Application Deadline: Monday, August 24, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Tentative Interviews: Tuesday, September 15, 2026
The City of Paso Robles is seeking an experienced law enforcement leader to join its Police Department as a police lieutenant. This newly established management position offers an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of a growing organization dedicated to professional policing, community partnerships, and exceptional public service. As a member of the department's management team, the police lieutenant oversees critical police operations, supervises and mentors personnel, provides command during major incidents, and collaborates with City leadership, allied agencies, and the community to advance the department's mission. The ideal candidate is a collaborative and principled leader with sound judgment, a commitment to developing others, and a passion for delivering high-quality police services.
About Paso Robles
Nestled in the heart of California’s scenic Central Coast, Paso Robles—short for El Paso de Robles, or “The Pass of the Oaks”—offers a unique blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and modern opportunity. Originally founded around its famous mineral hot springs and rich agricultural heritage, Paso Robles has grown into a dynamic and thriving community. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny days and cool evenings, ideal for both outdoor living and agricultural innovation. With its rolling hills, majestic oak trees, and panoramic vineyard views, Paso Robles provides a truly inspiring setting for work and life.
Paso Robles’ central location within San Luis Obispo County offers residents easy access to a wide array of cultural, educational, and recreational attractions. Just a short 30-minute drive south lies California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), a nationally ranked institution known for its hands-on learning and innovation. This proximity fosters strong connections to cutting-edge research, continuing education, and a highly educated talent pool. To the west, scenic Highway 1 leads to the iconic Hearst Castle in San Simeon, a historic landmark that draws visitors from around the world with its stunning architecture and sweeping coastal views. Within the county, residents can also enjoy the vibrant coastal towns of Morro Bay, Cambria, and Pismo Beach, as well as the eclectic energy of downtown San Luis Obispo. From wine tasting and hiking to art galleries, surf spots, and farmers’ markets, San Luis Obispo County offers an exceptional quality of life.
Today, Paso Robles is best known as a premier wine region, home to over 200 wineries producing world-class Zinfandels, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Rhône varietals. But wine is just the beginning. The city boasts a vibrant downtown filled with boutique shopping, award-winning restaurants, and a bourgeoning local arts scene. Cultural highlights include the Paso Robles Wine Festival, California Mid-State Fair, and a variety of community events that bring residents together year-round. A wide array of housing options, good schools, a welcoming business environment, and proximity to outdoor destinations make it an ideal place to live and work. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to make a lifestyle change, the City of Paso Robles offers the perfect balance of opportunity, community, and California charm.
The Organization
The City of Paso Robles was incorporated in 1889 as a general law city and operates under the Council-Manager form of government. As of January 1, 2025, the City's population has grown to approximately 31,061, reflecting consistent growth over recent years as more residents are drawn to the City's high quality of life, strong community identity, and comprehensive municipal services.
The City is a full-service municipality, meaning it provides a wide range of essential public services directly to its residents. These include police and fire protection, emergency medical response, water and wastewater utilities, parks and recreation, planning and development services, public works, and community enrichment programs. The City is committed to delivering responsive, effective, and efficient services that enhance the well-being of its residents and support a safe, sustainable, and vibrant community.
The governing body consists of a five-member City Council: the Mayor, elected at large by the voters of the City; and four Councilmembers elected by district. Voters also elect one City Treasurer at-large. All six elected positions are non-partisan. The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, serves as the Chief Executive Officer and is authorized to appoint all non-elected employees, with the exception of the City Attorney.
The City operates with a total annual budget of $148.5 million for fiscal year 2026-27 and employs 311.97 full-time equivalent positions across the departments of Administrative Services, City Manager’s Office, Community Development, Community Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Public Works, and Utilities
The Department
The Paso Robles Police Department (PRPD) is a full-service law enforcement agency committed to protecting and serving our community with professionalism, integrity, and accountability. We take pride in our service, hold ourselves accountable to one another and the community, and strive for excellence in everything we do.
Photo by Acacia Productions
Knowledge of:
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Principles, practices, methods, and procedures of modern law enforcement administration, supervision, and operations.
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Patrol operations, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, crime prevention, emergency response, and specialized law enforcement functions.
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Applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, court decisions, and constitutional protections governing law enforcement activities.
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Principles and practices of leadership, supervision, employee development, performance management, coaching, counseling, and progressive discipline.
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Administrative and internal affairs investigations, complaint review procedures, and personnel management practices.
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Incident command principles, emergency management systems, tactical operations, and critical incident response.
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Operational planning, deployment strategies, staffing, scheduling, and resource allocation methods.
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Crime analysis techniques, intelligence-led policing concepts, and performance measurement methods.
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Department policies, procedures, labor agreements, risk management practices, and professional standards.
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Budget development, expenditure monitoring, and public-sector resource management principles.
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Community policing philosophies, public relations practices, and interagency collaboration techniques.
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Law enforcement records systems, information management practices, and technology applications used in public safety operations.
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Occupational hazards, safety practices, and risk mitigation principles applicable to law enforcement operations.
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Principles of public administration, organizational management, and customer service.
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English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and professional report-writing standards.
Ability to:
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Effectively plan, organize, supervise, evaluate, and coordinate the work of supervisory, sworn, and civilian personnel.
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Provide effective leadership, mentoring, coaching, and professional development to subordinate supervisors and staff.
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Analyze complex operational, administrative, and personnel issues and implement effective solutions.
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Direct and coordinate law enforcement operations during routine activities, emergencies, major incidents, and critical events.
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Exercise sound judgment and make timely decisions in high-risk, rapidly evolving, and politically sensitive situations.
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Accurately interpret, apply, and enforce laws, regulations, policies, procedures, labor agreements, and professional standards.
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Conduct and oversee administrative, personnel, and operational investigations and prepare well-supported findings and recommendations.
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Evaluate operational performance, identify organizational needs, and implement improvements to enhance service delivery.
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Manage multiple priorities, projects, personnel, and resources effectively.
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Communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively both orally and in writing.
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Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, labor representatives, City officials, allied agencies, community organizations, and the public.
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Prepare comprehensive reports, correspondence, evaluations, presentations, and administrative documents.
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Promote accountability, ethical conduct, professionalism, and organizational excellence.
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Work independently and exercise sound judgment within established legal, procedural, and administrative guidelines.
Human Relations and Communications Skills
Requires frequent internal and external contact to carry out organizational programs, explain specialized matters, or enforce laws, ordinances, policies, and procedures. May include occasional contact with higher-level officials requiring cooperation, explanation, and persuasion.
Analytical Skills and Complexity
Exercises considerable analytical ability to select, evaluate, and interpret data from multiple sources. Requires interpretation and application of guidelines, policies, and procedures to determine appropriate actions.
Education and Experience
A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
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Possession of an associate degree with coursework in criminal justice, criminology, public administration, or a related field; and
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Seven years of experience as a sworn law enforcement officer, two of which must be at the rank of police sergeant or higher.
Possession of a bachelor’s degree in a related field is desirable.
Licenses and Certifications
Requires possession of the following:
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A valid California Class C driver license and a satisfactory driving record
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CPR and First Aid certifications
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California POST Supervisory Certificate
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Must successfully complete the California POST Management Course within two years of appointment
Other Requirements
Must meet or exceed all Peace Officer selection requirements pursuant to 11 CCR § 1950.
Must be available to respond to emergencies, critical incidents, meetings, and other operational needs outside of normal business hours as required.
The full job description, including physical demands and working conditions, is available on the Job Descriptions page of the City’s website.
To be considered for this exceptional career opportunity, please submit a completed employment application, cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the police lieutenant position with the Paso Robles Police Department, and all required licenses and certifications by Monday, August 24, 2026 at 10:00AM.
This is a confidential recruitment and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the process. Candidates should be aware that references will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.
Applications received will be reviewed for accuracy, completeness and job-related qualifications. A limited number of persons whose applications clearly demonstrate they most closely meet the requirements may be invited to participate in the selection process, which may be any combination of written, oral, and/or performance exams.
Assessment Components: Candidates must pass each performance examination (written exercise, peer interview, and leadership interview) with a minimum score of 70% to be placed on the eligibility list. A candidate's final composite score based on the weight factors indicated below will determine their rank on the eligibility list.
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Leadership Interview - 45%
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Peer Interview - 35%
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Written Exercise - 20%
All statements made in the application materials are subject to verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification or discharge. Appointment is subject to successfully passing a pre-employment physical, psychological examination, polygraph, and background and criminal history check. Before starting work, applicants must present documentation of their identity, authorization to work in the United States and a DMV driving record. The City of Paso Robles participates in E-Verify (more information can be found at www.prcity.com/HR). Following appointment, a 18-month probationary period of may be required as the final phase of the appointment process.
The email address you provide on the City application will be the primary means of communication the City will use to contact you regarding your application and this recruitment. If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact Human Resources at (805) 237-3962, or by email at [email protected].
All persons employed by the City of Paso Robles are designated as "disaster service workers" as defined in the California Government Code section 3100 and 3101.
The City of Paso Robles provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract.
