The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety is hiring Public Safety Officers for service beginning in January 2017. Applications may be submitted through Tuesday, June 28 online ONLY at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/kalamazoomi.
To be considered, applicants must be U.S. citizens and have a High School Diploma or GED equivalent, a valid driver’s license, and be 21 years old at time of appointment (January 1, 2017). Applicants will also be required to pass written and physical tests, and an extensive background investigation. Applicants are not required to be MCOLES (Police) certified to apply.
Kalamazoo Public Safety Officers are cross trained as police officers, firefighters, and medical first responders. They respond to calls for police, fire, and medical emergencies, along with other duties.
Advancement/additional opportunities include Detective, Canine Handler, Community Policing Officer, Narcotics Investigator, Crime Lab Technician, SWAT Team, Bomb Squad, Honor Guard, and Command Officer, among others.
Newly hired officers start at $18.76 per hour. Those who have already received their firefighter certifications will start at $20.62 per hour. Applicants do not need to have prior police or fire certifications to be considered; KDPS will sponsor them through the police academy and provide fire training if needed. A training wage may apply to those who need to attend the Police Academy. The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety also offers a Spanish language hiring bonus, and Public Safety Officers are eligible for veteran on-the-job training education benefits and the federal direct student loan forgiveness program.
KDPS encourages Kalamazoo-area residents to apply, and will give consideration to applicants from our community. Applicants who have lived, worked, or have been educated in urban/diverse environments or with military service will also receive additional consideration.
Information about KDPS is available at www.kalamazoopublicsafety.org and questions can be submitted through the “Contact” link at the top of the Home Page.