Entry​/Lateral Police Officer

GENERAL FUNCTION

The role of the Police Officer is to work in partnership with the community to protect life and property, reduce crime and enhance security and quality of life. This classification provides emergency services, security and protection of the citizens of the city by patrolling businesses and residential areas, responding to requests for information and assistance, investigating criminal activity and otherwise ensuring the proper enforcement of all local, state and federal laws and regulations.

A Lateral applicant must have successfully completed a basic law enforcement academy in the United States, plus completed a minimum of twelve (12) months of sworn, non-military, continuous law enforcement patrol officer experience with a single agency, with no break in service for more than 180 days. Applicant must have a valid peace officer certification. If the applicant is not currently working in law enforcement they must have been separated from their previous law enforcement agency for less than sixty (60) months.

Applicant must have either successfully completed the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy or the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Equivalency Academy or have the ability to obtain an equivalency certification before the completion of probation.

• Vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays which includes 2 additional floating holidays
• Medical, dental and vision insurance options
• Teamsters Retiree Medical
• City paid $100,000 life insurance
• Law Enforcement Officers’ Retirement System (LEOFF) Plan 2
• Participation in VEBA (Health Reimbursement Account)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Choice of two (2) Employee contributed Deferred Compensation Plans with up to a 6% City match
• Various premiums available such as education, longevity, specialty assignment

1. ALL ENTRY LEVEL APPLICANTS - must apply and test through Public Safety Testing at  Once testing is complete, applicants will be placed on an Entry Level Register for future consideration to progress to the next step under Civil Service Rules. Any questions may be directed to Civil Service Secretary, PO Box 609/118 W Maple, Centralia, WA 98531 ). (Last test to be considered in first round will be Friday, February 6, 2026)

2. ALL LATERAL APPLICANTS - must complete a City of Centralia Employment Application available at  or at City Hall 118 W Maple/PO box 609, Centralia, WA 98531. Once your application is received you will be placed on a Lateral Entry Register for future consideration to progress to the next step under Civil Service Rules. Any questions may be directed to Civil Service Secretary, PO Box 609/118 W Maple, Centralia, WA 98531 ).

(All lateral applications to be considered in the first round must be turned in by Friday, February 6, 2026 by 5 pm, no postmarks will be accepted). Email completed applications to jobapp

Job Class:
Full‑time, Union (Teamsters)
Job

Hours:

As assigned
Salary: $7,699 – $9,152 per month (2026 rates)

All entry & lateral applications and test scores must be received by Friday, February 6, 2026.

The City of Centralia is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity and access regardless of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disabled veteran status, veteran status, physical, mental or sensory disability. Women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The city will provide reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities during the selection process, if requested.

Only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States are eligible for employment. All new employees will be required to complete and sign an Employment Eligibility Verification form and present documentation verifying identity and employment eligibility.