Police Officer - Lateral

City of Moorhead; Moorhead (MN); On-site; USD 79,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & Vision

PERA pension

Deferred compensation

Wellness program

Job summary

Moorhead Police Department is seeking experienced lateral officers to serve in a collaborative, team-focused environment. This role offers a competitive pay range and a robust benefits package, including health coverage, retirement, and wellness programs.

The department emphasizes integrity, community partnerships, and ongoing growth opportunities in a city with strong Midwest values. Shifts are 12 hours (5-on/5-off, 2-on/2-off) with every other weekend, plus field training and career growth in

Qualifications

• Associate/Technical degree in criminal justice or related field (or eligible for MN POST Reciprocity Exam).
• MN POST license required by start date.
• CPR/First Responder certification.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Enforce laws, investigate criminal activity, and preserve public safety.
• Prepare reports, maintain records, and testify in court.
• Patrol, respond to calls, manage investigations, and engage with the community.
• May serve in specialized units and participate in training.

Skills

CPR/First Responder

Driver's license

Communication

Field training

Community engagement

Education

Associate/Technical degree in criminal justice or related field

Tools

MN POST license

MN POST Reciprocity Exam

Job description

Be part of something bigger. Join Moorhead Police Department.

The Moorhead Police Department is a respected regional law enforcement agency committed to integrity, high standards, and strong community partnerships. We are seeking experienced lateral officers who are ready to serve and protect in a supportive, team-focused environment.

Moorhead PD emphasizes accountability, respect, partnership, and growth. As a lateral officer, you’ll work in a department that supports you, appreciates your experience, and gives you opportunities to serve the community in a positive, meaningful way.

2027 Salary Range: $38.09 to $53.65 per hour (annual $79,227 - $111,583)

Why Join Us

• Accelerated pay incentive: 6-month step increase to Step 5, then annual increases
• Yearly anniversary-date step increases
• Negotiable starting wage DOE
• Accelerated Field Training Program
• 12-hour shifts (5-on/5-off, 2-on/2-off) with every other weekend off for a consistent life/work balance
• Career growth opportunities: SWAT, K9, SRO, Investigations, specialty units, instructor roles
• State-of-the-art equipment, technology, and new fleet vehicles
• Physical fitness incentive and on-site workout facility
• Strong support from department leadership, city leaders, and the community
• Generous PTO accrual:
  • 80 hours vacation per year (up to 240-hour carryover)
  • 12 paid sick days per year (up to 960-hour maximum)
  • Increased accruals with years of service

Comprehensive Benefits

• 100% paid health insurance premium (single, plus-one, and family depending on plan)
• Dental, vision, life insurance
• Flexible spending plan (HAS)
• Minnesota PERA pension
• Deferred compensation
• Wellness program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 11 floating paid holidays
• Visit our benefits page for more information

About Moorhead

With a population of almost 46,000, Moorhead is the largest city in northwest Minnesota and part of the vibrant Fargo-Moorhead metro (population 290,000). We offer affordable housing, short commutes, strong community support for law enforcement, and easy access to the Minnesota lakes area — perfect for year-round recreation. Moorhead blends small-town comfort with big-city amenities, making it an excellent place to live, work, and build a career.

About Our Department

The Moorhead Police Department is made up of 63 sworn officers who are dedicated to high standards, integrity, and strong community partnerships. Our work is guided by our mission: we keep Moorhead safe by serving with integrity, upholding the highest standards, and strengthening the community’s trust. Our vision is to support a community where people feel safe, valued, and respected, and we carry that mindset into everything we do.

Visit our " Who We Are" page to learn more.

Position Overview

This protective service role involves enforcing laws, investigating criminal activity, preserving public safety, preparing reports, maintaining records, and testifying in court. Officers conduct patrols, respond to calls, manage investigations, engage with community members, and may serve in specialized units.

Applicants do not need to be POST-licensed at time of application but must be licensed by the date of final offer.

Requirements

• Associate/Technical degree in criminal justice or related field OR
• Successful completion of MN POST Reciprocity Exam by start date OR
• Eligible to take the exam by start date
• Minnesota POST license required by start date
• CPR/First Responder certification
• Valid driver’s license

Ideal Candidates

• At least 1 year of licensed peace officer experience
• Successful completion of a field training program
• Good standing with current or most recent employer (no recent discipline)

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Includes modern law enforcement principles, city geography, department policies, firearms proficiency, report writing, situational assessment, communication, decision-making, and ability to remain calm and professional during high-stress encounters.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

Work regularly requires frequent standing, walking, driving, exposure to varying weather conditions, occasional contact with hazardous materials, and use of specialized protective equipment. The work of a police officer requires the regular exertion of up to 10 pounds of force, with frequent exertion of 25 pounds of force and occasional excursion of up to 100 pounds of force.

Hiring Process

The Process Includes

• Oral interview
• Background investigation
• Psychological exam
• Medical and fitness exam
• Interviews may be conducted in-person or virtually.
• Anticipated start date: January 4, 2027. (Subject to change based on operational needs.)

Contact

Sgt. Joe Brannan

218.299.5233

[e-mail]

Ride-alongs and tours available.

EOE