TOWN OF HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS – POLICE CHIEF
The Town of Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida, a historic and growing Lake County community of approximately 2,200 residents, is seeking an experienced, professional, and community-oriented Police Chief to lead the Howey-in-the-Hills Police Department. Incorporated in 1925 and known for its small-town charm, rolling hills, and strong sense of community, Howey-in-the-Hills offers a collaborative, mission-driven workplace committed to integrity, professionalism, and public service.
The Police Chief serves as the Town’s Chief Law Enforcement Official and is responsible for planning, directing, and managing all operations of the Police Department. The Department currently includes 7 full-time officers and 4 part-time officers and operates with a budget of over $1 million. This position reports directly to the Town Manager and works closely with the Town Council, residents, community partners, and regional law enforcement agencies.
The successful candidate will have a demonstrated record of ethical leadership, sound judgment, effective personnel management, budget administration, community policing, and strong internal and external communication. The Police Chief will be expected to lead with professionalism, accountability, transparency, and a commitment to maintaining public trust in a small-town municipal environment.
Primary responsibilities include directing police operations; supervising and developing department personnel; administering the department budget; developing and implementing departmental goals, policies, procedures, and work plans; overseeing law enforcement, traffic safety, crime prevention, and community-oriented policing programs; coordinating emergency response activities; and working with citizens, Town officials, and partner agencies to address public safety needs.
The ideal candidate should possess strong leadership and management skills; knowledge of federal, state, and local laws applicable to municipal law enforcement; experience with modern police practices and community policing strategies; the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships; and a commitment to professional, fair, and responsive law enforcement services.
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications established in the Town’s Police Chief job description, including applicable law enforcement certification, education, experience, background screening, and other requirements. The selected candidate must successfully complete all required pre-employment screening, including a rigorous background investigation.
The Town offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. The annual salary range for this position is $85,000 to $95,000, depending on qualifications and experience. Benefits include paid leave, paid holidays, health and life insurance, retirement benefits, and other benefits available to eligible full-time Town employees.
Interested applicants should submit the required Town employment application materials: Resume, Job Application (https://www.howey.org/DocumentCenter/View/723/Police-Chief-Application—09122025?bidId= ), and signed Job Description ( https://www.howey.org/DocumentCenter/View/718/Police-Chief—Job-Description—07012026?bidId= ) to John Brock at office@howey.org by August 14, 2026.
For more information please visit our website at https://www.howey.org/Jobs.aspx?UniqueId=101&From=All&CommunityJobs=False&JobID=Police-Chief-12
The Town of Howey-in-the-Hills is a Council-Manager form of government and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment opportunities with the Town are open to all qualified applicants based on job-related experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Job Description Document: Police Chief, Howey-in-the-Hills