Police Officer - Lateral

Lateral Police Officers

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 police officers primarily serve at the Portland International Airport and the surrounding areas, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and supporting federal aviation regulations. Our department is comprised of over 65 sworn officers and 8 non-sworn staff. In addition to uniformed patrol, we offer specialized assignments in areas such as detectives, canine handlers, TriMet, Metro, bomb technicians, and task forces. Our mission is clear: to proactively protect the safety and security of the traveling public, with a strong focus on preventing potential threats to the aviation industry.

Lateral Transfer Eligibility: To be considered as a lateral applicant, candidates must be currently certified or eligible to be certified as a Police Officer in the State of Oregon without the need to attend the Basic Police Academy. Additionally, applicants must have at least three years of experience as a state-certified police officer. Please note: Applicants under investigation during the background check process will not be eligible for employment.

Salary is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement and years of continuous service. Lateral Officers are credited with previous years of service for purposes of placement on the salary scale up to the top scale with a minimum of 5 years of service. All required uniforms and equipment are supplied by the police department.

Contract Salary Scale:

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

In addition to the base salary, officers may qualify for incentive/premium pay for certifications, special skills, and specialty assignments as outlined in the CBA. Examples include:

• 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 working as a certified Canine Handler
• 6% for working as a certified Bomb Technician
• 10% when training recruits as a Field Training Officer (FTO) or 5% when 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: To be considered for this position, applicants MUST complete the Port of Portland's employment application by visiting our website: Please ensure your application reflects all relevant education and experience, as incomplete applications may be rejected. Resumes are not a substitute for incomplete or partially completed applications.

Oral Board Interview: If candidates are selected for an interview, they will be notified directly that they will be moving forward in the process. Oral Board Interviews are in-person.

Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT): If you are not a current Oregon officer or are applying from out of state, you will need to complete the Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT) as part of the hiring process. ORPAT testing is held at Chemeketa Community College in Brooks, Oregon, and must be completed by the time of hire. If you've already completed a similar test in your state, you can submit your results for evaluation. Note: Applicants who have completed the ORPAT, a comparable physical abilities test, or a U.S. Military PAT within the previous six months may submit their scores for consideration. However, submitting prior scores does not guarantee exemption from the ORPAT.

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 statues and ordinances.
• Communicate in person, via radios and computers to broadcast and receive information.
• Respond to reports of possible crimes and act according to the situation.
• Perform a 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 criminal activities and suspects.
• Ensure public convenience and well-being within airport facilities, addressing inquiries, resolving complaints, and providing personal security services for public officials and other individuals as assigned.
• Provide community services and presentations, and respond promptly 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, with preference given to active law enforcement officers.
• Current certification or eligibility to be certified as a Police Officer in the State of 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 required for a PDX Security Badge.
• Physical strength and stamina required to meet performance expectations.
• Proficiency in understanding and following oral and written instructions in English.

Ability to:

• Pass a comprehensive police background check, psychological evaluation, post-offer drug test and medical examination.
• Demonstrate the Port of Portland's commitment to valuing diversity and passion for inclusivity.
• Work efficiently in complex environments, even under adverse conditions with shifting priorities.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, supervisors, stakeholders, and the public.
• Solve problems effectively under high-pressure circumstances while appropriately adhering to policies and procedures.
• Promote safety as a guiding principle in all work practices.
• Exhibit respect for others and proven teamwork skills.

Skilled at:

• Effective Communication: Articulating clear, concise information while maintaining composure in high-pressure situations.
• Critical Analysis: Assessing situations swiftly and objectively to identify potential risks and determine the most appropriate response.
• Legal Acumen: Interpreting and applying laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations with precision.
• Stress Management: Handling challenging scenarios with firmness, tact, and respect for all individuals involved.
• 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

SELECTION PROCESS (tentative schedule):

• Application Review : Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis. Human Resources will review submitted application packets for minimum qualifications. A SME panel will assess your qualifications based on the information provided in your application and responses to any supplemental questions. Applications will be periodically reviewed, with candidates shortlisted for interviews on a monthly basis.
• Interviews : After application review, successful candidates will be invited to participate in Oral Board Interviews.
• Conditional Offers : Following interviews, conditional offers of employment will be extended to selected candidates.
• Background Investigation : Candidates who receive a conditional offer will undergo a comprehensive background check, which typically takes approximately 3-4 months to complete. Once the background check is completed, final offers will be extended, and start dates will