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PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

COMMUNITY

Chowchilla is an 11-square mile rural city of between 19,000 and 20,000 residents. Located in California’s San Joaquin Valley, Chowchilla is home to some of the state’s most productive agricultural areas. Many of California’s iconic travel destinations such as the Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, the San Francisco Bay Area and the Pacific Coast are within an easy two-hour drive.

Area residents enjoy a Mediterranean-type climate of abundant sunshine with dry, hot summers and mild to cool winters. The rain months of January through March can provide an average 12 inches of annual precipitation to the region.

The community has the benefit of an established commercial downtown surrounded by a mix of varied older homes. In recent years, newer housing developments were built on the east and west sides, as well as retail properties and industrial developments. Three school districts provide a strong educational foundation for families. The community also has a municipal airport, an 18-hole public golf course and a fairground that accommodates numerous events through the year.

POSITION

The Public Works Director is appointed by and works under the direction of the City Administrator and serves as a member of the City’s executive team. The Public Works Director supervises 20+ employees and directs the operations and activities of the City’s Public Works Department including streets and sidewalks, water drainage, parks, facilities, water and sewer utilities, storm drainage, manages all municipal construction, and prepares and administers departmental budget.

The ideal candidate will be a proven leader with the ability to direct and manage office and field staff.  The Public Works Director is a highly visible position with frequent public interaction. This position will have oversight over Planning and Engineering; general background of these two fields is preferred.

The Public Works Director will be familiar with the dynamics of rural communities and be able to ensure ongoing city services within the constraints of limited budgets. Candidates with the education and/or experience that demonstrate the ability to perform the functions of the position will be considered.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 21, 2025

Submit the following documents to CalOpps or to the City of Chowchilla, City Hall

• Cover Letter
• Employment Application
• Resume
• References
• Copies of Pertinent Certificates

“This recruitment can be closed at any time without notice.”

THE POSITION Under general supervision, this non-sworn, non-peace officer position performs assignments involving responsible public contact work in crime prevention and delivers non-emergency police services; to include Public Safety (emergency/non-emergency) Radio Comm for Police & Fire responders; also performs related duties as required.

Prerequisites / Qualifications 

This is the entry-level position.   Applicants must be 18 years old at time of application, have no felony convictions, have the ability to learn and understand radio and statue codes, understand policy and procedures written in English, function without close supervision, work a variety of shifts including weekends and holidays, and lift and transport various objects.  

Education / Experience

Any combination equivalent to graduation from high school plus one (1) year of experience in a clerical of similar position; college credits in criminal justice or communication preferred. 

Licenses / Registrations / Accreditation / Etc. 

Possession of a Valid Class C California Motor Vehicle Operator License; A 35 WPM Typing Certification (Needs to be attached to application); and achieve within one year of appointment the completion of a P.O.S.T. Dispatch Certificate, completion of D.O.J. training for full access operator, and standard CPR and First Aid Certificates issued by the American Red Cross. 

Police Officer - Academy Graduates and Lateral Officers

LATERAL INCENTIVES AVAILABLE

Exciting Opportunity to Join a Great Police Team where you can advance in your Police Career!

Summary Description

Under general supervision, performs a wide variety of duties involved the enforcement of laws and the prevention of crimes; controls traffic flow and enforces state and local traffic regulations; issues citations; participates in and conducts a variety of criminal investigations; makes arrests; provides support and assistance to special crime prevention and law enforcement programs; and performs a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of law enforcement services and activities.

