Park Police Officer Candidate

Montgomery Parks; Maryland; On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training and certification programs

Health and disability accommodations

Job summary

Montgomery Parks is seeking Entry-Level Park Police Officer Candidates to serve in Montgomery County. This position involves a high-risk role with responsibilities such as enforcing laws and maintaining public safety across parks.

Candidates should have strong character, good judgment, and a high school diploma or equivalent. The application process includes training, a written exam, and background checks. Successful candidates will play a key role in protecting over 400 parks.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. Citizen by birth or naturalization.
• Must pass background investigation and medical requirements.
• Valid driver’s license with no restrictions.

Responsibilities

• Enforce federal, state, and local statutes.
• Maintain composure under stressful conditions.
• Monitor performance through supervisory reviews.

Skills

Strong character

Good judgment

Honesty

Reliability

Integrity

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Entry-Level Park Police Officer Candidates within Montgomery County

The Maryland‑National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M‑NCPPC) is seeking individuals to serve as Entry‑Level Park Police Officers for the Montgomery County Park Police division. The division protects over 400 parks across 37,000 acres of park land, which includes trails, athletic fields, campsites, and playgrounds on a 24‑hour basis.

Applicants should embody strong character, good judgment, honesty, reliability, and steadfast integrity. Acceptance into the program requires a formalized training schedule in the classroom and the field, followed by written, oral, and practical examinations that lead to Basic Law Enforcement certification.

Job Description

After completing the Entry Level Academy Training and the Field Training Evaluation Program (FTEP), officers are assigned to rotating shifts. Responsibilities include enforcing federal, state, and local statutes, laws, and regulations. The position is high‑risk, requiring officers to maintain composure under stressful conditions. Performance is monitored through a supervisory review process.

Application Process

Applicants must submit an online application. Those who meet the minimum qualifications receive an invitation via email to participate in the entry‑level officer testing process. Testing may be conducted in‑person or online, and usually takes approximately three hours.

Following successful test completion, candidates must attend a virtual Pre‑Hire Information Session. Qualified candidates then participate in an Oral Board Interview conducted by a Police Assessment Board. Candidates who pass all testing steps advance to a background investigation, medical screening, and other required assessments.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or Certificate of General Educational Development (GED).
• Age requirements in accordance with the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission (currently age 21 by graduation from academy).
• United States Citizen by birth or naturalization.
• Successfully pass background investigation and pre‑employment medical requirements.
• Successfully pass commission’s written exam and oral board for park police officer candidates.
• Valid driver’s license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations, with no restrictions that limit driving duties.

Selection Process

• Written Examination
• Pre‑Hire Information Session (Mandatory)
• Oral Board Interview
• Background Investigation / Computer Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA)
• Contingent Employment Offer
• Medical, Stress, and Psychological Evaluations
• Hire / Orientation Date assigned

Reasons for Disqualification (but not limited to)

• Poor work history
• Poor driving record
• Felony conviction(s)
• Illegal drug usage, possession, distribution, sale, or purchase
• Falsification of application or other documents
• Failure to meet medical standards
• Inability to competitively complete any component of the selection process
• Other disqualifying factors as determined by M‑NCPPC Park Police Department

Supplemental Information

Classification Specification: Park Police Officer Candidate (1001). These positions are for those interested in working within Montgomery County only.

Disability Accommodations

Applicants with Disabilities—please notify the Recruitment & Selection Services Unit at the time of application or by phone at 301‑454‑1411 (Maryland Relay 7‑1‑1). M‑NCPPC will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate qualifying disabilities.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Maryland‑National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M‑NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and celebrates a workplace culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to preventing discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non‑merit factor.