Police Recruit

Salary: $26.00 Hourly
Location : City of Muskegon, MI
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-02527-03
Department: City of Muskegon
Opening Date: 07/02/2026
Closing Date: 8/14/2026 5:00 PM Eastern


Description of Work

Note: This posting is for a role with the City of Muskegon.

Under direct supervision, attends an approved Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) basic police academy to be trained in the technical knowledge, skills and physical capabilities to perform police service; performs related duties as required.

Required Minimum Entrance Qualifications


1. Possession of a high school diploma or GED equivalent necessary.

2. No specific work experience necessary.

3. Must be 20 years old at time of appointment to Police Officer.

4. Must be a U.S. Citizen.

5. A valid Michigan Driver's license and safe driving record required.

6. May not be Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) certified or certifiable.

7. Must have taken and passed the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) Physical Fitness Test by the closing date of this posting.
Physical Conditions / Work Location


While performing the duties of a recruit, the employee may be exposed to actual and assimilations for educational purposes of the following; adverse weather conditions, extreme heat, high precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, explosives, bodily fluids and other dangers associated with crime of accident scenes, and other extremely dangerous situations. The noise level in the work environment can range from quiet to very loud. An employee in this position may be exposed to extreme emotional trauma as well, including dealing with injured, abused, traumatized, or deceased people.

Physical health, strength, and agility necessary to meet the physical demands of police work, as determined by a physical agility test and medical exam based on current MCOLES guidelines.

Must meet current MCOLES vision guidelines, including those for color, binocular, and peripheral vision.
Psychological suitability for police work determined by a psychological exam as required by MCOLES.

Additional Information
Evaluation Content Oral Examination - 100%

The selected candidate must take a post-offer medical examination (including back screen, complete physical, and psychological evaluation) and drug screening test given by a City appointed physician before the first day of employment. An offer of employment is contingent upon the results of the medical examination and drug screening test. Applicants for City employment may be subject to a post-offer criminal background check, depending on the nature and assignment of the position. When such check is conducted, an offer of employment is contingent upon the results of the criminal background check. Appointees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period before the appointment will be considered permanent.

APPLICANT REVIEW PROCEDURE Any applicant is entitled to a review of any determination or action taken by the City regarding the applicant's employment application. Inquiries should be directed to the Muskegon County Human Resources Department.

PURPOSE
The purpose of this recruitment is to establish an eligible list from which to fill present and future vacancies in this classification in the City system. For each opening, the Department Head has her/his choice of the candidates who meet the required minimum entrance qualifications. This list remains in effect for up to one year unless exhausted or extended.

The job description can be found here

THE CITY OF MUSKEGON IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. THE CITY OF MUSKEGON HAS ADOPTED A VETERANS PREFERENCE POLICY THAT RECOGNIZES QUALIFYING MILITARY SERVICE
Full time employees will become eligible for medical, dental and vision benefits 30 days after hire.
Health Insurance
Pre-tax premiums for Priority Health HMO/HRA.

Rates effective 06/01/2025 - 05/31/2026

Single: $40.08 bi-weekly
Double: $79.05 bi-weekly
Family: $93.07 bi-weekly
Wellness Requirements
The City of Muskegon pays your deductible and co-insurance if you complete the wellness requirements
1. Have a physical by your primary care physician every 2 years
Health Insurance Opt-Out bonus
As of 06/01/2025 As of 01/01/2026
Single $134.61 bi-weekly Single $153.85 bi-weekly
Double $273.08 bi-weekly Double $346.15 bi-weekly
Family $361.54 bi-weekly Family $423.08 bi-weekly

Dental Insurance
The City pays for a dental plan to all eligible employees & dependents through Delta Dental

Vision Insurance
The City pays for a vision plan to all eligible employees & dependents through Priority Health EyeMed

Life Insurance
At least 2x annual salary, rounded up to nearest thousand, no cost to employee, max benefit of $200,000

Long-Term Disability
Employee must be disabled for a minimum of three months to qualify, no cost to employee
Defined Contribution Plan

Mandatory pre-tax retirement plan with employer & employee gross wage contributions of 9% & 3%, respectively.

Deferred Compensation Plan (optional 457 plan)

Optional pre-tax retirement plan with $3,000 employer match.
Health Care Savings Plan
Mandatory pre-tax retirement plan for use on health costs, with employer & employee gross wage contributions of 3% & 2%, respectively. Never pay taxes on withdrawals if used on medical expenses.

Longevity Pay Bonus

Semi-annual bonus after reaching 5 full years of full-time employment

Residency Bonus

Biweekly payment of 6% of base wages if resident lives in the City of Muskegon city limits (does not count if employee only owns property in city limits)

Tuition Reimbursement
The City reimburses up to $2,500 annually for undergraduate level courses, and $3,000 annually for graduate-level courses. See Tuition Reimbursement Program Requirements
Fitness Club & Weight Watchers Reimbursement

The City reimburses 50%, up to $25 monthly for a fitness club or Weight Watchers memberships. Employees must attend at least 8 times per month for fitness, and at least 3 times per month for Weight Watchers. See Program Requirements

Home Ownership Program
The City matches a $2,000 down payment of a home in the City of Muskegon, an additional $2500 match for purchasing a home in certain neighborhoods, and an additional $3,000 match for homes that require more than $25,000 in repairs or new construction

Legal Holiday's observed with pay
The holidays vary depending on work location

Vacation
Eligibility for use begins after 6 months of service. If probation is met by July 1st, employee is awarded 96 hours, after July 1st employee is awarded 80 hours

Sick Leave
Sick accrual begins on the 1st day of hire; eligibility for use upon accumulation

Sick Leave Accrual Cash Out

Employees who accumulate sick leave are eligible to "cash out" a portion of their accumulated sick leave for a percentage of cash payment or full payment into any of the retirement savings programs funded through the City of Muskegon.

Bereavement
Eligible upon hire; length of time varies depending on relationship of person who passed, and provided the employee attends the funeral

Jury Duty
Eligible 1st day of hire

Employee Service Awards
Employees with a minimum of 5 years of service are eligible.

EAP Services
Employee Assistance Plan Services are available to employees and their families for counseling services

Public Student Loan Forgiveness
City employees may be eligible for the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)). Eligibility is determined by the U.S. Department of Education
Payroll Direct Deposit
Mandatory, begins on second paycheck