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

TYPICAL TASKS

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Patrol designated areas of the City in car, by foot, or other means to preserve law and order, discover and prevent the commission of crimes, and enforce traffic and other laws and ordinances; protect real and personal property by providing security checks of residential, business, and public premises; maintain awareness of and remains alert for wanted suspects, known criminals, stolen vehicles, missing persons, traffic violators, and crimes in progress; issue warnings and citations;
• Respond to calls for the protection of life and property, the enforcement of laws and ordinances, general public service calls, and complaints including those involving automobile accidents, traffic hazards, misdemeanor and felony incidents, domestic disturbances, property control, civil complaints, and related incidents; investigate complaints and takes appropriate action, which may include the use of deadly or non-deadly force; use sound judgment under adverse, stressful conditions;
• Conduct investigations at scenes of incidents to which summoned, or incidents observed; determine what, if any, crime has been committed; identify, collect, preserve, process, and book evidence; locate and interview victims and witnesses; identify and interrogate suspects;
• Work in partnership with the District Attorney’s Office to obtain and file criminal complaints on arrested subjects;
• Prepare and serve search and arrest warrants; apprehend and arrest offenders for crimes committed under federal, state, and local laws and codes; control and mitigate people under the influence of drugs or alcohol or other potentially hostile situations;
• Serve as liaison and public relations officer to the public; establish and preserve good relationships with the general public; answer questions from the public concerning local and state laws, procedures, and activities of the department; make presentations before a variety of public groups to promote crime prevention activities and to enhance public understanding of Police activities;
• Contact and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of offenders and the investigation of offenses; may respond to requests for assistance from agencies outside the City for mutual aid in the suppression of civil disturbances, apprehension of criminals, or other related requests;
• Participate in continuous training to enhance law enforcement skills including firearms proficiency, defensive driving skills, apprehension and arrest techniques, investigative skills, and general law enforcement skills’
• Perform a variety of administrative and other types of duties in support of law enforcement services, programs, and activities; attend meetings; maintain and calibrate specialized equipment including preliminary alcohol screening devices;
• Initiate and complete reports, legal documents, and other required paperwork; prepare a variety of reports including those on activities, operations, arrests made, and unusual incidents observed; prepare investigative reports and case information;
• Testify in courts and at hearings; prepare and present case evidence; respond to mandatory court calls during irregular hours;
• Direct traffic at fires, special events, and other emergency situations; provide traffic and crowd control at events; provide security at City Council meetings and other City functions;
• Enforce parking regulations; issue citations; tow vehicles that are in violation of codes;
• Sign off on citations and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verification;
• Participate in special assignments including Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT), Canine Unit, and related assignments; provide guidance and training to Explorers;
• When assigned as a Field Training Officer, train new recruits and lateral police officers; document trainee progress and prepare evaluations; serve as acting field supervisor as assigned;
• When assigned as School Resource Officer, serve as law enforcement officer, law related counselor, and law related instructor at assigned school; create a positive role model for students; serve as liaison between students and law enforcement; investigate crimes that occur within the school and on school property; provide information and assistance to school staff and administration, parents, and students regarding law enforcement and community problems; make group presentations; attend committee meetings; maintain program statistics and reports; and
• When assigned to traffic, patrol assigned areas on a police motorcycle; perform a full range of traffic enforcement duties; observe, monitor, and control routine and unusual traffic conditions; assist and advise motorist; use radar to detect speed; issue citations and warnings; investigate traffic accidents.

Detective Assignment

• Serve on assigned taskforce including gang or drug taskforce; gather knowledge about individuals or groups who are involved in criminal activity in order to understand how they function, describe their current activities, forecast future action they may undertake, and provide intelligence and resources that will eradicate criminal activity; coordinate and participate in multi-jurisdictional intelligence gathering and suppression operations;
• Receive, review, and analyze reports and case information on law enforcement activities requiring special and detailed investigations;
• Coordinate and conduct complete and detailed investigations of crimes involving juveniles and adults, crimes against persons and property including child and elder abuse claims, homicides, rape and assaults with deadly weapons, and crimes involving vice, gaming, and narcotics violations; follow cases from reporting, to arrest, to prosecution;
• Contact, interview, and interrogate victims, complainants, witnesses, suspects, and others involved in cases and incidents; obtain statements, documents, and factual and physical evidence;
• Collect, preserve, maintain, and book evidence and recovered property found that is involved with suspected crimes;
• Hold stakeouts, perform undercover activities, conduct surveillance activities, and other observation assignments;
• Prepare investigative reports and case information; recommend disposition of cases including to discuss recommended disposition of cases with legal authorities;
• Review information and evidence obtained for presentation in court cases; testify in court concerning evidence and facts gathered during the investigative process;
• Remain on-call during stipulated time periods to respond to incidents that will probably require major investigative follow-up and criminal identification work at the scene of the incident; and
• Perform related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Police methods and procedures including patrol, crime prevention, traffic control, and investigation;
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations including laws governing the apprehension, arrest, and custody of persons accused of felonies, misdemeanors, and petty offenses;
• Rules of evidence pertaining to the search and seizure and the preservation of evidence;
• Offensive and defensive weapons nomenclature and theory;
• Techniques and applications of self defense and proper use of force;
• Operational characteristics of police equipment, vehicles, and tools including firearms, chemical agents, baton, and other related paraphernalia;
• Use of firearms and other modern police equipment;
• Methods and techniques used in interviewing witnesses, victims, or suspects;
• Principles and applications of public relations;
• Principles and practices of data collection and analysis;
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation;
• Basic principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation;
• Geography of the local area;
• Standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system;
• First aid and CPR techniques;
• When assigned to investigations, investigative techniques, procedures, and sources of information;
• When assigned to investigations, principles and practices used in the identification, preservation, and presentation of evidence;
• When assigned to investigations, recent court decisions on arrest procedures and the preservation and presentation of evidence; and
• When assigned to investigations, methods and techniques used in interviewing witnesses, victims, or suspects including effective methods of obtaining information from reluctant witnesses.

