As a progressive, innovative government employer, the City of Ames is committed to providing the highest quality public service possible. Our organization is dedicated to hiring and developing City employees who share enthusiasm to serve the citizens of Ames. All employees are important members of the City team, and we do our best to ensure that we hire the best available candidates while promoting equality of opportunity.
The City of Ames is a full service organization providing citizens with municipal services including water, electric, sewer, fire, police, public works, parks and recreation. We operate numerous facilities in locations across the city including the Ames Public Library, Ames Municipal Cemetery, Ames Municipal Airport, Furman Aquatic Center, and the Ames/ISU Ice Arena. With a population of more than 65,000, Ames offers cultural, recreational, educational, business, and entertainment amenities more common in bigger metros. As a growing city, Ames continues to focus on building a strong community filled with opportunities for all. There are so many reasons that Ames, Iowa, is the Smart Choice!
As a values-based employer, each City of Ames employee is tasked with bringing to life our Excellence Through People organizational culture. ETP values include: committing to continuous improvement, inspiring creativity and innovation, being customer driven, making data-driven decisions, championing employee involvement, striving for excellence, having fiscal stewardship, acting with honesty and integrity, exhibiting leadership, choosing a positive attitude, respecting one another, promoting safety and wellness, and cultivating teamwork.
For leaders, this includes creating a work culture that allows these values to take root and flourish. For all employees, this includes maintaining a Total City Perspective and working to best serve the citizen, not a department or division. The purpose of ETP is to deliver exceptional services to the public at the best price, and for employees to experience an enjoyable and stimulating work environment.
The City of Ames employs more than 550 full-time employees and hundreds of part-time staff. We work together to ensure citizens are proud of their local government and their community. With friendly people, beautiful parks, great shopping, progressive schools, exciting cultural and entertainment venues, quality healthcare, and endless recreational opportunities in every season, Ames offers residents an exceptional quality of life. Please join our team! To view open positions and submit applications, please go to our organization's website: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofames
GENERAL INFORMATION:
The City of Ames is conducting a recruitment to establish a Civil Service eligibility list for the
position of Police Officer with the City of Ames Police Department. The list will be valid for up to
one year from the date of certification by the Ames Civil Service Commission and may be used to
fill one or more vacancies in this classification. In addition, City of Ames Civil Service employees
who have previously held Civil Service status in this classification and are interested in voluntarily
demoting or laterally transferring into the current vacancy must submit their application by the
deadline.
Police Officers perform work related to the enforcement of law, maintenance of order, protection of
life and property, and prevention of crime; contributes to citywide problem-solving and performs
related work as required. Work is within a 24/7/365 environment and subject to shift assignment
and occasional mandatory overtime. Annual salaries for Police Officers are based on a 2068 hours
worked schedule. Salaries may be subject to change according to worked overtime.
To witness what it is like to work for the City of Ames Police Department and find additional
information on the pre-employment requirements, please visit the Ames PD website: Join
the Ames Police Department. For further information please also see Ames Police
Department Facebook Page and City of Ames Police Twitter Page .
SALARY
The starting annual salary for this position is $59,679 ($28.8583 per hour) as of July 1, 2022.
Specified months of City of Ames PD service are applied as step increases, per the PPME
bargaining agreement.
The City of Ames is offering lateral transfers for certified officers, up to step D (49-72 months).
Current Iowa Law Enforcement Academy certification will be required before applying any step
consideration.
The current steps are outlined below:
July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023
Months Annual Pay
0-12 $59,679
13-24 $63,323
25-48 $66,968
49-72 $70,611
73-96 $74,256
97-120 $77,901
121-216 $80,043
216+ $82,445
This position is also bound by a residency requirement per the same bargaining agreement, which
is outlined under "Other Supplemental Information" later in this posting.
Our comprehensive benefits package can be viewed at: City of Ames Benefits
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program: The PSLF Program is a federal program that is
intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal
student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed
by a qualifying employer. For more information, please visit the website through this link: PSLF
Program
The dates for agility and POST testing for this recruitment are currently scheduled for
February 24th and April 14th, 2023. Further details will be emailed to those candidates who
qualify for both testing components prior to each date. Interviews will commence the
Monday following each testing date for candidates with passing scores in agility and the
POST written exam.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Patrols assigned area in various vehicles or on foot to prevent, discover, and deter the commission
of crime; to enforce criminal laws, traffic laws, parking regulations, and City ordinances; and to
check the functioning of traffic signals, and road conditions. Monitors and directs vehicular and
pedestrian traffic as required.
