Kalamazoo Public Safety is Hiring!
Published on August 28, 2023
The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety will open the application process for the position of “Public Safety Officer” on Monday, August 28, 2023. The application process will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, September 8, 2023.
Application:
Applications may be submitted online between 8/28/2023 and 9/08/23 at the following website:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/kalamazoomi
KDPS’ hiring process includes an application, a written test, a physical agility test, a background investigation, and several interviews throughout the process. If these steps are successfully completed, it is anticipated that an offer of employment will be given in December 2023.
Qualifications:
To be considered for employment, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, have a high school diploma or GED equivalent, possess a valid driver’s license, and be 21 years old at time of appointment (January 2024). Applicants will also be required to pass a written and physical test and undergo an extensive background investigation. KDPS seeks candidates with integrity, a strong work ethic, and a desire to serve our Kalamazoo community.
Benefits:
Public Safety Officers (PSOs) protect and serve the community by responding to calls for service involving police, fire, and medical emergencies in a professional and caring manner, to enhance the quality of life for all people in the City of Kalamazoo. KDPS offers a meaningful career that promotes balance between life and career and has opportunities for professional development and advancement through promotion.
Applicants do not need to have prior police, fire, or medical first responder certifications to be considered, as KDPS will sponsor hired applicants through the police academy and provide fire/EMS training, if needed. Additional benefits include, but are not limited to, a Spanish language bonus, veteran on-the-job training education benefits, a defined benefit pension plan, a $5,000 annual residency bonus, tuition reimbursement program, the federal direct student loan forgiveness program, and more.
Additionally, KDPS offers a lateral transfer incentive for current police officers (MCOLES certified/certifiable) and/or full-time firefighter/medical first responders. Police officers and/or firefighters currently employed full-time and in good standing with another police or fire agency have the opportunity to laterally transfer up to three (3) years of police/fire experience in regard to the current wage scale. This will significantly increase starting wages for eligible new hires. Qualified lateral transfers will also receive a $15,000 hiring bonus.
Advancement Opportunities:
There are multiple career advancement opportunities for PSOs to include the positions of: Detective, Canine Handler, Community Policing Officer, Narcotics Investigator, Crime Lab Technician, SWAT Technician, Bomb Squad Technician, Recruiter, Fire Marshal, Honor Guard Member, Peer Fitness Trainer, Training Officer, Technical Rescue Team Member, Aviation Team Member, Bike Response Unit Member, Motorcycle Unit Member, Command Officer and more.
To speak to a recruiter about a career with KDPS please call (269) 337-8238 or email: