Founded in 1911 by a vote of the people as a special purpose government, the Port of Seattle's mission is to promote economic opportunities and quality of life in the region by advancing trade, travel, commerce and job creation in an equitable, accountable and environmentally responsible manner.

Our vision is to add 100,000 jobs through economic growth led by the Port, for a total of 300,000 Port-related jobs in the region, while reducing our environmental footprint. We are committed to creating opportunity for all, stewarding our environment responsibly, partnering with surrounding communities, promoting social responsibility, conducting ourselves transparently and holding ourselves accountable.

The Port of Seattle is a leader in moving people and cargo across the country and around the world. With facilities and property ranging in scope from a half-acre park to one of the largest airports and container terminals on the West Coast, we maximize the public assets in our portfolio with an eye toward best uses and environmental sustainability.

The Port of Seattle Police Department is a full-service department consisting of two divisions: Patrol and Administrative Services. Assignments available include Uniformed Patrol, Bicycle Patrol, Boat Patrol, Bomb Disposal, Criminal Investigations, Evidence Technician / Property Room Custodian, Dive Unit, PTO, Hostage Negotiation, Explosive Detection K-9, Joint Terrorism Task Force, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Task Force, and SWAT.

We provide the primary law enforcement response within the geographical boundaries of the Port of Seattle, including Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and a portion of the surrounding residential and commercial properties. Port Police also patrol major portions of the Seattle waterfront and Elliott Bay.

Having a jurisdiction that is primarily a port of entry provides daily opportunities to develop close working relationships with the Office of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs, U.S. Coast Guard, and the Transportation Security Administration.

Patrol officers work a 3/12.5 or 4/12 84.0 hr. schedule and bid for yearly schedules. To keep officer's skills sharp, 40 hours of annual in-service training is provided in addition to many local, regional, and national training opportunities. The employer provides uniforms (including cleaning service), footwear, and most patrol-related equipment. Washington Teamsters-Local 117 represents the officers.

The Port of Seattle is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to diversity in the workplace.

Some of what you’ll be doing:

You will be responsible for providing community-oriented law enforcement services to Port-owned and operated properties with a primary emphasis of working at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and the Port of Seattle Maritime properties.

• You will patrol designated areas to deter and discover crime.
• You will enforce applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations.
• You will provide emergency services, detain and/or arrest persons charged with crimes, issue citations, provide traffic control, investigate accidents and assist motorists and pedestrians.
• You will write reports and testify in courts of law.
• You will support and work with tenants, residents, businesses, and the community.
• You may be in a position that requires the use of force, including deadly force.

Who you are:

Minimum Qualifications:

• All the following requirements must be met at the time of application:
• At least 21 years of age
• U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient
• Able to speak, read, and write the English language
• Possess a high school diploma or GED certificate
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License, or the ability to obtain one.

What Sets You Apart:

• Effective Communicator – You have the willingness and the ability to communicate and work with diverse groups to resolve challenging situations. You are skilled in both written and verbal communication techniques.
• Leader–You are a confident in your ability to assess situations and rapidly analyze issues in order to take quick action. You can take charge of situations and lead to positive outcomes and resolution.
• Value Integrity – You live in accordance to your deepest, ethical values and are honest with everyone in all aspects of your life.
• Accountable –You are someone who knows the value in explaining, justifying and taking responsibilities for one’s actions.

What else you’ll need to know:

• Background Investigation -The successful candidate(s) must pass a background investigation that includes a complete criminal records check, a polygraph examination, a medical examination and a psychological examination. Background investigations will be conducted as openings occur and include the following: driving history, credit history, arrest records, military records, educational records, and other sources where information can be obtained to measure one's suitability for police work. Successful applicants must successfully complete the state law enforcement training program (Basic Law Enforcement Academy or BLEA) and a Patrol Training Officer (PTO) process.
• Automatic Disqualifiers– You will need to review our list of Automatic Disqualifiers related to Criminal Activity, Driving Record, Drug Use, Employment and Financials before submittal of your application.
• Work Schedule– You will work a fixed, 12.5-hour shifts and available work shifts are bid on annually by seniority. The patrol schedule currently consists of a day shift running from 5:00 AM to 5:30 PM and a night shift running from 5:00 PM to 5:30AM. Newly hired officers can generally expect to initially work weekend night shifts once their field training is complete. Some overtime may be needed to meet operational needs.
• Work Environment – You will work in both indoor and outdoor environments in a variety of weather conditions. The employee sometimes works in or near moving traffic and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles consistent with working near aircraft and maritime vessels. May be exposed to aircraft noise. Will be required to walk and stand for extended periods of time throughout each shift.
• Overtime Eligible–You are eligible for overtime pay in this role.
• Security Requirements– As the successful candidate, you must pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check as well as a criminal history background check with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Your employment will be contingent upon obtaining a Port of Seattle ID badge upon clearance. You will also be required to obtain a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) Customs Seal within 30 days of hire.
• Union Representation– This position is represented by the Teamsters union, Local117.

Port of Seattle Police Department - Police Officer has 20 vacancies.

The eligibility list is a continuous listing and we have many vacancies available at this time. 

$50.49 per hour (entry-level starting base pay), Annual $105,023 

Employees are offered a competitive and comprehensive benefits package which includes:

• Full Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage (for employee and dependents)
• Life, Accidental Death, and Disability Insurance
• Paid Holiday, Sick Leave, and Vacation
• LEOFF 2 Retirement
• Post-Retirement Reduced Cost Medical Insurance available
• All Uniforms and all equipment provided
• 401(a) in lieu of Social Security contributions
• Deferred Compensation
• Supplemental Pension: Pacific Coast Benefit Plan
• Workout on duty
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 15 Specialty Assignments