Police Officer 2

State of Ohio; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 50,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Multiple pay increases over the first

Free Parking!

Job summary

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is seeking a Police Officer 2 in Columbus, OH, to protect lives, secure property and enforce laws. This full-time role offers rotating shifts, multiple pay increases, and a strong benefits package.

You will patrol on foot and by vehicle, check buildings for hazards, monitor traffic, and perform identity checks while upholding safety and professionalism. Applicants must complete peace officer training or have long-term prior service; OPOTC fitness tests apply.

Qualifications

• Possession of certificate having successfully completed approved basic peace officer training program.
• Or completion of 20 yrs. active duty as peace officer per Section 109.78(D) of Ohio revised code; valid driver’s license.
• Applicant must be able to successfully perform Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Program (OPOTC) Fitness Testing Entry Standards for New Recruits

Responsibilities

• Protects lives & secures buildings & property.
• Patrols grounds & buildings on foot & in car.
• Protects lives of consumers/clients, visitors & employees.
• Checks property for open doors, gates, windows, fires or other hazards.
• Prevents crimes & enforces laws, rules & regulations.
• Checks identity of persons on grounds & nature of business.
• Monitors traffic conditions & parking facilities to ensure efficient flow of traffic.

Skills

Law Enforcement

Public Safety

Responsiveness

Education

OPOTC Peace Officer Training Certificate

20 years active duty as peace officer

Job description

Police Officer 2 (260006W4)

Organization

: Public Safety
Agency Contact Name and Information: Jennifer Pletcher, HCM Sr. Analyst – [e-mail]

Unposting Date

: Oct 10, 2026, 3:59:00 AM

Primary Location

: United States of America-OHIO-Franklin County-Columbus
Compensation: $28.25 per hour

Schedule

: Full-time
Work Hours: HOURS MAY VARY/ROTATING
Classified Indicator: Classified
Union: Unit 2

Primary Job Skill

: Law Enforcement
Technical Skills: Public Safety
Professional Skills: Responsiveness
Agency Overview

Ohio State Highway Patrol

Is an internationally accredited agency whose mission is to protect life and property, promote traffic safety and provide professional public safety services with respect, compassion, and unbiased professionalism.

Job Description

Ohio Department of Public Safety — Ohio State Highway Patrol

Report in Location Could Be Any One Of The Following:

• 1970 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43223
• 1583 Alum Creek Driver, Columbus, OH 43209
• 717 East 17th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211
• 77 South High Street, Columbus, OH 43215
• 30 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215
• 30 West Spring Street, Columbus, OH 43215

Perks of Working for the Ohio Department of Public Safety

• Multiple pay increases over the first years of service!
• Free Parking!

What You’ll Do as a Police Officer 2

• Protects lives & secures buildings & property:
• Patrols grounds & buildings on foot & in car;
• Protects lives of consumers/clients, visitors & employees;
• Checks property for open doors, gates, windows, fires or other hazards;
• Prevents crimes & enforces laws, rules & regulations;
• Checks identity of persons on grounds & nature of business;
• Monitors traffic conditions & parking facilities to ensure efficient flow of traffic.

Why Work for the State of Ohio At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

Qualifications

++Option 1++

Possession of certificate having successfully completed approved basic peace officer training program

++Option 2++

or completion of 20 yrs. active duty as peace officer per Section 109.78(D) of Ohio revised code; valid driver’s license. Probationary period is one year.

++Note:++

Applicant must be able to successfully perform Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Program (OPOTC) Fitness Testing Entry Standards for New Recruits

Job Skills: Law Enforcement
Supplemental Information

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT REQUIRED TO REMAIN IN THE CLASSIFICATION AFTER EMPLOYMENT

Satisfactory completion of mandated topics with Ohio Peace Officer Training Council. Must maintain physical requirements as established by agency (e.g. periodic fitness tests or physicals).

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS

May work weekends & nights; works outside exposed to inclement weather; subject to call in emergency situations; exposed to unpredictable client behavior; may be exposed to physical attacks.

This position is essential, meaning the duties this job performs are critical to the continued operations of the Ohio Department of Public Safety during a public safety emergency (OAC 123: 1-46-01 & DAS Directive HR-D-11). This position will be required to report for duty during any public safety emergency.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) background check required.

All applicants who meet the required minimum qualifications will be required to pass a physical fitness assessment.

All applicants must meet the required appearance standards for uniformed employees.

Background Check Information

• A BCI/FBI fingerprint check, and background check, including a polygraph examination, may be required on all selected applicants.
• A comparative analysis and/or drug-test may be a requirement of the hiring process.
• This position is subject to Federal Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) regulations that prohibit someone to carry, transport, or otherwise possess firearm(s) and/or ammunition from using or consuming marijuana in any form, including recreational marijuana, Ohio adult use cannabis, medical marijuana, or otherwise. As a result, the presence of marijuana in a drug test, even if used in accordance with Ohio Law, will be a positive drug test result which could result in denial of employment.

Position is identified as safety sensitive & is subject to random drug & alcohol testing in accordance with DPS 501.24.

To request a disability accommodation, please email [e-mail] as soon as possible, or at least 48 hours prior to the above referenced testing or interview date so any necessary arrangements may be made in a timely manner.

ADA Statement Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
Drug-Free Workplace The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.