Police Chief
City of Canby, Canby, OR, United States
Salary posted in job announcement is effective July 1, 2026.
The City of Canby is a growing community of over 19,000 residents located 25 miles south of Portland. Also known as “Oregon’s Garden Spot”, Canby, located in southwest Clackamas County, encompasses 4.5 square miles and is part of the beautiful Willamette Valley. Canby is a close-knit, family-friendly community that supports its local law enforcement agency. Canby’s exceptional quality of life and low crime has earned it numerous awards, including being named in the top safest cities in Oregon for several years running.
In partnership with the City, the Police Department is currently recruiting to fill the position of
Police Chief . This is a full‑time, exempt position. The City provides an excellent benefits and compensation package including PERS. The City offers a 5% pay incentive for written and oral proficiency in the Spanish language or any other language if spoken by over 10% of the total Canby population.
Application Deadline:
May 3, 2026 Application Review:
May 4, 2026 First Interview:
May 20, 2026 Second Interview:
May 27, 2026
Note: Interview timelines are tentative and could be subject to change.
Responsibilities Plan, direct and oversee the operations of the Police Department, including management services, field operations and criminal investigations, with accountability for results in terms of costs, personnel and methods. Carry out duties in conformance with Federal, State, County and City laws and ordinances. Supervise Police Department personnel, through subordinate supervisors, in the performance of their duties. Ensure open communication with the public in matters of public safety and concern.
Administrative Services and Leadership Serve as a member of the City’s Leadership Team.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Leads the police department and provides strategic direction. Directly and indirectly supervises all employees in all police department divisions. Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these units.
Functional Duties
Establish departmental objectives in line with Council goals. Plan and develop law enforcement policies, procedures, standards and programs based on analysis of City growth, crime patterns, workload, staffing levels, and related economic, legislative and judicial influences to provide appropriate and effective law enforcement services to the community.
Formulate annual and long‑term budget estimates for the Police Department. Develop justification and present department budget request. Manage and monitor approved department budget. Prepare and/or review requests for proposals. Review and approve expenditures. Review progress and make necessary modifications as appropriate.
Assign, supervise and evaluate work of subordinates. Hear grievances and administer disciplinary action. Interview, hire, promote and terminate police personnel. Ensure provision of adequate training within department.
Initiate and oversee internal investigations of public complaints and allegations of departmental employee misconduct. Provide corrective action as needed. Respond to complaints and inquiries regarding department operations and policies.
Oversee and assist in major crimes, accidents, or unusual incidents.
Coordinate emergency communications services.
Oversee the City emergency management.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other public safety agencies, City departments, special interest groups and the general public. Maintain communication with media representatives to ensure cooperative effort and accurate reporting of activities.
Confer with the City Administrator on administrative matters and policies pertinent to police service program areas. Ensure City officials are properly informed of activities.
Attend City Council and various other meetings, providing input and receiving direction or other information. Prepare reports, resolutions, and ordinances for Council information or action. Prepare and present public education materials to various civic and community groups.
Prepare, analyze and present traffic statistics and related information to other City officials and the general public as needed. Prepare and present press releases as necessary.
Maintain effective working relationship with adjacent law enforcement agencies. Provide appropriate information to other law enforcement agencies, social service agencies, the media and citizens regarding on‑going investigations, department policies, officer safety information, criminal activity, gang documentation, etc.
Maintain cooperative working relationships with City staff, other organizations and the general public. Aid stranded motorists and assist the public as needed.
Follow all safety rules and procedures for work areas.
Performs additional duties as assigned.
Competency Profile
Broad advanced knowledge of law enforcement activities, police practices and procedures, investigative methods and techniques, federal, state and local laws, use and safety precautions related to a wide variety of law enforcement equipment, principles of administration, supervision and personnel practices.
Ability to understand complex oral and written instructions and act upon them accordingly; speak and write clearly and effectively, prepare clear, comprehensive, objective reports; operate assigned equipment and vehicles skillfully and safely; analyze situations and problems quickly and objectively to determine course of action.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department members and other law enforcement agencies, employees and the general public.
Ability to analyze police department operations and develop recommendations.
Ability to act calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
Ability to effectively plan, assign and review the work of others either directly or through subordinate supervisors.
Knowledge of police administration, organization and operations.
Knowledge of supervision and personnel practices, record keeping, labor relations, purchasing practices and budgeting.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree (e.g., B.A./B.S.) or equivalent from college or university in criminal justice or a related field.
Eight (8) years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, including five (5) years in a senior level, supervisory position.
Or any satisfactory combination of education, experience, and training that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the above duties.
Possession of or ability to obtain DPSST Executive Certificate within one (1) year of appointment.
DPSST Management Certification or equivalent law enforcement certificate.
Extensive background investigation, psychological test, and medical exam.
Possession of valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
Preferred Qualifications
Completion of graduate degree in management or administrative field.
Completion of FBI National Academy or equivalent advanced training institute.
