Police Officer - Entry

Port of Portland; Oregon; On-site; USD 83,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

The Port of Portland Police Department is seeking entry-level Police Officers to join its professional team at Portland International Airport (PDX) and the surrounding area. Officers are state-certified peace officers serving in a critical infrastructure setting and may work in divisions from patrol to detectives, canine handlers and bomb technicians.

The department emphasizes service and community safety in a unique airport environment.

Qualifications

• FrontLine NTN written exam is required for application review.
• Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT) is required prior to employment.
• Applicants must be US citizens or eligible to work in the US.

Responsibilities

• Protect life and property at Portland International Airport (PDX).
• Patrol designated areas by vehicle, bicycle, or on foot to deter crime and ensure safety.
• Respond to reports of possible crimes and take appropriate action.
• Develop contacts to gather information and maintain intelligence on criminal activity and suspects.

Skills

English proficiency

Education

High school diploma or GED

Degree in criminal justice, social science, or related field

Job description

The Port of Portland Police Department is seeking high-quality Police Officer- Entry candidates to join our professional, growing team! Our officers are state-certified peace officers serving at the Portland International Airport (PDX) and the surrounding area. Not all policing is the same—and that’s the point. This is policing with a broader impact, a different pace, and a unique environment. At the Port of Portland, you operate in a critical infrastructure setting where traditional policing and protecting one of the region’s most visible and heavily traveled public spaces intersect every day. The Port of Portland Police Department is comprised of over 65 sworn officers and 8 professional staff. In addition to uniformed patrol, we offer a range of specialized assignments including detectives, canine handlers, transit operations, bomb technicians, and regional task force participation. If you’re as dedicated to service as we are, consider joining our team!

Selection Process

• Front Line National Written Exam
• Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT)
• Application Materials & Qualification Review
• Screening Interview
• Panel Interview
• Background Investigation
• Psychological Examination
• Executive Interview, including discussion of background and psychological evaluation
• Medical Examination
• Pre-employment Drug Screening Testing

Public Safety & Crime Prevention

• Protect life and property at Portland International Airport (PDX).
• Patrol designated areas by vehicle, bicycle, or on foot to deter crime and detect criminal activity.
• Respond to reports of possible crimes and act appropriately.
• Develop contacts to gather information and maintain intelligence on criminal activity and suspects.

Law Enforcement & Legal Compliance

• Enforce state statutes, Port, and City ordinances; issue citations or make arrests as appropriate.
• Serve search and arrest warrants, collect evidence, and complete detailed incident reports.
• Respond to traffic and other accidents; administer first aid, interview witnesses, and complete accident reports.
• Communicate in person, via radios, and through computer systems to broadcast and receive information.
• Maintain clear documentation and reporting for law enforcement and airport security operations.

Public Service & Community Engagement

• Ensure public convenience and well-being within airport facilities; address inquiries, resolve complaints, and provide personal security services as assigned.
• Provide community services, presentations, and respond promptly to the needs of airport tenants, customers, and stakeholders.

Information

FrontLine National Written Exam: Candidates are responsible for scheduling and taking their written exam within the advertised testing window. The FrontLine National written exam can be scheduled by visiting the National Testing Network (NTN) website at www.NationalTestingNetwork.com. Note: You must indicate you want to share your scores with the Port of Portland for consideration. Applicants are encouraged to submit passing NTN Written Exam scores with their application; those who do not must provide a valid score within 30 days or their application will be closed, though they may reapply when valid scores are available. Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT): The ORPAT is a physical test required prior to employment. Applicants who have completed the ORPAT, a comparable physical abilities test, or a U.S. Military PAT within the previous six months may submit their scores for consideration. However, submitting prior scores does not guarantee exemption from the ORPAT.

Salary Information

Salary is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement and years of continuous service. All required uniforms and equipment are supplied by the police department.

• Hourly: Salary: Start: $39.744 $82,667.52
• 1 year: $42.187 $87,748.96
• 2 years: $44.777 $93,136.16
• 3 years: $47.542 $98,887.36
• 4 years: $50.319 $104,663.52
• 5 years+: $53.332 $110,930.56

In addition to the base salary, officers may qualify for incentive or premium pay for certifications and special skills.

Entry-level officers can look forward to opportunities such as:

• 3% for language proficiency (test required)
• 5–10% for DPSST Intermediate or Advanced certifications
• High school diploma or GED
• Eligible for police officer certification in the State of Oregon
• U.S. citizenship
• Valid driver’s license (Oregon or Washington) prior to hire, or ability to obtain
• Ability to obtain and maintain security clearance for unescorted access to secured airport areas
• Ability to meet physical performance expectations, including strength and stamina requirements
• Proficiency in understanding and following oral and written instructions in English
• Ability to pass required testing, including the written exam and physical abilities test
• Ability to successfully complete all pre-employment screenings (background investigation, psychological evaluation, drug test, & medical exam)

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in criminal justice, social science, or a related field
• Experience in law enforcement, corrections, security, or a related field

Interview Process

• A passing FrontLine National (NTN) Written Exam score is required for application review. Applications may be submitted without a score; however, they will not be reviewed until a valid passing score is received. You have 30 days from the date of application submission to provide your passing score. Applications without a passing score after 30 days will be closed.
• Application Review: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis for minimum qualifications. Qualified candidates are evaluated and shortlisted monthly.
• Interviews: Selected candidates will be contacted directly and invited to participate in screening & panel interviews.
• If selected to interview, you should be prepared to speak to your experience, skills, education, and career goals.