Govt. Law Enforcement - Police Officer - Closes 09-07-2026

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Police Officer, under the direction of the Sergeant, is responsible for providing for public safety by maintaining order, responding to emergencies, protecting people and property, enforcing Tribal, Federal and State laws on Tribal Properties and promoting good community relations. This position is also responsible for patrolling and enforcing Great Lakes Treaty Fishing and Inland Treaty Fishing and Hunting regulations and codes throughout the 1836 Treaty Area.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

• Patrols specific area on foot or motorized conveyance, responding promptly to calls for assistance.
• Patrols assigned areas by car, boat, or on foot to enforce game, fish, or boating laws or to manage wildlife programs, lakes, or land.
• Records facts to prepare reports that document incidents and activities.
• Photographs or draw diagrams of crime or accident scenes and interview principals and eyewitnesses.
• Monitors, notes, reports, and investigates suspicious persons and situations, safety hazards, and unusual or illegal activity in patrol area.
• Identifies, pursues, serves warrants and legal processes of court and arrests suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts.
• Reviews facts of incidents to determine if criminal act or statute violations were involved.
• Renders aid to accident victims and other persons requiring first aid for physical injuries.
• Investigates hunting accidents and reports of fish and game law violations, and issue warnings or citations and file reports as necessary.
• Investigates traffic accidents and other accidents to determine causes and to determine if a crime has been committed.
• Testifies in court to present evidence or act as witness in traffic and criminal cases.
• Seizes equipment used in fish and game law violations, and arrange for disposition of fish or game illegally taken or possessed.
• Inspects commercial operations relating to fish or wildlife, recreation, or protected areas.
• Aids other local law enforcement agencies as required.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

• Participates in various community functions and attends meetings on behalf of department as needed.
• Attends departmental and mandatory trainings to maintain needed certifications.

CONTACTS:

Immediate peers, peers in other departments, immediate supervisor/manager, managers in other departments, Executives, Board of Directors, customers and outside vendors/service providers.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Position medium lifting of 50 pounds maximum and frequent lifting/carrying up to 25 pounds. Physical factors include constant use of hearing, smell, near/midrange/far vision, depth perception, use of color/field of vision and driving, travel within 7 County Service Area; occasional standing, walking, sitting, lifting/pushing/pulling, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crawling, reaching and manual handling. Working condition include constant exposure to weather and extreme cold and occasional exposure to extreme heat, wet/humidity, noise, vibration, air quality and firearm discharge. Potential hazards include constant client contact, computer and equipment use; occasional infectious exposure and exposure to needles/syringes. Personal protection equipment provided by employer includes items such as but not limited to, gloves, gowns, face shields, masks, eye protection, mouth pieces, resuscitation bags, pockets masks, ventilation devices and other equipment as needed. Immunizations including Hepatitis B vaccination series will be offered to team member at no cost.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education: High School diploma or equivalent required. Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice field preferred.

Experience: Minimum of one-year experience working in Law Enforcement, Conservation or related Criminal Justice field preferred. 

Certification/License: Must have successfully completed an approved Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) Academy or successfully completed the Recognition of Prior Training and Experience (RPTE) program. Documentation supporting completion of the above requirements must be submitted at time of hire. Must have or be able to obtain Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Special Law Enforcement Commission (SLEC) Certification. Must be able to qualify with department issued weapons and qualify using the State of Michigan Standards and the Federal Standards as required. Must have a valid driver’s license and be insurable by the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Must comply with annual driver license review and insurability standards with the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Will be required to undergo and successfully pass a background check. Will be required to complete and pass pre-employment drug testing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of or ability to learn constitutional, Federal, State and Tribal laws, rules and regulations required. Knowledge and ability to use word processing and spreadsheet and data base software required. Must have knowledge and ability to safely operate a boat. Must have typing skills. Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Must be able to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with supervisory personnel, coworkers, subordinates and the general public. Must be able to work extended hours and varying shifts when needed. Native American preferred.

This job description outlines the general scope and level of responsibilities associated with the position. It is not intended to be an employment contract, nor does it represent a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or requirements. The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians reserves the right to modify, add, reassign, or combine job duties or positions, in whole or in part, at any time.