Company Profile
CITY OF PORT LAVACA
Company Overview
www.portlavaca.org
Company History
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
POLICE CHIEF, PORT LAVACA, TEXAS
The City of Port Lavaca is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking, and highly community-oriented professional to serve as its next Police Chief. This is a unique opportunity to partner with a progressive, community-driven City Manager and lead a department that is deeply committed to building trust, fostering relationships, and enhancing public safety through meaningful community engagement. If you believe that effective policing begins with strong community partnerships, Port Lavaca offers an exceptional opportunity to make a lasting impact.
Located along the Texas Gulf Coast, Port Lavaca is the county seat of Calhoun County and benefits from its strategic position within a well-developed regional transportation network. While the county lies within one of the world’s largest petrochemical corridors—stretching from Corpus Christi to Port Arthur—the city maintains its identity as a coastal gem. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, outdoor recreation, and strong commercial fishing industry, Port Lavaca offers a high quality of life and a close-knit community where relationships matter. The city is conveniently located approximately 80 miles north of Corpus Christi, 130 miles south of Houston, and 145 miles east of San Antonio.
Port Lavaca operates under a home-rule Council-Manager form of government. The governing body consists of a Mayor elected at-large and six Council Members elected by district. The Mayor serves a two-year term, while Council Members serve staggered three-year terms. The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, oversees daily operations and implements policy direction.
The Police Chief serves as the leader of the Port Lavaca Police Department and is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating all law enforcement activities. Central to this role is a strong commitment to community policing—building trust through transparency, accessibility, and proactive engagement. The Chief will champion programs and initiatives that strengthen partnerships with residents, schools, businesses, and civic organizations, ensuring that policing strategies reflect the needs and values of the community. Responsibilities include oversight of patrol operations, criminal investigations, community outreach efforts, emergency response, and departmental administration.
In addition to internal leadership, the Police Chief will work closely with regional partners, including the District Attorney’s Office, to ensure effective case preparation, prosecution support, and the consistent application of justice. This collaboration is essential to maintaining accountability, improving case outcomes, and reinforcing public confidence in the criminal justice system.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced law enforcement executive who embraces modern, relationship-based policing. The successful candidate will demonstrate a proven ability to build trust, communicate effectively with diverse groups, and lead with integrity and accountability. A strong background in community policing strategies, problem-solving approaches, and collaborative partnerships is essential. The Chief must be committed to developing personnel, promoting a culture of professionalism and service, and ensuring that the department remains responsive, visible, and engaged within the community.
REQUIRED:
• Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, or related field; AND seven years management experience in law enforcement organizations; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• State of Texas driver's license.
• Master Peace Officers License and certification from Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOE).
• Must maintain a level of physical fitness to meet Department standards.
PREFERRED:
• Training certification from the FBI National Academy for law enforcement leaders, or the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT).
• Establish residency in the city limits of Port Lavaca within 6 months of hire date.
The City of Port Lavaca offers a competitive salary range of $105,654 - $142,633 depending on qualifications and experience.
See complete job description attached.
To apply, please email hr@portlavaca.org
Benefits
Employee Benefits
The City of Port Lavaca offers a comprehensive benefits package for all full-time City employees. Below is a summary of included benefits:
Group Insurance Coverage
Medical and Dental Benefits (Vision optional)
Supplemental Death Insurance
Prescription Drug Plan
Retirement Plan 2:1
Sick Leave Incentive Pay
YMCA Membership
Worker’s Compensation
Employee Development
Tuition Reimbursement
Relocation
12 Paid Holidays
Vacation Leave
Sick Leave
Service Pay (Continuous Service)
Certification Pay (For Police, Fire and Utilities Personnel).
Longevity Pay
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