Job Description

Police Officer III

The City of Whitefish Police department is actively recruiting for a full-time Police Officer III position. If you are a professional with the desire and passion to serve your community, this may be the perfect fit for you.

One of the fastest growing cities in Montana, Whitefish is consistently rated one of the best small towns in America and was named one of the top 25 ski towns in the world by National Geographic. It is located on the shores of Whitefish Lake and the base of Big Mountain – home to Whitefish Mountain Resort. Whitefish also boasts over 36 miles of natural surface single-track mountain biking and hiking trails with 10 trailheads, golfing, world class dining, two professional live theater companies, and is only thirty minutes from Glacier National Park.

Probationary Police Officer III = $31.11 per hour (Range 20) Confirmed Police Officer III = $32.66 - $46.67 per hour (Range 21 after one-year probationary period). Candidates with previous Police Officer experience may be considered for this classification range at start of employment if approved by Police Chief.

Benefits of working for the City of Whitefish include:

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance
• Competitive wages
• Health, Dental, Orthodontic, and Vision Insurance (FY26 the City pays 81% of monthly premium, employee pays 19% of monthly premium pre-tax)
• Generous employer contribution toward Health Savings Accounts (HSA) for those who choose the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)
• Free annual biometric screening - Employee and spouse/partner can earn up to $200 incentive for participation
• City Wellness Program - City pays $30 per month to employees to use toward wellness
• Corporate rate membership to The Wave health club (billed to City and deducted through payroll)
• Montana Police Officers Retirement System (MPORS) - includes 14.41% City contribution, 29.37% State of Montana contribution, and 9% employee contribution of salary (5-year vesting period). See for more information on retirement.
• 15 days of paid vacation earned per year (starting)
• 12 days of paid sick leave earned per year (starting)
• 12.5 paid holidays per year
• One paid personal day per year (8 hours)
• $25,000 employer paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Life Insurance Policy for employee and $5,000 for spouse/dependents and optional additional voluntary life and AD&D available
• 125 Cafeteria Plans - Optional Pre-Tax Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Care Account (DCA)
• Free Employee Assistance Program - 6 free counseling sessions per issue, per person in household
• Optional Deferred Compensation Plan (457) – Pretax and Roth Available
• Optional Aflac Plans including Accident, Short-Term Disability, Cancer, Hospital and Critical Illness
• May be eligible for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Plan (PSLF) - click here to learn more and to understand your eligibility.
• FMLA - up to 12 weeks of leave per year (rolling calendar year) available after working 1250 hours within previous 12 months and employed for 12 months for qualifying events. Accrued leave utilized concurrently.
• Bereavement Leave - up to 5 paid days off for death of immediate family member
• Jury & Witness Duty Leave
• Military Leave
• Eligible to earn Compensatory Time (additional paid leave of 1.5 hours earned for each hour worked in a qualified and approved OT event)
• 15% -20% discount on Verizon voice plans and select data plans
• T-Mobile exclusive offers with Work Perks – 15% off the Go5G Plus or Go5G Next rate plans
• AT&T discounts also available
• Parks & Recreation After School and Summer Day Camp services provided at no cost to employees
• Whitefish Workforce Assistance Program - designed to help full-time and seasonal equivalent employees to successfully live and work in the Whitefish area by providing rental assistance – click here to learn more and understand your eligibility.
• Collective Bargaining Agreement benefits -
  • Advancement opportunities based on years of service with WPD, education and continuing law enforcement education
  • $1,250 annual Equipment & Clothing allowance
  • Shift Differential
  • Compensatory Time and Personal Time cash in option
  • Physical Fitness test incentive
  • City provided body armor
  • Additional information and benefits available upon request

For assistance with online application process, please contact the Human Resources department at 406-863-2464 or email HR@cityofwhitefish.gov.

TESTING REQUIRED: The written and Physical Fitness Performance tests will take place on Monday, November 2, 2026. The written portion will be the National Police Officer Selection Test, while the Physical Fitness Performance testing will follow Cooper Standards. Detailed information for the Physical Fitness Performance Requirements is provided further below. INTERVIEWS: Those who pass the written and physical testing will be scheduled to interview on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

GENERAL PURPOSE: Performs routine law enforcement work and a variety of police department activities.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the close supervision of a higher-ranking officer. SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None.

Job Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Enforces applicable criminal, traffic and other state, federal and municipal codes.
• Receives training in applicable laws and ordinances and department policies and procedures; receives training in a wide variety of police functions including criminal investigation, evidence collection, patrol and traffic procedures, self-defense, use of firearms; receives field training and guidance from senior officers while performing law enforcement work in patrol, traffic, and other police functions.
• Operates a police vehicle while patrolling an assigned area checking for unlocked doors, windows and building security; checks residential areas for possible illegal activities.
• Serves warrants, makes arrests and transports offenders to jail.
• Investigates crimes and prepares cases for court; testifies in court when required.
• Investigates accidents and prepares accident offense and other reports as necessary.
• Issues traffic citations, makes and keeps reports as required.
• Coordinates activities with other officers or other City departments as needed, exchanges information with officers in other law enforcement agencies.
• Maintains contact with police supervisory personnel to coordinate investigation activities,
• Provide mutual assistance during emergency situations and provides general information about department activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES:

• Maintains departmental equipment, supplies and facilities.
• Maintains contact with general public, court officials, and other City officials in the performance of police operating activities.
• Serves as a member of various employee committees.

Desired Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience: High school diploma or equivalent.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Some knowledge of the methods, principles, and practices of city law enforcement; ability to learn the applicable laws, ordinances, and department rules and regulations; ability to develop skill in the use of fire arms and operation of police vehicles; ability to perform work requiring good physical condition; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, peers and supervisors; ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions; ability to follow verbal and written instructions; ability to meet the special requirements listed below; ability to learn the city's geography.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must possess, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid State Driver's License without record of suspension or revocation in any state; ability to meet

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