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Lieutenant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Constellis

Lieutenant

Bethesda, MD

POSITION: Full Time Lieutenant In accordance with DHS-FPS protocols; provide a 24-hour deterrent against unauthorized, illegal and potentially life-threatening activities directed against US ...

The GEO Group

LIEUTENANT

Folkston, GA · On-site

$63K/yr

The Lieutenant assists in the development and implementation of policies, procedures and regulations for custody, security and/or treatment of inmates. * Responds to major unusual occurrences.

Emerson College

Lieutenant

Boston, MA · On-site

The Police Lieutenant oversees the daily operations of an assigned shift within the College's Police Department, supervising patrol officers and agents to maintain discipline, enforce policy, and ...

The GEO Group

LIEUTENANT

Folkston, GA · On-site

$63K/yr

The Lieutenant assists in the development and implementation of policies, procedures and regulations for custody, security and/or treatment of inmates. * Responds to major unusual occurrences.

Emerson College

Lieutenant

Boston, MA · On-site

The Police Lieutenant oversees the daily operations of an assigned shift within the College's Police Department, supervising patrol officers and agents to maintain discipline, enforce policy, and ...

Constellis

Lieutenant

Bethesda, MD · On-site

POSITION: Full Time Lieutenant In accordance with DHS-FPS protocols; provide a 24-hour deterrent against unauthorized, illegal and potentially life-threatening activities directed against US ...

State of South Dakota

Corrections Lieutenant

Pierre, SD · On-site

$30 - $33/hr

The Lieutenant enforces Department of Corrections (DOC) policies, Institutional Implementation Adjustments (IAs), and emergency protocols. As the ranking institutional officer on nights, weekends ...

The GEO Group

LIEUTENANT

Folkston, GA · On-site

$63K/yr

The Lieutenant assists in the development and implementation of policies, procedures and regulations for custody, security and/or treatment of inmates. * Responds to major unusual occurrences.

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Lieutenant information

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$43K

$81.7K

$133K

How much do lieutenant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for lieutenant in the United States is $81,728.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $108,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical leadership challenges faced by a Lieutenant, and how are they addressed?

As a Lieutenant, you are often responsible for managing a team and ensuring mission objectives are met, which can present challenges such as balancing authority with approachability, handling conflicts within your unit, and adapting to rapidly changing situations. Effective communication, strong decision-making skills, and ongoing mentorship from senior officers are key strategies for overcoming these challenges. Many organizations also provide leadership development programs and encourage collaboration among peers to foster a supportive environment, helping Lieutenants grow into more senior roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lieutenant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lieutenant, you typically need leadership abilities, decision-making skills, and a solid understanding of military tactics and protocols, usually supported by completion of officer training and relevant military education. Familiarity with operational planning software, communication systems, and weaponry is essential for managing missions and personnel. Strong interpersonal skills, resilience, and the ability to motivate and guide teams are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring effective unit performance, mission success, and the safety and well-being of the team.

What is the difference between Lieutenant vs Sergeant?

AspectLieutenantSergeant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require college or military trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; military or law enforcement training often preferred
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement agencies, military units, fire departmentsLaw enforcement, military, security, and emergency services
Employer & Industry UsageTypically in police, fire, military, and security organizationsCommon in police, military, and security sectors
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles and responsibilitiesUnderstanding rank and supervisory duties

While both Lieutenant and Sergeant are leadership roles within law enforcement and military organizations, Lieutenants generally hold higher authority and oversee larger units or divisions. Sergeants typically serve as frontline supervisors, managing smaller teams. The main differences lie in their scope of responsibility, rank hierarchy, and the level of command they hold within their respective organizations.

What are lieutenants?

