Police Sergeant

Salary : $128,190.40 - $149,323.20 Annually

Location : Hilliard, OH

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number: 202600177

Department: Police

Opening Date: 03/23/2026

Closing Date: 4/6/2026 5:00 PM Eastern

Employment Opportunity

This is an internal promotional posting and only current City of Hilliard employees will be considered.

Under the administrative direction andsupervision of a Lieutenant, a Sergeant supervises and directs the activities of a group of employees on an assigned shift or in an assigned unit. The Sergeant classification may be used in the patrol function or any other specialized function/program of the Division as required. A Sergeant also performs regular patrol duties and/or related tasks and assignments as required and directed by a Lieutenant and/or other members of the Command Staff. The Hilliard Division of Police subscribes to the "Community-Oriented Policing" philosophy and therefore, the primary emphasis of the position involves community service. The Sergeant is required to take a problem-solving approach to situations encountered and will interact with members of the Hilliard community on a regular basis to address relevant concerns facing them.

To apply for this vacancy, interested candidates must submit a written letter or memo of interest by email to HR Director Colleen Lemmon and apply to the open position via NeoGov by 5:00 PM on Monday April 6, 2026.

Essential Functions of Work

(May not include all duties performed)

Performs standard law enforcement duties normally performed by the rank of Police Officer (i.e. patrols designated areas, directs and regulates traffic, takes complaints, makes arrests, investigates accidents, generates reports, etc.).

Plans, supervises, and directs the work of employees on an assigned shift or within an assigned section.

Prepares and administers briefings, assigns employees to specific areas and/or tasks and instructs them in the performance of their duties.

Maintains responsibility for employee compliance with agency rules, policies and regulations.

Monitors employees during the performance of their duties and makes appropriate suggestions for improving job performance.

Conducts a continuing review of assigned activities to identify problems and develop recommendations for improving services.

Takes charge in serious or unusual situations.

Interprets, conveys, and ensures implementation of Divisional policies, procedures, and methods; ensures that personnel have clear guidelines of authority and responsibility.

Recommends and assists in the implementation of goals and objectives; establishes methods for providing effective law enforcement services; implements approved policies and procedures.

Reviews reports from employees; completes and forwards own reports to Lieutenant and/or Command Staff.

Observes deficiencies or mistakes of employees and initiates corrective measures; reports breaches of authority and discipline, and inefficiency to higher-level command.

May be assigned to specialized positions as deemed appropriate by the Chief of Police.

Assumes responsibility for assigned collateral functions including special programs, projects, or Division functions or activities and supervises special teams and services.

Directs and performs criminal investigations as necessary and as directed by a Lieutenant and/or Command Staff.

Inspects scenes of major crimes, fires, or accidents; secures evidence and questions witnesses, suspects, or others.

Performs quality control checks on reports submitted by employees.

Authorizes time off and provides input to the Bureau Commander in scheduling shift assignments.

Assists in the prosecution of suspects by making arrests, preparing reports, and providing testimony at trials.

Attends and participates in neighborhood civic association meetings to gain understanding of the community's crime prevention and traffic safety needs.

Advises and assists officers in preparing cases for court.

Assumes specific duties of a Lieutenant during his/her absence, as designated by the Chief of Police.

Monitors the maintenance of Divisional vehicles and equipment.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Minimum of thirty-six (36) months as a Hilliard Police Officer, or at least twenty-four (24) months as a Hilliard Police Officer and at least twelve (12) months with another law enforcement agency.

Thorough knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws related to law enforcement.

Thorough knowledge of law enforcement methods, principles, practices, and procedures.

Thorough knowledge of Division and City policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, the media, law enforcement agencies and other employees.

Good interpersonal and human relations skills.

Good written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to exercise sound reasoning and good judgment.

Ability to recognize unusual or threatening conditions and take appropriate action.

Ability to interpret and apply principles, concepts, methods, laws, ordinances, and techniques to field conditions.

Ability to recognize, analyze, and define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and initiate appropriate corrective actions.

Ability to organize and prioritize daily tasks and activities.

Ability to use proper research and investigative methods, techniques, and practices in gathering data.

Ability to calculate fractions, decimals, and percentages.

Ability to gather, collate, and classify information and data regarding people, places, events, and activities.

Ability to prepare clear, concise, complete, and accurate reports, and complete and maintain accurate records.

Ability to use desk and laptop computers to enter data and produce reports.

Ability to maintain accurate records.

Ability to cooperate with co-workers on group efforts.

Ability to establish and maintain a good rapport with the public.

Ability to handle routine and sensitive inquiries from, and contact with, the public.

