Police Officer - Entry

Salary: $39.75 Hourly
Location : Port of Portland Police Department, 7240 NE Airport Way, 3rd Floor, Portland 97218, OR
Job Type: Full-Time Represented
Job Number: 02003
Division: Aviation
Department: Aviation Security & Public Saf
Opening Date: 04/09/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt


The Position
The Port of Portland Police Department is seeking high-quality Police Officer- Entry candidates to join our professional, growing team!

Our officers are state-certified peace officers serving at the Portland International Airport (PDX) and the surrounding area. Not all policing is the same-and that's the point. This is policing with a broader impact, a different pace, and a unique environment. At the Port of Portland, you operate in a critical infrastructure setting where traditional policing and protecting one of the region's most visible and heavily traveled public spaces intersect every day.

The Port of Portland Police Department is comprised of over 65 sworn officers and 8 professional staff. In addition to uniformed patrol, we offer a range of specialized assignments including detectives, canine handlers, transit operations, bomb technicians, and regional task force participation. If you're as dedicated to service as we are, consider joining our team!
Selection Process

• Front Line National Written Exam
• Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT)
• Application Materials & Qualification Review
• Screening Interview
• Panel Interview
• Background Investigation
• Psychological Examination
• Executive Interview, including discussion of background and psychological evaluation
• Medical Examination
• Pre-employment Drug Screening

Testing Information:
FrontLine National Written Exam: Candidates are responsible for scheduling and taking their written exam within the advertised testing window. The FrontLine National written exam can be scheduled by visiting the National Testing Network (NTN) website at Note: You must indicate you want to share your scores with the Port of Portland for consideration.
Applicants are encouraged to submit passing NTN Written Exam scores with their application; those who do not must provide a valid score within 30 days or their application will be closed, though they may reapply when valid scores are available.


Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT): The ORPAT is a physical test required prior to employment. 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

Public Safety & Crime Prevention

• Protect life and property at Portland International Airport (PDX).
• Patrol designated areas by vehicle, bicycle, or on foot to deter crime and detect criminal activity.
• Respond to reports of possible crimes and act appropriately.
• Develop contacts to gather information and maintain intelligence on criminal activity and suspects.

Law Enforcement & Legal Compliance

• Enforce state statutes, Port, and City ordinances; issue citations or make arrests as appropriate.
• Serve search and arrest warrants, collect evidence, and complete detailed incident reports.
• Respond to traffic and other accidents; administer first aid, interview witnesses, and complete accident reports.
• Communicate in person, via radios, and through computer systems to broadcast and receive information.
• Maintain clear documentation and reporting for law enforcement and airport security operations.

Public Service & Community Engagement

• Ensure public convenience and well-being within airport facilities; address inquiries, resolve complaints, and provide personal security services as assigned.
• Provide community services, presentations, and respond promptly to the needs of airport tenants, customers, and stakeholders.

Salary Information:
Salary is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement and years of continuous service. All required uniforms and equipment are supplied by the police department.
Contract Salary Scale:

Hourly:

Salary:

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 or premium pay for certifications and special skills. Entry-level officers can look forward to opportunities such as:

• 3% for language proficiency (test required)
• 5-10% for DPSST Intermediate or Advanced certifications

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Eligible for police officer certification in the State of Oregon
• U.S. citizenship
• Valid driver's license (Oregon or Washington) prior to hire, or ability to obtain
• Ability to obtain and maintain security clearance for unescorted access to secured airport areas
• Ability to meet physical performance expectations, including strength and stamina requirements
• Proficiency in understanding and following oral and written instructions in English
• Ability to pass required testing, including the written exam and physical abilities test
• Ability to successfully complete all pre-employment screenings (background investigation, psychological evaluation, drug test, & medical exam)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in criminal justice, social science, or a related field
• Experience in law enforcement, corrections, security, or a related field

Supplemental and Selection Information

Interview Process

• A passing FrontLine National (NTN) Written Exam score is required for application review. Applications may be submitted without a score; however, they will not be reviewed until a valid passing score is received.
  • You have 30 days from the date of application submission to provide your passing score. Applications without a passing score after 30 days will be closed.
• Application Review: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis for minimum qualifications. Qualified candidates are evaluated and shortlisted monthly.
• Interviews: Selected candidates will be contacted directly and invited to participate in screening & panel interviews.
  • If selected to interview, you should be prepared to speak to your experience, skills, education, and career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I complete the Port of Portland application?
A: Please complete the full Port of Portland online application at Incomplete applications may be rejected, and resumes do not replace required application fields.
Q: How do I complete the Frontline National Written Exam?
A: Candidates are responsible for scheduling and taking their written exam. The FrontLine National written exam can be scheduled by visiting the National Testing Network (NTN) website at Note: You must indicate you want to share your scores with the Port of Portland for consideration.
Q: When should I submit my NTN Written Exam scores?
A: A passing FrontLine National (NTN) Written Exam score is required for your application to be reviewed. You are strongly encouraged to upload your scores with your application to avoid delays. Applications without valid passing scores will not advance, and any application submitted without scores will be closed if scores are not received within 30 days of submission.
Q: How can I schedule the ORPAT?
A: You can schedule the Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT) through Chemeketa Community College in Brooks, Oregon.
Q: How often are applications and test scores reviewed?
A: Applications and submitted NTN scores are reviewed monthly to determine eligibility for screening interviews.

