Police Officer - Entry

The Port of Portland Police Department is looking for qualified candidates 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.

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 include:

• 8-10% for DPSST Advanced certification or 4-5% 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

• Testing (Front Line National Written Exam)
• Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT)*
• Qualification/Application Material Review
• Screening Interview
• Panel Interview
• Background Investigation
• Psychological Examination
• Executive Interview, including discussion of background and psychological evaluation
• Medical Examination
• Pre-employment drug screening
• Employment Confirmation

• Protect life and property at Portland International Airport (PDX).
• Patrol designated areas by vehicle, bicycle or on foot to deter crime and discover criminal activity and enforce traffic statues and ordinances.
• Communicate in person, via radios and computers to broadcast and receive information.
• Respond to reports of possible crimes and act according to the situation.
• 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.
• Enforce State statutes, Port, and City ordinances, issuing citations or making arrests as appropriate.
• Respond to traffic and other accidents, administer first aid, interview witnesses, and complete accident reports.
• Develop contacts to gather information about crimes and maintain intelligence on known criminal activities and suspects.
• 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.
• Provide community services and presentations, and respond promptly to the needs of airport tenants, customers, and stakeholders.

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• A degree in criminal justice, social science or related field is preferred.
• Prior experience in law enforcement, corrections, security, or related fields is preferred.
• Eligible to be certified as a Police Officer in the State of Oregon.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Oregon or Washington State driver license prior to hire.
• Ability to obtain and maintain security clearance for unescorted access to secured areas of the airport.
• Possess combination of physical strength and stamina required to meet physical performance expectations.
• Proficiency in understanding and following oral and written instructions in English.

• 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.

• 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.

SELECTION PROCESS (tentative schedule): 

• Written Exam: Applicants must successfully pass the Written Exam and submit their scores as part of their application. Only those who submit valid Written Exam scores will be invited to interview
• Full Application Review: Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis. Human Resources will review submitted application packets for minimum qualifications.  A SME panel will assess your qualifications based on the information provided in your application and responses to any supplemental questions. Applications will be periodically reviewed, with candidates shortlisted for interviews on a monthly basis. 
• Interviews: Monthly Screening Interviews will be conducted for selected candidates. Successful candidates will be invited to participate in Panel Interviews.
• Conditional Offers: Following the panel interviews, conditional offers of employment will be extended to selected candidates.
• Background Investigation: Candidates who receive a conditional offer will undergo a comprehensive background check, which typically takes approximately 3 months to complete. Once the background check is completed, final offers will be extended, and start dates will be coordinated. 

About us:

At the Port of Portland, we use everything we have – our three airports, four marine terminals, five 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 pull down barriers, unlock new opportunities, ensure more people share in our region’s success and include those who have been excluded in the past. 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 guiding principle and practice in accomplishing work by complying with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently seeking improvements that support operational excellence.

Diversity and Inclusion: At the Port, we don't just accept difference; we value and support it to create a culture of inclusiveness and fun. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

EEO/Affirmative Action Policy Statement: 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 and affirmative action.

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 veterans 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 503-415-6690 or email careers@portofportland.com.