemed applicable may substitute for two (2) years of work experience.
• Master’s degree in criminology, law enforcement, public administration, or another specific area of study as deemed applicable may substitute for four (4) years of experience.

• Management certification by the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) or state equivalent.
• Ability to obtain the Executive certification by the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) within one year of appointment.

• Completion of FBI National Academy, Southern Police Institute, Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), or similar public safety executive leadership program.

• Typically standard business hours with flexibility to meet operational needs. This position is on call 24/7 and must be available to respond to major incidents, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during inclement weather as required.

This position is part of the Executive employee group. Directly related experience and qualifications will be evaluated alongside others who perform work of comparable character as required by Pay Equity Law. Six steps are included in this salary range, allowing opportunity for annual movement through the steps.

• Medical, vision and dental benefits for employee and family, paid at 100% by the City with the opportunity to buy‑up to a lower deductible plan.
• Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance – policy value of $50,000 paid by the City.
• Long‑term disability insurance provided by the City.
• Health Reimbursement Account (HRA‑VEBA) contributions provided by the City.

• Oregon Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) lifetime pension after retirement at no cost to employee.
• PERS is 100% fully paid as the City pays both the employer and the employee’s (6%) contributions.
• Deferred Compensation retirement plan (Section 457 Plan) for employee's retirement planning.

• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• The City’s Wellness Program promotes physical, social, emotional, intellectual, financial and environmental wellness with various goals and challenges. Employees may qualify for wellness incentives by completing milestones set within the program up to $200 annually.
• Access to the City’s fully equipped fitness center 24/7.

• Oversee, direct, and participate in all activities of the Police Department, including short‑ and long‑range planning, development, and administration.
• Plan and analyze the operational and service demands of the Department, review and evaluate Department programs, and implement improvements.
• Direct the City’s law enforcement and crime prevention program; direct maintenance of…