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Employment Process

Now Hiring

Applications are being accepted for individuals testing in:
Grand Forks and Fargo until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19, 2013. 
 Bismarck until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2, 2013.

 

Individuals currently licensed in the state of North Dakota, with law enforcement experience, will be required to attend the Highway Patrol Academy, which is approximately 10 weeks. Individuals licensed in other states will be required to complete the 10-week Highway Patrol Academy, 2-week Basic, and pass the POST test. Individuals not licensed will be required to attend the Highway Patrol Academy and Basic, which is approximately 25 weeks.

Most, if not all, of the post assignments will be in the western part of North Dakota. Applicants must be willing to be stationed anywhere in North Dakota and respond to duty 24 hours a day.

Phase 1 - Application


Applicants must submit an Application for Trooper Employment (SFN 2242), resume, cover letter and an unofficial college transcript to the address listed on the application.

The Application for Trooper Employment form is fillable and available in Adobe Acrobat. Adobe Reader allows applicants to complete the application, print a hard copy or save an electronic copy and send it by mail or email. The electronic version can be emailed to Chelsey Dietz, human resources specialist, at cdietz@nd.gov.

Written exams and oral interviews will be conducted at the times and locations listed below. Please indicate the location you plan to test at when you submit your application materials. Individuals must bring a current state-issued driver's license with a photo or current state-issued photo identification card to the written examination. Photocopies will not be accepted.

 

Written tests will begin at 9:00 a.m.

Grand Forks
National Guard Armory Complex 1501 S 48th Street
Exit 140, DeMers Ave. Go west on DeMers Ave, turn south on 48th St and continue south to the Armory building.
Monday, June 24 Written Examination & Personality Tests
Tuesday, June 25 Oral Interviews
Wednesday, June 26 Oral Interviews (if needed)

Fargo

Armed Forces Reserve Center

3920 31st Street N

Exit 69 off I-29 (Cass Co Rd 20). Go east 1/4 mile. The building is on the south side of the road.

Tuesday, June 25

Written Examination & Personality Tests

Wednesday, June 26

Oral Interviews

Thursday, June 27

Oral Interviews

Friday, June 28

Oral Interviews (if needed)

Bismarck

Raymond J. Bohn Armory

4200 E Divide Ave

Exit 161 off I-94. Go south to Divide Ave and then east. The building is east of the truck stop.

Monday, July 8

Written Examination & Personality Tests

Tuesday, July 9

Oral Interviews

Wednesday, July 10

Oral Interviews

Thursday, July 11

Oral Interviews (if needed)
  • The National Police Officer Selection Test (POST) and Wonderlic Personnel Test will be administered the morning of the first day of testing in each location.
  • The MMPI II and CPI tests will be administered that afternoon to individuals who pass the POST and Wonderlic Personnel Tests. The department psychologist will review the results of the tests for those granted a conditional offer of employment.
  • A 30-minute oral interview will be scheduled within three days of the written tests. Individuals from out-of-state will be scheduled for the first interviews.
  • Applicants must receive a favorable recommendation from the oral interview board to be considered further in the selection process.

Phase 2 - Written Tests

Applicants must successfully pass written tests designed to determine suitability for the position of NDHP trooper. These tests measure the primary skills critical to successfully learn and perform the duties of a trooper.

Applicants will be administered the National Police Officer Selection Test and the Wonderlic Personnel Test the morning of the first day of testing in each location.

We will be administering Sections I, II, III of the National Police Officer Selection Test (POST). Applicants must achieve at least 70 percent in each section to move on to phase 3. To review the study guide and sample test, click here.

We will be administering the Wonderlic Personnel Test. Applicants must achieve a minimum score of 21 to move on to phase 3. Review a sample of the test questions.

 

Written examinations will be administered:

Monday, June 24, 2013 Grand Forks
Tuesday, June 25, 2013 Fargo
Monday, July 8, 2013 Bismarck

Phase 3 - Oral Interview and Written Personality Tests

Applicants who pass the written tests will be administered the Minnesota Multi-Phasic Inventory II (MMPI II) and California Personality Inventory (CPI) the afternoon of the first day of testing in each location. These tests appraise an individual’s interests, attitude and other characteristics.

