The City of Onalaska Police department is seeking to hire a Police Officer and to create an eligibility list for anticipated vacancies occurring over the next year or until the next recruitment for the position. This is an excellent opportunity for both entry-level candidates and lateral officers looking to join a supportive, professional department that values training, teamwork, and community engagement. Under the general supervision of the Shift Sergeant, Police Officers protect life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances. Officers respond to a wide range of calls, conduct investigations, and work collaboratively to ensure public safety.

Essential Job Functions:

Reviews records and reports; receives briefings on incidents, wanted suspects, stolen vehicles/property, missing persons and other pertinent information.
Patrols assigned areas concentrating on high frequency crime locations and known trouble areas; identifies crime patterns and modus operandi used in crimes.
Investigates criminal and illegal activities, unusual or suspicious activities and conditions, traffic accidents, etc., enforcing applicable federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.
Prepares necessary reports, interviews, narratives and follow-ups for violations and complaints; issues necessary citations or warning notices as appropriate; transports arrestees to the appropriate facility as circumstances and department policy dictates.
Evaluates erratic or impaired driving, conducts field sobriety tests and make Operating Motor Vehicle While Impaired (OMVWI) arrests if probable cause exists for the arrest.
Responds to any calls for assistance.
Investigates traffic crashes, completing necessary documents and provides the necessary services as a result of the crash (e.g., First Aid, traffic control, call towing service, etc.).
Observes traffic flow for violations identifying areas of traffic concern; issues warnings/citations to violators consistent with department policy.
Queries suspects through the Criminal Information Bureau (CIB) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) for wants/warrants’ probation/parole status; criminal history, etc. to facilitate investigations. Makes arrests, as necessary.
Provides necessary medical, physical, or protective services to ensure the safety of crime victims, citizens, or property.
Gathers vice and narcotics information and takes enforcement action. Passes along information on organized crime, vice and narcotics activities to the appropriate enforcement agency or bureau.
Investigates child abuse/neglect complaints, gathers all initial information, performs, or ensures that all necessary evidence collection is completed and completes necessary reports. Refers complaint(s) to supervisory authority for follow up when needed.

Compensation and Benefits: Starting wage for this non-exempt position is $33.07 per hour (January 2026 rate, step 1). Starting rate increases to $33.57 per hour in January 2027 and $34.24 per hour in July 2027. A shift differential of an additional $0.50 per hour (2^nd shift) and $0.75 per hour (3^rd shift) for assigned Officers.

Recruit Officers: Officers hired and attending the Law Enforcement Academy receive 75% of the starting Officer wage until certified. The City also pays for academy costs - tuition, books, and police uniform gear.

Lateral Transfers: Officers with full-time experience with another agency start at a comparable wage and vacation tier that correlates with prior certified law enforcement experience. Officers with experience receive up to a maximum of six (6) weeks of vacation with a starting wage between $34.81 to $39.46 per hour (January 2026 rate, step 2 – 8), depending on experience.

Uniforms and regular training provided by the City. The basic work schedule consists of an 8.5-hour day and a work cycle of 5 days on and 2 days off followed by 5 days on and 3 days off (5-2, 5-3) and then repeating the cycle. Officers may be assigned to special assignments causing them to work a schedule other than (5-2, 5-3).

Benefits Include: Health insurance effective the first of the month following 60 days of employment. 2026 most affordable plan (Quartz West): $225.36/month (single). $554.72/month (family). No deductible or co-insurance. Dental insurance through Delta Dental (100% premium paid by the City). Automatic enrollment in the Wisconsin Retirement System (pension plan). Voluntary benefits: vision, flexible spending, life insurance, disability insurance, deferred compensation, pet insurance, critical illness, cancer, and accident insurance. Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave. Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

To Apply: To be considered for this excellent opportunity, submit an online employment application by accessing https://onalaskawi.gov/jobs. Applications accepted until filled with first review of applications on June 1, 2026. For additional information please contact:

City of Onalaska Human Resources – City Hall (1^st Floor)

415 Main Street, Onalaska WI 54650

Phone: 608-781-9530 ext. 260

Email: afrandsen@onalaskawi.gov

Additional information: Must successfully pass written and physical agility testing. Selected candidate subject to background check and pre-employment/post-offer physical, psychological and drug screen. For selected candidate needing the Law Enforcement Academy the next session to be determined. The City of Onalaska is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug-Free Workplace.

Job Requirements: Two (2) year Associate’s Degree or a minimum of sixty (60) college credits. Exception for applicants needing the Law Enforcement Academy, must have a minimum of (40) college credits and successfully apply for a waiver of Education Requirements (up to 20 credits) from the WI Training & Standards (LESB) post academy graduation. Wisconsin certified or certifiable at the time of hire preferred, which is completion of a law enforcement academy in Wisconsin within the past (3) years or have law enforcement experience in another qualifying state and have passed the WI reciprocity exam. United States citizen; at least (18) years of age. Valid driver’s license with no more than six (6) points assessed at time of appointment. No felony convictions nor domestic abuse convictions.

City of Onalaska

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