Police Officer - Entry Level

City of Richland; United States; On-site; USD 46,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent preferred provider medical plan

City-paid dental and vision plans

Participation in retirement plans

Vacation and sick leave

Job summary

The City of Richland is hiring an Entry-Level Police Officer to provide police protection and services for the community. This role includes responding to emergency situations, enforcing laws, and ensuring public safety. Candidates must meet specific qualifications, including a high-school diploma and completion of physical agility exams. The position offers a salary starting at $46.53/hour, with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• High-school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum age of 21 at time of application.
• U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency required.
• Obtain Basic Law Enforcement School Certificate within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Perform police protection and services to safeguard citizens.
• Respond to crime and accident scenes.
• Apprehend and arrest criminals.
• Enforce laws and ordinances.

Skills

Completion of initial written and physical agility exams

Valid Washington State driver's license

Ability to respond to emergency situations

U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency

Field training completion

Education

High-school diploma or equivalent

Two years of college-level coursework in police science, law, or criminal justice

Job description

Department: Police Services

Division: Police

IMPORTANT

Before submitting your application: The City of Richland currently has vacancies to fill and will be holding oral board processes in June2026, September2026, and November2026 to build certification lists for hiring. Entry‑Level Police Officers start at StepA: $46.53 (Hourly). Position salary range: $46.53 – $52.77 (Hourly).

Application Steps

1. Public Safety Testing: Candidates must have successfully completed the initial written and physical agility exams with Public Safety Testing (PST) and share their scores with Richland. Visit PublicSafetyTesting.com to schedule a test.
2. Personal History Statement: Complete a personal history statement (updated in the past three months) on your PST profile.
3. Hiring Standards: Ensure you have read and meet the hiring standards prior to applying. If you have questions, contact [e-mail].
4. Submit Application and Resume: Attaching a resume is required.

General Summary

Under the direction of a Police Sergeant or designee, performs police protection and other services to safeguard the lives, property and constitutional rights of the citizens of Richland; responds to crime and accident scenes, emergency situations and other requests for assistance; detects, apprehends and arrests criminals; enforces laws and ordinances of the City and performs a variety of specialized duties as assigned. Subject to 12‑hour shifts, callbacks, standby, and overtime as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of initial written and physical agility exams as outlined by the City of Richland’s protocols (currently Public Safety Testing).
• Submit an online application and attach a current resume.
• Complete/update your Personal History Statement (PHS) on your PST profile.
• High‑school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license upon hire date.
• Minimum age of 21 at time of application.
• U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or deferred action for childhood arrivals recipient.
• Obtain a Basic Law Enforcement School Certificate issued by the State of Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission within six (6) months of hire date. Out‑of‑state candidates who have previously certified in another state must pass the CJTC equivalency examination.
• Satisfactorily complete field training provided by the Richland Police Department before completion of the probationary period.

Desired Qualifications

• Two (2) years of college‑level coursework in police science, law, criminal justice, or a closely related field.
• Prior military police, correctional officer, reserve, and/or similar training and experience.
• Incumbents allocate to one or more specialized full‑time assignments on a rotational basis, with compensation reflecting difficulty and responsibility.

Working Conditions

Work is typically performed in the field, requiring daily travel of Richland City streets. Position involves outdoor work year round and is subject to extreme weather conditions. Noise level is usually quiet to moderate, depending on office or field. Employees may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, vehicles, verbal abuse, and violence in the line of duty. Interaction with upset staff or the public may be required. Physical demands include operating a motorized vehicle, handling equipment, lifting and carrying up to 100lbs on occasion, and restraining or defending against persons. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Selection Guidelines

The duties listed above illustrate the varying types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude related work. The job classification description does not constitute an employment agreement with the City and is subject to change.

Supplemental Information

Final selection will be based on overall qualifications and oral board interview process. Candidates will need to successfully complete a Chief’s interview, an integrity interview, and a comprehensive background check including reference, polygraph, credit, fingerprinting, and pre‑employment physical and psychological examinations.

Benefits (for Police affiliated staff)

• Excellent preferred provider medical plan with substantial City‑paid contribution.
• City‑paid dental and vision plans.
• City‑paid Life and Accidental Death & Disability Insurance (equals two times the employee’s annual salary).
• Participation in the State of Washington’s LEOFFII Retirement Plan.
• Vacation leave* and sick leave (8 hours per month*).
• 10 paid holidays.
• 4.5% City‑match (gross pay) deferred compensation plan.
• 457 education incentive program.
• Specialty pays.
• Section125 – Flexible benefits plan.
• City‑paid and Employee‑paid retirement health savings plan.
• Employee assistance program.
• Vacation accrual rates (rates subject to change based upon collective bargaining agreement). See CBA for eligibility requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting and retaining a highly qualified and diversified workforce. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age (over 40), marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities will be provided for participation in the application and selection process, if requested. Persons with a disability who need assistance must notify the Human Resources Department at the time of application and prior to the closing date by calling (509)942‑7392. The provisions of job announcements listed on this website do not constitute an expressed or implied contract of employment with the City. Any provision contained herein may be modified or revoked without notice.