Ability to maintain confidentiality in the handling of sensitive events and issues.

Ability to communicate with the public, peers, superiors, and other City officials and employees in an effective, tactful, and courteous manner.

Ability to resolve complaints from citizens in an effective, tactful, and courteous manner.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors and peers.

Certified as a law enforcement officer by the Ohio Peace Officer's Training Commission.

Ability to acquire and maintain certification (pursuant to state standards) for the operation of on-duty and off-duty firearms (i.e. shotgun, AR-15, 9mm, 40 caliber or .45 caliber handgun).

Possession of a valid Ohio Driver's License.

Must be a United States citizen.

Background must be free of prior felony convictions.

Successful completion of all phases of the selection process (Process may include written examination, assessment center, structured panel interview(s), final interview(s), and/or psychological evaluation.)

Regular and punctual attendance is regarded as an essential requirement of this classification.

Compliance with training directives established by supervisory/training personnel.

Adherence to all applicable Federal and State safety laws, rules, and regulations and City safety policies/procedures.

Supplemental Information

Promotional Process Summary:

This three-part process, as outlined in HPD Policy 1002, will include a competitive examination, an assessment center, and an oral board assessment.

The written examination is scheduled for 9:00 AM on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. A passing grade of 65% must be achieved for an applicant to proceed to the additional testing phases of the promotional process and to receive seniority credit. Test questions for the written examination will be developed from the study material supplied by Custom Precision Testing and the Department. The test will focus on questions from the City of Hilliard's Code of Ordinances, the Division's Policies and Procedures, the current FOP Contract (Jan. 1, 2026 - Dec. 31, 2028), and a leadership book (It's Your Ship by Captain D. Michael Abrashoff). The book will be supplied by the City.

City of Hilliard Code of Ordinances:

301.04 - Bicycle, Motorized Bicycle, Electric Bicycle

301.182 - Slow Speed Vehicle

303.014 - Emergency, Public Safety and Coroners Vehicle Exceptions

509.05 - Misconduct at an Emergency

509.06 - Inducing Panic

509.08 - Hours of Work

531.02 - Noise Disturbances Prohibited

537.051 - Menacing by Stalking

537.15 - Temporary Protection Order

745 - Canvassers, Peddlers and Solicitors

Applicants achieving a passing score of the written exam will be scheduled for a verbal/management skills evaluation, administered by the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police. This assessment is planned for June 10th and June 11th. An oral board assessment will be conducted the week of June 22, 2026. The oral board panel will consist of supervisory personnel from HPD and other local police agencies. Exact dates and times for both assessments will be assigned after the written exam is graded and the number of applicants moving forward has been determined.

Candidates shall be ranked according to their total weighted score. This shall be determined by weighting the promotional process components as follows: Written Exam (including seniority) - 35%, Assessment Center - 35%, Oral Board Assessment - 30%.

After completion of the promotional process, the HR Director will establish an eligibility list and present the names of the three (3) persons having the highest ranking for the classification. Following a final interview with the City Manager, Chief of Police, Deputy Chief of Police and HR Director, the City Manager shall appoint one of the top three persons to the vacancy.

To apply for this vacancy, interested candidates must submit a written letter or memo of interest by email to HR Director Colleen Lemmon and apply to the open position via NeoGov by 5:00 PM on Monday April 6, 2026.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Employees are eligible to enroll in health insurance, vision, and dental benefits.

LIFE INSURANCE

The City pays 100% of the premium on a $100,000 life insurance policy for employees.

RETIREMENT PENSION

The City contributes 19.5% monthly toward retirement benefits offered through the Ohio Police & Fire Pension Fund.

VACATION

Employees accrue two weeks of vacation in their first year of employment. They are eligible to use their vacation leave after earning 80 hours of leave. The City recognizes prior Ohio public service to establish vacation accruals.

Completed Years of service

1 Year - 3.1 hours per pay period (80 hours per year)

5 Years- 4.6 hours per pay period (120 hours per year)

10 Years- 6.2 hours per pay period (160 hours per year)

15 Years- 7.7 hours per pay period (200 hours per year)

20 Years- 9.2 hours per pay period (240 hours per year)

PERSONAL LEAVE

New Employees receive one personal day for every three months employed. These days are to be used within the calendar year.

HOLIDAYS

There are 10 holidays recognized by the City. Additional compensation is paid to officers working on legal holidays.

SICK LEAVE

Employees accrue 4.6 hours of sick leave per pay period.

WELL MEMBERSHIP

Employees are eligible to enroll in the employee Well membership program. This program allows employees to receive an individual Well membership if they meet the program's quarterly goal.