Assistant Police Chief

Assistant Police Chief

Salary

$101,685.00 - $133,375.00 Annually

Location

CITY HALL, 415 Main St., Onalaska, WI

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2026-00029

Department

Police

Division

Sworn Officers

Opening Date

07/01/2026

Closing Date

7/30/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Essential & Related Job Functions

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.

Requirements of Work (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

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.

Benefits

The following summarizes regular full-time employee benefits. Benefits are pro-rated for regular part-time employees per policy. A complete benefit packet is provided to employees upon hire. Contact Human Resources for details.

Health Insurance

The State of Wisconsin Group Health Plan offers $0 deductible and $0 co-insurance. The plan pays 100% for routine and preventative services to include eye exam and regular check-ups. Emergency Room co-pay $60 per visit. Earn a $150 Annual Wellness Incentive for enrolled employees (and spouses) when completing a health assessment, health check and well-being activity.

When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.

2026 Cost: Based on lowest cost plan in area, employees pay:

• Single Plan: $225.36/month
• Family Plan: $554.72/month

Other networks are available. Premium based on plan.

Dental Insurance

The Delta Dental WI Plan offers basic coverage for preventative services such as routine cleanings, x-rays, fluoride (100% no deductible), orthodontics (60% with $1000 individual max), major services offer coverage for crowns, bridges, dentures (60%). A Vision discount program is included (at no cost) with your Delta Dental plan.

When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.

Cost: City pays 100% of the monthly premium cost for regular full-time employees and 50% of the monthly premium cost for regular part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week.

Vision Insurance

The Delta Dental WI plan for Delta Vision offers a vision exam for a $10 Copay; Retinal Imaging: member pays up to $39; Lenses $10 Copay; Frames: $150 allowance; Contact lenses: $150 allowance; Laser Vision Correction: 15% off retail price or 5% off promotional price. Frequency of Services: Every 12 months: Exam and Lenses or Contacts. Every 24 months: Frames.

When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.

Cost: Employee pays $100%. Employee only: $3.23 semi-monthly; Family: $8.03 semi-monthly

Life Insurance

The State of Wisconsin Group Life Insurance Program offers options to enroll in basic (equivalent to annual salary) with ability to add supplemental (1x salary), additional units (up to 3x salary) and spouse/dependent coverage (up to 20K). Members may continue coverage upon separation.

When eligible: 1st of the month following 30 days of employment.

Cost: Employee pays 100%. Cost varies based on age and coverage level electing. Cost is minimal. City pays administrative fee on premium.

Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)

The Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) is a pension plan providing a lifetime retirement payment once vested (after 5 years) and having reached minimum retirement age (age 55 for general employees and age 50 for protective service employees). Participation is automatic for eligible employees. Contributions are pre-taxed.

When eligible: Upon hire.

Cost: The City pays the employer share (7.20%) and the employee pays the employee share (7.20%) of your total earnings, based on 2026 rates for general employees. The City pays a higher share for employees in protective services (police/fire).

Allstate Supplemental Insurance Plans

Allstate Accident Insurance: Cash benefit paid directly to the employee for off-the-job accidental injuries. Pays in addition to other insurances. Low and High plan options available. Annual wellness benefit $75 (low plan) and $100 (high plan) per individual. Coverage is portable after separation. Contributions are pre-taxed.

When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.

Cost: Employee pays 100%. Employee Low plan $6.13/semi-monthly; Employee High plan $9.26/semi-monthly; Employee plus children; Employee plus spouse and family rates also available.

Allstate Cancer Insurance: Cash benefit paid directly to the employee for the treatment of cancer and 29 specified diseases. Pays in addition to other insurances. Annual wellness benefit $100 per individual. Low, Medium and High plan options available. Coverage is portable after separation. Contributions are pre-taxed.

When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.

Cost: Employee pays 100%. Employee Low plan $8.47/semi-monthly; Employee Medium plan $12.18/semi-monthly; Employee High plan $18.07/semi-monthly; Employee plus children, Employee plus spouse and family rates also available.