Applicants who pass the written tests will be scheduled for a 30-minute oral interview within three days of the written tests. Individuals from out-of-state will be scheduled for the first interviews. The key to a successful interview is advance preparation. Learn about the job, gather and read written materials (brochures, job announcement, etc.), and talk to law enforcement officers and Highway Patrol employees.

Applicants must receive a favorable recommendation from the oral interview board to be considered further in the selection process. The purpose of the interview is to determine if the candidate possesses the qualifications and the right temperament and attitude for a NDHP trooper. Applicants must communicate effectively and are expected to demonstrate that ability, speaking with confidence in a clear and succinct manner. Another fraction of the candidate’s score is based upon an assessment of his/her personal appearance.

At the end of the interview, applicants will have an opportunity to ask questions or add details that may help the panel determine the applicant’s interview score.

Oral interviews will be conducted:
Tuesday, June 25 Grand Forks
Wednesday, June 26 Grand Forks (if needed)
Wednesday, June 26 Fargo
Thursday, June 27 Fargo
Friday, June 28 Fargo (if needed)
Tuesday, July 9 Bismarck
Wednesday, July 10 Bismarck
Thursday, July 11 Bismarck (if needed)

Phase 4 - Background Information

NDHP personnel will conduct a complete and thorough background investigation to determine your suitability for employment as a trooper.
Your family, friends, neighbors, present and former employers, fellow employees, school officials, firms with which you have done business, courts, local law enforcement agencies, etc., will be contacted as part of this investigation. The following occurrences in your background could result in rejection of your application:
  • Pled or been found guilty of a felony or ever been charged with a felony that was later dismissed under a deferred imposition of sentence.
  • Use of drugs or conviction for drug related violations.
  • Intemperate use of alcohol.
  • Anti-social behavior.
  • Poor work record.
  • Poor driving record. For instance, numerous crashes or numerous convictions for moving traffic violations.
  • Unfavorable credit rating.
The applicant’s background will be considered in terms of honesty, integrity, moral character, emotional stability, reputation in the community and the applicant’s interest in serving people. The completed background information is furnished to a screening committee which reviews the total application and makes a final determination as to your acceptance.

Phase 5 - Physical Examination, Interview with Psychologist, and Physical Agility Testing

Letters offering conditional employment will be sent to individuals before requiring them to take a physical examination, be interviewed by a psychologist contracted by the NDHP, and perform job related physical skill tests. Individuals will be required to come to Bismarck for two days to participate in this phase.

This phase will take place November 11-27, 2013.

Applicants will meet with a psychologist contracted by the NDHP. They must be given a favorable recommendation to continue in the selection process. A physical examination, to include drug screening, will be administered by the department physician. All expenses for medical and psychological tests are paid by the NDHP. Applicants are responsible for travel, lodging and meal expenses.
A comprehensive test to determine physical conditioning is necessary to assess an applicant’s potential physical ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of a sworn officer, as well as the ability to successfully complete the physical fitness training program administered in the course of the Highway Patrol Academy. Physical agility tests may include:

Pushing a disabled vehicle

  • Troopers in the course of their regular duties are at times required to move disabled or abandoned vehicles a short distance. This test will demonstrate sufficient physical strength and ability to move a vehicle 30 feet on level ground.
  • Candidates will be required to physically push a typical passenger vehicle 30 feet.

Weight drag

  • This test will demonstrate the applicant has sufficient strength in the body and limbs to remove an adult person from a vehicle and drag them.
  • Candidates will remove a human simulator dummy from the vehicle and drag, by grasping underarms, back to the starting point 30 feet away.

Changing a tire on a vehicle

  • Troopers must be able to assist the public in changing a tire during routine patrol.
  • This test will demonstrate the applicant has sufficient strength to remove the spare tire from the trunk of a typical vehicle. This will also determine if there is sufficient arm strength to remove wheel lugs, which have been tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications. This must be completed within 10 minutes.

Weapon Control

  • Troopers must have the physical strength and dexterity to appropriately handle duty weapons.
  • This test will demonstrate the applicant has sufficient arm and hand strength to properly handle the issued duty weapon. The applicant will manipulate the slide functions on an unloaded duty weapon and demonstrate the ability to load issued magazines with practice ammunition.

Final Phase - Hiring

Applicants who pass all portions of the employment process will be placed on the eligibility roster in the order of their standing. Training is scheduled to start January 6, 2014.