THE CITY OF WILLITS IS NOW SEEKING A QUALIFIED PROACTIVE

POLICE OFFICER

Pay Range

Police Officer I

$68,313 - $83,035 Annually

Police Officer II

$71,811 - $87,827 Annually

Police Officer III

$75,300 – $91,527 Annually

Plus a great benefits package

Deadline to apply is: Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 11:59 PM.

THE POSITION: The City of Willits is seeking a collaborative, fair-minded problem solver to serve as a Police Officer. The Police Officer position performs law enforcement and crime prevention work that includes but is not limited to controlling traffic flow and enforcing federal, state, county, and City ordinances, codes, and laws. The position performs community-oriented policing, investigates crimes, promotes peace within the community, and performs other duties as required. This is an external, open, and competitive recruitment process. This is a three-level classification series. The department may hire at either the I, II, or III level, depending on the education, experience, and certifications held by the pool of qualified applicants.

IDEAL CANDIDATE: The ideal candidate will:

• Exercise sound independent judgment while demonstrating discretion, impartiality, and the highest ethical standards.
• Possess an Advanced First Aid certificate, including CPR.
• Be currently employed as a California peace officer with a California law enforcement agency or have successfully graduated from a California POST-Certified Police Academy.
• Demonstrate a sincere commitment to the City of Willits community and a strong ability to build and maintain positive relationships with residents, stakeholders, and community partners.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive work environment as an engaged and encouraging team member.
• Possess the skills and best practices to professionally and effectively de-escalate situations.
• Remain adaptable, resilient, and effective when managing challenging, high-pressure, or rapidly changing situations.
• Be available and prepared to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions and respond at any hour, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as operational needs require.
• Bilingual communication skills are highly desirable.
• Read, write, and comprehend the English language at a level necessary for effective job performance.

QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

License and Certifications: Possession of a certificate of completion from a POST- Certified Basic Academy.

• Upon possession of a POST Intermediate Certificate, the employee may be promoted to a Police Officer II, which includes an incentive pay increase of five percent (5%) above their current rate.
• Upon possession of a POST Advanced Certificate, the employee may be promoted to a Police Officer III, which includes an incentive pay increase of five percent (5%) above their current rate.

Special Requirements:

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States per California Government Code 1031 and Federal Code §274a.2.
• Be at least 21 years of age as of the date of hire per California Government Code 1031.4.
• Possession of a valid Class C or higher California Driver’s license; good driving record.
• Successfully complete the Willits Police Department Field Training Program.
• Graduate of a POST-approved Basic Academy at time of appointment.
• Possession of an Advanced First Aid certificate, including CPR.
• Be fingerprinted for purposes of search of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record.
• Be of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background investigation.
• Be a high school graduate, pass the General Educational Development (GED) Test indicating high school graduation level, or have attained a two-year or four-year degree from an accredited college or university.
• Be found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition which might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a Peace Officer. Physical condition shall be evaluated by a licensed physician and surgeon. Emotional and mental condition shall be evaluated by a licensed physician and surgeon or by a licensed psychologist who has a doctoral degree in psychology and at least five years of postgraduate experience in the diagnosis and treatment of emotional and mental disorders.
• Excellent physical condition: free from any disqualifying conditions cited in the document Medical Screening Manual for California Law Enforcement published by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.
• Achievement of an acceptable rating in the City’s psychological evaluation.
• Vision: Both eyes corrected 20/20 with glasses or contact lenses or 20/40 uncorrected.

BENEFITS OVERVIEW: The salary depends on the education, experience, and certifications held by the selected candidate. In addition, the City offers an attractive benefits package including:

Retirement: The City participates in CalPERS. For new employees covered under PEPRA, the retirement formula is 2.7% @ 57. For Classic members, 3% @ 50.

Medical Insurance: The City offers a choice of EPO, PPO, or HDP plans. The City contributes 100% of the high-deductible health plan premium cost/plus HRA for deductibles based on the category of coverage.

Dental: City paid for employee and dependents.

Vision: City paid for employee and dependents.

Employee Assistant Program: City-offered.

Long-Term & Short-Term Disability- City paid

Vacation: Earned at 3.08 hours per pay period (10 days).

Holidays: 11 paid holidays per year.

Sick Leave: Earned at 3.69 hours per pay period.

Life Insurance and AD&D: City paid

SELECTION PROCESS: Application materials will be reviewed in detail to identify the most qualified candidates to interview. The most qualified will be invited to oral boards.

APPLICATION PROCESS:To be considered for this opportunity, candidates should apply by submitting an application, resume, cover letter, copy of certifications, and, if within 6 months, PELLET-B and WSTB test scores via email to the City of Willits Human Resources Department at jobs@cityofwillits.org.

In your email subject line, please indicate which level position you are qualified for and applying to, for example, “Police Officer III Applicant.”

Deadline to apply is: Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 11:59 PM.

Candidates with a disability who may require special assistance in any phase of the recruitment process or additional inquiries about the position may be directed to Human Resources at humanresources@cityofwillits.org

THE CITY OF WILLITS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Recruitment services provided by Muchmore Than Consulting, LLC.

About City of Willits

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