Provides general assistance to persons in need; provides first aid for injured persons. Answers
calls regarding complaints, misdemeanors and felonies; interviews persons with complaints or
inquiries; attempts to make proper disposition or direct them to proper authorities. Apprehends
suspects. Conducts investigations; searches for and preserves evidence; questions suspects and
witnesses; takes written statements; maintains surveillance over persons and places; effects
arrests and charges; creates reports; serves warrants. Answers calls involving automobile
accidents; takes safeguards to prevent further accidents; clears scene of obstructions and/or
wreckage. Conducts accident investigations; reports traffic control device malfunctions and
obstructions of view; examines roadways and vehicles; takes various types of measurements
associated with crime scenes vehicle crashes and other incidents. Enforces traffic regulations;
operates radar equipment; issues traffic and parking tickets; directs traffic at community events.
Assists other emergency personnel as needed; secures emergency scene. Testifies as a witness in
court. Reports equipment malfunctions and performs minor maintenance and repair.
Books, fingerprints, and photographs prisoners; oversees well being of individuals in custody;
follows and maintains detention facility rules and procedures. Transports individuals to and from
detention facility.
Provides information to public in accordance with public reporting regulations. Engages in
community policing, relationship building, and problem-solving. Embraces ongoing training to
maintain professional competence. Builds trust with citizen groups. Acts as department
representative providing formal and informal presentations on relevant issues to community
groups, schools, etc.
Other Job Functions: May act in specialty assignments including Community Resource, School
Resource, Drug Task Force or Safe Neighborhoods Team. May serve as juvenile officer,
performing a full range of preventative and investigative duties. May perform duty as a detective.
Each employee is expected to continually strive to bring shared values to life through our
Excellence Through People organizational culture. ETP values include: committing to continuous
improvement; inspiring creativity and innovation; being customer driven; making data-driven
decisions; committing to diversity, equity and inclusion; championing employee involvement;
striving for excellence; having fiscal stewardship; acting with honesty and integrity; exhibiting
leadership; choosing a positive attitude; respecting one another; promoting safety and wellness;
and cultivating teamwork. For leaders, this includes creating a work culture that brings these values
to life. For all employees, this includes maintaining a Total City Perspective. The purpose of ETP is
to deliver exceptional services to the public at the best price, and for employees to experience an
enjoyable and stimulating work environment.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience: Successful completion of high school, HiSet, or GED., PLUS 60
semester hours or 90 quarter hours in an accredited college or university in diversified academic
subjects. Not to be included are technical or occupation courses; however, technical or community
college credits will be considered if credits are in criminal justice, liberal arts, or a closely related
field. Certification by a law enforcement academy may not substitute for any course credit.
Licenses and Certificates: Must obtain a valid State of Iowa drivers license upon appointment.
Must demonstrate a safe and conscientious regard for traffic laws. Must meet all state standards
for Peace Officer certification, complete the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, and achieve
certification within one year of appointment. Must exceed Iowa Law Enforcement Academy fitness
testing standards to be eligible for hire; must complete ILEA based testing biannually.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Necessary to Perform Essential Functions:
Some knowledge of the purpose of law enforcement and criminal justice system.
Working skill in observing factual situations analytically and objectively and to record them clearly
and completely; working skill in verbal and written communication; some skill in following strict
routines.
Ability to effectively communicate and work with a wide variety people and personalities. Ability to
maintain a strong and visible commitment to integrity and fairness. Working ability to react quickly
and calmly in emergencies; working ability to understand and carry out oral and written
instructions; working ability to handle situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and impartially; working
ability to develop proficiency in the use of firearms and in the operation of motor vehicles and
computer applications; working ability to use good judgment in evaluating situations, problemsolving
and making sound decisions; working ability to gather, assemble, analyze, and evaluate
facts and evidence and to draw sound conclusions; some ability to obtain valid information by
interview and interrogation.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Physical & Environmental Characteristics
Required Physical Activities: Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling,
reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, repetitive
motions, manual dexterity, shooting, restraining prisoners, defensive tactics.
Physical Characteristics of Work: Work requires exerting a negligible amount of force constantly;
up to 20 pound of force frequently; and in excess of 50 pounds occasionally to move objects. Must
be able to perform physical tasks under stressful conditions.
Vision Requirements: Vision of at least 20/100, correctable to 20/20; vision cannot be inhibited by
color blindness or night blindness.
