Public Safety Officer (PSO) - *CERTIFIED PROCESS ONLY* (67A)

City of Kalamazoo; Michigan; On-site; USD 53,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Kalamazoo is hiring Public Safety Officers (PSOs) who are dedicated to protecting and serving the community through various emergency services. This role offers a fantastic opportunity for career growth with special assignments available for officers. Competitive wages begin at $53,093 for recruits, with additional incentives and bonuses for lateral transfers. If you are a certified professional seeking meaningful work with a supportive environment, apply now to join the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety.

Benefits

Residency bonus

Student loan forgiveness

Military service buy-back

Defined-benefit pension plan

Qualifications

• Must be 21+ and hold a valid driver’s license.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Certified as Police Officer or Firefighter I & II preferred.

Responsibilities

• Respond to calls involving police, fire, and medical emergencies.
• Engage with the community and conduct patrols.
• Participate in investigations and provide medical aid.

Skills

Good moral character

Ability to respond to emergencies

Community engagement

Education

MCOLES licensing standards

Job description

**$15,000 HIRING BONUS FOR LATERAL TRANSFER POLICE OFFICERS AND FIREFIGHTERS**

** We will ONLY accept applications from CERTIFIED POLICE OFFICERS and/or those who are FULL-TIME CERTIFIED FIREFIGHTER I & II AND LICENSED MFR **

If you are NOT currently CERTIFIED AS NOTED,

your application will not be considered for this process.

Public Safety Officers (PSOs) protect and serve the community by responding to calls involving police, fire, and medical emergencies. KDPS offers a meaningful career with opportunities for professional development, advancement, and a schedule that promotes work-life balance.

Schedule and Benefits

PSOs work 12-hour shifts during a 28-day rotation, with 14 days on and 14 days off, including two weekends off and a seven-day stretch off each month for personal projects or rest.

Special Assignments and Career Growth

Opportunities include over forty professional tracks such as Aviation Unit, K9, SWAT, Detective, and more. Leadership roles are available, with training provided at each level for career advancement.

Wages and Incentives

Starting wages (effective 1/1/2025) range from $53,093 for recruits to over $92,907 for top pay in 2026. Experienced officers and firefighters with required certifications earn higher starting salaries. Additional benefits include a residency bonus, student loan forgiveness, military service buy-back, and a defined-benefit pension plan.

Application Requirements

Applicants must be 21+, possess good moral character, hold a valid driver’s license, be U.S. citizens, and meet MCOLES licensing standards. The hiring process includes tests, interviews, background checks, and medical screenings.

Additional Information

For more details, visit https://kalamazoopublicsafety.org/ and review the KPSOA Labor Agreement at https://www.kalamazoocity.org/Home. The list of duties includes responding to emergency calls, patrolling, investigations, fire response, medical aid, and community engagement.

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