Port of Seattle Jobs

Mobile port-authority Logo

Job Information

Port of Seattle Lateral Police Officer in Seattle, Washington

Some of what you'll be doing:

*The Port of Seattle Police Department is currently offering a $10,000 hiring incentive for Lateral Officers, paid out in two installments. Half within 30 days of hire and remaining half at successful completion of probation. *

You will be responsible for providing community-oriented law enforcement services to Port-owned and operated properties with a primary emphasis of working at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and the Port of Seattle Maritime properties.

  • You will patrol designated areas to deter and discover crime.

  • You will enforce applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations.

  • You will respond to citizen calls for assistance, provide emergency services, detain and/or arrest persons charged with crimes.

  • You will issue citations, provide traffic control, investigate accidents and assist motorists and pedestrians.

  • You will investigate crime, write reports and testify in courts of law.

  • You will work with tenants, residents, businesses, and the community.

Who you are:

All Lateral standards must be met at the time of application.

In-State Applicants –

  • You are at least 21 years of age;

  • You are a U.S. Citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident with the ability to read and write in the English language;

  • You possess a High School Diploma or GED Certificate;

  • You must have a minimum of 24 consecutive months as a full-time, paid commissioned officer assigned to patrol or investigative duties, and no more than a 24-month break in service;

  • You can be a special agent from the Washington State Gambling Commission, Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, and Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife and be eligible to apply as a lateral;

  • If you are a Federal law enforcement officer/agent, correction officers, or military police officer, you do not qualify for lateral positions;

  • You may be an applicant who currently holds a Law Enforcement Certification, and has less than 24 consecutive months experience as a full-time, paid commissioned officer who may qualify for exceptional consideration upon review and authorization from our Chief of Police.

Out-of-State Applicants –

  • You are at least 21 years of age;

  • You are a U.S. Citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident with the ability to read and write in the English language;

  • You possess a High School Diploma or GED Certificate;

  • You must have successfully completed a state-certified police academy granting them a full authority certificate, and must hold a current and active full authority law enforcement certification;

  • You must have a minimum of 24 consecutive months as a full-time, paid commissioned officer assigned to patrol or investigative duties, and no more than a 24-month break in service;

  • If you are a Federal law enforcement officer/agent, correction officer, or military police officer, you do not qualify for lateral positions;

  • A full authority certification refers to a fully commissioned state peace officer, with full powers of arrest and unrestricted enforcement powers of criminal and traffic statutes within the state of issuance while acting in an individual capacity;

  • As a holder of a full authority certificate, you must have completed a state authorized and sanctioned law enforcement training academy for its full duration. All out-of-state lateral applicants must also meet the requirements outlined in Washington Administrative code 139-05-210 "Basic Law Enforcement Certificate of Equivalency" and be qualified to attend the Washington State Equivalency Academy.

  • As an out-of-state candidate, you must successfully complete the Washington State Equivalency course or must successfully complete the WSCJTC Basic Law Enforcement Academy as deemed necessary by Police Department Command.

All Applicants –

  • 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.

  • Driver’s License – You will need a valid Washington State Driver’s License, or the ability to obtain one, is required prior to your start date.

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.

  • Union Representation – This position is represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters union, Local 117.

Why you'll love it here:

  • Compensation - A competitive hourly wage between $48.75 and $57.90 per hour, depending on experience and education.

  • Healthcare – Medical, Dental and Vision Care with options that work for you and your family, including after your retirement.

  • Paid Vacation – Ranging from 96 to 216 hours per year based upon tenure, to rest and rejuvenate.

  • Pooled Holidays – Provided with a pool of hours commensurate with our 12 recognized and floating holidays each year.

  • Pension/Retirement Plans – A pension and additional savings plans to prepare for your future after the Port.

  • Getting to Work – Fully subsidized parking and a low-cost public transit card to get you here.

  • Parental Leave – Six weeks paid leave to spend with new additions to your family.

  • Development – From educational assistance to regular training and opportunities to join specialty teams like Bomb Squad, Canine, Civil Disturbance/Crowd Management, Detective, Dive, Marine, Police Training Officers and SWAT, we support a learning culture and opportunities for growth.

Why the Port of Seattle:

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 .

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 .

Location: Seattle Tacoma International Airport

Organization: Police Department

Employee Status: Regular

Schedule: Full-time

Posting Expires: Ongoing

Minimum Salary: 52.07

Midpoint Salary: 61.84

Req ID: 001937

The Port of Seattle is an equal opportunity employer that values diverse perspectives and life experiences. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, knowing decisions concerning the employment relationship will be made without regard to age, race, ethnicity, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, citizenship status, veteran status, the presence of any physical or mental disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law, regulations and ordinances. To help comply with all state and federal requirements, we appreciate you voluntarily answering the questions below. The information on this form will be kept confidential. Click https://www.portseattle.org/page/ethnicity-definitions for definitions and descriptions of the categories referenced below regarding Ethnicity and Race. Click https://www.portseattle.org/page/vevraa-information for information and definitions of the categories referenced below regarding Protected Veterans status.

DirectEmployers