Join Our Team
KANA is seeking dedicated individuals to serve as Village Public Safety Officers (VPSOs) in rural Alaska communities. This is a unique opportunity to live and work directly in the community you serve while providing essential public safety services.
VPSOs are community-based public safety professionals who respond to emergencies, support law enforcement activities, assist with fire and emergency medical services, participate in search and rescue, and help strengthen community safety and preparedness.
This position requires someone who can work independently, remain calm in emergency situations, build strong community relationships, and respond to a wide variety of public safety needs.
What You'll Do
Law Enforcement & Public Safety
- Patrol the assigned village by foot, motor vehicle, off-road vehicle, small boat, or aircraft
- Respond to routine and emergency calls, including crimes in progress
- Enforce applicable federal, state, municipal, and Tribal laws and ordinances
- Investigate reports of criminal activity
- Make arrests when authorized and appropriate
- Prepare detailed reports and provide testimony in civil, criminal, and Tribal court proceedings
- Respond to animal complaints and other community safety concerns
- Assist with monitoring individuals on probation or parole
- Assist the Alaska State Troopers with monitoring registered sex offenders residing in the community
Emergency Response
- Respond to fires and assist with fire prevention and protection services
- Respond to medical emergencies and assist the Community Health Aide when requested
- Participate in search and rescue activities
- Support emergency management planning, mitigation, and response activities
- Activate and test the Village Siren Alert Warning System (SAWS)
- Assist with emergency preparedness activities for natural and human-caused disasters
- Help protect and transport detained or arrested individuals when required
Community Engagement
- Attend City and Village Council meetings and provide reports regarding public safety matters
- Maintain regular communication with the VPSO Coordinator and Alaska State Troopers
- Participate in community-based initiatives and educational programs
- Support programs such as D.A.R.E., hunter safety education, Kids Don't Float, Choose Respect, and cultural activities
- Build positive relationships with community members and partner organizations
- Promote safety, preparedness, and crime prevention throughout the community
Administration & Accountability
- Complete activity reports, dispatch cards, timecards, and other required documentation
- Maintain regular communication with the VPSO Coordinator
- Attend required training and maintain required certifications
- Notify the VPSO Coordinator of incidents requiring additional support or Alaska State Trooper involvement
- Work independently while maintaining consistent communication with supervisors and public safety partners
What We're Looking For
Required Qualifications
- 21 years of age or older at the time of application
- U.S. citizen or resident alien who has demonstrated intent to become a U.S. citizen
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Good moral character
- Ability to meet the physical, vision, hearing, and other requirements established by the Alaska Department of Public Safety
- Ability to successfully complete the VPSO Physical Fitness Test
- Ability to obtain a valid Alaska Driver's License within 30 days of accepting employment
VPSO Certification
New hires must obtain a Village Public Safety Officer certificate issued by the Alaska Department of Public Safety within 24 months of hire.
Certification includes successful completion of:
- Alaska Law Enforcement Training (ALET) Academy
- Emergency Trauma Technician (ETT) training
- Rural Fire Protection Specialist training
This is a physically demanding public safety position. Candidates must be able to perform activities including:
- Running and pursuing suspects
- Restraining or handcuffing individuals
- Administering first aid
- Performing rescue operations
- Lifting and carrying 50 pounds or more
- Walking and working on rough terrain
- Bending, crouching, kneeling, climbing, pushing, and pulling
- Standing for extended periods
- Operating vehicles and other transportation equipment
- Working around bodies of water and in remote locations
Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Work Environment
VPSOs work in remote rural environments and may encounter a wide range of conditions, including extreme temperatures, water, snow, rain, rough terrain, confined spaces, heights, noise, smoke, dust, fumes, and other environmental hazards.
The position may involve air travel, boat travel, night shifts, weekends, extended hours, and working independently without immediate access to emergency medical assistance.
Why Join KANA?
When you join KANA, you're joining a mission-driven organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the communities we serve.
Benefits Include
- Competitive salary (DOE)
- 401(k) retirement plan with a 7% employer contribution beginning in year two
- Paid Parental Leave
- 80% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Access to 20+ medical plan options through federal OPM benefits
- Employer-paid life insurance at 2.5x annual salary
- AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability coverage
- Generous paid time off and 13 paid holidays
- Free membership to the KANA Wellness Center
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities
- Career advancement opportunities within KANA
- Potential temporary housing assistance for relocating employees, based on availability
Our Values
Everything we do at KANA is guided by:
Courtesy Caring Respect Sharing Pride
As a VPSO, these values are especially important. The position requires professionalism, integrity, fairness, compassion, and respect for the people and communities you serve.
Make a Difference Where It Matters Most
If you're looking for more than a job and you want a career where your presence can make a direct difference in the safety, security, and well-being of an entire community, consider becoming a Village Public Safety Officer with KANA.
Serve your community. Protect your neighbors. Make a difference.