Entry Level Law Enforcement Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $65,016.00 Annually
Location : Montgomery County, MD
Job Type: Career
Job Number: 13826MCPP
Department: MC Parks
Division: Mont Park Police Division
Opening Date: 11/06/2025
Closing Date: 12/31/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Description
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is currently seeking applicants for Entry-Level Park Police Officer Candidates within Montgomery County. The Montgomery County Park Police division secures and protects over 400 parks across 37,000 acres of park land to include trails, athletic fields, campsites, and playgrounds on a 24-hour basis.
Become part of a dedicated team driven to make a meaningful difference in the community through a fulfilling career in law enforcement. We're looking for individuals who embody strong character, good judgment, honesty, reliability, and steadfast integrity.
PLEASE READ THIS INFORMATION IN ITS ENTIRETY AS THE TESTING PROCESS FOR MONTGOMERY COUNTY PARK POLICE HAS CHANGED.
Job Description:
This is an instructional level position. The incumbent will undergo formalized training in law enforcement methods and procedures both in the classroom and in the field.
Applicants who successfully complete both the background investigation and medical clearance process will be assigned as a Cadet to an Entry Level Academy Training Class and will receive formal instruction leading to certification in Basic Law Enforcement. Proficiency is measured through written, oral, and practical examination, the cumulative total of which will normally establish an incumbent's rank as a police officer at a level immediately above Police Officer Candidate. Instructions are explicit and supervision is provided continuously.
Upon successful completion of Entry Level Academy Training and the Field Training Evaluation Program (FTEP), an officer in this class will be assigned to a rotating shift and responsible for enforcing federal, state, and local statutes, laws, and regulations. Work involves high risk, and the officer must be able to take appropriate action under stress. Work performance is carefully monitored, reviewed, and evaluated by the officer's immediate supervisor.
Application Process:
Please complete the online application by clicking the APPLY link. If you meet the minimum qualifications (listed below), you will receive a formal invitation via email to participate in the entry level officer testing process. Applications that are mailed or hand-delivered will not be considered.
Entry Level Officer Testing Process:
Entry level officer testing may be conducted either in-person or online (virtually) through a 3rd party vendor platform. The test is used to predict a candidate's future performance and behavior through a combination of personality constructs, integrity, and biographical data. Testing takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

• Applicants will be notified (via email) of their confirmed test date and registration instructions (if applicable).
• Applicants may purchase study materials from Industrial/Organization Solutions (IOS) at

Dress Attire for Testing:
Business Casual is required to participate in entry level testing both virtually and in-person.
Pre-Hire Information Session:
Candidates with passing test scores must attend a virtual "Pre-Hire Information Session" before being considered for an oral board interview. Attendance is mandatory.
Oral Board Interview:
Candidates who pass the entry level test AND participate in the mandatory Pre-Hire Information Session must also pass an Oral Board Interview conducted by a Police Assessment Board in order to remain in the hiring process.
Background Investigation: All candidates who participate in the oral board interview and advance to the next step in the hiring process is required to undergo an extensive background investigation and meet the Commission's suitability requirements.
Minimum Qualifications

1. High school diploma or Certificate of General Educational Development (GED).
2. Age requirements in accordance with the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission (currently age 21 by graduation from academy).
3. United States Citizen by birth or naturalization.
4. Successfully pass background investigation and pre-employment medical requirements.
5. Successfully pass commission's written exam and oral board for park police officer candidates.
6. Valid driver's license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver's license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee's ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required by the position of assignment.

Supplemental Information
Classification Specification: Park Police Officer Candidate (1001)
These positions are for those interested in working within Montgomery County only.
Selection Process:

• Written Examination
• Pre-Hire Information Session (Mandatory)
• Oral Board Interview
• Background Investigation/Computer Voicer Stress Analysis (CVSA)
• Contingent Employment Offer
• Medical/Stress/Psychological Evaluations
• Hire / Orientation Date assigned

Reasons for disqualification may include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Poor work history
• Poor driving record
• Felony conviction(s)
• Illegal drug usage, possession, distribution, sale or purchase
• Falsification of application or other documents
• Failure to meet medical standards
• Inability to competitively complete any of the components of the selection process
• Other disqualifying factor(s) as determined by the M-NCPPC Park Police Department.

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.
Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of applications at or 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1)
M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.
THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION
2026 BENEFIT SUMMARY FOR MERIT SYSTEM EMPLOYEES
The following benefit summary is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor should be construed as an employment agreement with the M-NCPPC, implied or actual. It is not all-inclusive and is subject to change. Benefits listed are extended to all Merit System employees of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). All plans are optional except the Defined Benefit and Long-Term Disability plans.
Eligibility
You have 45 days from your hire date to elect your benefits. Your coverage begins on the first of the month following receipt of your enrollment forms and required documentation.
Retirement Programs

• Defined Benefit Plan (Mandatory Participation) - Plan E excludes FOP members.

