Police Officer - Lateral

Information Sessions - Learn More! Get to know our department and hiring process by attending one of our upcoming information sessions. Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 6:00 PM Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 6:00 PM Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 6:00 PM Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 6:00 PM To receive an invite, email: Oral Boards: Selected candidates will be invited to an interview on any of the following dates: Friday, January 30, 2026 Friday, February 6, 2026 Friday, February 13, 2026 Friday, February 20, 2026 Friday, February 27, 2026 Some of what you'll be doing: You will be responsible for providing community-oriented law enforcement services to Port-owned and operated properties with a primary emphasis of working at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and the Port of Seattle Maritime properties. You will patrol designated areas to deter and discover crime. You will enforce applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations. You will respond to citizen calls for assistance, provide emergency services, detain and/or arrest persons charged with crimes. You will issue citations, provide traffic control, investigate accidents and assist motorists and pedestrians. You will investigate crime, write reports and testify in courts of law. You will work with tenants, residents, businesses, and the community. You may be in a position that requires the use of force, including deadly force. Who you are: Minimum Qualifications: All the following requirements must be met at the time of application: WA State Applicants: • You are at least 21 years of age. • Be a U.S. Citizen, lawful Permanent Resident, or a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient. • Ability to speak, read, and write the English language. • You possess a High School Diploma or GED certificate. • Valid Washington State Driver's License, or the ability to obtain one. • You must have a minimum of 24 consecutive months as a full-time, paid commissioned officer assigned to patrol or investigative duties, and no more than a 24-month break in service. • You can be a special agent from the Washington State Gambling Commission, Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, and Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife and be eligible to apply as a lateral. Out-of-State Applicants: • You are at least 21 years of age. • Be a U.S. Citizen, lawful Permanent Resident, or a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient. • Ability to speak, read and write the English language. • You possess a High School Diploma or GED Certificate. • Valid Washington State Driver's License, or the ability to obtain one • You must have a minimum of 24 consecutive months as a full-time, paid commissioned officer assigned to patrol or investigative duties, and no more than a 24-month break in service. • You must have successfully completed a state-certified police academy granting you a full authority certificate and must hold a current and active full authority law enforcement certification. o A full authority certification refers to a fully commissioned state peace officer, with full powers of arrest and unrestricted enforcement powers of criminal and traffic statutes within the state of issuance while acting in an individual capacity. o As a holder of a full authority certificate, you must have completed a state authorized and sanctioned law enforcement training academy for its full duration. • All out-of-state lateral applicants must also meet the requirements outlined in the Washington Administrative code 139-05-210 "Basic Law Enforcement Certificate of Equivalency" and be qualified to attend the Washington State Equivalency Academy and successfully complete. If deemed necessary by the department Command, you may be required to successfully complete the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Basic Law Enforcement Academy. What Sets you Apart: • Leader - You understand the gravity and weight of the position of Police Officer and provide guidance to teammates and citizens whenever possible in an accountable and honest manner. • Effective Communicator - You possess the ability and willingness to communicate effectively with a diverse population. You also have a strong ability to document instances through professional report writing standards. • Analytical Problem Solver - You are able to independently and rapidly assess and solve problems in stressful situations, applying policies, rules and regulations to take appropriate action. What else you need to know: Background Investigation - The successful candidate(s) must pass a background investigation that includes a complete criminal records check, a polygraph examination, a medical examination and a psychological examination. Background investigations will be conducted as openings occur and include the following: driving history, credit history, arrest records, military records, educational records, and other sources where information can be obtained to measure one's suitability for police work. Successful applicants must successfully complete a Patrol Training Officer (PTO) process. Automatic Disqualifiers - You will need to review our list of Automatic Disqualifiers related to Criminal Activity, Driving Record, Drug Use, Employment and Financials before submittal of your application. If you are a Federal law enforcement officer/agent, correction officers, or military police officer, you do not qualify for lateral positions. You may be an applicant who currently holds a Law Enforcement Certification and has less than 24 consecutive months experience as a full-time, paid commissioned officer who may qualify for exceptional consideration upon review and authorization from our Chief of Police. Work Schedule - You will work a fixed, 12.5-hour shifts and available work shifts are bid on annually by seniority. The patrol schedule currently consists of a dayshift running from 5:00 AM to 5:30 PM and a nightshift running from 5:00 PM to 5:30 AM. Newly hired officers can generally expect to initially work weekend night shifts once their field training is complete. Some overtime may be needed to meet operational needs. Work Environment - You will work in both indoor and outdoor environments in a variety of weather conditions. The employee sometimes works in or near moving traffic and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles consistent with working near aircraft and maritime vessels. May be exposed to aircraft noise. Will be required to walk and stand for extended periods of time throughout each shift. Overtime Eligible - You are eligible for overtime pay in this role. Security Requirements - As the successful candidate, you must pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check as well as a criminal history background check with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Your employment will be contingent upon obtaining a Port of Seattle ID badge upon clearance. You will also be required to obtain a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) Customs Seal within 30 days of hire. Union Representation - This position is represented by the Teamsters union, Local 117. Why you'll love it here: The Port of Seattle offers an extensive benefits package that rewards our staff for their valuable contributions towards the Port's mission. In addition to the summary below, benefit details for non-represented positions can be found on the Port of Seattle's website. If the position is represented by a union, please refer to the " Collective Bargaining Agreement " or contact the appropriate Union Representative for specific information related to benefits and eligibility. Healthcare - Medical, Dental, and Vision Care with options that work for you and your family. Paid Vacation - Just about four weeks per year that increases with tenure to rest and rejuvenate. Paid Sick Leave - At least one hour of sick leave for every 40 hours worked. Holidays - More than ten days per year to celebrate with family and friends away from work. Pension/Retirement Plans - A pension and additional savings plans to prepare for your future after the Port. Getting to Work - From subsidized parking and a low-cost public transit card to alternative work arrangements giving you an opportunity to work hybrid. Parental Leave - Six weeks of paid leave to spend with new additions to your immediate family. Development - From tuition reimbursement, training, stretch assignments and internal internships, we support a learning culture. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - The Port of Seattle values diversity as a source of innovation and strength. We are actively working across the organization to create a culture where all employees - regardless of race, gender, and other identities - succeed and reach their fullest potential. Work-Life Balance - We provide the resources to help you create habits to be healthy and balanced. Mission Driven - We are focused together in promoting economic opportunities and quality of life in the region by advancing trade, travel, commerce, and job creation in an equitable, accountable, and environmentally responsible manner.

Created: 2026-03-04