Previous leadership experience within an Oregon municipality in a similar capacity.
Bilingual in Spanish.
Mental Effort
High degree of concentration with above normal periods of attention, above normal deadlines, or a high degree of creative thinking.
Physical Effort
Moderate: While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, communicate, reach and manipulate objects, tools or controls. The position requires mobility and the ability to operate a motorized vehicle. Duties involve moving materials weighing up to 10 pounds on a regular basis, however, may be required to move materials weighing up to 50 pounds on an infrequent basis. Equipment worn typically weighs in excess of 25 pounds. Manual dexterity and coordination are required more than 50% of the work period while operating equipment such as computer keyboard, motorized vehicle, firearms, etc. Position may be required to deal with violent and combative individuals requiring considerable physical effort.
Work Environment
Extreme Risks/Discomforts: Work locations are primarily indoors. May be exposed to outdoor and other environmental conditions on an infrequent basis as well as contact with individuals who may become violent, combative, under the influence of drugs/alcohol, mentally ill, or who have communicable diseases.
Travel Requirements Travel occasionally required.
Hours Required Position is subject to 24‑hour emergency call‑back. Frequently requires work outside of regular work hours.
____________________________________________________________________________
Additional Information Final candidates will be subject to a criminal background check and reference checks as part of the contingent employment offer process. Certain positions at the City of Canby will also require a drug screen.
Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I‑9 verification process confirming authorization to work in the United States.
The City of Canby is an equal opportunity employer.
Applicants with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the recruitment and/or selection process should contact Human Resources.
The City of Canby prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at the City of Canby are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, age, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, ability, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state and federal law. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.
Reasonable Accommodation Statement Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. This job description is a general description of essential job functions. It is not intended as an employment contract nor is it intended to describe all responsibilities, skills, effort, or work conditions associated with the job someone in this position would perform.
___________________________________________________________________________
Veteran's Preference Statement Applicants are eligible to use Veteran's Preference when applying. Preference will only be given if the applicant meets the minimum qualifications and any special qualifications for the position and electronically attach the required documentation at the time of application.
Documents Required
MEMBER COPY 4 of the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214 or 215) – OR – Letter from the US Dept. of Veterans Affairs indicating a non-service connected pension.
Disabled Veterans must also submit a copy of their Veterans disability preference letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
You can request copies of your military service record through the National Archives website at: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records
For information regarding Veteran's Preference qualifications, visit the following website: http://www.oregonjobs.org/DAS/STJOBS/vetpoints.shtmlq
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The City of Canby is a growing community of over 19,000 residents located 25 miles south of Portland. Also known as “Oregon’s Garden Spot”, Canby, located in southwest Clackamas County, encompasses 4.5 square miles and is part of the beautiful Willamette Valley. Canby is a close-knit, family-friendly community that supports its local law enforcement agency. Canby’s exceptional quality of life and low crime has earned it numerous awards, including being named in the top safest cities in Oregon for several years running.
In partnership with the City, the Police Department is currently recruiting to fill the position of
Police Chief . This is a full‑time, exempt position. The City provides an excellent benefits and compensation package including PERS. The City offers a 5% pay incentive for written and oral proficiency in the Spanish language or any other language if spoken by over 10% of the total Canby population.
Application Deadline:
May 3, 2026 Application Review:
May 4, 2026 First Interview:
May 20, 2026 Second Interview:
May 27, 2026
Note: Interview timelines are tentative and could be subject to change.
Responsibilities Plan, direct and oversee the operations of the Police Department, including management services, field operations and criminal investigations, with accountability for results in terms of costs, personnel and methods. Carry out duties in conformance with Federal, State, County and City laws and ordinances. Supervise Police Department personnel, through subordinate supervisors, in the performance of their duties. Ensure open communication with the public in matters of public safety and concern.
Administrative Services and Leadership Serve as a member of the City’s Leadership Team.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Leads the police department and provides strategic direction. Directly and indirectly supervises all employees in all police department divisions. Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these units.
Functional Duties
Establish departmental objectives in line with Council goals. Plan and develop law enforcement policies, procedures, standards and programs based on analysis of City growth, crime patterns, workload, staffing levels, and related economic, legislative and judicial influences to provide appropriate and effective law enforcement services to the community.
Formulate annual and long‑term budget estimates for the Police Department. Develop justification and present department budget request. Manage and monitor approved department budget. Prepare and/or review requests for proposals. Review and approve expenditures. Review progress and make necessary modifications as appropriate.
Assign, supervise and evaluate work of subordinates. Hear grievances and administer disciplinary action. Interview, hire, promote and terminate police personnel. Ensure provision of adequate training within department.
Initiate and oversee internal investigations of public complaints and allegations of departmental employee misconduct. Provide corrective action as needed. Respond to complaints and inquiries regarding department operations and policies.
Oversee and assist in major crimes, accidents, or unusual incidents.
Coordinate emergency communications services.