PlanEmployee ContributionPlan C9.5%* of base salary (FOP members only)Plan E4% of base salary up to maximum Social Security Wage Base (SSWB) and 8% in excess of SSWB.

• 457 (b) Plan (Optional) (Pre-tax and Roth)
• Traditional and Roth IRAs (Optional)
• Retiree Healthcare - Eligibility requires, at least 10 years of eligible service and continuous enrollment in M-NCPPC plans (or proof of continuous enrollment in comparable plans) during the 36 months immediately preceding your retirement date. Premium cost share based on years of service

Health Insurance Plans (FOP Members Pay 23% for Medical, Prescription and Dental and same as all other employees for Vision.) All other employees pay percentage below.*

• Medical
  • Kaiser Permanente Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) - (15%)
  • UnitedHealthcare Select Exclusive Provider Organization Health Plan (EPO) - (20%)
  • UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus Point of Service (POS) - (20%)
• Prescription - CVS Caremark - (15%)
• Dental - Delta Dental PPO and DeltaCare USA HMO - (20%)
• Vision - EyeMed - (80% of Low Option plan paid by Commission. Any balance paid by employee.)
  • Low, moderate, and high options are available. Frequency of covered services differs.

Flexible Spending Accounts (Employee Pays 100%)

• Medical Account - Maximum annual contribution: $3,300
• Dependent Care Account - Maximum annual contribution: $7,500

Long-Term Disability Insurance (Mandatory Participation)

• Employee Pays 20%: Commission Pays 80% (FOP Members Pay 100%)
• Benefits paid at 66 2/3% of base salary, maximum of $6,000/month

Supplemental Long-Term Disability Insurance (Employee Pays 100%)

• Benefits paid at 66 2/3% of base salary that exceeds $108,000; capped at $216,000

Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Employee Pays 20%: Commission Pays 80%)

• Two (2) times base salary; maximum benefit is $200,000 for each
• Automatic coverage with opt-out provision

Supplemental and Spouse/Dependent Life Insurance (Employee Pays 100%)

• Supplemental - 1,2,3,4, or 5 times base salary; maximum benefit is $750,000
• Spouse/Dependent Combination - $10,000/$5,000, $20,000/$10,000, or $30,000/$15,000

Sick Leave Bank (Contribution and Benefit hours prorated for part-time employees)

• Employees have 60 days from date of hire to enroll.
• Employee contributes 8 leave hours each year
• Annually covers up to 688 hours for own serious medical condition, and 480 hours for parental responsibilities (birth, adoption or foster care), and 80-160 hours for serious medical condition of an immediate family member

Leave Programs

• Annual: 15 days per year
• Personal: 3 days per year (12-month waiting period)
• Sick: 15 days per year
• Holidays: 11 days per year

Other Benefits

• Credit Union
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Legal Services Plan
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• Work-Life Program

For a more detailed description of benefits, please contact the Commission's Health and Benefits Office at or 301-454-1694.
01
Will you be at least 21 years old by the time of graduation from the academy, as required by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission?

• Yes
• No

02
Are you a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States of America.

• Yes
• No

03
Which best describes your highest level of education?

• Some High School
• High School Diploma or GED
• Some College (less than 60 credit hours)
• Completed 60 Credit Hours of College
• Associate's degree
• Bachelors or Advanced Degree

04
Do you possess a valid driver's license and understand that you must possess a valid driver's license for the state that you currently reside, at the time of appointment?

• Yes
• No

05
Have you ever been convicted of a felony crime?

• Yes
• No

06
Have you been convicted of and/or arrested for driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated more than once or within the past three (3) years?

• Yes
• No

07
Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor involving "moral turpitude" - that is, involving commission of any act contrary to the moral conscience of the general public?

• Yes
• No

08
Have you been honorably discharged from the Armed Services of the United States (if applicable)?

• Yes
• No

09
Do you currently have six (6) or more points on your driver's record and have not received more than five (5) traffic violations, with the past three (3) years?

• Yes
• No

10
Have you been convicted of four (4) or more traffic violations, involving motor vehicle accidents, in the past three (3) years?

• Yes
• No

11
Have you committed any serious undetected crimes for which you have not been arrested?

• Yes
• No

12
Have you committed a felony crime as a juvenile after age fifteen (15)?

• Yes
• No

13
Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence?

• Yes
• No

14
Have you ever been convicted or otherwise found guilty of selling, manufacturing, or distributing a controlled dangerous substance ("CDS"), narcotic drug, or marijuana?

• Yes
• No

15
Have you ever illegally sold, produced, cultivated, distributed, or transported a CDS, narcotic drug, or marijuana?

• Yes
• No

16
Have you illegally used a CDS or narcotic drug for any purpose within the 36 months preceding the date of application?

• Yes
• No

17
Have you illegally engaged in the use of marijuana for any purpose within the 12 months preceding the date of application?

• Yes
• No