The Community

The City of Oak Harbor (population 22,000 plus) is situated on the northern portion of Whidbey Island, approximately two-hours drive north of Seattle, and is accessible by both land and ferry. Located in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, Whidbey Island experiences half the annual rainfall of Seattle.

Whidbey Island is surrounded by breathtaking scenery and with the presence of several nearby state parks, and nearby San Juan Islands, Mt. Baker recreational areas, and easy access to the Cascade and Olympic Mountains there is a host of recreational activities for an active outdoor lifestyle. You can enjoy boating, whale watching, hiking, biking, golfing, skiing, camping, sport fishing, bird watching, beach combing, and much more.

Oak Harbor also offers excellent small town ambiance, a local play house, outstanding dining, antique shopping, and within minutes of Oak Harbor, the opportunity to visit unique garden and vineyard settings, or simply enjoy the quietness of watching eagles soar.

Oak Harbor has a vibrant downtown, an expanding commercial and retail base, and growing secondary education opportunities. In summary, the lifestyle, convenience of services and location make Oak Harbor an outstanding place to live, work and raise a family.

The City

The City of Oak Harbor was incorporated in 1915 and operates under the Mayor-Council form of government. The Mayor and City Council are elected at-large for four-year overlapping terms. The Mayor serves as the Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for the development of budgets and related financial plans, and the overall operation of the City. The Mayor directly supervises the City Administrator, City Attorney, Police Chief and Fire Chief. The City Administrator directly supervises the Development Services Director, Finance Director, Human Resources Director and Public Works Director.

The City of Oak Harbor employs approximately 130 full-time personnel and operates with an overall budget of $138 million ($16.4 million General Fund).

For more information on the City of Oak Harbor, please visit our website at https://www.oakharbor.gov/.

The Oak Harbor Police Department is comprised: Administration, Patrol, Detectives and Special Operations. The authorized force consists of 26 Commissioned Personnel and 12 Non-Commissioned Personnel. The department is known for its successful community involvement and problem solving approach to law enforcement. Additionally, the Police Department has a city jail as part of its responsibility, which is staffed by City Correctional staff.

The department is proud of its increased commitment to training, including an internal bi-monthly training program, inter-agency training, as well as outside training opportunities for staff. Other areas the department participates in include; a Community Advisory Board, Reserve Officer Unit, Explorer Post and Citizens Volunteers.

The Department has strong cooperative relationships with local agencies and participates in regional law enforcement, communications and emergency management task forces and organizations. The department enjoys continued quality relationships with the U.S. Navy and the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station located in and adjacent to the City of Oak Harbor. We take pride in providing services for our community and the variety of events which occur in the City each year, including; Holland Happenings, 4th of July, National Night Out and the Whidbey Island Marathon.

Officers work on a squad with a 3/12 schedule, rotating two months on days and two months on nights schedule. Detectives work a 4/10 schedule.

We also offer education and longevity pay and great benefits!

We are a progressive department, anticipating department and community needs now and for the future!

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Job Summary:
Under general supervision, Police Officers perform police services in accordance with the mission, goals, and objectives of the Oak Harbor Police Department, and in compliance with governing federal, state, and local laws. It is the responsibility of police officers to safeguard the public peace, protect life and property, prevent crime, enforce the law, protect the rights of all persons and generally uphold the community-articulated standards.

Essential Job Functions:
Work activities involve multiple skills and may include, but are not limited to, any of the following depending on area of assignment, crew needs, emergency services, special projects, and seasonal factors:

1. Respond to calls for service involving both criminal activity and community caretaking activities. Interview persons with complaints and make proper disposition or direct them to the proper authorities/community resources.

2. Conduct preliminary and follow-up investigations, process crime scenes using all available techniques, gather evidence, obtain witness/victim/ suspect statements, apprehend suspects, make arrests and transport offenders.

3. Give advice and general information to inquiries from the public.

4. Practice efficient case management including the initial documentation of appropriate information, timely follow-up and case documentation, appropriate interaction with victims, cooperation with other agencies and departments and testifying as a witness in court in connection with arrests and investigations.

5. Use available time to patrol the City by radio equipped car, bicycle or on foot to prevent, discover and deter the commission of crime, to enforce criminal law, to direct traffic and to enforce motor vehicle operation.

6. Take proper safety precautions, which include the appropriate application of force, proper officer safety tactical movement and positioning and de-escalation and crisis management skills.

7. Establish and maintain effective and cooperative relations with City officials, department heads, supervisors, other departments, co-workers, representatives of business and community as well as the general public. Respond to inquiries using good judgment, tact and courtesy, sometimes in stressful situations.

8. Interact and communicate effectively with other social, governmental and private agencies on civil and criminal matters, sometimes in emergency situations.

9. Present a professional demeanor with the general public.

10. Operate safely police vehicles in normal and emergency circumstances in all weather. Properly maintain and use other department equipment.

11. Read and apply department policies, rules, regulations, instructions, laws, ordinances and general literature pertaining to policing.

12. Enter or retrieve computer data.

Associated Job Functions:

1. Advise supervisor, orally and/or in writing, of activities, investigations and arrests.

2. Assist the jailers in maintaining safe and secure operations of the Oak Harbor City Jail.

3. As needed, may be re-assigned to other divisions or duties (detectives, training, K-9, community services, etc.).

Performance Requirements (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities):

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Knowledge of:

• Laws, RCW, City Code, and Department Manual of Standards.

• City Rules & Regulations.

Skill in:

• Computer and word processing software operation.

• Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.

• Excellent oral communication and ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively and to maintain confidentiality as appropriate.

• Excellent written skills and ability to compose complex correspondence and reports as well as ability to research, organize and compile data into meaningful reports.

Ability to:

• Drive vehicles and operate all related job equipment.

• Interact well with citizens.

• Be flexible and adaptable in decision-making.

• Good interpersonal sensitivity to people.

• Knowledge of English, spelling, grammar, vocabulary, punctuation and mathematics.

Qualifications & Requirements:
An equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential job functions may be considered.

• At least 21 years of age at time of application.
• A United States citizen and have the ability to read, write and speak the English language.
• A high school diploma or GED equivalent.
• To work with in the Use of Force continuum.
• Meet LEOFF Retirement system minimum medical and health standards.
• Able to successfully complete all required training.
• Willing and able to perform shift work, with evening and weekend work.
• Must have or obtain a Washington State Driver's License at time of appointment.
• Pass background investigation, including screening of criminal history, sexual offenses, recent drug use and driving record.
• Pass polygraph examination for law enforcement personnel.
• Conditional employment offer will include medical exam with drug screen, and psychological evaluation for aptitude to work in law enforcement.
• Able to meet response time per the Labor Contract.

Working Environment & Physical Demands:
The physical demands and characteristics of the work environment described here are representative of those occurring in the performance of the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

Work is primarily performed outdoors in all types of weather. Potential for damage to health, life and property. Required to work varying shifts and holidays. Work requires a normal range of hearing and visual acuity, eye/hand coordination and manual dexterity. Move in excess of 60 pounds. Operate motor vehicles and equipment. Use handgun to protect lives. Communicate with radio equipment.

Safety Statement:

We expect employees to ensure compliance with all applicable safety practices and policies, including those established by OSHA/DOSH regulations and the City’s Accident Prevention Program (APP). This includes, but is not limited to, actively identifying, and correcting potential hazards that may affect employee and public safety, including those identified by co-workers. Leading by example to promote a positive culture of workplace safety through everyday action, emphasizing safe completion of work throughout all aspects of developing and carrying out work plans.

Oak Harbor Police Department - Police Officer has 7 vacancies.

We are currently testing for entry level police officer new open positions. Testing is not required for lateral police officer candidates.

After testing deadline if you are on our PST list of candidates and meet the below criteria, you will be sent a application for employment. Please review disqualifiers before applying for this position. 

In order to qualify for an open position, you must complete the PHS and pass the written test with a 70% or above, and pass the PAT.  You will receive a special invitation to complete an application with the City of Oak Harbor with details on the closing date of the job posting. The top applicants will be invited to an oral board interview which must be attended in person.

Please make sure you review the dis-qualifiers prior to applying for a position with our department. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the dis-qualifiers, please contact the Human Resource Department at 360-279-4518 and ask to speak to Liflor Barrera.

Note: Check your email SPAM folder for communication from our HR Department

Compensation

• $5,596-8,745 per month

• Education incentive pay 3% - 6% depending on education level

• Longevity pay 2% - 5% starting at 5 years of service

Benefits

• Washington State LEOFF Retirement

• Accrue 8 hours of vacation per month, with longevity increases.

• Education and longevity increases.

• Accrue 8 hours of sick leave per month

• Eleven paid holidays plus two floating holiday (total of 13 holidays)

• 100% employer paid medical, dental and vision for employee

• 90% employer paid medical, dental and vision for employee’s dependents

• Health Savings Account fully funded by the City with HDHP ($3,500 individual, $7,000 family per year)

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• 100% employer paid group life insurance and long-term disability for employee

• Opportunity to participate in two Deferred Compensation Plans, optional health care and insurance plans