Lieutenants are commissioned officers in the military or law enforcement who typically hold a junior leadership position. In the military, lieutenants are responsible for leading a platoon or a small unit of soldiers, overseeing their training, welfare, and operational effectiveness. In police departments, lieutenants supervise sergeants and officers, manage shifts, and ensure that policies and procedures are followed. The rank and responsibilities can vary between organizations, but lieutenants generally serve as a crucial link between higher command and front-line personnel.
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What cities are hiring for Lieutenant jobs? Cities with the most Lieutenant job openings:
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Lieutenant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lieutenant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,728 per year, or $39.3 per hour.
Police Lieutenant

Police Lieutenant

University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

University Of Colorado Boulder rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 555 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Requisition Number:

73030

Location:

Boulder, Colorado

City

Boulder

State

Colorado

Employment Type:

University Staff

Schedule:

Full-Time

Posting Close Date:

09-Jul-2026

Date Posted:

25-Jun-2026
Close All
Job Summary
The Division of Public Safety at CU Boulder encourages applications for a Police Lieutenant! This role will report directly to the Patrol Commander and serve as a key operational leader within the patrol division. The Lieutenant will be responsible for managing and supervising Patrol Sergeants, ensuring that all patrol units operate efficiently and in accordance with departmental policies, procedures, and strategic objectives. They will provide leadership, guidance, and oversight to ensure that patrol operations are conducted effectively, safely, and in alignment with community policing principles.

The Lieutenant will also play a vital role in coordinating patrol strategies, supervising shift deployments, and addressing operational challenges that arise in the field. Additionally, they will act as a liaison between the Patrol Commander and Patrol Sergeants, ensuring that directives from upper leadership are effectively communicated and implemented at the operational level.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Who We Are
The Division of Public Safety seeks to facilitate and coordinate a culture that supports the Boulder campus' commitment to maintain the highest level of ethics, integrity, and safety in the conduct of its operations. We do this through services to enhance community safety, protect life and property, and foster safe, secure, and ethical practices.

The University of Colorado (CU) Boulder is one of America's leading research universities and the flagship of the CU System. As a comprehensive public doctoral Research University, CU Boulder is a member of the Association of American Universities and is classified as an R1 University. The university has nine schools and colleges offering over 150 academic programs and enrolling 35,000 degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students.