Allstate Critical Illness Insurance: Cash benefit paid directly to the employee for heart attack, stroke, major organ transplant and end stage renal failure. Additional supplemental benefits also available. Pays in addition to other insurances. Benefit amounts $2,500 - $20,000 depending on illness and plan selected. Coverage is portable after separation. Contributions are pre-taxed.

When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.

Cost: Employee pays 100%. Cost varies based on age, tobacco use and coverage level electing. Rates per employee, employee plus children, employee plus spouse and family.

Income Continuation Insurance (ICI)

The State of Wisconsin ICI program is a voluntary "income replacement" benefit for short- and/or long-term disabilities. ICI provides approximately 75% of the employee's average monthly earnings (maximum $7,500 per month). Elimination period of 30 days minimum in which the employee must be off work.

When eligible: Coverage effective 1st day of the calendar month that 1st occurs during 30-day enrollment period.

Cost: Provided at no cost to employee.

Pet Insurance

Figo Pet Insurance is a voluntary benefit, covering dogs and cats, offering a 10% discount. Each employee designs their plan picking their deductible and/or annual maximum.

When eligible: Upon hire.

Cost: Varies per plan selected. Employee pays directly to Figo.

Deferred Compensation (457b)

Deferred Compensation is a voluntary program allowing employees to put additional money in a retirement savings program. The benefits include:

• Pre-taxed deductions (Federal and State tax deferred)
• After-tax deductions for Roth IRA plans
• Allows a choice of three companies: Nationwide, North Shore Bank and Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Program

When eligible: Upon enrollment.

Cost: Employee pays 100%. Offered through payroll deduction.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

FSA allows employees an opportunity to set aside money on a pre-taxed basis for medical and dependent care expenses. Medical FSA: Pay for eligible out-of-pocket medical, vision and dental expenses not covered by another plan.

Dependent FSA: Pay for eligible dependent care expenses (childcare).

When eligible: 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.

Cost: Option to contribute per Company Plan limits. City pays plan administrative fees.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

EAP provides professional and confidential assistance to employees with personal or professional concerns. When eligible: Upon hire.

Cost: City pays 100% up to five (5) visits per topic, per year.

Vacation

For regular full-time (non-union) employees, vacation time is based on a calendar year (January 1 through December 31 of each year). Hours from the date of hire, if not January 1 are prorated.

Vacation is earned and used in each calendar year period. with the exception of up to 40 hours of vacation that may be automatically carried into the next year.

Year 0 = 10 days prorated

1 year = 11 days

2 year= 12 days

3 year = 13 days

4 year = 15 days

5 year = 16 days

6 year = 17 days

7 year = 18 days

8 year = 20 days

Each year earns one more day until Year 18 = 30 days

In addition to the above, employees receive four (4) personal days - (2) on January 1st and (2) on July 1st each year to be used within the calendar year.

Sick Leave

Regular full-time (non-union) employees, accrue sick leave hours at the rate of 1 day (8 hours) per full month of employment, maximum total 960 hours. Accrued sick leave is available to employees who are unable to work because of personal sickness or injury, or due to sickness or injury of an immediate family member.

Holidays

For regular full-time (non-union) employees, the holidays listed provide employees with time off from work without loss of pay:

New Year's Day

Memorial Day

Independence Day

Day Before/After Independence Day (when falls on a Tuesday/Thursday)

Labor Day

Thanksgiving Day

Day after Thanksgiving

Christmas Eve Day

Christmas Day

New Year's Eve Day

Labor Agreement Disclaimer

Those protective service employees who are subject to comprehensive collective bargaining agreement as negotiated or are regulated by the Police & Fire Commission, shall be exempt from the provisions of these benefits that are inconsistent with such agreements or other regulations.

01

Do you have an Associates degree from an accredited college or university?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university (preferred)?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have eight years experience as a police officer with a minimum of five years in a supervisory role in a law enforcement agency?

• Yes
• No

04

Are you certified or willing to be certified by the State of Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board within six months of employment?

• Yes
• No

05

Are you able to pass the 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.

• Yes
• No

06

Do you possess a valid drivers license with a good driving record?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Onalaska

Address 415 Main St.

Onalaska, Wisconsin, 54650

Phone 608-781-9530

Website http://www.onalaskawi.gov