Police Officer (Private) Up to 55K Recruitment and Retention Bonus

ABOUT THE ROLE The United States Park Police (USPP), the law enforcement arm of the Department of the Interior and National Park Service, is hiring Police Officers to safeguard National Park Service icons and jurisdictional areas in the Washington Metropolitan Area. Officers are tasked with preventing, detecting, and investigating criminal activity, apprehending criminal actors, and cooperating with federal, state, and local partners. The role involves precision-based enforcement, intelligence-led operations, and rapid response capabilities. Specialty units (e.g., SWAT, K-9, Aviation, Marine Patrol) are available based on competitive selection and training completion. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Safeguard National Park Service icons, symbols of democracy, and other parks in the Washington Metropolitan Area. - Prevent, detect, and investigate criminal activity; pursue and ensure apprehension of criminal actors. - Cooperate with USPP members and other law enforcement agencies to enhance safety and reduce crime. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Age Requirement: - Must have reached 21st birthday but not yet reached 37th birthday by the date of application. - Exceptions: Prior Federal service in a primary covered position sufficient to complete 20 years of service before age 57, or qualified veterans' preference eligibles (waives minimum age, allows higher retirement age after 20 years). Experience, Education, or Combination: - Experience: At least one year of progressively responsible experience demonstrating ability to learn/apply complex regulations and make sound judgments. Examples include police force work, military police, security guards, physical security, visitor protection, law enforcement in natural resources, or criminal investigations. Supervisory/managerial experience demonstrating independent management of critical tasks may also qualify. General Requirements: - U.S. Citizenship. - High School Graduate or GED. - Valid driver's license (Real ID). - Legally possess firearms; no felony convictions, current pending charges, or domestic violence convictions. Multiple misdemeanor convictions may result in disqualification. - Male applicants must meet Selective Service Registration requirements. PREFERRED SKILLS - Ability to work independently in high-risk environments. - Strong psychomotor skills for driving, firearms use, and self-defense. - Agility, endurance, strength, and dexterity. - Commitment to upholding the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Background Investigation: Subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication; must achieve and maintain a "Secret" level security clearance. - Drug Test: Must submit to and pass a pre-appointment drug test. - Medical Exam: Must pass a pre-employment medical exam. - Vision Requirements: - Distance: Corrected 20/20 or better binocularly with at least 20/40 in each eye. SELECTION PROCESS Phase I: - Written Examination: Police Officer Selection Test (POST) covering basic math, reading, and grammar. Must score 70% or better in each section. - Physical Readiness Test (PRT): Hand release push-ups, agility run, and 1.5-mile run. Must pass each event with 70% or better. - Medical Review: Completed by a Certified Medical Physician to determine medical qualification. Phase II: - Forms Screening Review and Background Investigation: Upload documents via secure drop box; virtual or in-person interview with background investigator; credit check; fingerprint check. - Qualification Review Panel: Virtual interview with panel of Force officials evaluating responses to qualification and scenario questions. Selection: - Tentative Job Offer issued to those passing Panel Interview, Background Investigation, and Medical Review. - Final Hire contingent on passing urinalysis/drug screening and full background/security investigation. HOW TO APPLY - Visit USAJOBS.gov and search for Announcement Number WO-1614-USPP-26-12983053-DE. - Complete the occupational questionnaire and upload required documents. - Required Documents: - Resume (max 2 pages, specific formatting rules apply). - College transcripts (if qualifying via education). - Veterans Preference documentation (DD-214 Member 4 copy or SF-15 if applicable). - CTAP/ICTAP documentation if applicable. - Application Deadline: 11:59 PM (EST) on December 28, 2026. - Note: This is an open/continuous announcement; applicants referred weekly. Do not submit hard-copy or email applications. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Department: Department of the Interior, National Park Service, United States Park Police - Location: Washington, DC - Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent (Competitive Service) - Pay Scale & Grade: SP-1 - Promotion Potential: None - Union Representation: Yes - Travel: Occasional travel may be required. - Telework/Remote: Not eligible. - Benefits: Federal benefits package including health insurance, retirement, and paid leave.