Police Officer (Private) Recruitment 2026 – Join the U.S. Park Police with Up to $70K Incentive Full Time

Police Officer (Private) – Up to $70K Recruitment Incentive 2026

Summary
The United States Park Police (USPP), part of the Department of the Interior and National Park Service, protects national parks and key federal sites. Officers prevent, investigate, and respond to criminal activity using intelligence-led and rapid-response policing, primarily in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

Key Duties

• Protect national parks, landmarks, and federal sites.
• Prevent, detect, investigate, and apprehend criminal activity.
• Work closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners.

Specialty Units (competitive selection & training required):
Motorcycle, Aviation, SWAT, K-9, Marine Patrol, Major Crimes, Crime Scene ID, Narcotics & Vice, Traffic Safety, Mounted Patrol, Intelligence & Counterterrorism, Physical Security/Icon Protection, Multi-Agency Task Forces, Dignitary Protection.

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. citizenship required; Selective Service compliance for eligible males.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Background investigation with Secret clearance; pre-employment drug test and medical exam required.
• Vision standards apply; must pass color vision testing.
• One-year probationary period for new federal employees.
• Valid Real ID driver’s license at application.
• Must legally possess firearms; no felony or domestic violence convictions; no pending criminal charges.
• Must meet age requirements (see below).
• All qualifications must be met by 03/31/2026.

Age Requirements

• Must be 21 to under 37 at application.
• Mandatory retirement at 57 (law enforcement retirement coverage).
• Exceptions: prior covered federal service sufficient for 20 years by age 57, or qualified veterans’ preference (proof required).

Qualifications (SP-01)

Meet one of the following:

• Experience: 1 year of progressively responsible experience applying detailed rules and judgment (e.g., law enforcement, military police, security, investigations, visitor protection, supervisory/managerial roles).
• Education: 60 credit hours (2 years) of higher education (transcripts required).
• Combination: Education plus experience (transcripts required).

Volunteer experience counts if relevant.

Resume Requirements

• Maximum 2 pages; minimum 10-point font; 0.5-inch margins.
• Include job titles, duties, start/end dates (month/year), hours worked per week, and rank/grade if military or civilian.
• Only one resume will be reviewed (the most recent).

Pay & Incentives

• Entry pay starts at the lowest step of the grade.
• Recruitment/Retention/Relocation incentives up to $70,000 over 4 years may be available with a service agreement.

Physical & Working Conditions

• Must pass a physical exam, Physical Readiness Test (push-ups, agility run, 1.5-mile run), and demonstrate firearm proficiency.
• Work may involve armed suspects, high risk, and independent duty in challenging environments.

Evaluation Process

Phase I:

• Online written exam (70% minimum).
• Physical Readiness Test (70% minimum each event).
• Medical review.

Phase II:

• Forms screening and background preparation.
• Virtual interview with a background investigator.
• Qualification Review Panel interview.
• Final selection and pre-hire drug screening.

False statements may result in removal or legal penalties.

Required Documents (due by 11:59 PM EST, 03/31/2026)

1. Resume (per requirements above).
2. Completion of all required assessments.
3. Supporting documents (if applicable): veterans’ preference (DD-214/SF-15), transcripts, selective placement documentation, displaced federal employee paperwork.
   Do not submit photos or Adobe portfolio files.

How to Apply

• Apply online only; no paper or email applications accepted.
• Preview questionnaire: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12848797
• Follow USAJOBS steps to submit your application and documents.
• You can check or update your application status in your USAJOBS account during the open period.

Deadline: 03/31/2026

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