Port of Portland
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Police Captain
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Port of Portland The Port of Portland Police Department is a state-certified law enforcement agency responsible for the safety and security of Portland International Airport (PDX) — one of the most highly regarded airports in the country. With a team of over 65 sworn officers, we combine proactive policing, emergency response, and strong interagency partnerships to support one of the region’s most vital transportation hubs. We’re looking for a seasoned law enforcement leader to serve as
Police Captain
— a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing daily operations, ensuring professional standards, and supporting the department’s mission to protect the traveling public. This role offers the opportunity to lead patrol, investigations, and training units while guiding major projects and helping maintain our reputation for excellence in aviation security and public service. If you bring strong leadership experience, a commitment to collaboration, and a drive to make a difference in a fast-paced environment, we invite you to bring your skills to the Port of Portland Police team. Essential Job Duties
Operational Leadership & Supervision: Oversee daily operations of Patrol, Investigations, and/or Training units; supervise department staff; provide direction and delegate responsibilities; take prompt administrative or supervisory action; supervise employees at all levels as required. Incident Management: Assume command and/or participate in the Incident Command System (ICS) and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during emergencies. Policy, Training & Accreditation: Ensure police policies and procedures are current and align with best practices; support regular training across the department; maintain compliance with professional accreditation standards. Project & Program Management: Develop and manage capital and operational projects; ensure projects are completed within timelines and budgets; oversee departmental administrative processes. Regulatory Compliance & Interagency Coordination: Maintain compliance with FAA, TSA, and state law enforcement certification standards; address labor and collective bargaining matters at the lowest possible level; serve as liaison with the Port’s Aviation Security Coordinator (ASC), TSA, and other agencies. Executive Support & External Relations: Act as the Assistant Chief of Police when assigned; engage with Port, airline, and business stakeholders regarding police services. Minimum Qualifications
Education & Experience
Associate’s degree in a related field required; bachelor’s degree preferred. Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible police experience. Minimum of three (3) years in a police middle management or command position. Or, an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Licenses & Certifications
Valid Oregon or Washington State driver’s license (required). Oregon DPSST certification, or ability to obtain within one (1) year of employment (required). Police Middle Management certification within two (2) years of employment (required). Police Executive certification within five (5) years of employment (required). Ability to pass and maintain Criminal History Records Check and Security Threat Assessment for a PDX Security Badge (required). Must pass a comprehensive police background check, psychological evaluation, post-offer drug test, and medical examination (required). Demonstrated Skills & Abilities
Strong leadership experience in day-to-day police operations, supervision, and command-level decision-making. Ability to plan, organize, and oversee assignments and training for subordinate personnel. Skilled in resolving labor and personnel issues in a unionized environment. Advanced knowledge of federal, state, and local criminal laws, airport-related regulations (including the Airport Security Program), and public safety accreditation standards. Experience with regulatory compliance including FAA, TSA, and DPSST requirements. Ability to serve in high-pressure roles within ICS and EOC frameworks during emergencies. Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to present complex issues to diverse stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain interagency partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement organizations. Commitment to professionalism and public service excellence. Ability to represent the department at the executive level and engage effectively with Port leadership, airline partners, and the airport business community. Supplemental and Selection Information
Application Instructions: To ensure full consideration, please submit a complete application, resume, and cover letter along with completing the supplemental questions. Tentative Schedule: A minimum qualification evaluation of the education, training, and experience of submitted application packets will take place the week of September 15, 2025; applications accepted until 9/11/2025 at 11:59 pm. Steps include screening interview, oral board/panel interview, department presentation, Chief’s interview (optional), conditional offer, ORPAT (optional at time of hire), background investigation, psychological exam, medical exam, pre-employment drug screening, and employment confirmation. About Us: At the Port of Portland, we use our airports, marine terminals, and business parks to move with purpose, connect people with opportunities, and create regional value. We are committed to equal employment opportunity and to a safe, inclusive workplace. Questions? Contact us at careers@portofportland.com. Safety:
The Port promotes safety as a core value and seeks to eliminate harm through prevention, curiosity, evaluation, and action. We comply with safety policies and continually look for improvements. Equal Opportunity Employer:
The Port of Portland provides equal opportunity regardless of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. We comply with applicable laws and maintain nondiscrimination. Veterans Preference:
Qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans’ preference. Please provide qualifying documents during the application process. Background Checks and Drug Testing:
Background checks and/or drug tests are required for safety-sensitive positions. ADA Accommodation:
Accommodations will be considered for applicants with qualifying disabilities. For accommodations, contact Human Resources at 503-415-6690 or careers@portofportland.com.
