Police Officer

Job Description

Job Description

Full-Time Police Officer Employment Opportunity- Work and live where others come to vacation.

The City of Charlevoix  is seeking qualified applicants for the position of full-time Police Officer. Nestled between Round Lake, Lake Charlevoix, and Lake Michigan , our city is a beautiful 2.4 square miles with a strong sense of community pride. With a year-round population of 2,600 that grows to more than 10,000 in the summer months, Charlevoix is a unique place to live and work.

We are looking for officers who value work-life balance, community connection, and professional policing  in a supportive environment.

Why Charlevoix?

• Exceptional work-life balance  with a schedule designed for ample time off.
• Community-focused policing  where residents and visitors alike value positive interactions with law enforcement.
• Scenic small-town living  with access to northern Michigan’s unmatched recreational opportunities.
• Conveniently located 20 minutes south of Petoskey and 50 minutes north of Traverse City .

Recreation & Lifestyle

Living in Charlevoix means enjoying the outdoors year-round:

• Boating, fishing, and kayaking on three lakes.
• Beaches, marinas, and waterfront parks.
• Hiking, biking, and cross-country ski trails.
• Downhill skiing and snowmobiling within a short drive.
• Festivals, farmers’ markets, and a vibrant downtown community.

Whether you’re raising a family, continuing your career, or simply looking for a place where work and life are in balance, Charlevoix offers it all.

Duties & Responsibilities

As a Charlevoix Police Officer, you will:

• Investigate crimes, accidents, and incidents.
• Gather and protect evidence.
• Enforce ordinances and statutes, make arrests, and process prisoners.
• Provide traffic and parking enforcement.
• Respond to calls for service, motorist assists, and suspicious activity.
• Conduct property checks, preventive patrols, and community engagement.
• Prepare necessary reports and documents.
• Serve subpoenas, obtain warrants, and testify in court.

  Pay & Benefits

• Pay range: $26.09 – $33.81 per hour (based on experience).
• Retirement security:  MERS Defined Benefit Pension Plan and a 457 Plan with City contributions.
• Health coverage options:  Traditional plan or HSA with employer contributions.
• Health Care Opt-Out Pay: $643.00/month.
• Dental & Optical coverage.
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance.
• Generous paid leave:  Vacation, sick, personal time, 10 holidays, parental leave, and emergency leave.
• Longevity pay after 5 years.
• Uniforms, equipment, and dry cleaning provided.
• Modern standards:  Facial hair and tattoos permitted, external load-bearing ballistic vests.

Work Environment

• 24/7 coverage with 12-hour shifts (2-2-3 rotation) and a 10-hour overlap shift.
• Supportive, team-oriented department  that values officer well-being.
• Balanced call volume  allowing time for proactive, community-oriented policing.

Qualifications

• Associate degree.
• MCOLES Certified, Certifiable (Academy Graduate), or eligible to attend an MCOLES-certified academy.
• U.S. citizen, age 18+.
• No felony convictions or disqualifying history.
• Strong communication and report-writing skills.
• Must pass a comprehensive background, physical, psychological exam, drug screening, and driving history check.

Join Our Team

Whether you are an experienced officer seeking a supportive community  or a  new recruit ready to start your career , the City of Charlevoix Police Department offers a professional, welcoming, and rewarding environment.

The selected candidate will be required to reside within twenty (20) miles of the nearest boundary (As the Crow Flies) of the City of Charlevoix within 90 days of their date of employment. The City Manager may allow an additional 90 days for a new employee to comply with residency requirements. If the employee’s spouse is employed by a public employer and a conflicting/competing residency requirement results, this section shall not apply to the City of Charlevoix employee (prohibited by MCL 15.602).

Apply today to continue your career in a place where work feels meaningful, community matters, and life outside of work is just as rewarding.

The City of Charlevoix is an Equal Opportunity Employer