Entry-Level Police Officer

City of Mountlake Terrace; Mountlake Terrace (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plans

Job summary

City of Mountlake Terrace seeks a Police Officer to protect life and property, enforce laws, and serve the community. You will conduct patrols, respond to both emergencies and incidents, and engage residents to promote public safety while upholding professional standards.

The role requires rotating shifts, including nights and holidays, and offers a comprehensive benefits package. Successful candidates will complete standard testing and background checks per city requirements.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate reports.
• Strong observational and analytical skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and maintain composure.

Responsibilities

• Patrol assigned areas to maintain safety and deter crime.
• Respond to emergency calls and coordinate with responders.
• Enforce laws, issue warnings or citations as needed.
• Investigate incidents, collect evidence, and document findings.
• Interact with the community to provide safety information.
• Perform duties in rotating shifts including nights and holidays.

Skills

Communication

Report writing

Interpersonal skills

Observation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

PublicSafetyTesting

Job description

• Position Type: Full-time
• Position Classification: Police Officer
• Department: Police
• Representation: Mountlake Terrace Police Guild.
• Schedule: Police Officers may work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and may be required to respond to emergency situations and changing operational demands.
• Benefits: Paid time off, medical, dental and vision insurance, retirement plans, 457(b) deferred compensation plan, flexible spending account, employee assistance program, life and long-term disability insurance
• Salary Schedule/Pay Band: Mountlake Terrace Police Guild/Recruit
• Hourly Wage:$43.44 (2026) and $45.18 (2027)

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Police Department, the Police Officer is responsible for protecting life and property, maintaining public safety, preventing and investigating criminal activity, and enforcing applicable municipal ordinances and state and federal laws. This position serves the Mountlake Terrace community through proactive policing, emergency response, crime prevention, and community engagement while upholding the principles of professionalism, integrity, accountability, and respect for individual rights.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Patrol and Crime Prevention Activities. Patrol assigned areas of the City by vehicle or on foot to maintain public safety, deter criminal activity, identify suspicious conditions, and detect violations of applicable laws and ordinances. Maintain awareness of community conditions and take appropriate action when potential safety concerns or unlawful activities are identified.
• Emergency and Non-Emergency Response. Respond to calls involving criminal activities, disturbances, domestic incidents, missing persons, traffic accidents, medical emergencies, and other public safety concerns.
• Law Enforcement and Traffic Enforcement. Enforce applicable municipal ordinances and state and federal laws through investigations, warnings, citations, arrests, and other lawful enforcement actions. Monitor traffic conditions, identify violations, operate applicable enforcement equipment, and coordinate enforcement activities with other law enforcement agencies as appropriate.
• Criminal Investigations and Evidence Management. Investigate suspected criminal activity and other incidents; identify and interview principals and witnesses; gather, document, and preserve physical and other evidence; maintain the integrity of crime scenes; and take appropriate steps to support subsequent investigations and legal proceedings.
• Suspect Apprehension and Detention. Arrest or detain individuals when legally authorized; conduct searches as permitted by law; apply appropriate and authorized force when necessary; utilize department-approved defensive equipment; advise individual of applicable legal rights; and transport arrested persons to designated detention facilities.
• Traffic Incidents and Public Safety Situations. Respond to traffic collisions and other roadway incidents; direct and control traffic; assist motorists and pedestrians; provide first aid within the scope of training; coordinate emergency medical assistance; document accident scenes; and take appropriate enforcement or other corrective action. Assist with crowd management and public safety at gatherings and special events as assigned.
• Communication, Reports, and Records. Use department communication systems and equipment to exchange information, coordinate responses, and obtain relevant information. Prepare accurate, complete, and timely reports documenting incidents, investigations, enforcement actions, and other activities to support departmental operations, subsequent investigations, and legal proceedings.
• Court Proceedings and Legal Processes. Appear in court and other legal proceedings as required to present evidence, provide testimony, and respond to questioning concerning arrests, investigations, and other law enforcement activities.
• Public Assistance and Community Engagement. Communicate with community members regarding laws, regulations, public safety concerns, and available resources. Provide information, assistance, and referrals; respond to inquiries and concerns; and promote positive relationships between the Police Department and the community.
• Other Related Duties. Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned, consistent with the scope and classification of the position.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties, essential functions and qualifications contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions, the level of knowledge, and scope of the responsibility typically required of the job. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences, to equalize peak work periods, or to otherwise balance the workload.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate.
• Driver's License: Possess a valid Washington State driver's license, or obtain one by the time of appointment, and maintain a driving record acceptable to the City's insurance and risk management requirements.
• Entry-Level Testing: Successfully complete the required entry‑level testing through www.PublicSafetyTesting.com (PST), including achieving a minimum score of 70% on the written examination and passing the physical ability test. Candidates must receive referral from PST to be considered for the City's recruitment process.
• Background Eligibility: Meet the background investigation and eligibility requirements established by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC) and the City of Mountlake Terrace.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Required Knowledge of:

