Summary

The City of Soldotna is seeking dedicated and motivated individuals to join our team as full-time Police Officers

These positions are open until filled with the first review of applications on October 23, 2024.

Are you ready to make a difference in your community? This position, under the general supervision of the Chief of Police or their designee, performs general police duties and is responsible for the enforcement of federal, state, and local laws and the protection of life and property. Police officers interact with the general public on a regular basis to provide educational, investigative, and related police services with the goal of preventing crime, ensuring public safety, and developing positive police-citizen relationships.

To apply: submit your application, cover letter, and resume online. Submit form F-3 to the Human Resources Manager at hrmanager@soldotna.org, fax 866.595.3359, or HR Manager - 177 N Birch Street Soldotna, AK 99669.

APSC Form F3

For more information on working with the Soldotna Police Department, click here.

Detailed Work Activities

Enforces federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.
Patrols the City on foot, or in police vehicle to respond to citizens’ request for assistance, enforce traffic regulations, detect crime, apprehend violators, and ensure public safety.
Answers dispatched or citizen requests for police services and assistance at the scene of accidents, domestic disputes, peace disturbances, and other violations.
Investigates illegal or suspicious activities, persons, and establishments and quells disturbances.
Locates and searches, detains and arrests law violators following recognized police procedures.
Identifies, interviews and questions victims, witnesses, and suspects.
Gathers and preserves evidence.
Performs first aid and provides other assistance to accident and other victims.
Directs and controls traffic and investigates causes and results of accidents.
Issues written citations for traffic and other minor violations.
Inspects public establishments requiring licenses to ensure compliance with rules and regulations.
Operates police communication and computer equipment to obtain, disseminate, and report information.
Maintains positive relationships with individuals, institutions, government organizations, other law enforcement agencies, as well as private business.
Attends community meetings to discuss crime prevention activities and crime problems.
Participates in continuous training to remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in the low enforcement profession and to enhance law enforcement skills including firearms proficiency, defensive driving skills, apprehension and arrest techniques, investigative skills, and general law enforcement skills.
Writes detailed incident, investigation, activity, and other reports.
Maintains confidentiality as required.
Testifies in court; prepares and presents case evidence; responds to court subpoenas when off duty.
Maintains the integrity, professionalism, philosophies, and values of the Police Department by assuring that all rules and regulations are followed.
Ensures timely responses to requests from coworkers, supervisors, management, and other law enforcement agencies.
Additional responsibilities may include serving as a police instructor, field training officer, or school resource officer.
Other job related duties as assigned.

Desired Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Ability to exercise independent judgement in the performance of all aspects of law enforcement duties. Responsible for decisions which may involve possible loss of life or destruction of property.
Ability to act within the confines of the law, enforce the laws or the United States, State of Alaska, the Kenai Peninsula Borough and the City of Soldotna in a fair manner
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Knowledge of department rules, regulations and policies.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to effectively coordinate and work with other law enforcement agencies.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to speak effectively before a variety of public groups.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
A good working knowledge of computers and software necessary for performance of law enforcement work.

Qualifications

Must be at least 21 years of age by date of hire
Must have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
Must have or be able to obtain a valid, unrestricted Alaska driver license within thirty (30) days of employment and prior to operating a City vehicle.
Must have and maintain a good driving record. Applicants will be required to submit a driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles upon request.
Applicant must pass a drug screening test, medical examination, polygraph test, psychological evaluation, written and oral tests, physical fitness test, criminal background check, and other background investigations.
Applicant must meet all requirements to be a Police Officer under Alaska Administrative Code (13 AAC 85), and as a condition of continued employment with the City, a Police Officer is required to gain and/or maintain a police certification as required under 13 AAC 85.
Obtain and maintain an Alaska Public Safety Information System (ASPIN) security clearance.
Must possess, or be able to obtain, APSC certification within 14 months of hire (AS. 18.65.240)
An Associated or Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field and/or prior experience as a police officer, military, or other law enforcement related experience is desired.

WORK ENVIRONMENT Must be able to work non-traditional work hours with varying schedules including weekend days and evening, holidays, and shift extensions. The schedule is based upon a 40-hour work week, providing coverage twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week, requiring work that may exceed 40 hours per week. Officers may be subject to scheduled overtime and/or emergency call outs when off duty. Law enforcement work environment exposes employee to dangerous and potentially dangerous situations, and requires the employee to carry a weapon. Physical exertion is required to restrain disorderly subjects. The employee must be able to do strenuous work in all kinds of weather and on surfaces at, above, or below floor level. Duties are performed both indoors and outdoors in a varied working environment, during day and night, and often in inclement weather and in extreme temperatures. Inside work is usually in buildings, adequately heated, lighted, and ventilated. The employee may occasionally be exposed to toxic chemicals and fumes, biological and hazardous materials, drugs, and weapons. May be subject to fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, oils, bodily fluids, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, intense noises, and other irritants. The employee is required to drive a vehicle and perform work inside a vehicle, including operating communication and computer equipment. Personal protective equipment is provided and must be used in accordance with best practices, federal and state laws, and City and Department policies and operating procedures.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS This position requires a high level of physical ability including vision, hearing, seeing, smelling, speaking, flexibility, and strength. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers dexterously (e.g., operate computers, radios, speed detection devices, handcuffs and restraining devices, and other equipment, tools, and weapons, including discharge of a firearm), handle, feel, and reach; is regularly required to work both inside and outside in all types of weather as well as in confined spaces and in a vehicle; is required to climb ladders and stairs; is required to perform general duties that may include, but not limited to, walking, running, climbing, pushing, pulling, reaching, dragging, carrying, jumping, balancing, twisting, stooping, kneeling, crawling, and crouching; is required to lift and/or exert in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently; is required to work in stressful environments and make quick decisions under stress. The employee must be able to get in and out of vehicles, often quickly. The employee is regularly required to talk, hear, stand, walk, and sit for extended periods of time. The employee will be required to work long shifts. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, ability to adjust focus, judge distances, and spatial relationships. The employee must be able to hear, talk, and communicate verbally in person as well as on a radio and telephone. Employees must maintain a level of physical fitness sufficient to perform the essential duties and may be required to meet a Department standard evaluated through annual testing.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

The City of Soldotna is an equal-opportunity employer. Employment is based on qualifications free of personal and political considerations, with equal opportunity for all with no discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, changes in marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, genetic information or any other basis prohibited by law.

City of Soldotna offers a complete benefit package to regular full-time employees including: health and life insurance, retirement, holidays, personal leave, and deferred compensation plan. Benefits may vary by position or may be pro-rated for other than full-time work. All benefits are subject to change by the City.

To learn more details, visit our benefits page.

Regular full-time PSEA Member Employee Benefits

Retirement Benefits

Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), a defined benefit or defined contributions plan based upon employee eligibility upon hire. Regular full-time employees participate in PERS in lieu of Social Security.
Option to enroll in a Deferred Compensation plan

Insurance Benefits

Health Insurance coverage 31days after hire
Employee and dependent care available
The City covers 90% of premium costs for employee coverage and 80% of the premium for family coverage.
The City offers deductible reimbursement assistance through an HRA.
Employee Assistance Program
Employer paid basic life coverage for regular full-time employees with supplemental coverage available for employees
Option to purchase supplemental insurance with Aflac

Paid Leave & Other Benefits

Personal leave accrual rate starting at 16hrs per month with an accrual rate increase based on longevity
Twelve paid holidays each year
Free or discounted access to many Parks & Recreation amenities
Wellness reimbursement program
Fully functional department gym
Education benefits
Employees can choose to participate in membership with Public Safety Employees Association (PSEA).

Step Increases

Regular employees serve a six month probationary period, except police officers who serve one year. After completing six month probationary period (or six months service for police officers) with a favorable evaluation, regular employees will be eligible for a step increase. Step increases are given annually thereafter based on a favorable evaluation.

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