Law Enforcement Officer Position

Woodland Police Department - Police Officer

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PROFILE DISCLAIMER

The information herein is provided by the respective agency and is only as accurate and as up-to-date as the agency representative(s) update this information. PST is not responsible for the veracity of this data as it is provided directly from the agency. It is ultimately the applicant's responsibility to verify any information about the agency with the agency.

Woodland Police Department - Police Officer

Last updated on October 21, 2026
PST Partner Agency since July 06, 2015

Vacancies: 2

Important Information

Important Information Related to PST’s New Written Exam Beginning March 1, 2025

Our agency will accept new test scores (administered after March 1, 2025).

Community Information

Incorporated in 1906, the City of Woodland, located 20 miles north of Vancouver, Washington, is the southern gateway to Mt. St. Helens. The city is located in both Cowlitz and Clark Counties. This growing community, with a population of 6,650 is located at the junction of Interstate 5 and State Highway 503. The greater Woodland area has a population of over 10,000 persons.

Department Information

The Mission of the Woodland Police Department is to preserve a feeling of safety and security for our citizens by protecting life and property, conducting professional investigations, promoting innovative crime prevention strategies, and providing excellent service.

Job Description

Police officers perform assigned patrol and/or detective law enforcement work necessary to maintain public peace and order, protect life and property, prevent crime, apprehend suspected violators of the law, and otherwise assure the enforcement of the State Laws and City Code under the jurisdiction of the office of the Chief of Police. For a full job description, click on the files below.

Area Information

County: Clark/Cowlitz
Population: 6650
# of Staff: 16

Hiring Status

Woodland Police Department - Police Officer has 2 vacancies.

The eligibility list is a continuous listing and maintained as scores are received from PST with oral board interviews conducted on an as-needed basis. Vacancies are filled by Civil Service "rule of five" with the top five candidates forwarded to the appointing authority for background investigation & selection as vacancies occur.

Salary Information

Per the Woodland Police Officer Association (WPOA) agreement for the period January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2027, the salary ranges are as follows:

  • 2026 - Entry level begins at $7,151.14 and goes to step 5 at $9,189.04
  • 2027 - Entry level begins at $7,365.67 and goes to step 5 at $9,464.71

Benefit Information

Benefits Offered through the City:

  • Paid Sick time
  • Paid Vacation
  • Accrued Holiday Time Off
  • Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Washington State LEOFF Pension Program

Required Documents

Document Description Example Files Required Preference Points
High School Diploma Read Description
Upload a clear copy of your high school diploma or equivalent (such as a GED certificate). This document must show your name, the school or program, and the date you graduated or completed the program.
 None
College Transcripts/Diploma Read Description
Upload your college diploma and/or official or unofficial college transcripts. These should show the name of the school, your name, your degree or program, and your graduation date (if applicable).
 None
Drivers License Read Description
Upload a clear, readable copy of your current driver’s license (front, and back if needed). Make sure the name, photo, license number, and expiration date are visible.
 None
DD214 Read Description
If you have prior military service, upload a copy of your DD214. Please include the Member-4 copy (or equivalent) that lists your character of service and discharge status.
 None

Woodland Police Department - Police Officer Requirements

Category Requirement Required at time of...
    Test Hire
Written Examination Yes, required
LEO/CO Physical Ability Test (PAT) Yes, required

Your physical ability test must be completed 180 days (~6 months) before or after your passing written exam.
PST Personal History Statement Yes, required within 7 days of passing required exam(s)  
Minimum Age 21
Citizenship US Citizen
High School Grad/ GED Yes
Driver's License Required Valid Washington State Driver's License within two weeks of appointment.
Felony Conviction(s) as an Adult No adult felony convictions at any time.
Ability to Read, Speak & Write the English Language Yes
Vision Requirements Uncorrected 20/40, corrected 20/20
College Requirement No
Prior Experience Requirement No
Veterans Preference Points Yes
Reserve Officer Certification Preference Points Yes
Other
Multiple Scores from Same Applicant We only consider the most recent score
Request/Access Scores On an as-needed basis as vacancies occur

Woodland Police Department - Police Officer Disqualifiers

The following are automatic and potential disqualifiers. Applicants should not apply to our agency if they indicate any of the automatic disqualifiers. Potential disqualifiers will be considered on a case by case basis.

Category Disqualifier
Driving
Automatic Any criminal traffic conviction in Washington or similar offense in another state within five (5) years. Examples include DUI, reckless driving, negligent driving, or hit and run.
Automatic Suspension or revocation of driver's license for traffic crimes or violations within past three (3) years of the date of suspension or revocation.
Automatic Three (3) or more moving violations as defined in WAC 308-104-160 in three (3) years from last violation.
Automatic An attempt to elude conviction when candidate is over 21 years of age.
Potential Other driving record items not mentioned above. These will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Drug Usage
Automatic Prescription drugs: Pattern of illegal use or misuse of prescription medication in three (3) years.
Automatic Any use of illegal drugs by free-basing or needle injection.
Automatic Felony drug conviction of any kind
Automatic Any use of illegal drugs while employed by a law enforcement agency.
Automatic Any participation in the manufacture, sale, distribution or transport for sale of any illegal drugs with the exception of marijuana.
Potential Other drug uses besides the ones mentioned above.
Criminal Activity
Automatic Any adult felony conviction.
Automatic Conviction of any crime under a domestic violence statute at any age that would prohibit one from meeting the qualifications needed to be a police officer. 
Automatic Conviction of a sex related crime and/or required to be registered on the Sex Offender Registry at any age.
Potential Other criminal activity not mentioned above. These will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Employment
Automatic Been dishonorably discharged from the United States armed forces.
Automatic Lied during any stage of the hiring process.
Automatic Falsified his or her application, personal history questionnaire, or any other forms during hiring process.
Automatic Previous revocation or denial of (CJTC/POST) certified status, or suspension of current (CJTC/POST) certified status.
Financial
Automatic Failure to pay income tax or child support.
Potential Current credit accounts, or unresolved accounts in collection will be carefully reviewed.
Automatic Illegal financial practices such as embezzlement, employee theft, check fraud, income tax evasion, expense account fraud, filing deceptive loan statements, and any other intentional financial breaches of trust. 
Other
Automatic Sexual Behavior - Engaging in the following behavior as an adult (unless the behavior was conducted in the regular course of duties as a law enforcement officer). Knowingly producing, distributing, obtaining, accessing or possessing any visual depiction of child pornography, film, video, picture, computer generated image of picture, whether made or produced by electronic, mechanical or other means.
Automatic

Body Modifications - Any body art, tattoo, or other modification (such as branding or gauges) that falls outside of department policy, and is offensive. Offensive includes, but is not limited to, depicting nudity, violence, sexually explicit or vulgar art or words, or that is objectionable or demeaning to the image of the Woodland Police Department. 

Any tattoo signifying membership in, or affiliation with, a criminal enterprise, street gang, or any other group that advocates violence against individuals because of their race, religion, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, sexual preference, or disability.

Excessive tattoos that cannot be coved by a standard uniform.

Contact Information

Woodland Police Department - Police Officer

City of Woodland
230 Davidson Avenue
Woodland, WA 98674 Clark/Cowlitz County
360-225-8281

Website

Agency Test Requirements
Written Examination: Yes, required
PAT: Yes, required

PST Personal History Statement: Yes, required within 7 days of passing required exam(s)