Oversee the City emergency management.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other public safety agencies, City departments, special interest groups and the general public. Maintain communication with media representatives to ensure cooperative effort and accurate reporting of activities.
Confer with the City Administrator on administrative matters and policies pertinent to police service program areas. Ensure City officials are properly informed of activities.
Attend City Council and various other meetings, providing input and receiving direction or other information. Prepare reports, resolutions, and ordinances for Council information or action. Prepare and present public education materials to various civic and community groups.
Prepare, analyze and present traffic statistics and related information to other City officials and the general public as needed. Prepare and present press releases as necessary.
Maintain effective working relationship with adjacent law enforcement agencies. Provide appropriate information to other law enforcement agencies, social service agencies, the media and citizens regarding on‑going investigations, department policies, officer safety information, criminal activity, gang documentation, etc.
Maintain cooperative working relationships with City staff, other organizations and the general public. Aid stranded motorists and assist the public as needed.
Follow all safety rules and procedures for work areas.
Performs additional duties as assigned.
Competency Profile
Broad advanced knowledge of law enforcement activities, police practices and procedures, investigative methods and techniques, federal, state and local laws, use and safety precautions related to a wide variety of law enforcement equipment, principles of administration, supervision and personnel practices.
Ability to understand complex oral and written instructions and act upon them accordingly; speak and write clearly and effectively, prepare clear, comprehensive, objective reports; operate assigned equipment and vehicles skillfully and safely; analyze situations and problems quickly and objectively to determine course of action.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department members and other law enforcement agencies, employees and the general public.
Ability to analyze police department operations and develop recommendations.
Ability to act calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
Ability to effectively plan, assign and review the work of others either directly or through subordinate supervisors.
Knowledge of police administration, organization and operations.
Knowledge of supervision and personnel practices, record keeping, labor relations, purchasing practices and budgeting.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree (e.g., B.A./B.S.) or equivalent from college or university in criminal justice or a related field.
Eight (8) years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, including five (5) years in a senior level, supervisory position.
Or any satisfactory combination of education, experience, and training that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the above duties.
Possession of or ability to obtain DPSST Executive Certificate within one (1) year of appointment.
DPSST Management Certification or equivalent law enforcement certificate.
Extensive background investigation, psychological test, and medical exam.
Possession of valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
Preferred Qualifications
Completion of graduate degree in management or administrative field.
Completion of FBI National Academy or equivalent advanced training institute.
Previous leadership experience within an Oregon municipality in a similar capacity.
Bilingual in Spanish.
Mental Effort
High degree of concentration with above normal periods of attention, above normal deadlines, or a high degree of creative thinking.
Physical Effort
Moderate: While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, communicate, reach and manipulate objects, tools or controls. The position requires mobility and the ability to operate a motorized vehicle. Duties involve moving materials weighing up to 10 pounds on a regular basis, however, may be required to move materials weighing up to 50 pounds on an infrequent basis. Equipment worn typically weighs in excess of 25 pounds. Manual dexterity and coordination are required more than 50% of the work period while operating equipment such as computer keyboard, motorized vehicle, firearms, etc. Position may be required to deal with violent and combative individuals requiring considerable physical effort.
Work Environment
Extreme Risks/Discomforts: Work locations are primarily indoors. May be exposed to outdoor and other environmental conditions on an infrequent basis as well as contact with individuals who may become violent, combative, under the influence of drugs/alcohol, mentally ill, or who have communicable diseases.
Travel Requirements Travel occasionally required.
Hours Required Position is subject to 24‑hour emergency call‑back. Frequently requires work outside of regular work hours.
____________________________________________________________________________
Additional Information Final candidates will be subject to a criminal background check and reference checks as part of the contingent employment offer process. Certain positions at the City of Canby will also require a drug screen.
Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I‑9 verification process confirming authorization to work in the United States.
The City of Canby is an equal opportunity employer.
Applicants with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the recruitment and/or selection process should contact Human Resources.
The City of Canby prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at the City of Canby are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, age, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, ability, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state and federal law. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.
Reasonable Accommodation Statement Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. This job description is a general description of essential job functions. It is not intended as an employment contract nor is it intended to describe all responsibilities, skills, effort, or work conditions associated with the job someone in this position would perform.
___________________________________________________________________________
Veteran's Preference Statement Applicants are eligible to use Veteran's Preference when applying. Preference will only be given if the applicant meets the minimum qualifications and any special qualifications for the position and electronically attach the required documentation at the time of application.
Documents Required
MEMBER COPY 4 of the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214 or 215) – OR – Letter from the US Dept. of Veterans Affairs indicating a non-service connected pension.
Disabled Veterans must also submit a copy of their Veterans disability preference letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
You can request copies of your military service record through the National Archives website at: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records
For information regarding Veteran's Preference qualifications, visit the following website: http://www.oregonjobs.org/DAS/STJOBS/vetpoints.shtmlq
#J-18808-Ljbffr