Police Officer – MCOLES Licensed or Licensable

Police Officer – MCOLES Licensed or Licensable

The City of Charlevoix Police Department is seeking motivated, professional, and community-oriented individuals to join our team as Police Officers. Applicants must be licensed or licensable by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES).

Police Officers are responsible for protecting life and property, enforcing state laws and local ordinances, preventing and investigating criminal activity, responding to calls for service, enforcing traffic laws, and providing professional law enforcement services to residents and visitors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Patrol assigned areas to prevent and detect criminal activity and maintain public safety.
Respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
Enforce Michigan laws, traffic laws, and City ordinances.
Conduct criminal and traffic investigations, including interviewing witnesses and suspects, collecting evidence, and preparing reports.
Make arrests, issue citations, and take appropriate enforcement action when necessary.
Respond to motor vehicle crashes and conduct crash investigations.
Provide assistance to residents, businesses, visitors, and other public safety agencies.
Participate in community policing, public education, special events, and other community engagement activities.
Prepare accurate and complete incident, arrest, investigative, and other departmental reports.
Testify in court and work cooperatively with prosecutors and other criminal justice partners.
Maintain proficiency with department-issued equipment and successfully complete required training.
Perform other law enforcement duties as assigned.

Posting date of September 1, - November 30, 2026 (or until filled)

Full‑Time Police Officer - Work and live where others come to vacation.

About Charlevoix

Nestled between Round Lake, Lake Charlevoix, and Lake Michigan, our scenic 2.4‑square‑mile community offers unmatched natural beauty and small‑town pride. With a year‑round population of 2,600 that grows to over 10,000 in the summer, Charlevoix is the perfect blend of peaceful living and vibrant seasonal energy.

Whether you are an experienced officer looking for a supportive team or a recruit ready to start your law enforcement career, Charlevoix offers a professional, welcoming, and rewarding teamwork environment. Our officers benefit from strong community support and the opportunity to build positive relationships with the people we serve.

Why Join Our Department?

Exceptional work‑life balance

• 12‑hour shifts (2‑2‑3 rotation) with an additional 10‑hour overlap shift

• Leave time starting out

Community‑Focused Policing

• Supportive residents

• Time for proactive and relationship‑driven policing

• Balanced call volume that avoids burnout

Modern Standards

• Tattoos and facial hair permitted

• External load‑bearing ballistic vests

• Professional, team‑oriented environment that prioritizes officer well‑being

Live Where Life Feels Good- Located 20 minutes south of Petoskey and 50 minutes north of Traverse City.

Enjoy year‑round outdoor amenities, including:

• Boating, kayaking, and fishing

• Beaches, marinas, and waterfront parks

• Hiking, biking, cross‑country skiing, and nearby downhill skiing

• Snowmobiling, festivals, markets, and a vibrant downtown

Pay & Benefits

Hourly Pay: $27.95–$32.67 (based on experience; increase scheduled April 2027)

Shirt premium between 7 pm- 7 am

Bonuses & Incentives:

• $500 annual Festival Bonus

• $200 AED/CPR certification stipend

Retirement Security:

• MERS C‑1 Pension, 1.5 multiplier &

• 457 Plan: City contributes 7.5% automatically and matches up to an additional 6% (total 19.5% with employee contribution of 6%)

Health Benefits:

• City pays 80% of POS plan or 95% of HSA plan

• HSA contributions included

• Health Care Opt‑Out: $643/month

• Dental and optical coverage

• Employer‑paid life and disability insurance

Paid Leave:

• Vacation, sick, personal time

• 10 holidays

• Parental leave

• Uniforms, equipment, and dry cleaning provided

Duties & Responsibilities

As a Charlevoix Police Officer, you will:

• Investigate crimes, accidents, and incidents

• Gather and protect evidence

• Enforce laws and ordinances; make arrests

• Provide traffic and parking enforcement

• Respond to calls for service, assist, and suspicious activity

• Conduct property checks and preventive patrols

• Engage with the community

• Prepare reports, serve subpoenas, obtain warrants, and testify in court

Minimum Qualifications

Lateral Applicants: Charlevoix is an ideal opportunity for an experienced officer looking to continue their law enforcement career in a supportive, professional environment while bringing valuable experience and knowledge to our team.

Competitive Lateral Pay - Experienced officers may be eligible for advanced placement on the pay scale based on prior law enforcement experience, skills, knowledge, training, and certifications.

• Current or re-licensable MCOLES certification by start date

• Pass background check, drug screen, and psychological exam

Pre‑Service Applicants (Paid Academy Sponsorship Available – 3‑Year Contract)

The City of Charlevoix proudly supports new recruits entering the profession. Eligible applicants may receive full paid academy sponsorship, including tuition and related training costs, in exchange for a three‑year employment commitment.

Must be able to or have :

• Pass MCOLES Reading & Writing exam

• Pass Physical Agility Test (PAT)

• Acceptance into an MCOLES‑approved academy

• Pass background check, drug screen, and psychological exam

General Requirements:

• U.S. Citizen

• 21 years of age or older

• Associate’s degree preferred, but waiver available for prior military

• Valid Michigan driver’s license with good driving record

• No domestic violence or felony convictions

• No drug use, including marijuana/THC or illicit substances

• Ability to meet Michigan firearms qualification

• Strong communication skills, professionalism, and ethical behavior

• Ability to work in high‑stress situations and adapt to changing conditions

• Experience with Microsoft Word and email systems

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and use discretion

• Knowledge of constitutional law, investigations, court procedures, evidence handling, patrol techniques, crash reporting, and community relations

Must be willing to live within 20 miles of the City of Charlevoix city limits, measured as the crow flies.

How to Apply

Apply today to continue your career in a place where work feels meaningful, community matters, and life outside the job is just as rewarding.

Apply at: www.charlevoixmi.gov/jobs

Submit your completed application or resume + cover letter by November 30, 2026, to:

Jessica Jenkins – jessicaj@charlevoixmi.gov

Or drop off in person at: 210 State Street, Charlevoix, MI 49720

Equal Opportunity Employer

City Of Charlevoix

Latest Jobs

Full-Time Police Officer