Assistant Police Chief in Onalaska, Wisconsin at City of Onalaska

The City of Onalaska is seeking to hire an Assistant Police Chief. The Assistant Chief performs at a highly skilled professional level and is considered an upper level/command position. In this role the Assistant Chief performs such tasks of an administrative or investigative nature as directed by the Police Chief. The Assistant Chief will be held accountable for the accomplishments of the Onalaska Police Department Mission. This position has significant managerial authority and responsibility to assist in the determination of the organizational response to a variety of law enforcement needs and make modifications as conditions dictate.

Essential Job Functions:

• Functions as second in command of the department and is the commanding officer in the absence of the Chief.
• Responsible for all line functions of the police department; including patrol division, criminal investigations, and records division.
• Assists in the development, administration and monitoring of annual and long-range departmental goals and its strategic plan.
• Provides control and standardization of all the operational procedures, including but not limited to: staffing allocation, scheduling, methods of patrol, patrol coverage, and special patrol coverage.
• Prepares, collects, and reviews timesheets to ensure payroll is accurate.
• Processes and maintains training records, including but not limited to: scheduling, lodging, transportation, contracting with training sites, and ensuring proper completion of City forms.
• Assists in the planning, development, and implementation of policies and procedures that ensure efficient delivery of police services.
• Allocates and prioritizes critical department resources identified through operational planning.
• Provides input to the Chief in evaluating tasks related to fiscal management.
• Assists Police Chief in preparing and carrying-out department budget, to include acquiring quotes, processing requisitions/purchase orders, processing account receivables & account payables.
• Responsible for processing internal/citizen complaints of staff and makes recommendations for appropriate action.
• Provides personnel recommendations relative to hiring, promotion, transfer, discipline, grievances, commendations, and discharge, to the Police Chief, Human Resources, and the Police and Fire Commission as appropriate.
• Supervises and evaluates first-line supervisors and civilian staff.
• Oversees the patrol schedule to ensure sufficient staffing levels to meet the daily needs of the City. This includes receiving communications from staff at any time of the day about staffing levels and then acting to ensure department is properly staffed during all shifts.
• Recommends changes designed to increase department operations and their effectiveness.
• Assures that all members of the department comply with all standard operation procedures.
• Conducts inspections within the City of Onalaska at irregular times, encompassing all shifts to assure duties are properly being performed.
• Participates at civic-related meetings, such as community events, citizen inquiries, speeches, interviews; and other public relations duties as assigned by the Chief.
• Represents the department at Common Council and/or committee meetings in absence of the Chief or as needed.
• Identifies, addresses, and responds to critical situations that may require law enforcement intervention as needed and assumes operational command, which includes Emergency Operation Plan responsibilities.
• Acts as a member of the City’s Emergency Operations Team.
• Orders supplies, uniforms, and other equipment needed for the Department. Researches cost issues associated therewith, ensures the maintenance of Department equipment, and manages inventory control.
• Contributes to a cooperative working effort by demonstrating a willingness to work well others and perform other job-related work, as needed or requested.

Compensation and Benefits: The 2026 annual salary range for this exempt position is $101,685 (step 1) through $133,375 (step 11). Starting salary up to 116,457 (step 6) depending on qualifications.

The City offers competitive benefits to include health and dental insurance effective the first of the month following 60 days of employment. For 2026 health insurance, the most affordable area plan offered is the Quartz West Plan with premiums at $225.36 per month for a single plan or $554.72 per month for a family plan. There is no deductible or co-insurance amount for the health insurance plan. Dental insurance is through Delta Dental with premiums paid 100% by the City. The position qualifies for automatic enrollment in the Wisconsin Retirement System (pension plan) providing a lifetime payment once vested and upon eligible retirement. Additionally, the City offers voluntary benefits such as vision, flexible spending, life insurance, disability insurance, deferred compensation, pet insurance, critical illness, cancer, and accident insurance. Paid sick leave, holidays, and vacation. Access to an employee assistance program (EAP). The City of Onalaska is also a qualifying employer under the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Federal Program.

To Apply: To be considered for this excellent opportunity, submit an online employment application by accessing https://onalaskawi.gov/jobs by July 30, 2026. For additional information please contact:

City of Onalaska Human Resources – City Hall (1st Floor)

415 Main Street, Onalaska WI 54650

Phone: 608-781-9530 ext. 260

Email: afrandsen@onalaskawi.gov

Additional Information: Interviews are anticipated for August 19th and 26th, 2026. Selected candidate subject to background screening, post-offer/pre-employment drug screen/physical and psychological. EOE/Drug Free Workplace.

An Associate’s Degree from an accredited college or university; Four (4) year Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university preferred; eight (8) years’ experience as a police officer with a minimum of five (5) years in a supervisory role in a law enforcement agency; related coursework at executive leadership colleges such as WI Command College, Northwestern Police Staff & Command, or Certified Public Manager, preferred. Certifiable by the State of Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board within six (6) months of employment. Pass annual firearms qualifications tests conducted at designated gun range as well as any other required law enforcement officer certifications required by the State of Wisconsin. Valid driver’s license with good driving record required.