City of Kalama Police Department
Accepting Applications for Lateral Officers
*Imminent Opening*
The Agency: The Kalama Police Department consists of five full time commissioned officers, one reserve
officer, and one full time police clerk. We are a proactive Department with strong community support. We
work closely with all of our law enforcement partners in Cowlitz County and have a favorable reputation
among other agencies. Patrol officers work four 12-hour shifts, followed by four days off. Officers rotate
between day shift/night shifts every three months and enjoy a pleasant, relaxed working environment. We
are a small agency with high standards and a commitment to community service.
About the City: Kalama is a picturesque community located in Cowlitz County, Washington between the
Cascade Mountains and the shores of the Columbia River. We are located on the Interstate 5 corridor
approximately 30 miles north of Portland, Oregon. With a population close to 2,500 people within the City
Limits and approximately 5,000 people within the Kalama area, Kalama is growing community with many
opportunities. Kalama is a wonderful place to live and support a family. Visit the City’s website for more
details:
wwwcityofkalama.com
Benefits:
Annual Salary - $47,819.88 to $60,038.40
Officers reach top step after six years. Lateral applicants may qualify for a higher pay
step, based on experience. Longevity is offered after three years of service and starts at
2% per monthly base salary.
Medical/Dental/Vision: The City pays 100% of the medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums
for employees and their dependents. They also contribute into a VEBA account.
Uniforms/Equipment: Officers are issued all uniforms and equipment by the Department. Officers
receive a $45 per month cleaning allowance for uniforms and a $50 per month cell phone stipend.
Time Off: Officers start out earning 8 hours (96 total hours) of vacation per month. Vacation
accruals increase after three years of completed service. Officers are given a bank of 96 hours of
sick leave their first year of employment. After completing one year, sick leave is accrued at 8
hours per month. Officers can also accrue a maximum of 80 hours of comp time and can use those
hours to take paid time off.
Education Incentive: Officers with an Associate's degree will receive a $50 per month incentive.
Officers with a Bachelors degree will receive a $100 per month incentive.
Tuition Reimbursement: The City offers a Tuition Reimbursement Program (TRP) for officers
wishing to continue their education while employed with the Department. Classes must be police
oriented and the officer must maintain a 2.75 GPA or better.
Retirement: Commissioned officers work under Washington State's LEOFF 2 Retirement System.
Holiday Pay: In lieu of additional paid days off, officers receive a lump sum payment equal to 132
hours at the employee's base hourly rate of pay.
Qualifications:
Entry Level: Must be a United States Citizen, possess a high school diploma or GED, be at least 21
years of age at time of application, must have a valid Washington Driver's License or ability to
obtain one within 2 weeks of appointment, no felony convictions or convictions that would prevent
you from owning or carrying a firearm.
Lateral:
Must have a minimum of one year continuous experience as a full time commissioned
peace officer within the last three years. In-State lateral applicants must have successfully
completed the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission's (CJTC) Basic Law
Enforcement Academy and hold a current Washington Peace Officer Certification. If the
applicant is from out of state, the applicant must have successfully completed a Washington CJTC
recognized out-of-state academy and be eligible to attend the Washington State Basic Law
Enforcement Equivalency Academy upon hire.
All successful candidates must pass the following pre-employment screening:
• Medical exam, including drug screening
• Polygraph/CVSA
• Psychological Test
• Background Investigation
To Apply, For Entry Level - contact
PublicSafetyTesting.com
.
For Lateral Applicants: Contact Civil Service Secretary Sue Seay at 360-673-4908 or by email:
apclerk@kalama.com
or Chief Randy Gibson at 360-673-2165 or by email:
rgibson@kalamapolice.com