Village Public Safety Officer

Description:

Job Description:

Kodiak Area Native Association located in beautiful Kodiak, Alaska offers a gratifying public safety career for those individuals who possess the highest ethics, dedication and values. Village Public Safety Officers (VPSO) work alone in remote locations and are often a community’s only resource for law enforcement, fire, emergency medical and search & rescue services. VPSO’s live in the community to which they are assigned; and must, at all times, conduct themselves in a manner that is beyond reproach. VPSO’s patrol alone; investigate complaints; make arrests; write reports; respond to crimes in progress, to fires, and medical emergencies. VPSO’s also lead, coordinate and conduct search & rescue missions; participate in the community emergency management planning, mitigation and response activities; monitor persons on probation and parole; and attend City/Village Council meetings. A VPSO may patrol or travel on foot, or in a motor vehicle, off-road vehicle, small boat, fixed or rotary wing aircraft. VPSO’s work an assigned shift, but are subject to recall for emergencies.

There are only 120 VPSO positions statewide, making this a unique and select position available to only the most qualified candidates. If you believe, that these characteristics demonstrate you and your drive to serve amongst the select public safety officers within the State of Alaska, please submit the KANA Employment Application and required documents.

Successful candidates possess a job history demonstrating the ability to work without direct supervision; effective oral, written and interpersonal communication skills, with an ability to communicate in cross-cultural situations; and are physically fit to perform the essential functions of the VPSO. Additionally, candidates must meet all of the requirements of the State of Alaska, and the Department of Public Safety to become certified as a VPSO; and attend a mandatory Alaska Law Enforcement Training (ALET) Academy.

The Village Public Safety Officer Program began in the late 1970’s as a means of providing rural Alaskan communities with needed public safety services at the local level to reduce the loss of life due to fires, drowning, lost person and the lack of immediate emergency medical assistance in rural communities. The VPSO Program was designed to train and employ individuals residing in the villages as first responders to public safety emergencies such as search & rescue, fire protection, emergency medical assistance, crime prevention and basic law enforcement. The presence of these officers has had a significant impact on improving the quality of life in the participating villages. As a result, the VPSO’s are generally the first to respond to many calls for help from community members; hence their motto, “FIRST RESPONDERS – LAST FRONTIER”.

 

Additional Information:

The Kodiak Area Native Association is celebrating its 49th year of providing health care, and social services to Alaska Natives and other Beneficiaries of KANA throughout Kodiak Island. As part of KANA’s mission, which is “To elevate the quality of life of the people we serve”, we also deliver robust community services. KANA serves the community of Kodiak, as well as the remote communities of Akhiok, Karluk, Larsen Bay, Port Lions, Old Harbor and Ouzinkie.

The spectacular scenic beauty of Kodiak Island offers a backdrop for an abundance of outdoor and family activities, including world-class fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, kayaking and hiking just minutes from your door. Its sometimes harsh climate is balanced by mild temperatures and unparalleled wilderness splendor that provides Kodiak’s residents with a unique lifestyle in a relaxed island paradise.

For more information regarding the VPSO position, our communities and area, or the company, please visit our website at www.kanaweb.org or contact HR at 907-486-9800 email: hr@kanaweb.org

 

Job Requirements:

Age – 21

Education – High school diploma

Experience – No experience required

 

Additional Requirement :

Standards for Village Public Safety Officers

No person may be employed as a VPSO unless they are:

  1. A citizen of the United States, or a resident alien who has demonstrated an intent to become a citizen of the United States;
  2. Is 21 years of age or older at the time of application;
  3. Is of good moral character;
  4. Has a high school diploma, or its equivalent, or has passed a (GED) test;
  5. Has received a physical examination from a physician admitted to practice in the state, and is:
  • Free from a physical or hearing condition that would adversely affect performance of an essential function of a VPSO;
  • Has normal color discrimination, normal binocular coordination, and normal peripheral vision, and corrected visual     acuity of 20/30 or better in each eye; and
  • Is free from a mental or emotional condition that would adversely affect performance of an essential function of a VPSO;

Please visit our website for a full list of VPSO requirements.

 

Salary/Benefits: $25.27 hourly
  • Agency:
  • Location: Kodiak AK, 99615
  • Open Date:
  • Close Date: 10/31/2015
  • Website: http://www.kanaweb.org
  • Contact Person: Genevieve Opheim
  • Contact E-mail: genevieve.opheim@kanaweb.org
  • Contact Phone: 907-486-9805

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