Police Chief
Police Chief
City of Woodland, Washington
Salary: $117,564 - $151,836
Located in southwest Washington, approximately 21 miles north of Vancouver, Woodland is a close-knit community of approximately 6,700 residents. Spanning portions of Cowlitz and Clark counties, the city offers a mix of residential neighborhoods, commercial businesses, and industry, with access to nearby urban amenities and an abundance of outdoor recreation. Horseshoe Lake Park is the jewel of community life, providing opportunities for swimming, fishing, kayaking, picnicking, and gathering with friends and neighbors. Beyond the city, Woodland also serves as the southern gateway to the famous Mount St. Helens.
The City of Woodland operates under a Mayor-Council form of government with seven City Councilmembers. The Council sets policy direction, while the Mayor provides executive leadership for City operations. The Woodland Police Department operates with a 2026 budget of roughly $4.2 million. Department staffing includes three sergeants, one school resource officer, one detective, 11 patrol officers, and two clerks, and recruitment is underway for one vacant patrol officer position. The department responded to 8,606 calls in 2025.
Under the general direction of the Mayor, the Police Chief plans, coordinates, directs, and evaluates all activities of the Woodland Police Department. The chief supervises department employees directly or through subordinate supervisors and provides leadership for patrol, investigations, administrative services, and community policing. This is a working chief position that combines administrative leadership with participation in police activities, including patrol, traffic control, investigations, and emergency response as needed. Responsibilities include personnel recruitment, training, performance evaluation, discipline, and the effective assignment of staff. The Police Chief prepares and administers the department budget, monitors expenditures and overtime, approves purchases, and maintains appropriate internal controls. The position also oversees equipment and facility needs, protects City assets, identifies potential liability concerns, and pursues grant funding when available.
Requirements include a bachelor’s degree in police science, administration of justice, or a related field from an accredited college or university, plus seven (7) years of police experience, including at least three (3) years at the rank of sergeant or higher. Candidates must have completed a basic law enforcement academy or a Washington State–recognized equivalent. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered. Candidates must hold or obtain a valid Washington State driver’s license by the time of hire, with no record of suspension or revocation in any state. Current First Aid and CPR certifications are required or must be obtained within 30 days of hire. Candidates must also meet the department’s physical standards and maintain all required certifications. Within 12 months of hire, the chief must reside in Woodland city limits or within a 15-minute drive of the police department under normal conditions at posted speed limits. The City prefers that the chief live in Woodland.
Benefits include: Medical, dental, and vision insurance. Life insurance. Washington LEOFF retirement system participation. Deferred compensation plan. Paid vacation and sick leave. Paid bereavement leave. Up to 96 hours of administrative leave annually. City-supported training and professional development, subject to approval and available funding. Take-home vehicle for work-related use.
For a complete position profile, job description and to apply online, visit the Prothman Company at https://www.prothman.com/ and click on "Open Recruitments". For questions, call 206-368-0050. The City of Woodland is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Apply by November 8, 2026. (First review, open until filled.)
