Police Officer

Position: Police Officer Recruit

Nature of Work

The City of Bellingham is actively seeking qualified applicants for the position of Police Officer Recruit.

Why work for the Bellingham Police Department?

• Recruit salary is $6,768/month. Upon entry to the Basic Law Enforcement Academy salary is $7,445/month. Upon graduation from the Basic Law Enforcement Academy the salary is $7,668. The salary range for a Full Performance Police Officer is $7,668-$9,864/month.
• Patrol Officers work a 1040 work schedule of five, 10.7 hour days on, four days off, five days on, four days off, five days on, five days off, repeating monthly.
• Training opportunities, the 1040 work schedule allows for one full training day a month.
• Additional monthly premiums may be applied per assignment and level of education. For more information regarding salary, benefits, specialty units and premiums, view our recruitment page.

NOTE:

Employees will remain in the Recruit classification in probationary status prior to and while attending the Police Academy. With successful completion of the Police Academy, the employee shall move to the Full Performance Police Officer (Download PDF reader) classification in a non-competitive promotion effective the first day of the pay period immediately following such academy completion. A standard 12-month Civil Service probationary period applies for all officers following placement into the Full Performance Police Officer classification.

Employees receive step increases annually in accordance with the Police Guild (Police Officers) Collective Bargaining Unit and City policy. Additional monthly premiums may be applied per assignment and level of education.

At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy the peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are well cared for. Here’s a closer look at the outstanding benefits that come with being part of our team. You can find more details on our employment benefits page and labor agreements page.

• 7.34 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time
• 12 paid designated holidays + 1 floating holiday per year
• 216 hours of sick leave upon hire + accruals per collective bargaining agreement
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Washington State Retirement plan (LEOFF) for retirement security
• Optional 457 deferred compensation (Retirement Savings Plan) with employer match

Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE, accruals are pro-rated if part-time and require employees to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month.

Applicants interested in this position must complete testing through Public Safety Testing. The testing window for this process is 5/1/25 - 6/30/25. Please visit the Public Safety Testing website (). Applicants must complete the written exam and pass the physical ability test through Public Safety Testing prior to being invited to apply.

Please note, if you receive an invitation to apply, you must apply no later than 4:30 P.M., on 7/8/25 in order to be considered for this specific process. Applicants that have successfully passed the exam through PST during the testing window of 5/1/25 - 6/30/25, will have six (6) business days to complete the City of Bellingham application and Personal History Statement with Public Safety Testing.

Effective 3/1/25, Public Safety Testing has a new LEO/CO Written Examination, therefore, we will not accept PST Scores from any previous exams. If you wish to be considered in a future process, you must retest with PST within the testing window specified on future Police Officer - Recruit job postings.

Closing Date/Time:
Wed. 6/30/25 4:30 PM PST



Job Summary

Participates in formal and on-the-job training in law enforcement principles, techniques and procedures, departmental organization, rules, policies, and related laws. Also receives training in the use, care and maintenance of assigned equipment.

Essential Functions

• Attends a 720 hour Basic Law Enforcement…