Police Officer - Lateral

Position

We are hiring Lateral Police Officers for the Port of Portland Police Department. Lateral applicants must be state‑certified officers with a minimum of three years experience and no need to attend the Basic Police Academy. Officers serve primarily at Portland International Airport and the surrounding area, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and supporting aviation regulations.

Responsibilities

• Protect life and property at Portland International Airport.
• Patrol designated areas by vehicle, bicycle or on foot to deter crime, discover criminal activity, and enforce traffic statutes and ordinances.
• Communicate in person, via radio and computer 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, responding promptly to the needs of airport tenants, customers, and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience as a civilian state‑certified police officer in the United States, with preference given to active law‑enforcement officers.
• Current certification or eligibility to be certified as a police officer in the state of Oregon without attending the Basic Police Academy.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Oregon or Washington state driver license prior to hire.
• Ability to pass and maintain a criminal history records check and security threat assessment required for a PDX security badge.
• Physical strength and stamina required to meet performance expectations.
• Proficiency in understanding and following oral and written instructions in English.

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 salary placement up to the top scale, with a minimum of five years of service. All required uniforms and equipment are supplied by the department.

Contract Salary Scale (annual)

• Start: $39,744 per hour ($82,667.52 annually)
• 1 year: $42,187 per hour ($87,748.96)
• 2 years: $44,777 per hour ($93,136.16)
• 3 years: $47,542 per hour ($98,887.36)
• 4 years: $50,319 per hour ($104,663.52)
• 5+ years: $53,332 per hour ($110,930.56)

Additional incentive or premium pay may apply for certifications, special skills, and specialty assignments as outlined in the CBA. Examples include 10% for DPSST Advanced certification, 5% for DPSST Intermediate, 5% for working as a detective, 5% for being a rapid response team member, 3% for language proficiency, 6% for certified canine handler or bomb technician, and 10% when training recruits as a Field Training Officer.

Selection Process

• Application material review
• Oral board interview
• Conditional offer
• Successful completion of ORPAT test (by time of hire)
• Background investigation
• Psychological exam
• Chief’s interview
• Medical exam
• Pre‑employment drug screening
• Employment confirmation

Testing Process

• Applicants must complete the Port of Portland employment application at . Incomplete applications will be rejected.
• ORPAT (Oregon Physical Abilities Test) is required for non‑Oregon officers or out‑of‑state applicants. Accepted scores from recent comparable tests may be considered.

Additional Information

Our department comprises over 65 sworn officers and 8 non‑sworn staff, offering specialized assignments in detectives, canine handlers, bomb technicians, and task forces.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Port of Portland is dedicated to maintaining and improving a work environment that extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. Employment decisions are made in accordance with state, federal, and local laws.

Veterans Preference

Qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans’ preference under Oregon law. Submit required documents during the application process.

Background Checks and Drug Testing

Background checks and/or drug tests are conducted where required by regulation and for other safety‑sensitive positions.

ADA Accommodation

Accommodations will be considered for applicants with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Contact Human Resources at 503‑415‑6690 or email .

Contact

For questions about this job, contact .