Police Captain

The Port of Portland is hiring for a dedicated and experienced Police Captain!

Join us in protecting Oregon's gateway to the world. 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.

Operational Leadership & Supervision

• Oversee daily operations of patrol, investigations, and/or training units.
• Supervise department staff, provide direction, and delegate responsibilities appropriately.
• Take prompt administrative or supervisory action when needed.
• Provide supervision of employees at all levels as required.
• Assume command and/or participate in the Incident Command System (ICS) and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during emergency situations.

• Ensure police policies and procedures are current and align with best practices.
• Support and ensure regular, recurrent training across the department.
• Maintain compliance with professional accreditation standards

• Develop and manage capital and operational projects.
• Ensure projects are completed within established timelines and budgets.
• Oversee departmental administrative processes.

• 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 local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

• Act as the Assistant Chief of Police when assigned.
• Engage with Port, airline, and business stakeholders regarding police services.

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 Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (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; capable of presenting 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.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
To ensure full consideration, please submit a complete application, resume, and cover letter along with completing the supplemental questions.

Tentative schedule:

1. A minimum qualification evaluation of the education, training, and experience of submitted application packets will take place by Human Resources the week of September 15, 2025.
   • Applications will be accepted until 9/11/2025 @ 11:59 pm
2. Screening Interview
3. Oral Board/Panel Interview
4. Department presentation
5. Chief's Interview (optional)
6. Conditional Offer
7. Successful completion of ORPAT TEST (Optional, at time of hire)
8. Background Investigation (Applicants cannot be under investigation at the time of the background investigation)
9. Psychological Exam
10. Medical Exam
11. Pre-employment drug screening
12. Employment Confirmation

About us:

At the Port of Portland, we use everything we have - our three airports, three working marine terminals, six business parks, and all the resources, expertise, and experience behind them - to move with purpose, connecting people with powerful opportunities and creating value for our region. We know that every person we hire, business we work with, contract we sign and decision we make is a chance to make someone's life better. And we'll use our power and influence to unlock new opportunities and ensure more people share in our region's success. With YOUR help - together with our partners, customers, and community - we'll help drive meaningful change!

Do you have questions about this job?

Contact us: careers@portofportland.com

Safety: The Port promotes safety as a Core value and we seek to eliminate harm through a culture of active prevention, curiosity, evaluation, and action. We comply with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently look for improvements that support operational excellence.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Port of Portland is dedicated to maintaining and improving a work environment, which extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability or sexual orientation. Employment decisions shall be made in such a manner as to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of nondiscrimination.

Veterans Preference: Under Oregon law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Port of Portland positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veteran's preference for this job, please provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Background Checks and Drug Testing: The Port of Portland will conduct background checks and/or drug tests for positions where such tests are required by regulation and for other safety-sensitive positions.

ADA Accommodation: Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the Port can reasonably do so without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources: call 503-415-6690 or email careers@portofportland.com.