You must apply with Public Sector Search & Consulting, Inc. directly to express interest in this position, click the link below to see full job posting.
Public Sector Search & Consulting, Inc: 2026 Port of Seattle Police Chief Posting
Posting Brochure: Port of Seattle Police Chief
Deadline for applications: August 28, 2026
Candidates should email a cover letter, résumé, and professional references to apply@publicsectorsearch.com.
Confidential inquiries should be directed to Gary Peterson (Chief of Police, ret.), President/CEO, Public Sector Search & Consulting, Inc. (916) 622-5323 or gary@publicsectorsearch.com.
The Chief of Police is responsible for ensuring appropriate law enforcement services are provided at SEA, the Seaport, and other Port of Seattle properties, under the direction of the Port of Seattle’s Deputy Executive Director. This “at-will” role works with Port Executives and Business Unit leaders to develop, fund, and execute strategies and service levels to facilitate continuity of operations and enhance public safety. The Chief collaborates with internal and external stakeholders and state and federal partners to ensure the highest level of security on Port facilities. This role is responsible for all functions and activities of the Police Department.
- Lead a police agency that provides world class law enforcement services and that protects and ensures safe passage through the Port of Seattle jurisdiction.
- Performs all duties as the chief law enforcement officer of the Port of Seattle to ensure appropriate enforcement of laws and public peace and order.
- Maintains a shared vision for the Police Department and inspires others to work towards it. Communicates strategic vision and demonstrates commitment to it. Inspires others and the department to the highest levels of achievement.
- Establishes strategic plans, goals, objectives, and department policies. Directs all Police Department activities including personnel management, budget, resource allocation, and operational decisions to ensure goal attainment.
- Works effectively with Executive and Elected Commissioners on achieving Port’s goals and objectives.
- Demonstrates effective communication skills by establishing and maintaining effective channels of communication and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, state and federal law enforcement, and regulatory entities to ensure security, public safety, and continuity of operations on Port properties.
- Represents both in public and private life, the Port of Seattle and its Police Department with community members, business partners, internal customers, and other stakeholders in a manner that instills trust and legitimacy.
- May act as and perform job duties of direct and indirect reports on an as needed basis.
- Applies equity and exemplifies 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.
Who you are:
- Eight (8) years of experience as a law enforcement senior leader, deputy chief, commander, or performing similar functions in a police department/agency, including responsibility for police department operational activities, such as strategic planning, policies, programs, budgeting, forecasting, and/or compliance or risk mitigation.
- Six (6) years of experience supervising police department and/or agency staff which must include supervision of other supervisors.
License/Certification/Education
- Required Washington State Certified Peace Officer or ability to acquire certification within 6 months of employment
- National Incident Management System 300 and 400 required within 6 months of employment.
- Required valid Washington State Driver’s License.
- Must meet RCW 35.21.333 eligibility requirements.
Background And Security Requirements
- The successful candidate must pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check as well as a criminal history background check with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Employment will be contingent upon obtaining a Port of Seattle ID badge upon clearance. A U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) Customs Seal must be obtained within 30 days of hire.
- A comprehensive background investigation, including a polygraph, is required per RCW 35.21.333.
What else you need to know:
- Work Schedule – Your normal work schedule will be Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (40 hours per week). You may be required to work any and all assigned shifts, including weekends and holidays. You may be required to work during emergencies.
- 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. If a position is eligible to telework, work performed while teleworking must be performed in Washington State.
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: 246,997.00
Maximum Salary: 306,061.00
