Police Hiring Announcement – 8.19.26

POLICE APPLICATION 2026

Police Officer – Full Time – Borough of Watsontown

An application to apply for the position of Police Officer is available at the Watsontown Borough Office, 318 Main St. Watsontown, PA 17777.  The Borough Office is open Monday thru Friday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.  Applications are also available on-line at http://www.watsontownpa.info.  Please feel free to contact Chief of Police Christopher Snyder csnyder@watsontownpd.org or Sergeant Timothy Kiefaber if you have any questions at 570-538-2773.

Completed applications may be mailed to the address above or dropped off in person.  Completed applications must be received by the Watsontown Borough office by 4:00 pm on September 25, 2026.  Applicants who meet the requirements will be notified in writing of the next step in the examination process.  The written, physical and oral examination will be held on October 7, 2026 at 8:00 am at the Watsontown Borough Building for all candidates who meet the requirements.

General qualifications for the position of police officer at the time of application are:

1. Citizen of the United States or evidence to show naturalization as a USA citizen.
2. Twenty-one years of age or older at the time of application.
3. Graduated from an accredited high school / possess a valid General Education (Equivalency) Diploma, or GED.
4. Successfully completed ACT 120 training. (Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training)
5. Shall be physically, medically and psychologically fit for the performance of the duties of a police officer and shall be of good moral character.
6. Licensed to operate an automobile in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
7. Must be able to meet the essential duties as listed on the police officer application.

Residency Requirements – All applicants permanently appointed to vacancies in the Watsontown Police Department shall within twenty-six (26) weeks of the effective date of employment, unless extended by Borough Council for good cause, assume and maintain a full-time residence within thirty (30) air miles of the corporate limits of the Borough of Watsontown, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania.

The 2026 starting annual salary is $58,427.20.  Current Patrol Officers with over 5 years of service with the Department have a base salary of approximately $77,896.00.  In addition, there is paid overtime and pay increases for rank and longevity.  Other benefits include paid annual leave, paid personal time, paid sick time, family health care, department issued equipment, clothing allowance and full pension after 25 years of service as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).  The current Police contract expires December 31, 2029.

The Borough of Watsontown is an Equal Opportunity Employer.