Job Description

Police Officer Position Opening

The City of Wahpeton is accepting applications for the position of Police Officer. We are establishing a hiring list for the year 2026 with a potential start date of 1/1/2026. Candidates must be a citizen of the United States, possess a high school diploma or equivalency certificate (GED), a valid driver's license, and a North Dakota Peace Officer's license or the eligibility to be licensed within North Dakota upon employment.

Candidates must pass physical and psychological tests as well as criminal history and background checks. The salary range for this position in year 2026 is $52,168.00 to $78,333.00, pay grade 14 with 13 steps and starting wage dependent upon experience. Position includes an excellent benefit package to include Public Safety NDPERS pension plan, health, dental, vision, and life insurance. Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave are also included. Applications and a job description are available at www.wahpeton.com, by calling 701-642-8448, or by stopping at or writing to:

Wahpeton City Hall

1900 4th Street North

Wahpeton, ND 58075

Interested persons must submit a resume and completed application by December 8, 2025 to cherylo@wahpeton.com.

The City of Wahpeton is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Police Officer

Salary Range: 14

JOB SUMMARY

Works under the general guidance and direction of the Chief of Police, Deputy Chief and Police Sergeants. Performs professional law enforcement duties in compliance with local, state, and federal laws.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Other duties may arise and may be assigned as necessary by the Chief of Police, Deputy Chief or Sergeants. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Enhance public safety through courteous and impartial law enforcement service.

Provide proactive crime prevention through patrolling the City of Wahpeton, conducting business checks, residential patrols, and traffic enforcement.

Provide outreach through community policing activities, school patrol, parade duty, funeral escorts and special assignments as directed by the Chief of Police or designee.

Investigate criminal and non-criminal complaints to include crimes against persons, property crimes, crimes of violence, accident investigations, civil complaints, secure evidence and testify in court when required.

Maintain departmental records that include investigative reports, supplemental reports, citations, warrants and subpoenas. Complete all required reports in a timely manner as directed by command staff.

Enforce local, state, and federal laws and ordinances, traffic laws and parking violations. Locate and arrest offenders while taking the steps necessary to ensure the highest degree of public safety.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High School Diploma, completion of North Dakota Basic Law Enforcement Academy or equivalent program or be North Dakota Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) eligible to be enrolled in North Dakota Basic Law Enforcement Academy.

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS

Valid North Dakota Driver's License; North Dakota Peace POST License in good standing or licensable upon hire.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Identify and respond to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns, and needs.

Perform criminal investigations involving complex and sensitive situations.

Considerable knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and ordinances.

Considerable knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Wahpeton Police Department.

Considerable knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Environment: standard office setting and emergency peace control environment; travel from site to site; exposure to potentially hostile environments.

Physical: Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.

Must successfully pass a physical exam when required.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $52,168.00 - $78,333.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) matching 457(b) Dental insurance Dependent health insurance coverage Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance
Work Location: In person