Police Officer - Lateral

Police Officer - Lateral Salary

See Position Description

Location: Portland, 97218, OR

Job Type: Full-Time

Represented Job: Yes

Job Number: 02151

Division: Aviation

Department: Aviation Security & Public Safety

Opening Date: 03/01/2026

Closing Date: Continuous

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Description:

The Port of Portland Police Department is looking for dedicated and experienced police officers to join our dynamic team. As state-certified peace officers, our police officers primarily serve at the Portland International Airport and the surrounding areas, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and supporting federal aviation regulations.

Our department is comprised of over 65 sworn officers and 8 non-sworn staff. In addition to uniformed patrol, we offer specialized assignments in areas such as detectives, canine handlers, TriMet, Metro, bomb technicians, and task forces.

Our mission is clear: to proactively protect the safety and security of the traveling public, with a strong focus on preventing potential threats to the aviation industry.

Lateral Transfer Eligibility:

To be considered as a lateral applicant, candidates must be currently certified or eligible to be certified as a Police Officer in the State of Oregon without the need to attend the Basic Police Academy. Additionally, applicants must have at least three years of experience as a state-certified police officer.

Please note: Applicants under investigation during the background check process will not be eligible for employment.

SALARY INFORMATION:

Salary is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement and years of continuous service. Lateral Officers are credited with previous years of service for purposes of placement on the salary scale up to the top scale with a minimum of 5 years of service.

All required uniforms and equipment are supplied by the police department.

Contract Salary Scale:

• Hourly: $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

NOTE: In addition to the base salary, officers may qualify for incentive/premium pay for certifications, special skills, and specialty assignments as outlined in the CBA.

Examples of Incentive/Premium Pay:

• 10% for DPSST Advanced certification or 5% for DPSST Intermediate certification
• 5% for working as a Detective
• 5% for being a certified member of the Rapid Response Team (RRT)
• 3% for Language proficiency (test required)
• 6% for working as a certified Canine Handler
• 6% for working as a certified Bomb Technician
• 10% when training recruits as a Field Training Officer (FTO) or 5% when Instructing

SELECTION PROCESS:

1. Application Material Review: Human Resources will review submitted application packets for minimum qualifications.
2. Oral Board Interviews: Successful candidates will be invited to participate in Oral Board Interviews.
3. Conditional Offers: Following interviews, conditional offers of employment will be extended to selected candidates.
4. Background Investigation: Candidates who receive a conditional offer will undergo a comprehensive background check, which typically takes approximately 3-4 months to complete.
5. Psychological Exam: Candidates will undergo a psychological evaluation.
6. Chief's Interview: Candidates will participate in an interview with the Chief.
7. Medical Exam: Candidates will undergo a medical examination.
8. Pre-employment drug screening: Candidates will undergo a pre-employment drug screening.
9. Employment Confirmation: Candidates will be confirmed for employment.

TESTING PROCESS:

1. Port of Portland Employment Application: To be considered for this position, applicants MUST complete the Port of Portlands employment application by visiting our website: www.portofportland.com/Careers.
2. Oral Board Interview: If candidates are selected for an interview, they will be notified directly that they will be moving forward in the process.
3. Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT): If you are not a current Oregon officer or are applying from out of state, you will need to complete the Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT) as part of the hiring process.

Essential Job Duties:

1. Protect life and property at Portland International Airport (PDX).
2. Patrol designated areas by vehicle, bicycle or on foot to deter crime and discover criminal activity and enforce traffic statues and ordinances.
3. Communicate in person, via radios and computers to broadcast and receive information.
4. Respond to reports of possible crimes and act according to the situation.
5. Perform a full range of law enforcement and airport security duties, including serving search and arrest warrants, collecting evidence making arrests, and completing detailed incident reports.
6. Enforce State statutes, Port, and City ordinances, issuing citations or making arrests as appropriate.
7. Respond to traffic and other accidents, administer first aid, interview witnesses, and complete accident reports.
8. Develop contacts to gather information about crimes and maintain intelligence on known criminal activities and suspects.
9. Ensure public convenience and well-being within airport facilities, addressing inquiries, resolving complaints, and providing personal security services for public officials and other individuals as assigned.
10. Provide community services and presentations, and respond promptly to the needs of airport tenants, customers, and stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Minimum of three (3) years of experience as a civilian Certified Police Officer within the United States, with preference given to active law enforcement officers.
2. Current certification or eligibility to be certified as a Police Officer in the State of Oregon without attending the Basic Police Academy.
3. U.S. citizenship required.
4. Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Oregon or Washington State driver license prior to hire.
5. Ability to pass and maintain a Criminal History Records check and Security Threat Assessment required for a PDX Security Badge.
6. Physical strength and stamina required to meet performance expectations.
7. Proficiency in understanding and following oral and written instructions in English.
8. Ability to:
   • Pass a comprehensive police background check, psychological evaluation, post-offer drug test and medical examination.
   • Demonstrate the Port of Portland's commitment to valuing diversity and passion for inclusivity.
   • Work efficiently in complex environments, even under adverse conditions with shifting priorities.
   • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, supervisors, stakeholders, and the public.
   • Solve problems effectively under high-pressure circumstances while appropriately adhering to policies and procedures.
   • Promote safety as a guiding principle in all work practices.
   • Exhibit respect for others and proven teamwork skills.
   • Skilled at:
   • Effective Communication: Articulating clear, concise information while maintaining composure in high-pressure situations.
   • Critical Analysis: Assessing situations swiftly and objectively to identify potential risks and determine the most appropriate response.
   • Legal Acumen: Interpreting and applying laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations with precision.
   • Stress Management: Handling challenging scenarios with firmness, tact, and respect for all individuals involved.
   • Relationship Building: Cultivating strong partnerships through excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
   • Report Writing: Producing precise, timely, and detailed reports with clarity and accuracy.
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     Supplemental and Selection Information:

     SELECTION PROCESS (tentative schedule):

     1. Application Review: Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis. Human Resources will review submitted application packets for minimum qualifications.
     2. Interviews: After application review, successful candidates will be invited to participate in Oral Board Interviews.
     3. Conditional Offers: Following interviews, conditional offers of employment will be extended to selected candidates.

     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: careers@portofportland.com

     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 Accom