Patrol Officer

The City of Athens is accepting applications for Patrol Officer to establish an eligibility list. Patrol Officers preserve, protect, and enhance the quality of life of the people of Athens through a broad range of professional police services in a community partnership. This is a full-time, bargaining unit position in the classified service of the City and is non-exempt under the provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act. This position has a starting hourly rate of $29.33 per hour for applicants with no full-time law enforcement experience, and starting range of $29.33 to $37.28 per hour for applicants with previous qualifying full-time experience. 

Employees enjoy a generous benefits package such as:

• Comprehensive low cost, low-deductible health care insurance plan - rated as one of the most affordable in the State


• Life Insurance


• Vision Insurance


• Dental Insurance


• Public employee pension match of 14%


• Paid holidays


• Sick leave


• Vacation time


• Wellness program


• A fitness center membership


• 12-hour shifts that includes every other weekend off
  


• Paid parental leave

A Civil Service Exam is scheduled on Saturday, November 15th, 2025 at 9:00 AM. The exam location is the Athens Community Center at 701 E. State St., Athens, OH 45701. The physical agility test is scheduled following the written exam on Saturday, November 15th, 2025 at 12:30 PM. The physical agility test location is the Athens Community Center at 701 E. State St., Athens, OH 45701. Applicants are exempt from the physical agility exam if they are OPOTA certified.   

Military credit and National Guard credit is available for applicants who pass the exam. Applicants can submit their intent to apply by completing the online questionnaire for Patrol Officer on the City of Athens, OH website:

Patrol Officer Application

Once you have completed that questionnaire online, you will be emailed a complete application packet. Application packets are also available to pick up Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at City Hall, 8 E. Washington St., Athens, OH 45701. Completed application packets must be returned to City Hall by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12th, 2025 to be considered for this position.

Essential Functions:

• Responds to calls for service.


• Patrols assigned areas in cruiser or other means.


• Investigates complaints and vehicle accidents.


• Interviews witnesses and suspects.


• Issues citations and/or arrests violators of the law.


• Prepares and/or serves civil processes.


• Secures and protects prisoners.


• Participates in crime prevention programs.


• Prepares written reports on complaints, investigations, and accidents.


• Serves as a crime prevention officer, if assigned.


• Performs duties of communications officer when necessary.


• Testifies in court when required.


• Serves as a field-training officer, if assigned.


• Serves as an officer in charge in the absence of the lieutenant, if assigned.


• Maintains all equipment assigned for use.


• Participates in community policing by conducting meetings, attending community meeting or events, working with citizens within a defined geographical area.


• Assumes responsibilities in specialized areas or on specialized teams as deemed appropriate by management.


• Assumes other responsibilities and performs other related duties as needed.

Position Qualifications:

• A felony conviction is prohibited.


• Must be a resident of Ohio at time of appointment.


• Must maintain a valid State of Ohio driver’s license.


• Must be at least 21 years of age and under the age of 41, at the time of appointment to be eligible for employment, as stipulated by the Ohio Revised Code and Athens City Ordinance.


• It is desirable but not required that applicants have an Ohio Peace Officer Training Certificate, however the City of Athens will pay wages and tuition to successful applicants to obtain certification.


• It is desirable but not required that applicants possess a degree from an accredited college or university in police science, criminal justice, psychology, sociology, public administration or business administration.

Position Specifications:

• Must be able to meet the attendance requirements for the position.


• Must have and maintain a driving record that is acceptable to the City of Athens.


• Must obtain and maintain certification in First Aid and CPR.

• Must successfully complete the Field Training Program for Patrol Officer prior to the end of probation.

• Must successfully complete training for communications officer duties prior to the end of probation.


• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.


• Knowledge of the Ohio Revised Code, City ordinances, and the geography of the City of Athens.

The City may consider other equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

This position is identified as being occupationally-at-risk for blood borne pathogens.  Safety precautions and procedures will be followed in the exercise of duties.

The City of Athens, OH is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

A comprehensive background check is required prior to position offer.