Environmental Conditions: The worker may be exposed to both inside and outside
environmental conditions; extreme heat (above 100 degrees) or cold (below 32 degrees) for
periods of more than one hour; noise; vibration; atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory
system (i.e. dust, fumes, gasses, odors); and hazards.
Equipment Essential to the Job: Patrol car, 2-way radio, base radio, portable radio, mobile
telephones, keys, unlocking tools, radar/tuning forks, speedometer, emergency lighting, various
firearms and other weapons, safety/locking devices, impact weapon, tear gas/launcher, chemical
irritants, face mask, protective vest, handcuffs, flashlight, sirens, first aid kit, defibrillator, and
resuscitator. Barricades, flares, noise meter, preliminary breath test, intoxilyzer, measurement
devises/wheel, still camera, latex gloves and ticket books. Various computers, printers and related
software. Telephone, paper forms, various types of recording equipment. Maps, headsets, alarm
boards, fingerprint equipment, GPS, copy machine, warrants and warrant records, video monitors.
Other Equipment Used on the Job: Prisoner transport van, pickups, bicycle, taser, small
equipment and tools, recording equipment, engraver, gun cleaning tools and equipment, latex or
nylex gloves, various crime scene testing materials.
Other Supplemental Information
**For candidates who are currently enrolled in higher education courses and need these course
credits to meet the minimum requirement in education for this recruitment, please ensure that you
check with your educational institution that they will be able to verify your current status in those
courses. Verification of passing these courses will be checked in the background process should
you be given a contingent offer of employment.
**For candidates who indicate they have "some" higher education, we may request proof of
number of passed credit hours prior to inviting you to participate in testing for this recruitment.
Please be prepared to provide proof of passing 60 - 90 hour credits, per the defined minimum listed
above, prior to agility testing.
Selection Process:
The selection process consists of an evaluation of education/experience, a physical agility test,
POST written exam, hiring assessment, oral board interview, Chief of Police interview, an extensive
background investigation (including criminal history, financial and employment verification,
education verification, and driving record), polygraph, psychological exam (MMPI) and physical
exam (including a drug test). Candidates must successfully pass each component to continue in
the process. After each oral board interview date, those candidates receiving a 70% or higher
score, will be certified to our Civil Service list for Police Officer. Finalists will also be required to sign
a no tobacco usage pledge.
For further details on this process, please see the Join Ames PD webpage at Join Ames PD
website .
The physical agility test and POST exam** will be conducted on February 24th and April
14th, 2023. These events will be by invitation only. Due to the large number of applicants, and
the number of staff required to administer the tests, we are not able to make special arrangements
for those unable to test on these dates. All candidates must pass a physical agility test in order to
continue to the POST exam. Candidates may be allowed to retake the POST exam on the next
scheduled testing date established by this recruitment. Currently the last testing date is April 14th,
but this may be subject to change with notification to all eligible applicants.
** Any travel and lodging expenses for a candidate traveling to either of these events will not be
reimbursed by the City of Ames.
Safety Precautions:
Currently, the City of Ames does not have a mask policy for fully vaccinated individuals for
COVID-19. Should there be any changes to this policy prior to testing and interviews for this
recruitment, we will notify all candidates prior to each event. We strongly encourage candidates
who are not fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to wear their masks.
Residency Requirement
All employees governed by the PPME contract (which includes Police Officers) are required to
reside within an area bordered by State Highway 65 on the east, County Road R-27 north of Boone
and Des Moines River south of Highway 30 on the west, Story County line on the north, and Polk
County Road F-22 on the south. Communities intersected by the borderlines shall be within the
area. For further details of what area this includes, please view the Ames Employee Residency
Map link here: MAP.
E-Verify Process:
The City of Ames participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA)
and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each
applicant’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered a position with
the City of Ames must complete Section 1 of Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to
work in the United States and proof of their identity on their first day of employment. Please be
prepared to provide required documents on your first day of employment. For additional information
regarding acceptable documents for this purpose, please contact Human Resources at
515-239-5199 or go to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services web page at:
http://www.uscis.gov.
NOTE: Applicants with disabilities may submit requests for ADA testing or interview
accommodations to the Human Resources Department prior to the test or interview.
The City of Ames is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will
receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, age, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, marital status, disability,
or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the
Human Resources Department at 515-239-5199.
