Find & Apply For Law Enforcement Officer Jobs in Hayden, Colorado

Police Officer Town of Hayden Police Department —

Hayden, Colorado Pay:

$41.49-$56.14 per hour, depending on qualifications

Employment Type:

Full-time Schedule:

48 hours on / 96 hours off

Department:

Public Safety Reports To:

Chief of Police or designee Work 121 Days a Year. Spend the Rest Enjoying Colorado. The Hayden Police Department is seeking a certified or certifiable police officer to join our team. We prefer an experienced officer who is prepared to work independently and manage cases from the initial response through final disposition. However, we will also consider a Colorado POST-certified cadet or recent academy graduate without prior law-enforcement experience. We will also accept applications from officers certified in another state who are eligible to obtain Colorado POST Provisional Certification before appointment. Our officers work a 48/96 schedule—48 hours on duty followed by 96 consecutive hours off . This schedule means officers are scheduled to work approximately 121 days per year , providing ample time for family, travel, outdoor recreation, and everything else Colorado has to offer. Hayden is located in Northwest Colorado's Yampa Valley, approximately 25 minutes from Steamboat Springs. Whether your time off involves skiing, hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, boating, or simply having four uninterrupted days away from work, this schedule provides the time to enjoy it. About the Position Hayden Police Officers serve as small-agency generalists and maintain ownership of their cases from the initial call through investigation, case preparation, court appearances, and final disposition. This is not a position where officers simply take a report and pass the case to someone else. Our officers respond to calls for service, conduct proactive patrol, investigate criminal and traffic offenses, collect evidence, prepare warrant applications, work with prosecutors, testify in court, and build relationships within the community. Experienced officers should be capable of exercising sound judgment and working with limited supervision. Newly certified officers and officers transitioning from another state will receive field training designed to prepare them to perform the full range of patrol and investigative responsibilities expected of a Hayden Police Officer. Primary Duties and Responsibilities Responsibilities include: Patrol assigned areas within the Town of Hayden to deter crime, enforce laws and ordinances, and protect residents, visitors, businesses, and property. Respond to dispatched calls and self-initiated incidents, including suspicious activity, civil and criminal complaints, crimes in progress, delayed reports, disturbances, welfare checks, and traffic crashes. Conduct preliminary and follow-up criminal investigations. Secure scenes and identify and interview victims, witnesses, and suspects. Collect, document, preserve, package, and submit physical and digital evidence. Photograph and diagram scenes and maintain the chain of custody. Prepare clear, accurate, and timely reports, affidavits, citations, summonses, warrant applications, and court documents. Enforce municipal ordinances and applicable state and federal laws through warnings, citations, arrests, summonses, and other lawful action. Conduct traffic enforcement and investigate traffic crashes. Make arrests and complete searches, transportation, booking, and detention-related documentation. Maintain ownership of assigned cases through follow-up investigation, prosecution, and final disposition. Coordinate with the District Attorney's Office regarding charging decisions, evidentiary issues, and case preparation. Work with courts, schools, social-service agencies, and local and regional law-enforcement partners. Testify in municipal, county, district, and juvenile court. Handle juvenile-related incidents in accordance with Colorado law and department policy. Participate in community policing, neighborhood contacts, business checks, and problem-solving activities. Provide assistance to residents and visitors, including welfare checks, public-safety information, roadside assistance coordination, and locating missing or lost persons. Safely operate and maintain assigned vehicles, equipment, and technology. Attend required training and maintain proficiency in firearms, defensive tactics, emergency driving, legal updates, and other job-related competencies. Work nights, weekends, holidays, emergency call-outs, and prolonged incidents as required. Perform other duties and special assignments as directed. Minimum Qualifications Applicants must meet one of the following certification requirements: Possess current Colorado POST certification; or Possess current peace officer certification from another state and be eligible to obtain Colorado POST Provisional Certification before appointment.

Applicants must also:

Have a high school diploma or GED. Possess a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record. Be a United States citizen or otherwise legally authorized to work in the United States. Have no disqualifying incidents under Colorado POST requirements or applicable Colorado law. Be legally eligible to possess and carry a firearm. Successfully complete the Town's background investigation and all required pre-employment testing. Be able to perform the physical and essential functions of the position. Be willing and able to work the department's 48/96 schedule. Prior sworn law-enforcement experience is preferred but not required. A college degree is preferred but not required. Preferred Qualifications Preference may be given to applicants with: Prior experience performing independent patrol duties. Experience conducting criminal investigations and maintaining case ownership. Strong report-writing and courtroom-testimony skills. Experience working in a small-agency or community-oriented policing environment. Additional law-enforcement training, certifications, or specialized skills. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities The successful applicant should demonstrate: Sound judgment and the ability to make effective decisions in routine and high-risk situations. Strong observation and investigative skills. Clear written and verbal communication. Professionalism when working with people from varied backgrounds. Emotional control and the ability to perform effectively under stress. Integrity, dependability, initiative, and accountability. The ability to accept constructive criticism and learn from mistakes. The ability to work independently and as part of a team. The ability to de-escalate conflicts and use lawful authority appropriately. Proficiency in police driving, firearms, defensive tactics, report writing, and courtroom testimony. The ability to adapt to changing assignments, incidents, and working conditions. Compensation The hourly wage range is: $41.49-$56.14 per hour Placement within the range will depend on qualifications, training, education, and relevant law-enforcement experience. Benefits The Town of Hayden offers a competitive benefits package that includes: Health, dental, and vision insurance: The Town currently pays 100% of the premium for employee and family coverage.

Retirement:

Town 401(a) plan with a match of up to 7% of employee contributions.

Additional retirement options:

457 and Roth IRA options.

Vacation:

Initial accrual of 120 hours annually, with increases based on longevity.

Sick leave:

Initial accrual of 96 hours annually.

Family leave:

Up to 480 hours for family expansion, separate from vacation and sick leave. Free family gym membership at the Hayden Center.

Tuition reimbursement:

Up to $2,000 per calendar year after one year of consecutive service for qualifying education or certifications.

Paid military leave:

Up to 80 hours per year for qualifying active-duty service.

Multilingual stipend:

Up to $60 per month, per qualifying written and spoken language. Opportunities for professional development, specialized training, and career advancement. Career Advancement This position may provide a pathway to future promotional opportunities within the Hayden Police Department, including Police Corporal, depending on departmental needs, qualifications, and the Town's hiring and promotional processes. The current Police Corporal pay range is $44.72-$57.80 per hour . Why Hayden? Hayden offers the opportunity to practice professional, community-focused policing in a town where officers can make a visible difference. Officers are trusted to manage their cases, solve problems, exercise discretion, and build relationships with the people they serve. As a member of a small department, you will gain experience in a wide variety of calls, investigations, and assignments rather than being limited to a narrow role. The 48/96 schedule provides something equally valuable: time. Work approximately 121 days per year , receive four consecutive days off after every two-day tour, and build a law-enforcement career while still enjoying your family, your interests, and everything Northwest Colorado has to offer. The Town of Hayden is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. This advertisement summarizes the position and benefits. Employment conditions, schedules, duties, compensation, and benefits remain subject to Town policies, applicable agreements, and operational needs.

Pay:

$41.19 - $56.14 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) matching 457(b) Dental insurance Dependent health insurance coverage Employee assistance program Health insurance Military leave Paid time off Parental leave Professional development assistance Retirement plan Tuition reimbursement Uniform allowance Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person