Police Officer - Exceptional Entry

The Port of Seattle

$105K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • At least 21 years of age
  • U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident
  • Able to speak, read, and write English
  • Possess a high school diploma or GED
  • Currently hold Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy certification
  • Hold less than 2 years experience as a commissioned officer, OR
  • Be a Lateral Officer with a minimum of 24 months experience.

Responsibilities

  • Patrol assigned areas to prevent and deter criminal activity
  • Enforce local, state, and federal laws and Port regulations
  • Respond to emergency calls and assist citizens
  • Detain or arrest individuals suspected of crimes
  • Issue citations and manage traffic control
  • Conduct investigations and prepare detailed reports
  • Engage with community members for public safety

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision care
  • Approximately four weeks of paid vacation per year
  • At least one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked
  • More than ten holidays per year
  • Pension and additional retirement savings plans
  • Subsidized parking and low-cost public transit options
  • Six weeks of paid parental leave
  • Tuition reimbursement and development opportunities
  • Focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion
  • Resources for work-life balance
  • Mission-driven organization dedicated to community improvements
Full Job Description
Some of what you'll be doing:
  • You will patrol assigned areas to prevent, deter, and detect criminal activity.
  • You will enforce local, state, and federal laws, ordinances, and Port regulations.
  • You will respond to emergency calls and citizen requests for assistance with professionalism and urgency.
  • You will detain and/or arrest individuals suspected of committing crimes.
  • You will issue citations, manage traffic control, investigate vehicle collisions, and assist motorists and pedestrians as needed.
  • You will conduct thorough investigations, prepare detailed reports, and provide testimony in court.
  • You will engage with tenants, residents, businesses, and community members to build trust and maintain public safety.


Who you are:

Minimum Qualifications:

All of the following requirements must be met at the time of application:
  • At least 21 years of age
  • U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient
  • Able to speak, read, and write the English language
  • Possess a high school diploma or GED certificate
  • Valid Washington State Driver's License, or the ability to obtain one.

Law Enforcement Experience Requirements (One of the following must also apply):
In addition to the minimum qualifications above, you must meet one of the following law enforcement experience criteria:
  • You currently hold a Law Enforcement Certification, have less than 2 years (24 consecutive months) of experience as a full-time paid commissioned officer, and have had no more than a 2-year(24-month) break in service

OR
  • You are a Lateral Police Officer with at least 24 months of experience as a full-time paid commissioned officer,
    and have had a break in service of more than 2 years (24 months) but no more than 3 years (36 months)

OR
  • You are a Special Agent with the Washington State Gambling Commission, Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, and/or the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, you may be eligible to apply as a lateral officer

Note: The following roles are not eligible for exceptional entry or lateral consideration:
  • Federal law enforcement officers or agents
  • Correctional officers
  • Military police officers
  • You may be considered for exceptional entry level police officer approval upon review and authorization by the Police Chief or Designee.

What Sets You Apart:
  • Committed to Equity - You will apply equity and exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices in all aspects of the work. At the Port of Seattle, equity is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all Port employees.
  • Leader - You understand the gravity and weight of the position of Police Officer and provide guidance to teammates and citizens whenever possible in an accountable and honest manner.
  • Effective Communicator - You possess the ability and willingness to communicate effectively with a diverse population. You also have a strong ability to document instances through professional report writing standards.
  • Analytical Problem Solver - You are able to independently and rapidly assess and solve problems in stressful situations, applying policies, rules and regulations to take appropriate action.


What else you need to know:

  • Background Investigation - You must pass a background investigation that includes a complete criminal records check, a polygraph examination, a medical examination and a psychological examination. Background investigations will be conducted as openings occur and include the following: driving history, credit history, arrest records, military records, educational records, and other sources where information can be obtained to measure one's suitability for police work. You must successfully complete a Patrol Training Officer (PTO) process once hired.
  • Automatic Disqualifiers - You will need to review our list of Automatic Disqualifiers related to Criminal Activity, Driving Record, Drug Use, Employment and Financials before submittal of your application.
  • Work Schedule - Your normal work schedule will consist of a fixed, 12.5-hour shifts and available work shifts are bid on annually by seniority. The patrol schedule currently consists of a dayshift running 5:00 AM to 5:30 PM and a nightshift running from 5:00 PM to 5:30 AM. As a newly hired officer, you can generally expect to initially work weekend nightshifts once their field training is complete. Some overtime may be needed to meet operational needs.
  • Work Environment - You will work both indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. You will sometimes work in or near moving traffic and will be occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles consistent with working near aircraft and maritime vessels. You may be exposed to aircraft noise. You will be required to walk and stand for extended periods of time throughout each shift.
  • Overtime Eligible - You are eligible for overtime pay in this role.
  • Security Requirements - As the successful candidate, you must pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check as well as a criminal history background check with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Your employment will be contingent upon obtaining a Port of Seattle ID badge upon clearance. You will also be required to obtain a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) Customs Seal within 30 days of hire.
  • Union Representation - This position is represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters union, Local 117.


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