Human Resources
The City of Port Townsend is a great place to work. We offer generous benefit packages, competitive wages, and a commitment to work-life balance.
About our Beautiful City
Founded in 1851, Port Townsend is located approximately 40 miles northwest of Seattle. With its maritime heritage, artist spirit, and a touch of urban chic, Port Townsend is an easily accessible base camp to the Olympic Peninsula and beyond.
Port Townsend has a population of approximately 10,000 and is the county seat and only incorporated city of Jefferson County. Port Townsend prides itself on its historic charm and stunning natural setting.
In addition to its natural scenery, the City is known for many Victorian buildings remaining from its late 19th century heyday, numerous annual cultural events, and as a maritime center for independent boat-builders and related industries and crafts. Port Townsend’s Historic District is a U.S. National Historic Landmark District.
Current Job Openings
Applications are accepted only for open positions. The application must be completed online. We are unable to accept paper applications, resumes or cover letters.
Those applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to complete the application or interview should call (360) 379-5045 during normal office hours.
Please answer all questions on the application. If a question does not apply, indicate “N/A” for non-applicable. We encourage you to upload a cover letter and resume to demonstrate your qualifications for the position. All applicants must complete an application; the resume is merely in addition to the application. It is our practice to confirm information contained in the application. Criminal history and reference checks will be conducted on the finalist for each position. A criminal history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from consideration. All law enforcement candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment will also be required to complete a thorough background investigation, psychological exam, polygraph, drug screen, and medical exam at the City’s expense.
The City of Port Townsend is an Equal Opportunity Employer and an E-Verify Employer. Thank you for your interest in working with us.
Entry Level Police Officer Application Process
To become an Entry Level Police Officer, the first step is to complete the initial testing for Entry Level Police Officer positions through PublicSafetyTesting.com (PST), a private testing agency. This includes a physical and entry level written exam. Upon successful completion of the PST testing process, applicant test scores will be forwarded by PST to Human Resources and the Civil Service Commission Chief Examiner.
Please register for testing at www.publicsafetytesting.com
When an opening occurs or at the time the Civil Service Commission recommends an employment list be established, applicants will be invited to complete the City of Port Townsend Civil Service Commission Employment Application. Applicants will then be invited for further testing, including an oral board panel interview.
Employee Benefits
The City has non-represented staff, Teamsters #589 Union staff, and Police Union #589 staff. We offer competitive salaries and many benefits such as paid holidays, paid leave, and great medical insurance.