At CU Boulder, we believe in supporting each other and valuing everyone who is part of our community. Our values are expected of all Buffs and lead our actions in the classroom, on campus and in our community. At CU Boulder, we commit to building a more diverse and inclusive campus community. We value different backgrounds, identities and perspectives and believe that engagement with a wide range of ideas and viewpoints can help students learn and grow.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
Supervision & Leadership:
  • Supervise the daily operations of assigned patrol units, ensuring proper deployment of personnel and resources. Coordinate training schedule to ensure proper staffing and successful completion.
  • Direct, mentor, and evaluate patrol sergeants and officers, providing guidance on policies, procedures, and standard processes. Ensure documentation to address performance concerns and support employee development.
  • Assist in the recruitment, hiring, and training of department personnel.
  • Serve as Command Duty Officer (CDO) as assigned. Responds to emergency situations by collecting information, evaluating for Clery Act and CU notification criteria, composes Timely and Emergency Warning notifications, and initiates those communications via the specified computer system during day, evening, night, weekend, holiday periods, and as assigned.
  • May be assigned to work in the absence of a sergeant as the on-duty supervisor in a uniformed capacity, as needed.
  • Oversees or directly conducts investigations of citizen complaints, department-initiated inquiries, or similar efforts to ensure appropriate conduct by officers and department personnel.
Operational Management:
  • Develop and implement patrol and investigative strategies to enhance public safety.
  • Coordinate responses to major events, critical incidents, and emergency situations.
  • Ensure compliance with state and federal laws, as well as department policies and accreditation standards.
  • Supervise and manage special programs (i.e. FLEET, K9, field training, etc.), community policing efforts, and crime prevention initiatives.
Administrative Duties:
  • Prepare reports, evaluations, and recommendations regarding department operations and personnel.
  • Effectively manage overtime and limit usage to maintain budget efficiency and operational effectiveness.
  • Assist with budgeting, resource allocation, and procurement to ensure efficient use of department funds.
  • Conduct performance reviews, and disciplinary actions when necessary.
  • Facilitate interdepartmental collaboration and maintain positive relationships with university partners.
  • Serves in both administrative and commissioned roles and maintains required training and certifications, including annual compliance with Colorado POST standards.
Community Engagement & Relations:
  • Promote and support community policing strategies to foster trust and collaboration with students, faculty, and staff.
  • Participate in campus outreach programs, safety presentations, and public relations efforts.
  • Address concerns from the university community and work towards resolutions that enhance campus security.
What You Should Know
  • Uniformed position.
  • Anticipated schedule: Tuesday - Friday, 9 pm - 7 am with ability to flex based on the needs of the department and/or patrol coverage. This department operates 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Must be available to work various shifts when necessary, including overnights, swing shifts, weekends, holidays, events, etc.
  • Assignment to this position will preclude participation in SWAT duties and external collateral assignments due to time and operational commitments.
  • The selection criteria for this position will be primarily based on assessment exercises that take place on CU Boulder's campus on Monday, July 27, 2026. Candidates chosen to move forward in the selection process must be available to participate on-campus on this date.
What We Can Offer
Starting salary is $145,000 annually.
Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements
Be inspired. Be strategic. Be Boulder.
What We Require
  • Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
  • A minimum of five (5) years of progressive responsibility in law enforcement experience.
  • Must include at least two (2) years of supervisory experience in a sworn law enforcement capacity (e.g., Sergeant or higher).
  • Current Colorado POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) certification or ability to obtain by September 2026.
  • Applicants must demonstrate a sustained record of professional conduct consistent with Department and law enforcement standards. Candidates are ineligible if they are the subject of an active disciplinary investigation during the hiring process. The Department will consider prior disciplinary history in evaluating eligibility, particularly where it relates to integrity, judgment, professionalism, use of force, policy compliance, or other job-related conduct.
What You Will Need
Leadership & Decision-Making
  • Ability to inspire and guide teams toward departmental and divisional objectives.
  • Sound judgment and critical thinking in high-pressure situations.
  • Strong ethical and professional standards.
  • Provides timely directions to subordinates and staff; delivers on commitments and meets deadlines.
Operational & Tactical Knowledge
  • Understanding of university and department policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
  • Proficiency in crisis management and emergency response coordination.
  • Knowledge of advanced law enforcement tactics and investigative techniques.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
  • Strong verbal and written communication abilities.
  • Conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques.
  • Ability to foster teamwork and collaboration across all ranks.
Strategic & Analytical Thinking
  • Ability to analyze complex situations and develop effective solutions.
  • Strong data-driven decision-making skills.
  • Ability to implement department initiatives effectively.
Training & Development
  • Experience mentoring and developing personnel for career growth.
  • Ability to assess training needs and oversee curriculum development.
  • Strong instructional and coaching abilities.
Other Information
  • Must remain in such physical condition that they can successfully complete the required job performance testing and maintain CO POST Certification.
  • Applicants will be required to pass a Police Department Background Check, which may include the following: Personnel History Questionnaire, Integrity Interview, Fingerprint Check, Drug Screen, Criminal History and Driving Infractions Check, Reference Checks. The following requirements may be levied after a conditional offer is extended: Pre-Placement Physical, Psychological Examination and Credit/Civil Check. Note: Internal applicants may have a shorter process due to the existing requirements of their position.
What We Would Like You to Have
  • Higher Education Experience.
  • Master's degree in a relevant field.
  • Experience working in a university or campus law enforcement setting.
  • Completion of advanced law enforcement leadership training (e.g., FBI National Academy, Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command).
  • Knowledge of Clery Act, Title IX, and other federal regulations impacting campus safety.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials: 
  1. A current resume. 
  2. A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position. 
We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by July 9, 2026 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Essential Services

This position is designated "essential services." The incumbent is required to respond to requests for work during campus emergencies (snow, wind, rain, flood and any other natural or man-made event) and report to work for his / her regularly assigned shift during emergency campus closures. 

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