Police Officer - Lateral

Port of Portland; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 82,700 - 110,931; Full time

Job summary

The Port of Portland Police Department is hiring Lateral Police Officers to serve mainly at Portland International Airport (PDX) and surrounding areas, upholding state and federal laws and aviation regulations. Over 65 sworn officers, 8 non-sworn staff cover patrols, detectives, canine handlers, and special units.

Eligibility requires 3+ years as a state-certified officer, Oregon certification readiness, US citizenship, and the ability to pass security checks.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience as a civilian Certified Police Officer within the United States.
• Current certification or eligibility to be certified as a Police Officer in Oregon without attending the Basic Police Academy.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Oregon or Washington State driver license prior to hire.
• Ability to pass and maintain a criminal history records check and security threat assessment for a PDX security badge.
• Physical strength and stamina required.
• Proficiency in understanding and following oral and written instructions in English.

Responsibilities

• Protect life and property at Portland International Airport (PDX).
• Patrol designated areas by vehicle, bicycle, or on foot to deter crime and enforce traffic statutes.
• Communicate in person, via radios, and computers to broadcast and receive information.
• Respond to reports of possible crimes and act accordingly.
• Perform full range of law enforcement and airport security duties, including serving warrants, collecting evidence, and completing incident reports.
• Enforce state statutes, Port, and City ordinances, issuing citations or making arrests as appropriate.
• Respond to traffic and other accidents, administer first aid, interview witnesses, and complete accident reports.
• Develop contacts to gather information about crimes and maintain intelligence on known suspects.
• Provide community services, presentations, and respond to the needs of airport tenants, customers, and stakeholders.

Skills

Clear communication

Critical thinking

Legal acumen

Stress management

Relationship building

Report writing

Job description

Position

We are hiring Lateral Police Officers for the Port of Portland!

The Port of Portland Police Department is looking for dedicated and experienced police officers to join our dynamic team. As state‑certified peace officers, our officers primarily serve at the Portland International Airport and the surrounding areas, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and supporting federal aviation regulations.

Over 65 sworn officers and 8 non‑sworn staff handle uniform patrol, detectives, canine handlers, TriMet, Metro, bomb technicians, and task forces.

Mission: Proactively protect the safety and security of the traveling public, focusing on preventing threats to aviation.

Lateral Transfer Eligibility

Applicants must be currently certified or eligible to be certified as a Police Officer in Oregon without attending the Basic Police Academy and must have at least three years of experience as a state‑certified police officer. Applicants under investigation during the background check process will not be eligible.

Salary Information

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

Incentive/ Premium Pay

• 10% for DPSST Advanced certification or 5% for DPSST Intermediate certification
• 5% for working as a Detective
• 5% for being a certified member of the Rapid Response Team (RRT)
• 3% for language proficiency (test required)
• 6% for being a certified Canine Handler
• 6% for being a certified Bomb Technician
• 10% for training recruits as a Field Training Officer (FTO) or 5% for instructing

Selection Process

• Application material review
• Oral board interviews
• Conditional offer
• Successful completion of ORPAT test (by time of hire)
• Background investigation (applicants cannot be under investigation at time of background)
• Psychological exam
• Chief's interview
• Medical exam
• Pre‑employment drug screening
• Employment confirmation

Testing Process

Port of Portland Employment Application: Complete the employment application at www.portofportland.com/Careers. Resumes are not a substitute for an incomplete application.

Oral Board Interview: Selected candidates will be notified for an in‑person interview.

Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT): If not a current Oregon officer or applying from out of state, complete the ORPAT test at Chemeketa Community College by hiring. Prior comparable test results may be submitted, but does not guarantee exemption.

Essential Job Duties

• Protect life and property at Portland International Airport (PDX)
• Patrol designated areas by vehicle, bicycle, or on foot to deter crime and discover criminal activity and enforce traffic statutes and ordinances
• Communicate in person, via radios, and computers to broadcast and receive information
• Respond to reports of possible crimes and act accordingly
• Perform full range of law enforcement and airport security duties, including serving search and arrest warrants, collecting evidence, making arrests, and completing detailed incident reports
• Enforce state statutes, Port, and City ordinances, issuing citations or making arrests as appropriate
• Respond to traffic and other accidents, administer first aid, interview witnesses, and complete accident reports
• Develop contacts to gather information about crimes and maintain intelligence on known suspects
• Ensure public convenience and well‑being within airport facilities, addressing inquiries, resolving complaints, and providing personal security services as assigned
• Provide community services, presentations, and respond to the needs of airport tenants, customers, and stakeholders

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience as a civilian Certified Police Officer within the United States
• Current certification or eligibility to be certified as a Police Officer in Oregon without attending the Basic Police Academy
• U.S. citizenship required
• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Oregon or Washington State driver license prior to hire
• Ability to pass and maintain a criminal history records check and security threat assessment for a PDX security badge
• Physical strength and stamina required
• Proficiency in understanding and following oral and written instructions in English

Additional Qualifications

• Pass a comprehensive police background check, psychological evaluation, post‑offer drug test, and medical examination
• Demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion
• Work efficiently in complex environments with shifting priorities
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, supervisors, stakeholders, and the public
• Problem‑solve effectively under high‑pressure circumstances while adhering to policies and procedures
• Promote safety as a guiding principle in all work practices
• Show respect for others and proven teamwork skills

Skills

• Effective communication, articulating clear and concise information while maintaining composure
• Critical analysis, assessing situations swiftly and objectively to identify potential risks
• Legal acumen, interpreting and applying laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations with precision
• Stress management, handling challenging scenarios with firmness, tact, and respect
• Relationship building, cultivating strong partnerships through excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Report writing, producing precise, timely, and detailed reports with clarity and accuracy

Supplemental and Selection Information

• Application review: Continuous intake; Human Resources reviews for minimum qualifications; SME panel assesses based on application and supplemental responses; monthly shortlisting.
• Interviews: Oral Board Interviews for selected candidates.
• Conditional offers: Offered to finalists after interviews.
• Background investigation: Conducted for conditional offers; typically 3–4 months.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Port of Portland is dedicated to maintaining an environment that extends equal opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. The Port affirms its commitment to nondiscrimination.

Veterans Preference

Qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference under Oregon law. Provide qualifying documents during the application process.

Background Checks and Drug Testing

Background checks and drug testing will be conducted where required by regulation and for safety‑sensitive positions.

ADA Accommodation

Accommodations will be considered for applicants with a qualifying disability. Contact Human Resources at 503‑415‑6690 or email [e-mail].

Know Your Rights

Workplace discrimination is illegal. Learn more at https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal.