Law Enforcement Officer Position

Ridgefield Police Department - Police Officer

 

PROFILE DISCLAIMER

The information herein is provided by the respective agency and is only as accurate and as up-to-date as the agency representative(s) update this information. PST is not responsible for the veracity of this data as it is provided directly from the agency. It is ultimately the applicant's responsibility to verify any information about the agency with the agency.

Ridgefield Police Department - Police Officer

Last updated on June 03, 2026
PST Partner Agency since November 21, 2014

Vacancy: 1

Important Information

The Ridgefield Police Department  is now accepting entry-level  applications. This posting will remain open until the positions are filled.

Community Information

Ridgefield is a rapidly growing community of approximately 17,000 residents located along the I-5 corridor in southwest Washington. It encompasses nearly seven square miles and is approximately 10 miles north of Vancouver, WA and 14 miles north of Portland, OR. The city is comprised of newcomers excited about making this nature-filled place their new home; long-time residents who continue to revel in Ridgefield’s picturesque surroundings, family friendly neighborhoods and parks, and a strong sense of community. Economic activity includes major employers such as Costco and Vancouver Clinic, a Clark College satellite campus, and development of the Port of Ridgefield’s 40-acre waterfront site – a natural extension of the historic downtown area.

Ridgefield’s vision includes maintaining its small-town charm, investing in infrastructure improvements, supporting diverse business and recreational amenities, promoting transparent governance, and preserving natural areas.

Small Town Charm: Ridgefield is notable for the significant native American and Lewis and Clark Expedition history of the area. But the heart of Ridgefield’s identity is the historic downtown that creates a welcoming small-town feel even with continued fast-paced growth.

Community Health and Well-Being: The area offers an outstanding quality of life with affordable housing, excellent schools, a very low crime rate, extraordinary outdoor recreation opportunities, a rich history, a mild climate, wineries, art galleries, unique shopping, restaurants, and much more.

Community members enjoy access to health care services, an array of parks and park amenities, recreational opportunities, youth-oriented activities, and an active waterfront district.

Equity and Inclusion: We welcome diverse perspectives and representation in local governance to better reflect and serve our community needs.

Environmental Conservation and Natural Beauty: We preserve and enhance our natural areas, corridors, trails and scenic landscapes with the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge as the jewel of our open space network.

Public Safety: The City has consistently invested in its Police Department and demonstrated strong community support for law enforcement. Ridgefield residents value their close connection with officers who serve them.

To learn more about our community watch the latest State of the City video: 2026 State of the City

Department Information

The Police Department performs essential law enforcement services for the residents of Ridgefield, contracts for jail services with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and for court services with the Battle Ground Municipal Court.

Over the last two years, the Department has successfully implemented programs for the use of drones in law enforcement activities, body-worn cameras and vehicle dash cameras, and is in the final steps of implementing Lexipol policies.

The Ridgefield Police Department is a community based law enforcement agency with a budgeted staff of 23 department members. Sworn positions include Chief of Police, one Lieutenant, four Sergeants and 15 officers, with two additional Records Administrative staff. Calls for emergency service are dispatched to officers in the field by the Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA) over an 800 MHZ radio system.

The Officers work four 11-hour consecutive shifts with four days off, with six additional training days annually. They rotate shifts between day and graveyard every six months.

The department is fortunate to experience a good working relationship with residents and the local business community, and continues to further strengthen those relationships through the implementation of neighborhood programs and community partnerships. Our officers also receive college incentive pay and have take home vehicles.

Additional general information about the Ridgefield Police Department may be found on the City website.

Area Information

County: Clark
Population: 17000
# of Staff: 23

Hiring Status

Ridgefield Police Department - Police Officer has 1 vacancy.

The eligibility list is a continuous listing and maintained as scores are received from PST with oral board interviews conducted on an as-needed basis. Vacancies are filled by Civil Service "rule of five" with the top five candidates forwarded to the appointing authority for background investigation & selection as vacancies occur.


Number of current vacancies: 1-4

Salary Information

2026 Wages $90,853.67 to $115,954.86

Specialty, Shift Differential and Longevity Pay

Annual step increases of 5%

College Incentive Pay: 2% Associate, 4% Bachelors


Benefit Information

The City of Ridgefield offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes:

Medical– for employees and eligible family members and domestic partners. 100% Employer paid premium for Employee. 90% Employer Paid premium for eligible Family.

Dental, vision and employee assistance program for employees, family, and domestic partners.

Paid Leave:99 Hours Vacation per Year, Accrue 11 Hours Sick Leave per Month, 12 Paid Holidays

$750 Fitness Bonus

DRS Law Enforcement Officer and Fire Fighters (LEOFF) Retirement

Group Life Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, two-times base salary

Long-term Disability Policy

Ongoing, Quality training

Take Home Vehicle

Safe and Supportive Community

Collaborative Team Environment

Drone Program

View the Benefits Package: Police-Benefits-Summary-PDF

The Ridgefield Police Officers' Association (RPOA) represents the law enforcement officers. The current labor agreement between RPOA and the City (PDF) between RPOA and the City is effective January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2027.

Ridgefield Police Department - Police Officer Requirements

Category Requirement Required at time of...
    Test Hire
Written Examination Yes, required
LEO/CO Physical Ability Test (PAT) Yes, required

Your physical ability test must be completed 180 days (~6 months) before or after your passing written exam.

PST Personal History Statement Yes, required within 14 days of passing required exam(s)  
Minimum Age 21
Citizenship US Citizen / Lawful Permanent Resident / DACA-Recipient
High School Grad/ GED Yes
Driver's License Required Yes
Felony Conviction(s) as an Adult None.
Felony Conviction(s) as a Juvenile None.
Ability to Read, Speak & Write the English Language Yes
Vision Requirements Correctable to 20/20
College Requirement AA degree preferred but not required.
Veterans Preference Points May use for oral board testing if advancing into backgrounds
Multiple Scores from Same Applicant We consider the highest score received within the past one year
Request/Access Scores On an as-needed basis as vacancies occur

Ridgefield Police Department - Police Officer Disqualifiers

The following are automatic and potential disqualifiers. Applicants should not apply to our agency if they indicate any of the automatic disqualifiers. Potential disqualifiers will be considered on a case by case basis.

Category Disqualifier
Driving
Automatic _2__ or more traffic crime convictions in last _3__ years (DWI, Suspended, Reckless, etc.).
Automatic A misdemeanor driver's license suspension in the last five years.
Automatic An infraction driver's license suspension in the last three years.
Automatic
Drug Usage
Automatic Illegal use of illegal drugs in the last __10year(s).
Automatic Other drug use outside these standards will be considered on case by case basis.
Automatic Pattern of illegal use of prescription medication.
Automatic
Automatic
Criminal Activity
Automatic Any adult felony conviction.
Automatic Any misdemeanor, or felony conviction while employed in a criminal justice capacity.
Potential Adult misdemeanor convictions will be carefully reviewed.
Potential Juvenile felony conviction will be carefully reviewed.
Automatic Been convicted of any crime under a domestic violence statue.
Automatic Unlawful sexual misconduct.
Automatic An applicant must have no prior conviction for or any general factual equivalent of such violations. That is, any deferred prosecution, stipulated continuance, or other equivalent for: A) Any felony whatsoever. B) Crime of domestic violence as defined by RCW 10.99.020. C) Crime classified as domestic violence in any other state, or tribal court. D) Any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.
Employment
Automatic Withdrawn from consideration for any (law enforcement/fire/corrections/dispatch) employment because of the following reasons:
- Lied during any stage of the hiring process.
- Falsified his or her application, personal history questionnaire, or any other forms during hiring process.
- Each termination/discharge will be looked at on an individual basis.
Financial
Potential Failure to pay income tax or child support.
Potential Current credit accounts, or unresolved accounts in collection will be carefully reviewed.

Contact Information

Ridgefield Police Department - Police Officer

101 Mill Street, Suite 110
PO Box 546
Ridgefield, WA 98642 Clark County
360-887-3556 ext 0

Website


Agency Test Requirements
Written Examination: Yes, required
PAT: Yes, required

PST Personal History Statement: Yes, required within 14 days of passing required exam(s)


Other Ridgefield Police Department positions

Lateral Police Officer