Police Officer - Lateral - $25,000 Hiring Incentive

Responsibilities

• Provide community-oriented law enforcement services to Port-owned and operated properties, with primary emphasis on Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Port of Seattle Maritime properties.
• Patrol designated areas to deter and discover crime.
• Enforce applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations.
• Respond to citizen calls for assistance, provide emergency services, detain and/or arrest persons charged with crimes.
• Issue citations, provide traffic control, investigate accidents, and assist motorists and pedestrians.
• Investigate crime, write reports, and testify in courts of law.
• Work with tenants, residents, businesses, and the community.
• May be in a position that requires the use of force, including deadly force.

Qualifications

Washington State Applicants

• At least 21 years of age.
• U.S. Citizen, lawful Permanent Resident, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient.
• Ability to speak, read, and write the English language.
• High School Diploma or GED certificate.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License, or ability to obtain one.
• Minimum of 24 consecutive months as a full-time, paid commissioned officer assigned to patrol or investigative duties, with no more than a 24-month break in service.
• Special agents from the Washington State Gambling Commission, Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, and Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife are eligible to apply as laterals.

Out-of-State Applicants

• At least 21 years of age.
• U.S. Citizen, lawful Permanent Resident, or DACA recipient.
• Ability to speak, read, and write the English language.
• High School Diploma or GED Certificate.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License, or ability to obtain one.
• Minimum of 24 consecutive months as a full-time, paid commissioned officer assigned to patrol or investigative duties, with no more than a 24-month break in service.
• Successfully completed a state-certified police academy granting a full authority certificate and hold a current, active full authority law enforcement certification (full powers of arrest and unrestricted enforcement powers of criminal and traffic statutes within the state of issuance while acting in an individual capacity).
• Must meet requirements outlined in Washington Administrative Code 139-05-210 "Basic Law Enforcement Certificate of Equivalency" and be qualified to attend and successfully complete the Washington State Equivalency Academy.
• If deemed necessary by department Command, may be required to successfully complete the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Basic Law Enforcement Academy.

Skills

• Leader – 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 – Possess the ability and willingness to communicate effectively with a diverse population; strong ability to document instances through professional report writing standards.
• Analytical Problem Solver – Able to independently and rapidly assess and solve problems in stressful situations, applying policies, rules, and regulations to take appropriate action.

Background Investigation

The successful candidate must pass a background investigation that includes a complete criminal records check, a polygraph examination, a medical examination, and a psychological examination. Background investigations are conducted as openings occur and include: driving history, credit history, arrest records, military records, educational records, and other sources where information can be obtained to measure suitability for police work. Successful applicants must also successfully complete a Patrol Training Officer (PTO) process.

Automatic Disqualifiers – Applicants must review the list of Automatic Disqualifiers related to Criminal Activity, Driving Record, Drug Use, Employment, and Financials before submittal of application. Federal law enforcement officers/agents, correction officers, or military police officers may not qualify for lateral positions. Applicants who currently hold a Law Enforcement Certification with less than 24 consecutive months experience as a full-time, paid commissioned officer may qualify for exceptional consideration upon review and authorization from the Chief of Police.

Schedule

Fixed 12.5-hour shifts; available work shifts are bid on annually by seniority. The patrol schedule currently consists of a dayshift running from 5:00 AM to 5:30 PM and a nightshift running from 5:00 PM to 5:30 AM. Newly hired officers can generally expect to initially work weekend night shifts once their field training is complete. Some overtime may be needed to meet operational needs.

Work Environment

Work in both indoor and outdoor environments in a variety of weather conditions. Sometimes work in or near moving traffic and occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles consistent with working near aircraft and maritime vessels. May be exposed to aircraft noise. Required to walk and stand for extended periods throughout each shift.

Security Requirements

Must pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check and a criminal history background check with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Employment is contingent upon obtaining a Port of Seattle ID badge upon clearance. Also 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 Teamsters union, Local 117.

Benefits

• Healthcare – Medical, Dental, and Vision Care with options for you and your family.
• Paid Vacation – Approximately four weeks per year, increasing with tenure.
• Paid Sick Leave – At least one hour of sick leave for every 40 hours worked.
• Holidays – More than ten days per year.
• Pension/Retirement Plans – A pension and additional savings plans.
• Getting to Work – Subsidized parking, low-cost public transit card, and alternative work arrangements including hybrid opportunities.
• Parental Leave – Six weeks of paid leave for new additions to your immediate family.
• Development – Tuition reimbursement, training, stretch assignments, and internal internships supporting a learning culture.
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion – Active organizational commitment to creating a culture where all employees succeed regardless of race, gender, and other identities.
• Work-Life Balance – Resources to help create habits for health and balance.
• Mission Driven – Focused on promoting economic opportunities and quality of life in the region by advancing trade, travel, commerce, and job creation in an equitable, accountable, and environmentally responsible manner.

Pay

Minimum Salary: $59.10 per hour; Maximum Salary: $66.88 per hour.