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Perform a wide range of law enforcement assignments;
• Understand, interpret, apply, enforce, and make decisions in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations;
• Interpret and explain City law enforcement policies and procedures;
• Think clearly and act quickly in a variety of situations;
• Judge situations/people accurately;
• Effectively use and qualify with law enforcement tools and weapons including firearms, batons, defensive tactics, and other safety equipment;
• Operate specialized law enforcement equipment including specialized police vehicles, radios, video systems, and radars;
• Conduct a variety of criminal and special investigations;
• Gather, assemble, analyze, evaluate, and use facts and evidence;
• Interview victims, complainants, witnesses, and suspects;
• Accurately observe and remember names, faces, numbers, incidents, and places;
• Control violent people and affect arrests;
• Administer first aid;
• Prepare clear and concise reports and routine correspondence;
• Maintain contact and preserve good relations with the public; respond to requests and inquiries from the general public;
• Prepare and make presentations related to law enforcement efforts in the community;
• Work independently in the absence of supervision;
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions;
• Work irregular and on-call hours including weekends, evenings, and holidays;
• Meet and maintain required peace officer employment standards;
• Meet and maintain the departmental firearms qualifications standards;
• Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform the assigned duties;
• Meet department’s psychological and background requirements;
• When assigned to investigations, perform specialized investigative duties involving the interpretation, explanation, and application of laws and proper investigative techniques;
• When assigned to investigations, gather, assemble, analyze, and evaluate facts and evidence, drawing appropriate conclusions and making recommendations for the disposition of cases;
• When assigned to investigations, secure information from witnesses, victims, and suspects;
• Undertake and satisfactorily complete required and assigned in-service training programs;
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

PATTERN I – ACADEMY LEVEL

• Must have successfully completed a POST certified basic academy not more than three (3) years prior to the date of application.
• Must possess or be eligible to possess a Proof of Eligibility (POE) or certificate (Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced) from California Peace Officer Standards and Training under SB 2.  Ineligibility or decertification from POST will automatically disqualify candidate from holding a peace officer classification.

Experience:

• Some work experience as a California peace officer or other work experience that demonstrates a general aptitude for police work.

PATTERN II –LATERAL TRANSFER

• Successfully completed (at any time) a California POST certified basic law enforcement academy: AND
• Must be currently employed in a California law enforcement agency with at least one (1) year of full-time experience as a sworn peace officer with a California law enforcement agency, and be eligible for appointment as a Peace Officer under Section 830.1 PC; AND
• Must possess a basic POST certificate issued by California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training or other documentation to substantiate your eligibility.
• Must possess or be eligible to possess a Proof of Eligibility (POE) or certificate (Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced) from California Peace Officer Standards and Training under SB 2.  Ineligibility or decertification from POST will automatically disqualify candidate from holding a peace officer classification.

In addition to either Pattern I & II 

License or Certificate:

• Graduate from high school or passage of high school level General Education Development (GED) test: AND
• Possess and maintain an appropriate, valid driver’s license; AND
• Not less than 21 years of age at time of appointment; AND

• Qualify for or possess a P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate upon completion of the probationary period; AND
• Must possess or be eligible to possess a Proof of Eligibility (POE) or certificate (Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced) from California Peace Officer Standards and Training under SB2.  Ineligibility or decertification from POST will automatically disqualify a candidate from holding a peace officer classification; AND
• Possession and maintain CPR and First Aid certifications upon completion of the probationary period.

physical demands and WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Reactive emergency, natural or man-made disaster, and routine peace keeping environments with travel from site to site. The employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions; occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat, risk of electrical shock, risk of radiation, and vibration; potentially hostile environments; extensive public contact. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but may be very loud due to sirens, firearm training, etc. Incumbents required to work various shifts, including evenings and weekends, and may be required to travel outside City boundaries to attend meetings.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in a law enforcement setting and an office setting; restrain or subdue individuals; walk, stand, sit, or run for prolonged periods of time; occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; occasionally climb and balance; regularly push, pull, lift, and/or carry light to moderate weights; frequently lift and/or move moderate to heavy weights; occasionally lift and/or move heavy weights; operate office equipment including use of computer keyboard; requires a sense of touch, finger dexterity, and gripping with hands and fingers; ability to speak and hear to exchange information; ability to operate a vehicle to travel to various locations; ability to operate and use specialized law enforcement tools and equipment including guns and handcuffs.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Revised April 2023

WASTEWATER OPERATOR II

A completed online employment application and questionnaire is REQUIRED

Incomplete applications will NOT be accepted.  

