Police Officer (Private - Experienced Officer - 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 seeking experienced Police Officers. This role involves safeguarding 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 USPP offers precision-based enforcement and rapid response capabilities. Specialty units are available based on competitive selection and training completion, including Motorcycle, Aviation, SWAT, K-9, Marine Patrol, Major Crimes, and Dignitary Protection. 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 apprehend criminal actors. - Cooperate with USPP members and other law enforcement agencies to enhance safety and reduce crime. - Perform duties in specialty units (if selected), such as SWAT, K-9, Aviation, or Marine Patrol. - Maintain firearms proficiency and meet physical fitness standards. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Age Requirement: - Must have reached 21st birthday but not yet reached 37th birthday by the date of application (December 28, 2026). Education/Experience (Must meet one by closing date): - Option 1: 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, or criminal investigations. - Option 2: Successful completion of 60 credit hours/2 years of higher education. - Option 3: A combination of education and experience. Training Requirement: - Must have successfully completed a local, state, or federal Police Training Program from a certified Police Training Academy. Other Requirements: - High School Diploma or GED. - Valid driver’s license (Real ID). - Ability to legally possess firearms. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Citizenship: U.S. Citizen, National, or those who owe allegiance to the U.S. - Selective Service: Males must meet registration requirements. - Background Investigation: Required; must achieve and maintain a "Secret" level security clearance. - Drug Test: Must pass pre-employment drug test and receive negative result prior to appointment. - Medical Exam: Must pass pre-employment medical exam. - Vision: Corrected 20/20 binocularly (at least 20/40 each eye); Uncorrected 20/100 binocularly. Must pass color deficiency test. - Criminal History: No felony convictions, no current/pending criminal charges, no domestic violence convictions. Multiple misdemeanors may be disqualifying. SELECTION PROCESS Phase I: - Written Examination: Police Office Selection Test (POST) covering math, reading, grammar. Must score 70% or better in each section. - Physical Readiness Test (PRT): Hand release push-ups, agility run, 1.5-mile run. Must pass each event with 70% or better. - Medical Review: Completed by Certified Medical Physician. Phase II: - Forms Screening Review and Background Investigation: Upload documents, virtual/in-person interview with background investigator, credit check, fingerprint check. - Qualification Review Panel: Virtual panel interview evaluating responses to qualification and scenario questions. - Tentative Job Offer: Issued upon successful completion of Panel Interview, Background Investigation, and Medical Review. Candidates are rated using Category Rating procedures (Best Qualified, Well Qualified, Qualified). Veterans' preference applies. HOW TO APPLY - Apply online via USAJOBS. - Deadline: December 28, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. ET. - Required Documents: - Resume: Must list all significant jobs, duties, dates (MM/YYYY), and hours worked. Max 2 pages. - Veterans Preference Documentation: DD-214 (Member 4) or certification if within 120 days of discharge. SF-15 and VA letter for disabled veterans. - College Transcripts: If qualifying based on education. - Displaced Federal Employee Docs: RIF notice, SF-50s, performance appraisal (if applicable). - Do not submit photographs or Adobe portfolio documents. - Announcement Number: WO-1614-USPP-26-12994829-DE - Control Number: 874467500 - Contact: Racheal Winebar (racheal_winebar@ios.doi.gov) or USPP_Officer_Recruitment@nps.gov EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: Department of the Interior, National Park Service, United States Park Police - Location: Washington, DC (Many vacancies) - Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time, Competitive Service - Work Site Options: No telework; no remote work. - Travel: Occasional travel may be required. - Union Representation: Yes. - Drug Test: Yes. - Security Clearance: Secret. - Equal Opportunity Employer: The Department of the Interior is committed to diversity and inclusion.