Serving the Mission: Career as a Military Ocean Terminal Police Officer

Are you looking for a career that combines public service with high-stakes law enforcement? The Department of the Army is currently hiring a Police Officer for the Military Ocean Terminal in Southport, North Carolina. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the readiness and safety of one of the nation's most vital maritime assets. This guide provides everything you need to know about the position, the requirements, and how to navigate the federal application process effectively.

Job Responsibilities

As a Police Officer at the Military Ocean Terminal, your duties go beyond standard patrol. You will perform essential functions to safeguard both land and waterside military assets, including:

Conducting waterside security patrols to monitor U.S., foreign, and non-military vessels.
Implementing Random Anti-terrorism Measures (RAM) and Force Protection (FP) at entry points.
Apprehending suspects based on probable cause and investigative findings.
Responding to alarms and emergency calls, including the administration of lifesaving first aid.
Protecting military munitions and sensitive materials from theft, sabotage, or damage.

Requirements

To be successful, candidates must meet specific federal standards.

Requirement	Description
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Specialized Experience	1 year at the GS-06 level (or equivalent)
Physicality	Must be able to lift 50 lbs
Clearance	Ability to obtain/maintain Secret clearance
Training	Must complete mandatory maritime and boat safety courses

Salary Overview

The pay range for this position is $50,460 to $65,599 per year, depending on qualifications and locality pay adjustments. As a federal position, you will be compensated based on the General Schedule (GS) scale.

Benefits

Federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including:

Comprehensive health and life insurance.
Retirement plans through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Generous leave accrual (annual and sick leave).
Professional training opportunities, including the Basic Maritime Officers course.

Application Tips

Resume Length: Strictly adhere to the two-page limit. Longer resumes will not be considered.
Clarity: Use plain language. Do not assume the HR team knows your specific internal military acronyms.
Documentation: Ensure your SF-50 clearly demonstrates time-in-grade if you are a current federal employee.
Assessments: If invited, prioritize the USA Hire assessments. They are a critical part of your evaluation.

Serving as a Police Officer at a Military Ocean Terminal is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the security of our nation's logistics and defense infrastructure. If you possess the experience, the dedication, and the desire to join a team that puts the mission first, we encourage you to submit your application by November 9, 2026.

Why This Police Officer (Military Ocean Terminal) Job Matters

Protect our nation's critical maritime infrastructure as a Civilian Police Officer at the Military Ocean Terminal in Southport, NC.

Police Officer (Military Ocean Terminal) Job Overview

The Department of the Army is seeking dedicated individuals for the position of Police Officer (Military Ocean Terminal). Located in Southport, North Carolina, this role involves providing high-level security, law enforcement, and critical protection for one of the two Military Ocean Terminals in the United States. You will play a vital role in maintaining order, ensuring facility safety, and protecting military assets through rigorous patrol, investigative, and tactical responsibilities.

Requirements for Police Officer (Military Ocean Terminal)

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Completion of a 1-year probationary period.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Must pass a pre-employment drug test.
Male applicants born after Dec 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 level in federal service.
Must be physically capable of performing heavy lifting up to 50 lbs.
Ability to complete mandatory maritime and rescue training within the first two years of employment.

Preferred Qualifications for Police Officer (Military Ocean Terminal)

Professional background in a police force or military police unit.
Demonstrated experience in law enforcement operations, investigative techniques, and visitor protection.
Experience in maritime security or patrol environments.
Proficiency in drafting official law enforcement incident reports.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay included.
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Generous paid time off, including federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.
✓Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the Department of the Army.
✓Access to a wide array of support programs for service members, civilians, and their families.

💡 How to Apply Police Officer (Military Ocean Terminal) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Police Officer (Military Ocean Terminal) Job

Review the full job announcement carefully and verify eligibility.
Prepare a resume that is two pages or less, clearly detailing relevant specialized experience.
Register or log in to your USAJOBS account to complete the online application.
Answer all mandatory questionnaires and attach required documentation (e.g., SF-50, performance appraisals).
Submit your complete application package before the closing date of November 9, 2026.
Monitor your email for potential instructions to complete the USA Hire online assessments.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume to two pages or less; longer resumes will be excluded from consideration.
Ensure your resume includes specific start/end dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for each role.
Use clear, plain language; avoid complex internal agency acronyms.
Double-check your proof of eligibility documentation, as requirements vary based on the authority you use to apply.
Set aside at least two hours to complete the USA Hire assessments if invited.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of this role?

The primary mission is to provide physical security and law enforcement at a Military Ocean Terminal, including waterside patrols, access control, and response to emergencies.

Is education a substitute for experience?

No, this position requires qualifying experience; substitution of education for experience is not permitted.

Is travel required?

This position requires travel, but it is classified as occasional.

Is relocation assistance provided?

No, the government has determined that Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not in the Government's interest for this role.

What if I have a disability?

The agency offers reasonable accommodations for the assessment process. Please review the instructions in the job announcement carefully.

Job from Army Transportation

The 832nd U.S. Army Transportation Battalion, operating under the Army Materiel Command (AMC), plays a critical role in the global supply chain. AMC is responsible for maintaining the readiness of the Total Force, managing everything from logistics to installation security. As a Civilian Police Officer within this command, you are an integral part of a global team that supports our Soldiers and ensures the effective defense of our nation.