You must enter all relevant work history in to this application system, resumes will NOT be considered in lieu of the required employment application information.

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. 

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision (Wastewater Operator II), performs a variety of skilled and semi-skilled tasks in the maintenance and operation of the City's sanitary sewer system and wastewater treatment plant.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the full journey level class within the Wastewater Operator series. This class is distinguished from the Wastewater Operator I by the assignment of the full range of duties assigned. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and they are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the I level.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

1. Operate and adjust controls on treatment plant equipment and machinery, such as valves, pumps and motors.

2. Grease and clean plant equipment; read and interpret meters and gauges; regulate plant effluent.

3. Monitor, repair, and maintain wastewater system lift stations; remove debris; disassemble and clean pumps; perform minor repairs when necessary.

4. Respond to emergency calls as needed; locate problems and operate sewer cleaning equipment to clear stoppages. 

5. Collect samples and perform various lab tests.

6. Inspect and make repairs to plant equipment.

7. Perform general plant maintenance work such as sweeping, cleaning, sanding and painting of equipment and facilities.

8. Assist in operating video inspection system.

9. Perform general grounds maintenance work.

10. Rod sanitary sewers; install and repair sanitary sewer laterals and trunk lines.

11. Enter and work in permitted confined spaces and underground trenches.

12. Locate, mark and notify sewer lines per USA (underground service alert) requirements.

13. Observe and enforce safety precautions. 

14. May temporarily be assigned to work with other City departments as needed.

15. Operate trucks, tractors and other motorized equipment of comparable size and complexity.

16. Perform related duties as required. 

Education/Training:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Experience:
Two years experience performing duties at a level comparable to a Wastewater Operator I with the City of Ceres while in possession of a Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate.

License or Certificate:
Possession of a valid Class B driver’s license.
Possession of a Grade I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate from the California State Water Resources Control Board.

$5,000 Signing Bonus
There is a 4% COLA that will be effective the first full pay period of July 2023, 2024, and 2025.  Sworn staff have the option of contributing the unused health insurance balance to a 457 or taxable cash of unused balance (up to $670/month).

Lathrop Police Department 
The City of Lathrop Police Department was established in June 2022. The Department consists of the Chief of Police, 2 Commanders (Operations and Support Divisions), 6 Sergeants, and 31 Police Officers. The Department is supported by a team of Community Service Officers, Records Unit, Property and Evidence Unit, as well as administrative and budget support staff.  Dispatch services are contracted with the City of Ripon.  

For information regarding the recent transition to the Police Department and the Department Divisions, please view the following links:

• Lathrop Police Department Transition Page
• Police Operations Division
• Police Support Division

Police Officer 
The City is looking for experienced Police Officers to fill a current vacancy. Newly hired Police Officers will be enthusiastic and compassionate individuals committed to community policing and dedicated to addressing the needs of the community.  Under general supervision, performs law enforcement and crime prevention tasks and duties related to the protection of public health, safety, and welfare; patrols an assigned area to ensure the enforcement of all applicable federal, state, and local laws; performs investigative work; and performs additional related duties as assigned.
 
Ideal Candidate
A successful Police Officer candidate will be an enthusiastic and compassionate individual dedicated to addressing the needs of the community for which they serve. Other key characteristics of an ideal candidate will include the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and characteristics:

• A strong desire and willingness to learn and grow as a Police Officer
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• The ability to make sound decisions
• Emotional intelligence
• The ability to establish rapport and trust with community members, other Police Officers, command staff, and civilian staff
• Cultural sensitivity
• A common-sense approach when approaching unique situations
• Situational awareness

Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience
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 graduation from high school or equivalent and successful completion of a Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certified Police Academy. College-level coursework and specialized training in law enforcement, criminal justice, or a related field are highly desirable.

Additional Requirements:
Must be at least 21 years of age; must successfully complete a comprehensive P.O.S.T. background investigation, physical examination, drug testing, and psychological evaluation; must be legally authorized to work in the United States by federal law at the time of appointment and meet all California State Minimum Selection Standards set forth by P.O.S.T. and California law.

License/Certificate:

• Possession of a valid California P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate or valid California P.O.S.T Basic Course Waiver at the time of application.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid CPR certification.
• Possession of a valid California Driver's License, Class C or higher, prior to the date of appointment.

Job Description:
The full job description can be viewed by accessing the following link:
City of Lathrop Police Officer