• English language usage, including grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary sufficient to communicate effectively and prepare clear and accurate written documentation.
• Basic mathematical principles and calculations.
• Computer applications, standard office software, records management systems, and other technology relevant to law enforcement operations.
• Foundational principles of applicable laws, regulations, and legal procedures, with the ability to acquire and apply specialized knowledge necessary for law enforcement duties.

Required Skills in:

• Communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing, with individuals from diverse backgrounds and varying circumstances.
• Preparing clear, accurate, concise, and organized written reports and other documentation.
• Establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships through professionalism tact, patience, courtesy, and respect.
• Observing, gathering, organizing, and accurately communicating relevant information.
• Using computers, communication systems, and other technology necessary for departmental operations.

Required Abilities to:

• Exercise sound judgment, critical thinking, and discretion in assessing situations and determining appropriate courses of action.
• Remain composed, exercise self‑control, and respond appropriately under stressful, emergency, or potentially dangerous circumstances.
• Recognize potential hazards, assess risks, and make timely and reasonable decisions while considering the safety of the public, fellow officers, and oneself.
• Learn, interpret and properly apply laws, regulations, department policies, and established procedures.
• Communicate and interact effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, treating all persons fairly, impartially, and respectfully.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, other public agencies, and community members.
• Work independently and collaboratively, follow instructions, exercise initiative and complete assigned responsibilities within established timeframes.
• Adapt to changing circumstances, work assignments, priorities, and operational requirements.
• Observe, retain, recall, and accurately report relevant details and information.
• Learn and apply knowledge of the City’s streets, neighborhoods, and geographical landmarks.
• Maintain personal conduct (on and off duty), integrity, accountability, and appropriate discretion in the performance of assigned responsibilities.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Successfully complete the City’s required post-offer screening and evaluation processes, which may include a comprehensive background investigation, psychological examination, polygraph examination, credit check, medical examination, and drug screening in accordance with applicable laws and City policies.
• Successfully complete the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) administered by WSCJTC and obtain applicable peace officer certification in accordance with state requirements within the timeframe established by the Department. Successful completion of these requirements is a condition of continued employment.
• Successfully complete the Department’s Field Training Program and meet applicable performance standards. Successful completion of the program is a condition of continued employment.
• Complete employment eligibility verification and provide documentation required under applicable federal immigration laws.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Direct supervision is provided by a Patrol Sergeant.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

None.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Working Environment: Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments and subject to varying weather conditions, temperatures, and environmental elements. Police Officers may work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and may be required to respond to emergency situations and changing operational demands.

Physical Requirements: The position requires the physical ability to perform the essential law enforcement duties, which may involve prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, running, bending, kneeling, crouching, climbing, and other physical movements. Duties may require rapidly entering and exiting a patrol vehicle, pursuing and physically controlling individuals, navigating obstacles, and responding to emergency situations. The position also requires sufficient physical coordination and dexterity to operate vehicles, firearms, communication systems, and other department-issued equipment.

Occupational Hazards: The position may involve exposure to potentially dangerous situations, including contact with violent or uncooperative individuals, traffic-related hazards, and emergency scenes. Officers may also be exposed to bloodborne pathogens, infectious materials, hazardous substances, and other environmental hazards. The use of firearms, body armor, and other department-approved protective equipment may be required. Employees are expected to follow applicable safety procedures, departmental policies, and training requirements to minimize occupational risk.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City and the employee and is subject to change by the City as the needs of the City and the requirements of the job change.

The City of Mountlake Terrace is an equal opportunity employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workforce and community.