Police Officer - Lateral

Lateral Police Officer – Port of Portland

The Port of Portland Police Department is seeking dedicated, experienced police officers to serve primarily at Portland International Airport and the surrounding areas. Candidates will collaborate with federal agencies to uphold state and federal law, enforce airport security, and support aviation regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• 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, enforcing traffic statutes 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 full 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience as a civilian Certified Police Officer in the United States, preferably active law‑enforcement officers.
• Current certification or eligibility to be certified as a Police Officer in Oregon without attending the Basic Police Academy.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• No later than hire, possession of or ability to obtain a valid Oregon or Washington State driver’s license.
• Pass and maintain a Criminal History Records check and Security Threat Assessment required for a PDX Security Badge.
• Physical strength and stamina to meet performance expectations.
• Proficiency in understanding and following oral and written instructions in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least three years of experience as a state‑certified police officer in the United States.
• Active law‑enforcement experience.

Salary and Incentives

Salary is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement and years of continuous service. Lateral officers are credited with previous years of service for placement on the salary scale up to the top scale, with a minimum of five years of service. All required uniforms and equipment are supplied by the department.

• Hourly: Salary:
• Start: $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
• Additional incentive/premium pay for certifications, special skills, and specialty assignments (e.g., 10% for DPSST Advanced certification, 5% for DPSST Intermediate, 5% for Detective, 5% for Rapid Response Team member, 3% for language proficiency, 6% for Canine Handler, 6% for Bomb Technician, 10% or 5% for training or instructing).

Selection Process

• Application Material Review
• Oral Board Interviews
• Conditional Offer
• Successful completion of ORPAT Test (by time of hire)
• Background Investigation (no investigations at time of background)
• Psychological Exam
• Chief’s Interview
• Medical Exam
• Pre‑employment drug screening
• Employment Confirmation

Testing Requirements

If you are not a current Oregon officer or are applying from out of state, you must complete the Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT). ORPAT testing is held at Chemeketa Community College in Brooks, Oregon, and must be completed by the time of hire. Prior scores from a comparable test or U.S. Military PAT within the past six months may be accepted for consideration.

About the Department

The department is comprised of over 65 sworn officers and 8 non‑sworn staff. Uniformed patrol includes specialized assignments such as detectives, canine handlers, TriMet/Metro, bomb technicians, and task forces. The mission is to proactively protect the safety and security of the traveling public, focusing on preventing potential threats to the aviation industry.

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 shall be made in accordance with state, federal, and local laws.

Veterans Preference

Under Oregon law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans’ preference when applying for Port of Portland positions. Veterans should provide the necessary documents 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 with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Requests for accommodation should be directed to Human Resources at 503‑415‑6690 or by email at .

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