Police Officer (BLEA Certified)

The City of Bellingham is actively seeking qualified applicants for the position of Certified Police Officer. Why Join Our Team? Joining the City of Bellingham means becoming a part of a team that believes our greatest impact comes from working together with purpose, humility and a shared commitment to our community. Every employee contributes to delivering meaningful results for the people who live, work and visit here. We value people who approach challenges with curiosity, respect and collaboration. If you are motivated by building a career in public service, we encourage you to apply. Salary & Benefits 2026 salary range for a certified Police Officer: $7,956 – $10,236 per month. Additional monthly premiums may be applied per assignment and level of education. Benefits: 7.34 hours vacation per month (with increased accrual over time), 12 paid holidays plus 1 floating holiday per year, 216 hours sick leave upon hire with accruals, medical, dental and vision insurance for employees and families, life insurance, long‑term disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Washington State Retirement plan (LEOFF), and optional 457 deferred compensation plan with employer match. Training: 1040 work schedule with training days each month. Job Summary This position performs fully responsible, professional, general duty police work in the protection of life and property through enforcement of laws and ordinances. After formal and on‑the‑job training, employees in this class are responsible for independent law enforcement duties ranging from average to considerable difficulty and performed under general supervision of a sergeant or other ranking officer. Work normally involves patrolling in an unaccompanied automobile, motorcycle, bicycle, or foot patrol, and/or conducting detailed criminal investigations, traffic regulation, or community policing activities in a designated area on an assigned shift. Employees may be directed to work on, lead, or plan special projects or assignments. Work of this class may be reviewed by superior officers via inspection, reports, or discussion. Essential Functions Patrols a designated area of the city on foot, bicycle or in an automobile, motorcycle or small watercraft to investigate, deter and/or discover possible violations of criminal and traffic laws, codes and ordinances; maintains radio contact with the dispatch center. Responds to calls, complaints or reports of actual, possible or potential criminal activity and takes appropriate action, including mediating civil disputes, interceding in domestic disturbances, enforcing traffic laws, apprehending, controlling and arresting persons, assisting disabled persons, motorists and others, and providing information and direction. Participates in community policing activities, gains familiarity with local individuals, groups and businesses, meets with community groups, assists in neighborhood problem‑solving projects and sponsors public education programs. Administers immediate assistance to citizens in critical or emergency situations, may administer first aid, CPR or other assistance before emergency services arrive and provide support to victims and families. Secures and controls crime scenes, assists in evidence collection and witness statements, and arrests or supervises arrests of suspects. Appears in court to present evidence and testify, maintains or supervises surveillance over suspected criminals, arranges or participates in the return of fugitives. Develops and maintains required skills through intermediate or advanced training classes in law enforcement methodology, first aid, weapons and tactics and related subjects. Additional Work Performed Engages in specialized investigative assignments such as forensics or drug/gang task forces. Performs specialized assignments such as neighborhood resource officer, behavioral health officer, canine unit, SWAT, etc. Works with other law enforcement agencies on special assignments and multi‑jurisdiction emergencies. Performs special operations work such as raids and searches. Performs related duties as directed. Working Environment Work is performed both indoors and outdoors across all property in the City and environs. Conditions include walking, sitting or standing for long periods, running, climbing, jumping, physical exertion in inclement weather, and use of protective equipment and firearms. Officers work rotating shifts, including evenings, weekends and holidays. Physical Abilities Physical strength to restrain and control persons and defend self. Manual dexterity to operate a vehicle, handle tools and firearms, and type. Occasional lifting, pushing, carrying and pulling up to 100 lbs using proper technique. Frequently sit, stand, walk, drive, or ride a bicycle. Occasional running, jumping, climbing, balancing, kneeling, crawling or crouching. Communicate verbally on a frequent basis. Uncorrected vision of 20/100 or better; corrected to 20/20 in better eye and 20/30 in lesser eye. Visual acuity for distance, color, peripheral and depth perception; ability to read computer screens and typed pages. Qualifications and Requirements Training: Successful completion of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Basic Law Enforcement Academy and active commission, or completion of an approved law‑enforcement academy meeting WSCJTC standards. Education and Experience: Associate degree or two years of general education coursework, or high school diploma/equivalent combined with four years of honorable active military service, or substitute for the two‑year education requirement. Bilingual proficiency highly desirable. Licensing: Valid Washington State driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of residency; good driving record; three‑year driving abstract required. Military Service: Four years of active military service with honorable discharge can satisfy education requirement. Citizenship: U.S. citizen, deferred action for childhood arrivals recipient, or registered permanent resident able to work in the United States; Washington State residency at time of hire. Age: Minimum 21 years. Background: Employment contingent upon passing a criminal convictions check, background investigation, polygraph examination and fingerprinting (re‑checked every five years); psychological and general medical evaluation; pre‑employment drug test (includes cannabis); and successful completion of the Basic Law Enforcement Academy. Physical: Must meet all physical standards listed above. Other: Possession of or ability to obtain Red Cross certification for Infant/Child and Adult CPR and Standard First Aid. Probation: A standard 12‑month Civil Service probationary period applies to all officers after promotion to Full Performance Police Officer. Equal Opportunity The City of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not make decisions on the basis of an individual's race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age (40+), disability, retaliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking, use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, state or federal law. All are encouraged to apply for employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr