2026 Salary schedule: $7,182-$9,168 per month - Applications will be reviewed on January 16, 2026.

Hoquiam is the second largest city in Grays Harbor County and has a population of approximately 8,434 residents. The police department currently has an authorized strength of 19 sworn officers, in addition to five police services officers in the City Jail, an Office Manager, a Police Records Specialist and an animal Control Officer. The department handles around 15,000 Law Incidents per year and is a member of the Grays Harbor Drug Task Force with one Detective assigned full-time to the unit.

All sworn police officers are represented by the Hoquiam Police Association and Fraternal Order of Police. The Patrol work schedule consists of three 12-hour work shifts followed by three days off. Due to FLSA requirements, officers also receive nine additional 12-hour shifts off during the year, plus 104 hours of compensated holiday time. Medical, dental and vision coverage for officers and dependent family is provided covered by the City. The City also offers education and bilingual language incentives.

The Hoquiam Police Department embraces the “community policing” philosophy as reflected in the department’s mission statement:

Through community partnerships and problem solving, we take a unified stance against crime, violence, disorder and disregard for the law. With the budgetary support and cooperation of the citizens we serve, we help Hoquiam to be strong and self sufficient- because a strong community is a safe community.”

Applicants should be self-motivated with a strong desire to serve the community and promote professional law enforcement. Members of the Hoquiam Police Department are very proud of their service to the community.

Candidates with diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The City of Hoquiam is an equal opportunity employer.

NATURE OF WORK:

This position is responsible for the protection of life and property of the citizens of Hoquiam by the prevention of crime, apprehension of criminals, and the enforcement of laws and ordinances of the City of Hoquiam and the State of Washington. The work performed consists of assigned patrol, preliminary complaint investigation, and traffic regulation duties. Police work involves an element of personal danger and employees must be able to act without direct supervision and exercise independent judgment in meeting emergency situations. Assignments, general instructions, and special instructions are received

from a superior officer who reviews work methods and results through reports, observations, discussion and evaluation reports.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:

Patrols an area of the city, in a patrol car or on foot, to handle calls for service, prevent and discover criminal acts, apprehend offenders, and to enforce vehicle and traffic laws.
Responds to and resolve complaints involving victims of crimes, automobile accidents, and other calls for assistance
Prepares written reports relating to investigated cases, complaints, and shift activities
Administers first aid as needed, conducts preliminary investigations, gathers evidence, obtains witness statements, and makes arrests
Testifies as a witness in court
Conducts accident investigations; provides first aid for injured; takes safeguards to prevent further accidents; interviews involved parties and witnesses; takes statements; examines vehicles, roadways, traffic controls, and obstructions to view; clears obstructions and records data; and prepares detailed accident reports
Performs varied duties such as traffic control; police protection at fires, parades, processions, and sporting events; controls school crossing traffic; and checks and reports on deficient streetlights, signs, and road surfaces

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:

Knowledge of the geography of the city, the location of important buildings and the city street system
Ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and with respect for the rights of citizens
Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively, and to determine proper courses of action
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions
Ability to write and speak effectively, including over the radio
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public
Skill in the use and care of firearms, and in first aid practices

REQUIREMENTS:

High School graduate or GED equivalent
Ability to meet physical, medical and background standards for police officers as established by the City (in accordance with the Police Academy standards required by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission)
21 years of age at time of application
United States Citizen or Legal Resident
A valid Washington state Driver’s License upon hire and acceptable driving record

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to successfully complete the following:

Background investigation by the Police Department (criminal activity, employment history, credit history, driving record, etc.).

Following a conditional offer of employment, a prospective officer must successfully complete, as a condition of final employment:

A medical examination by a licensed physician, including drug test;
A psychological examination by a licensed psychologist to establish fitness for duty;
Polygraph examination.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

We have two options for testing. Testing can be done through Public Safety Testing or directly through the City of Hoquiam.

To apply and test for this position through Public Safety, use the following link: Public Safety Testing - Hoquiam Police Department - Entry Level Police Officer

To apply and test through the City of Hoquiam please fill out an application (City of Hoquiam Employment Application (PDF) and pay a $25 testing fee. These may be submitted to the Finance Department at 609 8th Street, Hoquiam, WA 98550.

The written test will comprise 40% of the final score; the physical agility test is pass-fail only. Please make sure to review the physical agility standards for entry into the Basic Law Enforcement Academy on the CJTC website for details. After the scores from the written tests are compiled, with those who pass the physical agility test, an Oral Board panel will be convened which will comprise 60% of the applicant’s final score on the eligibility list.

For questions about the department, contact Lt. Jeff Salstrom at jsalstrom@cityofhoquiam.com. For questions about the application process, contact Civil Service Examiner Corrine Schmid at (360) 538-3969 or cschmid@cityofhoquiam.com.

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Candidates with diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The City of Hoquiam is an equal opportunity employer.

City of Hoquiam

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