Police Commander

Posting Expires: Nov 30, 2025, 11:59:00 PM

Minimum Salary: $97.91/hour     

Maximum Salary: $103.78/hour

As a Police Commander, you will be a member of the department's leadership team. You will be assigned a division, performing administrative and supervisory responsibilities as assigned. You may be assigned to one of the following:

• Patrol Bureau – Airport Division, Seaport Division
• Special Operations Bureau – Criminal Investigations Division, Homeland Security Division

• Services Bureau – Office of Professional Standards, Office of Professional Accountability

  • You will coordinate the work and exchange of information between shifts and divisions and devise methods to increase efficiency.  You will also review shift or division activities and develop appropriate direction through guidance, encouragement, instructions and participation in training programs.
  • You will assume command in emergencies such as natural disasters, public demonstrations and other unusual occurrences. 
  • You will visit operating units during watch periods and discuss operational problems with supervisory personnel.  
  • You will review reports and work of staff and take corrective action when necessary to secure compliance with rules, regulations, policies and procedures. 
  • You will prepare or supervise the preparation of reports, plans and official department correspondence and ensure that complaints against the department are handled promptly and appropriately.
  • You will provide administrative support to the department and supervise both sworn and non-sworn personnel. You will also participate in personnel processes, making recommendations on promotions, transfers, discipline, and discharge. 
  • You will prepare and conduct performance appraisals for supervisory staff; reviews performance appraisals prepared by subordinates. 
  • You will prepare work plans for special events and schedules needed personnel.
    Study records, reports and other informational material to make recommendations. Participate in long and short-range planning, including budgeting. 
  • You will oversee investigations of criminal cases. Review crime analysis and respond appropriately, insuring continuity in mission despite changes in subordinate personnel. 
  • You will coordinate crime prevention programs and community involvement; establish and maintain communications with community organizations and groups; and develop action plans to address community safety problems.
  • You will interpret and explain orders, policies, practices, procedures, and other operational information to subordinate personnel. 
  • You will speak publicly to community groups and state and national organizations as a department representative and work directly with the news media and Port media representatives when required.  
  • You will work with other agencies on major policing problems, investigations, and emergencies and serve on multi-agency taskforces in a leadership capacity.
  • You will act as a department liaison between the Police Department and Port of Seattle entities and stakeholders such as: Aviation and Seaport Operations, Port Legal, Workplace Responsibility, Aviation Security, External Relations, Delta Airlines, Alaska Airlines, ext.

• Experienced – You have five (5) years of law enforcement experience and are in a sergeant/supervisor or above in permanent status. 
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Leader – You can provide sound judgment and help create and lead successful solutions, while managing through conflict, change and a variety of leadership styles and priorities. You can motivate and engage employees and foster a positive work environment.
• Problem Solver – You can effectively use your critical thinking skills to quickly address issues and recommend solutions. You can also effectively manage and resolve conflicts by fostering open communication, actively listening to all perspectives, and facilitating collaborative problem-solving.
• Customer Service Minded – You have exceptional customer service skills with the ability to exhibit and promote teamwork. You have a well-developed understanding of customer service concepts and strategies, including conflict resolution.
• Effective Communicator – You possess the ability and willingness to communicate effectively with a diverse population. You also have a strong ability to document instances through professional report writing standards.

What else you need to know: 

• Driver’s License – You will need a valid Washington State Driver’s License, or the ability to obtain one, is required in order to travel locally to project sites.
• Work Schedule –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.
• Security Requirements – As the successful candidate, you must pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check as well as a criminal history background check with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Your employment will be contingent upon obtaining a Port of Seattle ID badge upon clearance. You will also be required to obtain a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) Customs Seal within 30 days of hire.
• Union Representation – This position is represented by the Teamsters union, Local 763.