Police Officer

Full Job Description

This position will serve as a Police Officer at the New Mexico VA Medical Center in Albuquerque, NM.The Police Officer will perform a full range of police duties by following and executing rules, regulations, or procedures covering law and rules enforcement, physical and personal security operations, patrol duties, control desk duty, coordination with local courts, and/or crime prevention activities for the local jurisdiction.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

GS-05 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-04 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.

Specialized experience includes: Experience that provided knowledge of a body of basic laws and regulations, law enforcement operations, practices, and techniques and involved responsibility for maintaining order and protecting life and property.

Creditable specialized experience may have been gained in work on a police force; through service as a military police officer; in work providing visitor protection and law enforcement in parks, forests, or other natural resource or recreational environments; in performing criminal investigative duties; or in other work that provided the required knowledge and skills.

To calculate, first identify the percentage of required education you have earned (when substituting, you cannot use the first 60 semester hours that you earned).

Then identify the percentage of required experience you possess. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify at the GS-05.

For example, an applicant who has 9 semester hours of graduate level education (i.e. 50% of graduate education required) and 6 months of creditable specialized experience (i.e.

50% of the required experience) would equal 100% of the required experience for the position A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week.

Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities.

Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR POLICE OFFICER POSITION: Driver's License Requirement: Applicants must possess a valid, unrestricted State driver's license, have a safe driving record, and demonstrate that he or she is medically qualified to operate the appropriate motor vehicle safely.

Applicants are required to pass agency Government Vehicle Drivers physical examination.

NOTE: We cannot accept photographs, therefore; please do not submit a copy of your driver's license with your application package.

If an interview is requested, you may be required to provide a copy of your valid state-issued driver's license.

Firearm Requirement: VA Police Officers are required to carry agency-approved firearms while on duty on VA property.

Officers must achieve and maintain qualification/certification with the agency-approved firearms as condition of gaining and continuing employment as a Police Officer.

Applicants must be able to possess firearms under the terms of the Gun Control Act of 1968, as amended (18 U.S.C. 922(g)(9).

Academy Training Requirement: New VA Police Officers are required to undergo and successfully complete ten (10) weeks of police academy training at the VA Law Enforcement Training Center in Little Rock, Arkansas within 90 days of entrance on duty.

Psychological Assessment: Selected candidate will be required to take an initial and annual psychological assessment of their emotional and mental stability by a psychiatrist or psychologist.

Any emotional or mental condition which could cause the applicant/officer to be a hazard to others or self during stressful situations and physical altercations will disqualify.

The initial psychological assessment will consist of a structured interview and standardized, objective written psychological testing by a psychologist or psychiatrist.

The annual psychological assessment will consist of a structured interview, which may lead to further testing as determined by the examining psychologist of psychiatrist.

Medical Examination Requirement: A medical examination is required by all selected candidates. The duties of positions require moderate to arduous physical exertion and/or duties of a hazardous nature.

The following medical requirements apply to all applicants: good near and distant vision, ability to distinguish basic colors, and ability to hear the conversational voice.

Security Clearance Requirements: This position is a public trust position and requires an extensive background investigation.

All selected candidates and current employees must have the capacity to perform the essential functions of position without risk to themselves or others.

Selected candidates and employees must possess emotional and mental stability. A psychological examination is required.

In most instances, a specific medical condition or impairment will not automatically disqualify a selected candidate or employee.

A medical condition or impairment is disqualifying only if condition, for good medical reason, precludes assignment to or warrants restriction from the duties of the specific position.

For some positions, the loss or impairment of a specific function may be compensated for by the satisfactory use of a prosthesis or mechanical aid.

Reasonable accommodation shall also be considered in determining an applicant's ability to perform the duties of a position.

Officers must successfully meet the requirements prior to entering on duty and annually thereafter as a condition of continued employment.

Work Environment: Work in varying and diverse working conditions. Indoors, outdoors, day or night, all climates, in a safe environment or in one with potential for imminent danger.

Will be required to work overtime, and different shifts that include weekends and holidays.

Will wear a firearm and the required police uniform and equipment, including a protective vest which may be uncomfortable. Will spend time at crime scenes, which may be very unpleasant at times.

May be required to work in a biohazard environment and be required to wear protective equipment. The work environment will fluctuate and selectee must be flexible to adapt to the changing conditions.

Major Duties:

Duties include but are not limited to: Protects the civil rights of all individuals on VA controlled property; Prevents, detect and investigate crimes; Patrols assigned areas on foot or by motor vehicle; Subdues persons causing disturbance or who threaten harm to themselves or others; Follows rules/procedures concerning search and seizure of evidence and contraband; Obtains search and arrest warrants; Arrests violators; Provides basic first aid and CPR prior to arrival of emergency medical personnel; Prepares report of activities and events that occurred during shift; Performs traffic control; and Assists citizens in emergency situations; Performs other related duties as assigned.

Designated Drug-Testing Position: Applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.

Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Applicants will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test result is received.

Work Schedule: Compressed/Flexible Schedule. Candidates must be willing to work weekends, irregular work hours and extended hours if determined by the needs of the service.

Furthermore, candidates must be willing to be placed, detailed, or temporarily assigned to other related services and/or locations, if necessary.

Compressed/Flexible: Not authorized for compressed/flexible schedule. Telework: This position is not authorized for telework. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Position Description Title/PD#: Police Officer/PD14739A Physical Requirements: The work requires, on a regular and recurring basis, considerable and strenuous physical exertion such as running, frequent climbing of multiple flights of stairs, and carrying items weighing over 50 pounds.

It requires stamina, physical agility, dexterity, and the strength to pursue, apprehend or detain persons who are often uncooperative, assaultive, and/or armed.