Job Title: Police Officer
Posted By: City of Kalispell
Opening Date: Aug 13, 2026
CITY OF KALISPELL
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
JOB DESCRIPTION
(The City of Kalispell is establishing a hiring list for future openings)
Class Title: Police Officer
Department: Police Department
Union: Kalispell Police Association
Salary: $38.43 hour
Note: Recognized lateral transfer experience & incentive pay allows for higher compensation – Refer to “Lateral Transfer and Incentive Pay” section of this job description for more details.)
Benefits: 100% paid health insurance for employee & reduced rates for dependents. State retirement plan, 3-weeks’ vacation, paid sick leave, 10 State and Federal holidays. This position may be participating in a *VEBA program.
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Last Revised: August 12, 2026
REJECTION CRITERIA
NOTE: Before applying, refer to the “Rejection Criteria” at end of job description to see if you may qualify!
QUESTIONNAIRE, TESTING & INITIAL INTERVIEW SCHEDULE
• A completed City of Kalispell application must be submitted by 4:00 pm September 25, 2026.
City of Kalispell Application
• Testing (MPAT/Written) will be offered on October 7, 2026, for the written and physical test. Testing will start promptly at 9 am, 155 Shady Lane Kalispell MT 59901. Interviews will be scheduled for those who pass the testing and are selected for board interviews. Interviews will take place on October 8. Applicant Background Packet is due at the time of testing. All applicants are welcome to take the test.
NOTICE:
Because the practical portion of the test is considered physically strenuous, it is strongly recommended you consult a physician prior to testing!
All documents, including but not limited to; certificates, including certified birth certificates & transcripts, used in considering the candidate will not be returned to the applicant.
I GENERAL CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Performs police patrol, investigation, traffic regulation, and related law enforcement activities.
II ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Patrol & Investigative Duties 90%:
a. Work on rotating shifts performing security patrols, traffic control/enforcement, investigation and first aid at accidents, detection, investigation, and arrest of persons involved in crimes or misconduct.
b. Work an assigned shift using judgment in deciding course of action. Expected to handle difficult and emergency situations without assistance.
c. Maintain normal availability by radio or telephone for consultation on major emergencies or precedent.
d. Carry out duties in conformance with Federal, State, County, and City laws, ordinances, and policies;
e. Respond to emergency radio calls and investigates accidents, robberies, civil disturbances, domestic disputes, fights, drunkenness, missing children, prowlers, abuse of drugs, etc. Takes appropriate law enforcement action.
f. Interrogate/interview suspects and witnesses.
g. Recognize, preserve, and document evidence.
h. Prepare cases and testify in court proceedings.
i. Prepare a variety of reports and records including, but not limited to: investigation, arrest and accident reports.
j. Undertake community-oriented police work and assist citizens with such matters as locked or stalled vehicles, crime prevention, drug abuse education and traffic safety.
k. Coordinate activities with other officers and/or other City departments as needed. Exchange information with other law enforcement agencies, and obtain advice from the City Attorney, Judges, and Municipal Prosecutor's Office regarding cases, policies and procedures.
l. Maintain contact with police supervisory personnel to coordinate investigation activities, provide mutual assistance during emergency situations and provide general information about Department activities.
m. Other duties as assigned.
III PERIPHERAL DUTIES 10%:
a. Maintain departmental equipment, supplies and facilities.
b. Maintain contact with general public, court officials, and other City officials in the performance of police operating activities.
c. Serve as a member of various employee committees.
IV SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Work under the general supervision of a Police Sergeant.
V SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
None.
VI QUALIFICATIONS:
a. Entry Level (Minimal):
i. Must be 18 years or older.
ii. Must possess, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid State driver's license; applicants driving history will be taken into consideration.
iii. U.S. citizen;
iv. High school diploma or equivalent;
v. Must be able to read and write the English language;
vi. Must be of good moral character and of temperate and industrious habits.
b. Preferred Education and Experience, but not required:
i. A two-year or greater college degree, or;
ii. An equivalent combination of education and experience.
c. *LATERAL TRANSFERS & INCENTIVE PAY
i. Employees who come to work for the Kalispell Police Department after having worked as a sworn peace officer for another law enforcement agency with largely equivalent responsibilities and hold a current Basic Law Enforcement Certification that would be recognized by Montana POST, shall have experience recognized on the pay matrix as follows:
1. Years worked at other agencies will be acknowledged on a 2 for 1 basis up to a recognition of 20 full years’ experience. (Example 1: An officer with 20 years’ experience will be placed at a step 11 - $43.79) (Example 2: An officer with 10 years’ experience will be placed at step 6 - $41.03).
d. *ADVANCED EDUCATION INCENTIVE
i. Employees possessing an Associate’s of Arts/Sciences degree: $10/pay period.
ii. Employees possessing a Bachelor of Arts/Sciences degree: $20/pay period.
iii. Employees possessing a Master’s degree: $30/pay period.
VII KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES (KSA):
a. Some knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment;
b. Skilled in basic computer operation and office equipment;
c. Ability to learn operation of electronic equipment used in law enforcement;
d. Ability to learn the applicable laws, ordinances, and department rules and regulations;
e. Ability to perform work requiring good physical condition;
f. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing;
g. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, peers, and supervisors;
h. Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions under stressful, sometimes life-threatening situations;
i. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions;
j. Ability to meet the special requirements listed below;
k. Ability to learn the City's geography.
