Airport Police Officer (Lateral)

The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) is seeking experienced law enforcement officers with a minimum of two (2) years patrol experience and a current P.O.S.T. certificate to join the Airport Police force to perform specialized law enforcement duties focusing on aviation security and safety.


This Lateral Police Officer position is critical in maintaining public safety, fostering community engagement, and upholding departmental standards. The Airport Police team is expected to approach their work in a positive, professional, courteous manner, with a teamwork-oriented mindset, as the work may involve collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and interaction with a diverse array of individuals within the airport environment. A fully completed online RTAA Employment Application must be received by 11:59 p.m., Friday, August 3, 2026 .

RTAA invests in our employees and treats them with respect. Through career development, health programs, team-building activities, and employee assistance programs, we want our employees to live fulfilled lives and we strive to help them achieve their goals, no matter what they may be. The RTAA offers a positive, professional work environment that values teamwork, honesty, respect, recognition, integrity, innovation, versatility and excellence. We are an organization that demonstrates forward-thinking, employee-focused values with a highly skilled and engaged workforce. Our employees are the current and future strength of the organization. From employee events and outings to volunteer opportunities, to multiple levels of recognition, we are working hard to take care of our most important asset: our people.

At the RTAA, the Airport Police team is a key member of the Operations & Public Safety Department. Airport Police Officers are primarily responsible for performing general law enforcement duties and other emergency response to help provide the public with a safe experience while traveling through the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. The nature of the work requires the ability to act without immediate supervision and exercise independent judgment in emergency situations, and to have strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with a diverse population.

There is one (1) position open; however, the list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur. Applicants must be available to work all shifts (day, swing, and graveyard) 7 days a week - including holidays. To be considered for this position, applicants must indicate they are available for day, swing and night shifts (all three) on the RTAA online application.


In addition, this position qualifies for a $2,500 recruitment bonus paid in three installments at 3 months ($500) six months ($1,000), and one year ($1,000).

How to apply: A fully completed online RTAA Employment Application must be received by 11:59 p.m., Friday, August 3, 2026 .

Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. Recruitment will close without notice when a sufficient number of applications are received, or a hiring decision has been made. Applications for RTAA jobs are only accepted through an online process.

Click on the 'Apply' button to fill out the short Work History Questionnaire and/or upload your detailed resume. Make sure your Work History and/or resume clearly speaks to whether or not you meet the minimum qualifications and why you are the right person for this position. Please include a copy of your current POST certificate. To find out more about the RTAA, visit renoairport.com.

Examples of Job Duties:

• Patrol designated areas of the airport to preserve law, order, and public safety; checks airport facilities for physical security and ensure compliance with the approved airport security program.
• Respond to service calls and complaints including civil complaints, property control, automobile crashes, and related misdemeanor and felony incidents.
• Enforce traffic laws and issues warnings and citations.
• Contact and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of offenders and the investigation of offenses. Coordinate multi-jurisdictional investigations, as assigned.
• Prepare thorough and accurate reports on arrests made, activities performed, and unusual incidents observed.
• Secure crime scenes, resolve disputes, conduct preliminary and follow-up investigations, gather evidence, obtain witness statements, apprehend suspects, make arrests, and transport offenders.
• Collect and preserve evidence including photographs, fingerprints, blood, and related physical evidence as required.
• Provide crowd control and dignitary protection details, as needed.
• Attend training classes, and maintain proficiency, in police methods, tactics, firearms and related legal topics/trends.
• Other duties as assigned.

After a Police Officer's probationary period has been met, they may participate in special training programs and in special assignments/units as assigned and available upon successfully meeting special unity eligibility requirements and completing the special assignments application process. Participating in special assignments are not required and are in addition to the essential functions described above. Special assignments include but not limited to:

• Field Training Officer/Instructor
• Bike Patrol
• K9
• Investigations
• SWAT/Rapid Response Team
• And more...

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least two (2) years of sworn law enforcement patrol experience.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• A valid driver's license is required at the time of application.
• Current Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Category I Basic Certification. If P.O.S.T. certification is from another state, applicants will be required to obtain a State of Nevada P.O.S.T. certificate within 24 months of hire.
• Meet the current NAC 289.110 Minimum standards for appointment for a Peace Officer in the State of Nevada.

Applicants must attach a copy of their current P.O.S.T. certification to the application.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.

Salary Range: $40.43 - $49.19 PER HOUR . Initial salary placement will be based upon experience and qualifications. This is an hourly and overtime eligible position.


Benefits: The RTAA offers a competitive wage and benefit package and provides a high-quality work-life balance. Employee benefits include employer paid contributions to the Nevada PERS retirement program; 100% employer paid health insurance for the employee; paid vacation and sick leave; and 14 paid holidays per year - just to name a few! And as of July 1, 2026, Reno-Tahoe Airport Police Officers will be covered under workers' comp heart and lung provisions.

Selection Procedure:

Review of Application: After submission, the application and/or Resume will be reviewed to determine if it is complete and if minimum qualifications are met. It is essential that applications include detailed information regarding education and experience to enable evaluation of the application. Only applicants found to meet minimum qualifications will be invited to a panel interview.

Interview Process: Only the most highly qualified applicants will be invited for an interview. The interview may include an initial panel interview, followed by subsequent assessment exercises to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks and/or employment interviews with other RTAA personnel.

Personal History Questionnaire: Selected applicants will be invited to complete the Johnson & Roberts Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ) online as part of the Background Investigation. Applicants must complete the PHQ to be eligible for further consideration.

Pre-Employment Requirements: The RTAA requires each candidate to successfully complete employment history verification prior to being considered for employment. Per NAC 289.110, all Peace Officer candidates must pass a medical Fit for Duty exam, pre-employment drug screen, a lie detector exam, and an emotional stability exam.

Tips for success:
• Make sure you clearly state how you meet the minimum qualifications listed on the job announcement through your detailed resume or manually entered Work History.
• Please provide at least five years of employment history, along with the timeframe or dates you were with each employer.
• If you had more than one position with the same employer, list each position separately along with the timeframe or dates you were in each position.
• Explain any gaps of employment of 6 months or more in the work history section. To do this, just add a 'New Position' and write 'Unemployed' for the Company and what was occurring under the 'Title' (e.g., unemployed, student, etc.), and list dates. Please note, a statement in the 'Summary' section is not sufficient to address gaps in employment.

This job description lists only the primary job duties normally assigned to this position but does not restrict the performance of other duties as assigned.

The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority welcomes, values and respects diversity and inclusiveness practices that honor the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals. We are an equal opportunity employer and maintain a drug-free workplace.