The tentative date for the assessment process will be July 30-31, 2026.

As Deputy Chief of Police, you will assist in the strategic planning and administration of the Police Department, as well as its policies and operations. You will also oversee a bureau and mid-level managers within the department and work closely with the Chief of Police and assume the full authority and responsibility of the Chief in their absence.

You will be a key member of the leadership team with the responsibility to ensure high quality public safety service in an international airport and maritime environment to accomplish the department’s purpose and objectives. You will also collaborate to develop and implement short- and long-term plans and strategies in support of strategic initiatives.
You will direct and lead a Police Bureau. You will establish goals and objectives in support of the purpose and vision. You will also communicate the department vision, demonstrate a steadfast commitment to it, and inspire others to work toward achieving it.
You will assist the Chief with management of the department and supervise assigned police managers, ensure necessary resources, and evaluate the performance of staff. You will also manage all functions of the department when delegated.
You will actively participate in negotiations and grievance hearings with the collective bargaining units representing department employees and coordinate labor relations activities with Port Labor Relations staff.
You will build and maintain relationships and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, local and federal law enforcement agencies, service organizations, aviation and maritime businesses, community members, and other partners.
You will support the preparation of short and long-term plans for the department to include budget, staffing, equipment, resources, facilities, and tactical planning.
You will review and analyze administrative, statistical, or specialized reports to forecast the needs of the department, design budget based on POSPD service level requirements and department objectives and goals. You will also assist the Chief of Police in researching and implementing improvements in departmental services.
You will create a culture of inclusion and apply equity to exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices in all aspects of the work. At the Port of Seattle, equity is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all Port jobs.

Who you are:

Experienced – You have five (5) years of experience supervising police department or agency staff sworn personnel, to include four (4) years of experience serving as a law enforcement commander, in senior leadership, or performing similar function in a police department or agency with responsibility for patrol operations, emergency incident response, or oversight of specialized teams and operational programs.
Certifications - You must possess a Washington State Peace Officer Certification or the ability to obtain one within the first six months of employment (candidates who have been separated from commissioned law enforcement activities for five (5) years or more are not eligible for consideration). You must also have the ability to obtain National Incident Management System ICS300 and ICS400 training within six months of hire.
Desired – We hope you have completed the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police, or Northwest School of Police and Command.
Committed to Equity – You will apply equity and exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices in all aspects of the work. At the Port of Seattle, equity is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all Port employees.
Policing Expert – You understand and apply laws, rules, policies, and procedures in a consistent and legal manner. You apply knowledge of fiscal control techniques, principles, and practices of police administration, the use of weapons and use of force, as well as the incident command system.
Effective Leader – You possess command presence and inspire others to work towards alignment with the Vision, Purpose, and Core Values. You can lead teams through consensus building and guide the team through growth and development in support of strategic goals and initiatives.
Strong Communicator – You are effective in communicating messages both verbally and in writing to a wide audience. You know how to navigate politically and legally sensitive topics and are skilled in engaging staff, members of the community, and key stakeholders.
Problem Solver – You can identify issues, develop solutions to problems, evaluate courses of action, and reach logical conclusions for complex issues or during stressful, critical, and rapidly evolving incidents.

What Else You Need To Know

Driver’s License – You will need a valid Washington State Driver’s License to drive a Port of Seattle vehicle, or the ability to obtain one within 30 days.
Work Schedule – Your normal work schedule will be Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (40 hours per week). Slightly more flexible start and end times are available in this role. You may be required to work weekends and holidays and respond to emergencies as needed.
Work Environment – You will primarily work in an office environment.
Washington State Residency Requirement – Employees must establish a residence in Washington state within 30 days of their first day of employment and must maintain a residence in Washington State during their employment with the Port of Seattle.
Background Investigation – You must pass a background investigation that includes a complete criminal records check, a polygraph examination, a medical examination and a psychological examination and other sources where information can be obtained to measure one's suitability for police work.
Automatic Disqualifiers – You will need to review our list of Automatic Disqualifiers related to Criminal Activity, Driving Record, Drug Use, Employment and Financials before submittal of your application.

Why You'll Love It Here

The Port of Seattle offers an extensive benefits package that rewards our staff for their valuable contributions towards the Port‘s mission. In addition to the summary below, benefit details for non-represented positions can be found on the Port of Seattle‘s website. If the position is represented by a union, please refer to the “Collective Bargaining Agreement” or contact the appropriate Union Representative for specific information related to benefits and eligibility.

Healthcare – Medical, Dental, and Vision Care with options that work for you and your family.
Paid Vacation – Just about four weeks per year that increases with tenure to rest and rejuvenate.
Paid Sick Leave – At least one hour of sick leave for every 40 hours worked.
Holidays – More than ten days per year to celebrate with family and friends away from work.
Pension/Retirement Plans – A pension and additional savings plans to prepare for your future after the Port.
Getting to Work – From subsidized parking and a low-cost public transit card to alternative work arrangements giving you an opportunity to work hybrid.
Parental Leave – Six weeks of paid leave to spend with new additions to your immediate family.
Development – From tuition reimbursement, training, stretch assignments and internal internships, we support a learning culture.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion – The Port of Seattle values diversity as a source of innovation and strength. We are actively working across the organization to create a culture where all employees – regardless of race, gender, and other identities – succeed and reach their fullest potential.
Work-Life Balance – We provide the resources to help you create habits to be healthy and balanced.
Mission Driven – We are focused together in promoting economic opportunities and quality of life in the region by advancing trade, travel, commerce, and job creation in an equitable, accountable, and environmentally responsible manner.

Why the Port of Seattle:

Every role at the Port of Seattle is vital to our thriving community. We are a leader in moving people and cargo across the country and around the world. With facilities and property ranging in scope from a half-acre park to one of the largest airports and container terminals on the West Coast, we maximize the public assets in our portfolio with an eye toward best uses and environmental sustainability. Find out more here.

Our vision is to create a Port that mirrors – throughout its breadth of operations and services and within its leadership – the diversity of our communities, instill principles of equity into its culture, and ensures a fair and intentional distribution of opportunities to expand economic development and quality of life for all in our region. Find out more about how our values RAISE us up and our commitment to equity.

Minimum Salary: 224,543.00 Maximum Salary: 278,237.00

Port of Seattle

New Jobs

Deputy Chief of Police