VIII SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
a. 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;
b. Ability to meet Department's and States physical standards.
c. Ability to adhere to the Kalispell Police Department’s Tattoo/Body Piercing Policy.
IX TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:
Police car, police radio, radar gun, handgun and other weapons as required, baton, handcuffs, breathalyzer, pager, computer, electronic devices and first aid equipment.
X PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
a. The physical demands described here 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.
b. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk, hear or smell. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, run; engage in physical confrontation.
c. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
XI WORK ENVIRONMENT:
a. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
b. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside (sometimes severe) weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts; in high, precarious places; and with explosives and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat, vibration and at times in hostile environments.
c. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
d. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. 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.
XII SELECTION GUIDELINES:
a. Formal application; review of education and experience; appropriate P.O.S.T. testing including written and physical agility test; oral interview; thorough criminal background check, examination of credit/financial reports and final selection. Note: Applicants will not be informed as to any results of interviews, and background checks.
i. Note: Incomplete applications or failure to provide required documentation may be grounds for rejection/disqualification.
b. Kalispell is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
c. Candidates offered a position with the City of Kalispell will be required to successfully complete a post-offer medical and psychological examination.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
*VEBA (Voluntary Employee Benefit Association) is a tax-exempt health reimbursement account used by employees and their eligible dependent to pay for eligible medical expenses. The plan is funded by an employee’s sick and/or vacation banked hours upon leaving City employment.
POSTED: August 13, 2026
CLOSES: September 25, 2026
IMPORTANT!
All applicants are required to pass written, practical (physical) tests and an initial interview conducted by the Kalispell Police Department. The city will not accept tests (written or physical) from other agencies.
A City application can be obtained from:
• The Human Resource Department with the City of Kalispell, 201 1st Ave East,
Kalispell, MT. Phone (406)758-7774 or (406)758-7757; or
• Kalispell Job Service, 427 1st Ave E, Kalispell, MT 59901. Phone (406)758-6200; or
• Online at the City of Kalispell website: https://www.kalispell.com/236/Human-Resources
Revised: 8/12/26
PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS FOR THE POSITION OF POLICE OFFICER FOR THE CITY OF KALISPELL MONTANA
REJECTION CRITERIA GUIDELINES
To determine if you would qualify for a police officer position with the City of Kalispell we ask that you take the following self-test before applying for the position.
If you answer “yes” to any of the below listed questions you may not be considered.
In addition; a comprehensive background check is conducted to confirm your answers.
1. Any felony conviction from this state or any other state; or the conviction of an offense
from another state, which would be a felony if committed in this state
2. Conviction of an offense involving moral turpitude. “Moral turpitude can be defined
as conduct that is considered contrary to community standards of justice, honesty or
good morals.
3. Conviction of any offense involving the unlawful use, sale, manufacture, or possession
of a controlled substance, to include prescription drugs.
4. Conviction of a DUI, within five years preceding the date of application or two DUI
convictions in a lifetime.
5. Has criminal proceedings pending or is currently under investigation for a crime.
6. Has a documented history of physical violence or has been convicted of a crime of
domestic violence.
7. Any violation of public trust while previously employed in law enforcement or other
public service.
8. Recent or current affiliation with, and/or support of, any group or organization which
advocates the violent overthrow of the State or United States Government or whose
professed goals are contrary to the interests of public safety and welfare.
9. Any illegal use of a controlled substance within (10 years) the listed time limits prior to the date of the application.
10. Evidence that the applicant has willfully provided false or misleading information
during an application process, written or orally, or has cheated during any testing
process during an application process.
11. Not a citizen of the United States.
12. No high school diploma or its equivalent.
13. Excessive and/or offensive tattoos/body piercings.
KALISPELL POLICE DEPARTMENT
HIRING FACTORS
The following factors will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may serve as a rejection of the applicant:
1. A documented history of criminal behavior.
2. Conviction of a criminal offense which resulted in incarceration.
3. Conviction of a DUI more than five years preceding the date of application.
4. A documented history of poor driving skills/habits; suspended/revoked D/L, excessive number of moving violations, history of accidents where ‘at fault’, etc.
5. Fraudulent use of unemployment compensation, sick leave, etc.
6. Prior termination for ‘cause’ from a law enforcement agency.
7. Separation from any branch of the United States Armed Forces under less than ‘honorable’ conditions.
8. Unfavorable recommendations from references, past or present employers, creditors or landlords.
9. A demonstrated lack of financial responsibility.
10. Maintaining an on-going relationship with an individual who has been convicted of a felony offense or who is currently reputed to be involved in felonious activity.
11. Failing the Peace Officer Selection Test (POST/Written) three times within a one-year period prior to passing the test (same year) or failing the POST test five times within a two-year period prior to passing the test.
12. Maturity, education, work experience and life experience will be PRIMARY considerations in the hiring decision of any applicant.
13. Any other factor, or combination of factors, which would limit or prohibit the applicant from functioning successfully as a member of the Kalispell Police Department.
The information submitted to the Kalispell Police Department is confidential and will be used only for investigating my suitability for law enforcement employment.
NOTICE!
All documents, including but not limited to: certificates, including certified birth certificates & transcripts used in considering the candidate will not be returned to the applicant.
Contact Info
Name: Bre Hanson
Phone: 406-758-7774
Email: [email protected]