The city of Port Townsend has started its search for a new police chief.

The position was advertised this week, and the city will begin reviewing applications for the post Wednesday, Nov. 18.

City Manager John Mauro told the city council at its meeting Monday that City Hall hopes to begin interviews during the first week of December.

Troy Surber has been serving as interim chief of the city's police department since early March. 

The city's previous chief, Mike Evans, announced his retirement in February. Evans joined the Port Townsend force in 2000, and initially took over as interim chief in 2016.

In the city's posted job summary for the chief's position, Port Townsend said it was "an exceptional opportunity for a well-rounded law enforcement professional to lead a team of dedicated officers and serve the 9,500 residents of our historic seaport town."

The salary range for the job is $107,669 to $137,201.

Port Townsend posted a five-page summary for applicants on the city's website that details the community and the type of person who would make an ideal candidate for police chief.

It notes: "The police chief will provide steady leadership to navigate the unprecedented societal changes transforming law enforcement and will facilitate social justice, equity and inclusion efforts."

"The city is seeking a highly ethical and accountable law enforcement professional with demonstrated leadership and management skills. She or he will need to hold officers accountable while also creating a positive work environment," the summary says.

Applicants must be a current, sworn police officer or someone who has been a sworn law enforcement officer within the last two years. A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, and at least five years of supervisory/managerial experience, is required.

Applicants must be able to deal tactfully and courteously with the public, and build and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees. 

The city also said it prefers candidates with a college degree in a law enforcement-related field, plus experience as a police chief, assistant/deputy police chief or commander in a similar-sized community.

Also desired from applicants is the completion of advanced relevant police management training, such as the FBI National Academy, the Senior Management Institute for Policing, or the Northwest School of Police and Command; grant-writing experience; and knowledge of motivational coaching and continuous improvement.

The hiring process will include a comprehensive background screening effort that includes a polygraph, medical and psychological examination.