Police Officer (Hiring Incentive for Iowa Certified and Non-Certified)

Police OfficerCentrally located in the heart of Iowa, Ames is a vibrant, progressive community with more than 66,000 residents providing an excellent quality of life. Home to Iowa State University, Ames offers year-round recreation opportunities, diverse cultural offerings, a stable economy, safe neighborhoods, and a high-achieving school district. The City of Ames is conducting a recruitment to fill current openings for Police Officer with the City of Ames Police Department. Police Officers perform work related to the enforcement of law, maintenance of order, protection of life and property, and prevention of crime; contributes to citywide problem-solving and performs related work as required. Work is within a 24/7/365 environment and subject to shift assignment and occasional mandatory overtime. To witness what it is like to work for the City of Ames Police Department and find additional information on the pre-employment requirements, please visit the Ames PD website: Join the Ames Police Department. HIRING WAGE INCENTIVE For this recruitment, any Iowa certified Officer, OR any out-of-state certified Officer who can gain certification through examination with the ILEA, who begins employment as a result of this recruitment, shall receive a hiring wage incentive to equal $2000. Any non-certified Officer who begins employment from this recruitment shall receive a hiring wage incentive to equal $1000. This incentive shall be paid in the following increments: 1) 50% upon hire 2) 25% after 6 months of employment 3) 25% after probationary period ends or 12 months of employment (whichever is later) The current starting annual salary for this position is $66,794 ($32.30 per hour). Specified months of City of Ames PD service are applied as step increases, per the PPME bargaining agreement. Annual salaries for Police Officers are based on a 2068 hours worked schedule. Salaries may be subject to change according to worked overtime. The City of Ames is offering lateral transfers for certified officers, up to step D (49-72 months). Current Iowa Law Enforcement Academy certification will be required before applying any step consideration. The current steps are outlined below: July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 Months Hourly Rate Annual Pay Months Hourly Rate Annual Pay 0-12 $32.30 $66,794 0-12 $33.35 $68,965 13-24 $33.46 $69,193 3-24 $34.55 $71,441 25-48 $35.38 $73,176 25-48 $36.53 $75,554 49-72 $37.31 $77,157 49-72 $38.52 $79,664 73-96 $39.33 $81,337 73-96 $40.61 $83,980 97-120 $41.96 $86,776 97-120 $43.33 $89,596 121-168 $43.53 $90,011 121-144 $44.94 $92,936 169+ $45.32 $93,721 145+ $48.84 $101,000 This position is also bound by a residency requirement per the same bargaining agreement, which is outlined under "Other Supplemental Information" later in this posting. Our comprehensive benefits package can be viewed at: City of Ames Benefits Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program: The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer. For more information, please visit the website through this link: PSLF Program In order to be considered for this position, all applicants must submit their online application by the deadline listed on this posting. Your application includes complete responses to the supplemental questions. Please keep in mind that submission of a resume in lieu of work history on your application or answering the supplemental questions is not sufficient. Screening of Candidates Will start on February 20th, by noon. Each passing candidate from the initial background screening will be invited to agility testing and POST exam, starting on Friday, February 27, 2026. Phone interviews will be that same afternoon. Future testing dates will be dependent on how many candidates pass through full interview process and given a contingent offer of employment. Applications will be accepted up to positions being filled or until June 19th, whichever occurs first. Further details will be emailed to those candidates who qualify prior to each date. Candidates must pass each step of our process before being moved to the next step. Patrols assigned area in various vehicles or on foot to prevent, discover, and deter the commission of crime; to enforce criminal laws, traffic laws, parking regulations, and City ordinances; and to check the functioning of traffic signals, and road conditions. Monitors and directs vehicular and pedestrian traffic as required. Provides general assistance to persons in need; provides first aid for injured persons. Answers calls regarding complaints, misdemeanors and felonies; interviews persons with complaints or inquiries; attempts to make proper disposition or direct them to proper authorities. Apprehends suspects. Conducts investigations; searches for and preserves evidence; questions suspects and witnesses; takes written statements; maintains surveillance over persons and places; effects arrests and charges; creates reports; serves warrants. Answers calls involving automobile accidents; takes safeguards to prevent further accidents; clears scene of obstructions and/or wreckage. Conducts accident investigations; reports traffic control device malfunctions and obstructions of view; examines roadways and vehicles; takes various types of measurements associated with crime scenes vehicle crashes and other incidents. Enforces traffic regulations; operates radar equipment; issues traffic and parking tickets; directs traffic at community events. Assists other emergency personnel as needed; secures emergency scene. Testifies as a witness in court. Reports equipment malfunctions and performs minor maintenance and repair. Books, fingerprints, and photographs prisoners; oversees well being of individuals in custody; follows and maintains detention facility rules and procedures. Transports individuals to and from detention facility. Provides information to public in accordance with public reporting regulations. Engages in community policing, relationship building, and problem-solving. Embraces ongoing training to maintain professional competence. Builds trust with citizen groups. Acts as department representative providing formal and informal presentations on relevant issues to community groups, schools, etc. Other Job Functions: May act in specialty assignments including Community Resource, School Resource, Drug Task Force or Safe Neighborhoods Team. May serve as juvenile officer, performing a full range of preventative and investigative duties. May perform duty as a detective. Each employee is expected to continually strive to bring shared values to life through our Excellence Through People organizational culture. ETP values include: committing to continuous improvement; inspiring creativity and innovation; being customer driven; making data-driven decisions; championing employee involvement; striving for excellence; having fiscal stewardship; acting with honesty and integrity; exhibiting leadership; choosing a positive attitude; respect and dignity for one another; promoting safety and wellness; and cultivating teamwork. For leaders, this includes creating a work culture that brings these values to life. For all employees, this includes maintaining a Total City Perspective. The purpose of ETP is to deliver exceptional services to the public at the best price, and for employees to experience an enjoyable and stimulating work environment. Education and Experience: Successful completion of high school, HiSet, or GED, PLUS 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours in an accredited college or university in diversified academic subjects, OR an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may substitute for the minimum of 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of accredited higher education. Not to be included are technical or occupation courses; however, technical or community college credits will be considered if credits are in criminal justice, liberal arts, or a closely related field. Certification by a law enforcement academy may not substitute for any course credit. Licenses and Certificates: Must obtain a valid Iowa driver license upon appointment. Must demonstrate a safe and conscientious regard for traffic laws. Must meet all state standards for Peace Officer certification, complete the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, and achieve certification within one year of appointment. Must exceed Iowa Law Enforcement Academy fitness testing standards to be eligible for hire; must complete ILEA based testing biannually. Knowledge