FT Entry Level Officer

GetBadged; Burlington (VT); On-site; USD 67,652 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

7 vacation days

3 personal days after 6 months

14 vacation days after first year

13 paid holidays

Job summary

Burlington Police Department is seeking candidates for an entry-level policing program. Eligibility includes citizenship, age, and license requirements, with a strong emphasis on fitness and background checks. Applicants should be prepared for a phased hiring process, including exams, interviews, and screenings.

Successful candidates may benefit from education-related pay incentives and a structured career development path within a department that emphasizes leadership and community service.

Qualifications

• Citizenship: U.S. citizen (birth or naturalization).
• Age: 21–45 as of written exam date.
• Driver's License: valid MA license or obtain within 6 months.
• Education: High School Diploma or GED; college degree/military experience may be preferred.
• Certifications: Massachusetts Class A License to Carry a Firearm.
• Tattoo Policy: no tattoos depicting racism/sexism/obscenity/profanity.
• Non-Smoker: must be a non-smoker.
• Background: no felony convictions.
• PAT Fitness Test: must pass.
• Academy Training: complete MPTC Academy for basic certification as a police officer.
• Characteristic Traits: strong character background.
• Entry Exam: pass GetBadged entry exam (75% non-veterans, 70% veterans).
• No automatic offer despite meeting minimum qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Meet eligibility requirements and progress through a multi-stage selection process.
• Participate in entry exam, background checks, medical and psychological screenings.
• Undergo interviews with the Chief of Police and an interview panel.

Skills

Physical Fitness

Character background

Eligibility testing

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

College degree preferred

Military experience or combination

Job description

Start strong—or don’t start at all. Burlington PD is ready when you are.

Job Description

Hiring Update, June 18, 2026: Thank you for your interest in joining the Burlington PD. We are currently moving forward with a selection of candidates. However, we continue to accept applications and encourage qualified individuals to apply, as additional opportunities may become available throughout the hiring process or as future vacancies arise.

Eligibility

NOTE ON ELIGIBILITY: To be considered eligible to apply, you must meet the following minimum passing scores before submitting your application.

• Non-Veterans: 75% or higher
• Veterans: 70% or higher

Hiring Timeline

The Burlington Police Department will be hosting a GetBadged Entry Exam on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Candidates may complete their exam at any GetBadged testing location and submit their application in advance; Burlington will host this exam locally to provide a convenient opportunity for members of the surrounding communities. The department’s formal review of applications will begin immediately following the release of exam scores, during the week of May 18th. Candidates who have already met all eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply early to ensure they are positioned for timely consideration.

Entry Level Overview

Entry Level at Burlington PD isn’t a stepping stone—it’s a launchpad. Burlington PD is building from the ground up—and doing it right. It’s a community that’s engaged, supportive, and expects a high standard from the officers who serve it.

This Is For Candidates Who

• Want more than “just getting hired”
• Take pride in preparation
• Are ready to be developed—not just placed

Features of the Program

• Strong training.
• Real leadership.
• A culture that holds the line.

Minimum Requirements

Required Passing Score for Eligibility:

• Non-Veteran: 75% and above
• Veteran: 70% and above

Applications from Non‑Vets scoring below 75% will not be considered.

Qualifications

• Citizenship: Be a U.S. citizen (by birth or naturalization).
• Age Requirements: Be at least 21 and no older than 45 as of the date of the written examination.
• Driver's License: Possess a valid Massachusetts driver's license (or obtain one within 6 months of appointment).
• Education: Possess a High School Diploma or G.E.D. certificate (preference may be given to those candidates that have a college degree, military experience or combination).
• Certifications: Must be able to obtain a Massachusetts Class A License to Carry a Firearm.
• Tattoo Policy: No employee displays any tattoo, body art, or body piercing that can be deemed offensive to the general public. Candidates shall not display tattoos or body art depicting racism, sexism, obscenity and/or profanity.
• No-Smoking: Must be a non-smoker and remain a non-smoker.
• Background: Candidates shall not have any felony convictions or equivalent convictions that would be a felony in Massachusetts.
• PAT Fitness Test: Must pass the Physical Fitness Test.
• Academy Training: Successful completion of full MPTC Academy to achieve basic certification as a police officer.
• Characteristic Traits: Have a strong character background.
• Entry Exam: Must pass the GetBadged entry exam (75% or higher for non-Veterans, 70% or higher for Veterans).

All candidates must understand that these basic, minimum qualifications do not guarantee candidates an offer of employment. All candidates will be assessed for their fitness for the position through an entire selection process.

Additional Qualifications

• Candidates with language skills, advanced educational degrees or certificates, or specialized training (forensics, computer skills, medical) are encouraged to apply.

Salary & Compensation

Annual Salary

• Step 1: $67,652 = $1,301 per week base salary.
• Additional education incentive pay available. For example, if the officer has a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, there is an additional 17.5% = $1,530 per week.
• Additional 6% stipend on top of base if the officer works nights (4pm - 12am, 12am - 8am) = $1,380 per week.
• Certified EMTs are eligible for an additional 6% increase and department-funded recerts.

Benefits

• On July 1, 2027, the criminal justice education pay increases to 10% for an Associate's Degree, 20% for a Bachelor's Degree, and 25% for a Master's Degree.
• Officers are eligible for 7 vacation days and 3 personal days after 6 months.
• 14 vacation days after first year.
• Officers are also eligible for 13 paid holidays.

(Full contract information can be found here: https://www.burlington.org/DocumentCenter/View/864/Police-Patrol-PDF)

Hiring Process

• Achieve a passing score on the GetBadged written Entry Exam (75% or above for Non-Veterans, 70% or above for Veterans).
• Pass the Physical Abilities Test (PAT).
• Interview Panel - May include a writing assignment.
• Interview with Chief of Police.
• Successful completion of a background check, and medical and psychological screening.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Town of Burlington is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Burlington Police Department's policy is to hire, recruit, train, and promote employees without discrimination because of race, religion, color, political affiliation, physical disability, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, and/or age.