FT Lateral Transfer Officer

GetBadged; Burlington (VT); On-site; USD 81,889 - 100,086; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation days

Personal days

Paid holidays

Overtime opportunities

Education pay increases

Job summary

The Burlington Police Department is seeking experienced officers for lateral transfer to join a forward-thinking agency that values professionalism and community connection. This is not starting over—it's stepping into a role where your experience is recognized and your work matters daily.

Starting salary is competitive and may include education pay increases, night differentials, and department-supported training.

Qualifications

• Be a U.S. Citizen.
• Be at least 21 and no older than 45 at appointment date.
• Possess or obtain a valid Massachusetts driver's license.
• NDI certification or good standing.
• Good moral character and fit for employment.
• Out-of-state transfers must pass PAT and obtain academy waiver/certification.

Skills

Physical Fitness

Moral Character

Non-smoker

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

So the question is—are you where you’re supposed to be, or just where you ended up? Make the move that actually moves you forward. 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.

Burlington isn’t trying to be the biggest—it’s built to be one of the most well‑rounded, professional, and respected departments in the region. Serving a community of over 28,000 residents, it offers something that’s hard to find: a tight‑knit, engaged community, a department that balances proactive policing with real connection, and an environment where your work actually matters—and is seen.

Burlington PD is building what’s next with lateral transfer officers who already know the job. This isn’t about starting over—it’s about stepping into something better. This opportunity is for experienced officers who want to be part of a professional, forward‑thinking agency, who are ready to grow—not plateau—and who take pride in how they show up, every shift.

A career here isn’t just stable—it’s built to last, with a competitive salary that reflects your experience, comprehensive benefits that support you on and off the job, ongoing training that keeps you sharp, time off that allows for real work/life balance, and a team environment where people genuinely have your back. No fluff. No gimmicks. Just a department that does things right.

Minimum Requirements

• A Full‑Time enforcement officer from any U.S. law enforcement agency must have experience in his/her agency to be considered as a Lateral Transfer.
• A Full‑Time Lateral Transfer applicant must be in good standing with the National Decertification Index (NDI).
• Must be of good moral character and fit for employment, as determined by the POST Commission.
• Be a U.S. Citizen.
• Be at least 21 and no older than 45 at the date of appointment.
• Possess a high school diploma or GED (preference may be given to those candidates who have a college degree, military experience, or a combination).
• Possess or obtain a valid Massachusetts driver's license.
• Must be a non‑smoker and remain a non‑smoker.

Out‑of‑State Certified Officers

• Must pass the Physical Fitness Test. Out‑of‑state officers need to be able to obtain an academy waiver and certification through the MPTC and POST before appointment. To apply for an out‑of‑state waiver, click here.

Additional Qualifications

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

Salary & Compensation

• Depending on prior years of service and the Chief’s discretion, a Lateral Transfer with a recognized Bachelor's degree may start with a salary of $90,988.
• Additional education incentive pay available for recognized degrees is available.
  • As of July 1, 2026, Associate Degrees will be awarded 7.5%, Bachelor's Degrees 17.5%, and Master's Degrees 22.5%.
  • 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.
• Night differential 6% (4pm - 12am, 12am - 8am).
• Certified EMTs are eligible for an additional 6% increase and department‑funded recerts.

Benefits

• 14 vacation and 3 personal days per year.
• 35 annual vacation days after 15 years.
• Officers are eligible for 13 paid holidays.
• Ample opportunity for details & overtime.

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

Hiring Process

• Pass the Physical Abilities Test (PAT).
• Interview Panel – May include a writing assignment.
• Interview with Chief of Police.
• Conditional Offer of Employment.
• 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.