Police Officer - Exceptional Entry chez Port of Seattle Police Department

Why the Port of Seattle Police Department?

We offer competitive compensation, unique work environment, strong benefits package, including a starting salary of over $105,000, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision care, and generous paid time off.

Our officers work in a truly dynamic setting with a jurisdiction that covers not only Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) but also the Port's vast maritime properties. Our jurisdiction provides opportunities for a diverse range of duties, from traditional law enforcement to counter-terrorism efforts and specialized training that prepares officers to rise to any challenge.

We are committed to professional development, offering various specialized units, including nine full-time specialties and many part-time specialty assignments.

Our department offers the chance to serve a critical role in the region's economy and to be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to safety and community partnership. We are a local agency with a global impact. 

Information Sessions – Learn More!

Get to know our department and hiring process by attending one of our upcoming information sessions.

• Monday, September 2 at 5:00 PM
• Monday, September 16 at 6:00 PM
• To receive an invite, email: [email protected]

Oral Boards:

Selected candidates will be invited to an interview on any of the following dates:

• September 3
• September 12
• September 16

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.

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.

• 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.

The Port of Seattle offers an extensive benefits package that rewards our staff for their valuable contributions towards the Port‘s mission. In addition to the summary below, benefit details for non-represented positions can be found on the Port of Seattle‘s website. If the position is represented by a union, please refer to the “Collective Bargaining Agreement” or contact the appropriate Union Representative for specific information related to benefits and eligibility.

• Healthcare – Medical, Dental, and Vision Care with options that work for you and your family.
• Paid Vacation – Just about four weeks per year that increases with tenure to rest and rejuvenate.
• Paid Sick Leave – At least one hour of sick leave for every 40 hours worked.
• Holidays – More than ten days per year to celebrate with family and friends away from work.
• Pension/Retirement Plans – A pension and additional savings plans to prepare for your future after the Port.
• Getting to Work – From subsidized parking and a low-cost public transit card to alternative work arrangements giving you an opportunity to work hybrid.
• Parental Leave – Six weeks of paid leave to spend with new additions to your immediate family.
• Development – From tuition reimbursement, training, stretch assignments and internal internships, we support a learning culture.
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion – The Port of Seattle values diversity as a source of innovation and strength. We are actively working across the organization to create a culture where all employees – regardless of race, gender, and other identities – succeed and reach their fullest potential.
• Work-Life Balance – We provide the resources to help you create habits to be healthy and balanced.
• Mission Driven – We are focused together in 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.

Every role at the Port of Seattle is vital to our thriving community. We are a leader in moving people and cargo across the country and around the world. With facilities and property ranging in scope from a half-acre park to one of the largest airports and container terminals on the West Coast, we maximize the public assets in our portfolio with an eye toward best uses and environmental sustainability. Find out more here. IND123

Our vision is to create a Port that mirrors – throughout its breadth of operations and services and within its leadership – the diversity of our communities, instill principles of equity into its culture, and ensures a fair and intentional distribution of opportunities to expand economic develop and quality of life for all in our region. Find out more about how our values RAISE us up and our commitment to equity.