The City of Tehachapi is located 35 miles east/southeast of Bakersfield and west of Mojave in the foothills of California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range, with an elevation of 4,000. The City’s diverse population of just under 9,800 enjoy a quality of life and sense of community as it retains a small-town atmosphere and attracts new businesses while embracing technological and commercial innovations. The Police Department has a strong police/community partnership, working regularly with local faith-based organizations and other non-profit groups or organizations on community concerns. The Department is also extremely active in community events such as parades, festivals, parks, and recreation activities, etc. Tehachapi is seeking a candidate who will fully embrace the small-town spirit of the City and who will become a visible, active, and engaged member of the community. A candidate with excellent public speaking skills who is comfortable with public and press visibility would do well in this position. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a professional, fair, and consistent demeanor with all stakeholders. Qualified candidates possess at least three (3) years of varied, increasingly responsible law enforcement management experience and must be eligible for a POST Management Certificate. Preferred qualifications include a bachelor’s degree and graduation from POST Command College or POST Supervisory Leadership Institute.

The salary range for the Police Chief is $110,244 to $172,800 annually; placement within this range is dependent upon qualifications. The City also offers an attractive benefits package.