Q: What are the minimum passing scores for the NTN Written Exam?
A: Passing scores are required in all three sections of the FrontLine National (NTN) Written Exam:
• Video: 64.5 or higher
• Writing: 70 or higher
• Reading: 70 or higher

Q: What are the automatic disqualifiers for becoming a certified police officer in Oregon?
A: You may be disqualified from Oregon police certification for reasons such as certain criminal convictions (including felony convictions), inability to pass a background investigation, falsification of application materials, inability to obtain or maintain a valid driver's license, failure to meet citizenship requirements, or other disqualifying factors outlined by the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST).

Q: Can I reapply if my application is not selected or closed due to missing documents?
A: Yes. You may reapply 90 days after their initial application submission. Please note that priority will be given to candidates who submit complete applications, including valid passing NTN Written Exam scores.
About us:

At the Port of Portland, we use everything we have - our three airports, three working marine terminals, six business parks, and all the resources, expertise, and experience behind them - to move with purpose, connecting people with powerful opportunities and creating value for our region. We know that every person we hire, business we work with, contract we sign and decision we make is a chance to make someone's life better. And we'll use our power and influence to unlock new opportunities and ensure more people share in our region's success. With YOUR help - together with our partners, customers, and community - we'll help drive meaningful change!

Do you have questions about this job?

Contact us: View email address on click.appcast.io
Safety: The Port promotes safety as a Core value and we seek to eliminate harm through a culture of active prevention, curiosity, evaluation, and action. We comply with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently look for improvements that support operational excellence.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Port of Portland is dedicated to maintaining and improving a work environment, which extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability or sexual orientation. Employment decisions shall be made in such a manner as to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of nondiscrimination.

Veterans Preference: Under Oregon law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Port of Portland positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veteran's preference for this job, please provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Background Checks and Drug Testing: The Port of Portland will conduct background checks and/or drug tests for positions where such tests are required by regulation and for other safety-sensitive positions.

ADA Accommodation: Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the Port can reasonably do so without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources: call View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io.

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal

At the Port of Portland, we strive to offer a holistic and comprehensive benefits package for employees and their families. We care about your health by offering highly-subsidized healthcare plans that include alternative care. We look out for you and for family by paying for life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage. We participate in the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement program. We provide access to additional coverage and benefits including pre-tax spending accounts, voluntary term life insurance, a deferred compensation plan, and critical illness and accident insurance policies.

We go above and beyond by offering an award-winning wellness program for all employees to engage in. Employees can tend to their physical and mental health, earn rewards, and create community. Our employee assistance program supports the Port's commitment to emotional and mental well-being by providing mental health services, discounts on local gyms, and pet insurance for companions.

Our commitment to work-life balance ensures you have time to spend with loved ones and do the things you enjoy. We offer generous vacation time that accrues with length of service, sick leave that never expires and can be used for dependent care, health maintenance and mental health, and 8 weeks of paid parental leave - all in addition to 10 paid holidays. As an added bonus - because we know employees use their time off differently - once a year we give employees the opportunity to convert sick leave to personal leave, and to convert vacation leave to either cash, a retirement plan contribution, or a contribution to a Health Savings Account.

Please note: Some benefits vary by job type/group, so please be sure to review your comprehensive benefit guide and/or collective bargaining agreement upon hire to confirm what is available to you.
01


I understand that my application must be complete, and that missing information or attachments may result in disqualification. Resumes do not replace required application fields.

• Yes
• No

02


I understand that if I apply without submitting my passing NTN Written Exam scores, I have 30 days to provide them, and my application will be closed if the scores are not received within that timeframe.

• Yes
• No

03


I understand that the Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT) score must be submitted prior to hire, and failure to do so may prevent employment.

• Yes
• No

04


I understand that I must possess a valid Oregon or Washington driver's license at the time of hire, or be able to obtain one, and that I must maintain an acceptable driving record throughout employment.

• Yes
• No

05


I understand that successful candidates must pass all pre-employment screenings, including a comprehensive background check, psychological evaluation, post-offer drug test, and medical examination.

• Yes
• No

06


What is your current FrontLine National (NTN) Written Exam status?

• Passed and scores submitted
• Passed (scores not yet submitted)
• Scheduled
• Not completed

07


What is your current ORPAT status?

• Completed and submitted
• Completed but not yet submitted
• Not completed
• Completed equivalent out-of-state/military test (within past 12 months)

08


Which of the following best describes your years of experience working in law enforcement, security, or related fields:

• Less than 1 year
• 1-2 years
• 3-4 years
• 5 years or more

09


Have you attended a Basic Police Academy?

• Did not attend
• Attended and became certified
• Attended but did not become certified

10


If you served in the U.S. Armed Forces, are requesting to use veterans' preference points, and have submitted your DD214 form, please describe in detail your training and transferable skills from your military service as they apply to the requirements of this position. Enter N/A if you do not have military service.
Required Question