CITY OF WEST DES MOINES, IOWA
This is an exceptional opportunity to provide leadership and management to the Police Department in one of the fastest growing and most progressive city governments in the United States. Under the general direction of the City Manager, the Chief of Police of the City of West Des Moines provides leadership, management and oversight for the overall operation and activities of the Police Department.
The minimum job requirements include a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration or equivalent, Master’s Degree preferred; at least 10-12 years of related work experience in Police Operations with considerable management experience; graduation from the FBI Academy, Southern Police Institute or similar credential will be a plus; and Iowa Police Officer Certification, within 120 days of hire.
Residency in the City of West Des Moines of the new Chief of Police within a reasonable time following appointment is preferred.
The City of West Des Moines has operated under the council-manager form of government since 1964 and has had five City Managers during that time period. West Des Moines is a full service municipal government providing a wide array of City services (including the only municipal Human Services Department in Iowa). The City is on a July-June fiscal year and has a total budget of $141 million (including proprietary funds), $24.8 million Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and 369 FTE staff.
West Des Moines is one of only five cities in the nation to have all three public safety departments accredited.
The Police Chief, who reports directly to the City Manager, leads a Department of 63 sworn personnel and 15 civilians with an annual operating budget of $8.5 million. The FY1112 salary range for this position is $85,125 - $127,687. Salary commensurate with knowledge, skills and experience. The City of West Des Moines will provide an excellent fringe benefit program to the new Chief of Police.
See the West Des Moines city website for additional information, www.wdm.iowa.gov
Deadline to submit cover letter and resume is April 6, 2012. Those applicants meeting minimum qualifications for the position will undergo the Civil Service process. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications for the position will be invited to complete a questionnaire. The Civil Service process will consist of an Application Material Exam with a passing score of at least 80 percent. All applicants receiving a passing score will be invited to take part in a confidential interview with the City Manager, Human Resources Director and Civil Service Commission. Background checks will be conducted by The Mercer Group, which may include a polygraph examination. Applicants passing the Application Material Review will be invited to participate in the Oral Board Process. Applicants receiving a score of at least 80 percent will be certified and the top candidates will be invited to on-site interviews
For additional information on this exceptional opportunity, please contact James L. Mercer, President/CEO, The Mercer Group, Inc. at 505-660-7725; jmercer@mercergroupinc.com.
Confidential cover letter with salary history and resume should be sent to James Mercer, The Mercer Group, Inc., 551 West Cordova Road, #726, Santa Fe, NM 87505. Voice: 505-466-9500; Fax: 505-466-4185. E-Mail: jmercer@mercergroupinc.com; Website: www.mercergroupinc.com. The City of West Des Moines is an Equal Opportunity Employer.