APPLICANT EXAMINATION PROCESS
Because of the responsibilities and authority of a Marine Patrol Officer, the examination and selection process is extensive and thorough. The complete testing process consists of multiple evaluation phases.
1. PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST (PFT): Applicants must take and pass the PFT within one year prior to submitting an application for the position of Marine Patrol Officer. The PFT may be scheduled by calling the Maine Criminal Justice Academy at (207) 877-8000. The Physical Fitness Test is a Pass/Fail test. It consists of three events: Timed Push-Up Test (one minute); Timed Sit-Up Test (one minute); and 1.5 Mile Run. Testing information and standards for successful completion of the Physical Fitness Test are available by accessing the Maine Criminal Justice Academy’s website at www.maine.gov/dps/mcja (click “Forms”, then Under Law Enforcement Basic Training, click “Physical Fitness Testing Protocol”). This information can also be obtained by calling the number listed above. Applicants must score in the 40th percentile or above based on the Cooper Standards. There is a $50.00 fee for this test. Testing is normally scheduled for the third Wednesday of every month at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy (MCJA) in Vassalboro, Maine. Applicants must attach their PFT results to their application.
2. APPLICATION EVALUATION: Completed applications received at the Department of Marine Resources will be held in order to be considered for the next screening interviews. Applications are reviewed to verify that each candidate meets the established minimum requirements listed on the Career Opportunity Bulletin. Applicants who do not meet these requirements are disqualified from further consideration as candidates.
3. SCREENING INTERVIEW: To be held at a date to be determined (Generally every few months). All applicants successfully meeting the Minimum Requirements and passing the PFT will be scheduled for a Screening Interview. The Screening Interview is a structured interview that evaluates applicant’s skills in the areas of Commitment & Independence; Judgment & Logic; Decision Making/ Decisiveness; Tact & Diplomacy; and Communication Skills. It is highly recommended that applicants participate in a ride-along with an officer prior to their screening interview in order to become familiar with the duties of a Marine Patrol Officer. The top candidates in the screening interviews will be moved forward in the hiring process to a final interview known as a Colonel’s Interview.
4. FINAL INTERVIEW: The top candidates in the screening interviews will be scheduled for a Colonel’s Interview with the Chief and Deputy Chief of the Maine Marine Patrol. Candidates may receive conditional offers of employment after their final interview.
5. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: After a conditional offer of employment is made, the Maine Marine Patrol will conduct an extensive background investigation concerning the applicant, including military service, education, motor vehicle driving record, criminal history record, work history, and references.
6. POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION: Upon completion of the background investigation, viable candidates will be scheduled for a polygraph examination. The results of the background investigation and polygraph examination will be reviewed by a screening committee to determine if the candidate is eligible to continue in the hiring process.
7. PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION: Following successful completion of the background investigation and polygraph examination, candidates shall undergo a psychological evaluation which includes standardized tests and a clinical interview to assess suitability for the position.
8. MEDICAL ASSESSMENT: Candidates will undergo a pre-employment screening to ensure they possess the necessary physical and mental health to safely perform the duties of a Marine Patrol Officer without restriction.
9. SWIM TEST: Consists of a 10-minute tread water followed by an untimed 100-yard swim.
10. NOTE: Each component of the Marine Patrol Direct Hire examination process must be completed successfully. Failure to successfully complete any component will result in disqualification from further consideration.
Employment is contingent upon the outcomes of the background investigation, polygraph examination, psychological evaluation, medical assessment, and swim test as well as the applicant’s ability to meet the entrance standards for the 18-week Basic Law Enforcement Training Program at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.
MARINE PATROL APPLICATION INFORMATION:
You must complete a State of Maine Direct Hire Application form which is available at the Bureau of Human Resources in Augusta, all Maine Career Center Offices, and on our Web Page (http://www.maine.gov/nrsc/jobs/application.shtml). Be as complete as possible in describing education, training, and work experience (paid and unpaid) on your application. Additional sheets may be used; however, information must be in the same format as shown on the application form. You can also apply online via Search for Jobs or at the Marine Patrol website at: Marine Patrol Officer Job Description and Requirements | Department of Marine Resources