ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Port Police Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Port Townsend

Police Sergeant

Port Townsend, WA · On-site

$100/hr

PORT TOWNSEND CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT AND CIVIL SERVICE TESTING INFORMATION The City of Port Townsend will be accepting applications for Police Sergeant through September 18 ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsTravel JobsMaritime JobsMarine Engineer JobsPort Police Jobs

Port Police information

See salary details

$24K

$60.6K

$84K

How much do port police jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for port police in the United States is $60,629.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $65,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a port police officer?

Port Police are specialized law enforcement officers responsible for maintaining safety and security in ports, harbors, and related maritime facilities. Their duties include enforcing laws, preventing smuggling and other criminal activities, inspecting cargo, and overseeing the movement of ships and personnel within port areas. They work closely with customs, immigration, and other agencies to ensure the smooth and secure operation of port activities. Port Police play a crucial role in protecting critical infrastructure and supporting international trade.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a port police officer?

To thrive as a Port Police Officer, you need a solid background in law enforcement, maritime security, and relevant legal knowledge, often supported by police academy training or equivalent certifications. Familiarity with surveillance systems, access control technology, and incident reporting software is typically required. Strong situational awareness, decisive problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills for managing diverse security scenarios and interacting with the public. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure the safety, security, and efficient operation of port facilities and maritime environments.

What are the typical challenges port police officers face while ensuring security at a busy port facility?

Port Police officers often navigate challenges such as monitoring large, complex areas with high volumes of cargo and people, enforcing maritime laws, and responding swiftly to security incidents or emergencies. They must work closely with customs, coast guard, and private security teams to prevent smuggling, theft, and unauthorized access. Adapting to constantly evolving security threats and maintaining effective communication across multiple agencies are key aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Port Police vs Customs Officer?

AspectPort PoliceCustoms Officer
Required CredentialsPolice academy training, law enforcement certificationCustoms training, border security certification
Work EnvironmentPort facilities, maritime security areasBorder crossings, customs offices, ports
Employer & IndustryPort authorities, law enforcement agenciesCustoms agencies, border control authorities

Port Police focus on maintaining security and law enforcement within port areas, while Customs Officers handle customs regulations, tariffs, and border security. Both roles work in port environments but have different responsibilities and required credentials. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in maritime security and port operations.

More about Port Police jobs

What cities are hiring for Port Police jobs?

Cities with the most Port Police job openings:

What states have the most Port Police jobs?

States with the most job openings for Port Police jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Port Police jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Port Police jobs are:

Port Police jobs near you
Infographic showing various Port Police job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,629 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

Police Officer - Academy-Certified

City of Port Townsend

Port Townsend, WA • On-site

$100/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

The City of Port Townsend is accepting applications from Academy-trained police officers who do not qualify for lateral entry to create a hiring eligibility list to use for future vacancies this year.

Port Townsend is located on the Olympic Peninsula just two hours from Seattle. The city's 10,330 residents and over a million visitors a year enjoy its historic seaport character mixed with a vibrant creative culture. www.enjoypt.com

The department handles approximately 10,000 calls for service each year. Between incidents, officers enjoy time to pursue special projects, manage professional growth, and interact with residents, business owners, and visitors. The department's 17 commissioned officers and 4 support staff members maintain strong partnerships with area law enforcement agencies, fire departments, hospital staff, and mental health officials.

To qualify as an Academy-certified applicant, you must meet the minimum qualifications in the police officer job description below AND:

  • have graduated from a basic law enforcement training as accepted by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission
  • have been employed as a full-time sworn police officer within the last 24 months prior to date of hire; and
  • not be qualified to apply as a Lateral Officer.

Residency requirement: All police officers must reside with fifty (50) road miles of Port Townsend city limits within six months of hire date.

POLICE OFFICER GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

Required

  • High school graduate or GED.
  • Valid Washington Driver's License and ability to maintain a driving record acceptable to the City's insurance carrier.
  • Minimum 21 years of age at time of employment.
  • Submit to and pass a thorough background investigation, polygraph examination, psychological examination, physical agility test and a full physical examination prior to employment.
  • No felony convictions, or convictions for misdemeanors involving moral turpitude.
  • Current first aid card and CPR Certification at time of appointment.
  • Successfully complete the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission approved Basic Academy.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

  • Employees in this job description are required to maintain all mandatory job related certifications to include but not limited to Washington State Peace Officer Certification, firearms qualification, first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and Washington State driver's license.

Full job description available here.

BENEFITS

  • WA State LEOFF pension plan
  • Optional 457 Deferred Comp with 50% match of up to 4% base earnings
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance through WA Teamsters Welfare Trust Fund *
  • Time loss/short-term disability insurance
  • Life & AD&D insurance
  • Retirees' Welfare Trust funded by employee
  • Sick leave (earns 1 day per month)
  • May be eligible for sick leave conversion annually
  • Vacation (graduated accrual schedule starts at 8 hours per month)
  • 12 paid holidays (accrued at 10 hours per month) **
  • Up to 5 days of bereavement leave, if applicable
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

COMPENSATION

Base pay: $41.53-47.67 per hour (five-step system)

Total compensation range: $41.53-51.96 per hour (including maximum potential longevity, educational incentive, & specialty pay)

This position may be eligible for the additional compensation listed below. Details can be found in the Collective Bargaining Agreement:

  • Longevity pay on a graduated schedule starting at 1% after 2 years up to 9% after 20 years
  • Educational incentive: 3% for Associate's degree; 5% for Bachelor's degree
  • Overtime pay
  • Compensatory time
  • Holiday pay (if scheduled or called in on a holiday)
  • Specialty pay of 1% of assignments such as detective or Field Training Officer
  • Jury duty pay at regular rate during service
  • Call-back pay
  • Plain clothes assignment and laundry allowance, when assigned by Chief

* Teamsters initiation fee is $100 and monthly dues are 2.25 of hourly wage x the base hourly rate rounded to the nearest dollar.

**Officers may be required to work on holidays.

The City of Port Townsend is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Apply