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Police Captain
role at
Port of Portland The Port of Portland Police Department is a state-certified law enforcement agency responsible for the safety and security of Portland International Airport (PDX) — one of the most highly regarded airports in the country. With a team of over 65 sworn officers, we combine proactive policing, emergency response, and strong interagency partnerships to support one of the region’s most vital transportation hubs. We’re looking for a seasoned law enforcement leader to serve as
Police Captain
— a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing daily operations, ensuring professional standards, and supporting the department’s mission to protect the traveling public. This role offers the opportunity to lead patrol, investigations, and training units while guiding major projects and helping maintain our reputation for excellence in aviation security and public service. If you bring strong leadership experience, a commitment to collaboration, and a drive to make a difference in a fast-paced environment, we invite you to bring your skills to the Port of Portland Police team. Essential Job Duties
Operational Leadership & Supervision: Oversee daily operations of Patrol, Investigations, and/or Training units; supervise department staff; provide direction and delegate responsibilities; take prompt administrative or supervisory action; supervise employees at all levels as required. Incident Management: Assume command and/or participate in the Incident Command System (ICS) and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during emergencies. Policy, Training & Accreditation: Ensure police policies and procedures are current and align with best practices; support regular training across the department; maintain compliance with professional accreditation standards. Project & Program Management: Develop and manage capital and operational projects; ensure projects are completed within timelines and budgets; oversee departmental administrative processes. Regulatory Compliance & Interagency Coordination: Maintain compliance with FAA, TSA, and state law enforcement certification standards; address labor and collective bargaining matters at the lowest possible level; serve as liaison with the Port’s Aviation Security Coordinator (ASC), TSA, and other agencies. Executive Support & External Relations: Act as the Assistant Chief of Police when assigned; engage with Port, airline, and business stakeholders regarding police services. Minimum Qualifications
Education & Experience
Associate’s degree in a related field required; bachelor’s degree preferred. Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible police experience. Minimum of three (3) years in a police middle management or command position. Or, an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Licenses & Certifications
Valid Oregon or Washington State driver’s license (required). Oregon DPSST certification, or ability to obtain within one (1) year of employment (required). Police Middle Management certification within two (2) years of employment (required). Police Executive certification within five (5) years of employment (required). Ability to pass and maintain Criminal History Records Check and Security Threat Assessment for a PDX Security Badge (required). Must pass a comprehensive police background check, psychological evaluation, post-offer drug test, and medical examination (required). Demonstrated Skills & Abilities
Strong leadership experience in day-to-day police operations, supervision, and command-level decision-making. Ability to plan, organize, and oversee assignments and training for subordinate personnel. Skilled in resolving labor and personnel issues in a unionized environment. Advanced knowledge of federal, state, and local criminal laws, airport-related regulations (including the Airport Security Program), and public safety accreditation standards. Experience with regulatory compliance including FAA, TSA, and DPSST requirements. Ability to serve in high-pressure roles within ICS and EOC frameworks during emergencies. Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to present complex issues to diverse stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain interagency partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement organizations. Commitment to professionalism and public service excellence. Ability to represent the department at the executive level and engage effectively with Port leadership, airline partners, and the airport business community. Supplemental and Selection Information
Application Instructions: To ensure full consideration, please submit a complete application, resume, and cover letter along with completing the supplemental questions. Tentative Schedule: A minimum qualification evaluation of the education, training, and experience of submitted application packets will take place the week of September 15, 2025; applications accepted until 9/11/2025 at 11:59 pm. Steps include screening interview, oral board/panel interview, department presentation, Chief’s interview (optional), conditional offer, ORPAT (optional at time of hire), background investigation, psychological exam, medical exam, pre-employment drug screening, and employment confirmation. About Us: At the Port of Portland, we use our airports, marine terminals, and business parks to move with purpose, connect people with opportunities, and create regional value. We are committed to equal employment opportunity and to a safe, inclusive workplace. Questions? Contact us at careers@portofportland.com. Safety:
The Port promotes safety as a core value and seeks to eliminate harm through prevention, curiosity, evaluation, and action. We comply with safety policies and continually look for improvements. Equal Opportunity Employer:
The Port of Portland provides equal opportunity regardless of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. We comply with applicable laws and maintain nondiscrimination. Veterans Preference:
Qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans’ preference. Please provide qualifying documents during the application process. Background Checks and Drug Testing:
Background checks and/or drug tests are required for safety-sensitive positions. ADA Accommodation:
Accommodations will be considered for applicants with qualifying disabilities. For accommodations, contact Human Resources at 503-415-6690 or careers@portofportland.com.
#J-18808-Ljbffr