Public Safety Officer

City of St. Joseph•Saint Joseph, MI

About The Position

The City of St. Joseph Department of Public Safety is hiring a Public Safety Officer. Candidates must hold MCOLES licensing or be eligible for licensing as a police officer upon completion of the police academy. Firefighter 1 and 2 certification is preferred but not required. The position is based in St. Joseph, Berrien County, on the shores of Lake Michigan. The starting salary is $84,000, with wage increases for prior experience. Before the date of hire, selected candidates must successfully pass a drug test, physical examination, psychological examination, and thorough background investigation. Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to the City of St. Joseph Personnel Department by mail or email by December 4, 2026.

Requirements

Be a U.S. citizen.
An associate’s degree is preferred, or the associate’s degree requirement may be waived for prior military experience.
Be at least 21 years old.
Possess current Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) licensing or be licensable before the job posting deadline.
Maintain a valid Michigan driver’s license and a good driving record.
Maintain State of Michigan-mandated firearms qualification.
Demonstrate dependability, reliability, professionalism, and ethical behavior.
Work successfully in a sometimes-high-stress environment while handling multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
Use sound judgment in interpersonal communications and be flexible and adaptable to changing work situations.
Demonstrate knowledge of and ability to apply constitutional law, substantive criminal law, criminal procedure, juvenile law, the law of evidence, criminal and non-criminal investigation techniques, court functions and civil law, crime scene processing, patrol procedures and techniques, civil liability, criminal and non-criminal report writing, court testimony procedures, parking violations and ticket writing procedures, motor vehicle crash investigation and preparation of the Uniform Traffic Crash Report, and physical security procedures.
Demonstrate experience working collaboratively with staff, students, and the public with tact and courtesy.
Have effective oral and written communication skills and excellent customer service skills.
Have basic computer knowledge, including experience with standard word processing software such as Microsoft Word and basic use of email systems.
Use discretion in confidential matters, interactions, and decision-making.
Have no domestic violence convictions or felony convictions.
Have no drug use, including marijuana/THC or illicit drugs.
Successfully pass a drug test, physical examination, psychological examination, and thorough background investigation before the date of hire.