What are the responsibilities and job description for the Police Officer position at City of Watertown?
The City of Watertown has announced the open competitive civil service exam for Police Officers. This exam is to be held on October 17, 2026. All interested persons should apply by the close of business on September 6, 2026.
DUTIES: A Police Officer is responsible for the enforcement of laws and ordinances and protection of lives and property in an assigned area during a specified period; does related work as required. The duties consist primarily of routine patrol tasks, assisting in the investigation of criminal offenses and the apprehension of criminals. Ordinarily, a police patrol officer, whether on patrol work or on special assignment, works under the supervision or direction of a higher-ranking officer. However, there is considerable independent responsibility for the exercise of sound judgment in emergencies. A complete job description is available from the office of the Civil Service Commission.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma. All candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and who wish to participate in this examination are encouraged to file an application.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
DUTIES: A Police Officer is responsible for the enforcement of laws and ordinances and protection of lives and property in an assigned area during a specified period; does related work as required. The duties consist primarily of routine patrol tasks, assisting in the investigation of criminal offenses and the apprehension of criminals. Ordinarily, a police patrol officer, whether on patrol work or on special assignment, works under the supervision or direction of a higher-ranking officer. However, there is considerable independent responsibility for the exercise of sound judgment in emergencies. A complete job description is available from the office of the Civil Service Commission.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma. All candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and who wish to participate in this examination are encouraged to file an application.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Candidates must be at least 19 years of age on or before the date of the written exam to be admitted to the test. All candidates must provide a copy of a valid driver’s license at the time of application.
- Eligibility for appointment begins when the candidate reaches the age of 20.
- Under Section 58.1(a) of the New York State Civil Service Law, candidates who reach their 43rd birthday on or before the date of the examination, are not qualified except as follows: Candidates may have a period of military duty or terminal leave of up to seven (7) years, as defined in Section 243(10-a) of the Military Law, deducted from their age for purposes of meeting the maximum age requirement.
- Candidates who may be impacted by the maximum age requirement and who are requesting an alternate test date (for active military duty, Sabbath observance or for an alternate test date situation that meets the conditions of the Commission’s test date policy) are advised to contact the City’s Civil Service Commission at the time of application.
- Candidates must possess a valid NYS operator’s license at the time of appointment.
- Candidates must be citizens of the United States at the time of appointment.
- Conviction of a felony will bar appointment; conviction of a misdemeanor or other offense is subject to evaluation and may bar appointment.
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT:
- There is no residency requirement for this examination.
- Preference in appointment may be given to successful candidates who are residents of the City of Watertown in accordance with Section 23.4(a) of the New York State Civil Service Law and Rule VII (1) of the Municipal Civil Service Rules for the City of Watertown.
- To be eligible for appointment, an applicant must be a resident of Jefferson County or a resident of a contiguous county.
Please apply through the City of Watertown Civil Service Employment Portal: https://watertown-portal.mycivilservice.com/jobopps.
Salary : $58,310 - $70,336