Assistant Chief of Police

The Port of Portland is hiring for a dynamic

Assistant Chief of Police

Who we are: The Port of Portland is a gateway to the globe. With three airports, four marine terminals, and five business parks, the Port of Portland is an economic engine for transforming the region into a place where everyone is welcome, empowered, and connected to opportunities for good jobs and business growth.

Join Us as Assistant Chief of Police: Protecting Oregon's Gateway to the World! The Port of Portland Police Department is a state-certified agency committed to aviation security and public safety at one of the nation's most respected airports. With over 65 sworn officers, we combine proactive policing, specialized units, and interagency collaboration to secure the gateway to global travel and commerce. We are seeking an experienced law enforcement leader to serve as Assistant Chief of Police. This key leadership role partners directly with the Chief of Police to manage daily operations, lead emergency response efforts, implement strategic initiatives, and uphold the highest standards across the department. This position offers the opportunity to make a broad impact on regional aviation safety while contributing to a values-driven culture of professionalism, inclusion, and innovation. If you are a proven leader at the rank of Captain or above with a passion for public service, operational excellence, and interagency collaboration, this is your next command.

Your Role: We are seeking an individual to partner with our Chief of Police to perform management level duties overseeing day to day operations of the Port of Portland Police Department, to ensure effective emergency response, and the seamless implementation of department programs, policies, and initiatives in direct support and at the direction of the Chief of Police and including but not limited to assisting with personnel and discipline matters at the direction of the Chief of Police, ensuring compliance with police performance standards and subordinates.

• Ensure the effective operations of the police department and assist the Chief of Police as directed to promote the safety and security of airport tenants, customers, and employees. Promptly initiate employee, supervisory, or administrative action when necessary to fulfill the functional responsibilities of the department.
• Provide supervision of employees at all levels when needed. Assume command and/or participate in the Incident Command System (ICS) and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in emergencies when appropriate.
• Assist the Chief of Police with budget and projects as directed.
• Maintain satisfactory compliance with FAA and TSA regulations regarding airport law enforcement and state certification standards. Promote high standards of professionalism and service from all levels of the department, address labor issues at the lowest possible level, and maintain positive relations regarding collective bargaining issues. Act as liaison with the Port ASC, TSA, and local state and federal law enforcement agencies.
• Act as Chief in the Chief's absence and assist the Chief in directing the management team. Interact regularly with Port, airline, and business representatives regarding police services in the airport community. Maintain involvement with the Airport Law Enforcement Agency Network (ALEAN) and other professional organizations.

Education and Experience required for this role.

• Captain or higher equivalent rank.
• 3 - 5+ years of progressive leadership experience.
• Valid driver's license: security badge, or ability to obtain security badge, at PDX and/or other Port facilities, which will require a background check.
• Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) - This requirement must be met within the first year of employment.
• Police Executive certification - This requirement must be met within the first 2 years of employment.

Demonstrated Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrate commitment to valuing differences among individuals and a passion for being inclusive.
• Promote safety as a guiding principle and a regular practice in accomplishing work, focus on safety improvements, and comply with safety and health policies and procedures.
• Show the utmost respect for others and act as a team player.
• Senior level experience - Local, state, and federal criminal law,s along with airport-related regulations and requirements, including the Airport Security Program
• Senior level experience - State and federal laws and policies related to managing personnel
• Senior level experience - Excellent written and verbal communication skills when dealing with the public and managing a team
• Senior level experience - Deal effectively with a diverse population and airport community, demonstrating commitment to Port of Portland Values and a commitment to valuing differences among individuals, and passion for being inclusive.
• Advanced level experience - Law enforcement management, program planning, critical incident management, criminal law, and employment regulations
• Advanced level experience - TSA regulatory requirements and compliance; public and inter-jurisdictional relations related to both state and federal guidelines
• Advanced level experience - Promotes safety as a guiding principle and a regular practice in accomplishing work; focusing on safety improvements, and demonstrates safety and health policies and procedures
• Advanced level experience - Lead diverse groups in complex tasks within a short timeframe; must be able to perform all the duties of a Police Officer, Police Sergeant, Police Lieutenant, and Police Captain

Compensation

Our organization adheres to established salary ranges for each position to ensure equitable pay practices. However, final offers are determined based on various factors, including the candidate's experience, qualifications, and considerations of internal pay equity.

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 June 30th, 2025.
   • Applications will be accepted until 6/30/2025 @ 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.