APPLICATIONS MUST BE FILED ONLINE AT:
http://www.cityofames.org/jobs
OUR OFFICE IS LOCATED AT:
515 Clark Ave
Ames, IA 50010
515-239-5199
hr@cityofames.org
An Equal Opportunity Employer
Job #22-2214-02
POLICE OFFICER
KH
Police Officer Supplemental Questionnaire
* 1. All applicants who meet the minimum requirements of this recruitment will be subject to a
preliminary criminal history and motor vehicle record (MVR) check. I understand the information
obtained in these checks will be used to make hiring decisions for this recruitment.
Yes No
* 2. All candidates will have a review of their driving records during a preliminary background check
investigation. The violations that may disqualify a candidate from further consideration if the offense
occurred within certain time frames are listed below. The listed disqualifying factors may not be all
inclusive. A history of repeated disregard for traffic regulations, public safety and the level of
offense, may also disqualify a candidate.
Please acknowledge that you are aware you will be disqualified due to traffic and public safety
violations for any of the following acts if found in your recent history:
(a) Reckless driving, careless driving, or similar offense (1 offense in the last 3 years or 2 offenses in
the last 5 years) (b) Operating While Intoxicated, Driving Under the Influence (OWI, DUI) of any
controlled substance, or driving with a suspended or revoked license (1 offense in last 5 years) (c)
All moving violations as defined by state code (4 offenses in last 3 years) (d) Eluding or attempting
to elude a police officer (1 offense in last 5 years) (e) Suspension (1 offense in last 2 years) (f)
Revocation (1 offense in last 5 years) (g) Hit & Run - Failure to Give Information or Failure to Give
Information and Aid (1 offense in last 10 years)
Yes, I understand I may be disqualified due to a history of disregard for traffic regulations, public
safety and certain levels of offense, as listed above. I also understand that this list is NOT all
inclusive.
* 3. For questions 3 and 4, the information provided will only be used to run the criminal history and
MVR checks and will not be used in the evaluation of applications. Your responses to these two
questions will not be viewable on your application.
#3 What is your date of birth, including month, day, and year?
* 4. What is your social security number?
* 5. Iowa Administrative Code rule 501-2.1(80B) sets the general requirements for law enforcement
officers in Iowa. Pursuant to this rule, if an offer of employment is extended, a thorough background
investigation will be conducted on your criminal history to determine whether you are of good moral
character and have not been convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude. The rule
defines moral turpitude as an act of baseness, vileness, or depravity in the private and social duties
which a person owes to another person, or to society in general, contrary to the accepted and
customary rule of right and duty between person and person; it is conduct that is contrary to justice,
honesty or good morals.
A) Please acknowledge that you are aware you will be disqualified due to moral turpitude if
convictions for any of the following acts are found in your criminal history:
(a) a felony
(b) tax evasion
(c) perjury
(d) theft
(e) sex crime
(f) conspiracy to commit a crime
(g) defrauding the government
(h) illegal drug sale(s)
(i) assault, domestic abuse, domestic violence, and/or stalking
(j) any offense where a weapon was used in the commission of the crime.
Yes, I understand I will be disqualified due to felony conviction(s) and /or convictions of moral
turpitude.
* 6. B) Please also acknowledge that you understand the above list of acts of moral turpitude is
nonexclusive.
Yes, I understand the above list of acts of moral turpitude is nonexclusive.
* 7. Are you currently a certified peace officer?
Yes No
* 8. Have you completed and passed the Police Officer Selection Test (POST) within the last 10 months?
Yes No
* 9. Have you completed and passed an ILEA qualifying physical fitness test with another police
department within the last 6 months? If you answer "yes" below, you must email Human Resources
(hr@cityofames.org) requesting that those scores be substituted for the Ames Physical Agility Test
AND provide a certified copy of those scores by 12:00pm on the day prior to the testing
date you are invited to participate. Substitute scores from another agency will only be allowed if
candidates show good cause as to why they are unable to attend the Ames Physical Agility Test.
Yes No
* 10. I acknowledge the following minimum education requirement for this position: I acknowledge the
following minimum education requirement for this position:
Successful completion of high school, HiSet, or GED., PLUS 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours
in an accredited college or university in diversified academic subjects. Not to be included are
technical or occupation courses; however, technical or community college credits will be considered
if credits are in criminal justice, liberal arts, or a closely related field. Certification by a law
enforcement academy may not substitute for any course credit.
Yes No
* 11. I also understand that I will need to meet at least the minimum education requirement of Police
Officer no later than a date of hire within a final offer of employment with the City of Ames.
Yes No
* Required Question
Ames
50010