TROOPER

Job Information

State of Tennessee Job Information Opening Date/Time 04/22/2026 12:00AM Central Time Closing Date/Time 07/12/2026 11:59PM Central Time Salary (Monthly) $5,727.00 Salary (Annually) $68,724.00 Job Type Full-Time City, State Location

Knoxville, TN

Chattanooga, TN

Nashville, TN

Memphis, TN

Fall Branch, TN

Cookeville, TN

Lawrenceburg, TN

Jackson, TN

Department Safety and Homeland Security

LOCATION OF (150) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY, TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL, STATEWIDE

For more information, visit the link below:
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/safety/documents/MemoHiringProcessDuration.pdf

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.

This posting is for a Cadet Class to begin in late November 2026 with interviews tentatively scheduled for August 10th-14th, 2026.

Officers assigned to the road in Shelby County will receive an incentive of $10,000 per year.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Education equivalent to graduation from a standard high school.

Necessary Special Qualifications:

1. Be willing to and able to qualify with, carry, and use assigned weapons;
2. Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age as of the date of commissioning as a Trooper;
3. Be a citizen of the United States or a permanent legal resident of the United States provided the candidate applies for or obtains United States citizenship within six (6) years of the employment start date;
4. Have a good moral character, as determined by investigation;
5. Complete a criminal history disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority;
6. Agree to release all records involving their criminal history to the appointing authority;
7. Supply a fingerprint sample in a manner prescribed by the TBI for a fingerprint based criminal history records check;
8. Have no conviction for a felony or have been discharged under any other than honorable conditions from any branch of the United States armed forces;
9. Pass a physical examination administered by a licensed physician that is consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and that relates to the essential functions of the position;
10. Pass a psychological evaluation administered by a licensed mental health professional that is consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and that relates to the essential functions of the position;
11. Have visual acuity of 20/100 in each eye, separately without glasses, and each eye corrected to 20/30 or better with corrective lenses;
12. Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license at the time of appointment in some positions;
13. Upon appointment, successfully complete a prescribed course of instruction at the Department of Safety Training Center or have successfully completed the equivalent of the prescribed course.

Overview

This is the entry-working class in the Highway Patrol sub-series. An employee in this class is assigned to perform public assistance, public protection, crime prevention, state/federal law enforcement, defendant prosecution, and related front-line law enforcement field operations or staff work of routine difficulty. This class differs from THP Sergeant in that an incumbent of the latter supervises staff in this classification or performs staff work of greater scope and complexity. Those employed in this classification may work a variable shift and are subject to call-out 24/7/365.

Responsibilities

1. Enforces state and federal laws, conducts investigations, issues citations, and performs arrests. Operates departmental vehicles and equipment safely, including in emergency situations, and provides dignitary protection and crowd control.
2. Prepares and presents files and exhibits for court, provides testimony in legal proceedings, and ensures the proper chain of evidence. Participates in legal proceedings and collaborates with legal entities.
3. Communicates with federal, state, and local agencies, media, and the public. Provides public service announcements, safety education, and area information. Manages confidential information and ensures professional interactions.
4. Performs emergency response functions including providing first aid and specialized support during critical incidents. Participates in specialized units and operations.
5. Conducts commercial motor vehicle inspections, compliance reviews, and safety inspections for drivers and buses. Ensures adherence to safety regulations and provides training related to transportation safety.
6. Prepares and delivers training to law enforcement personnel, public groups, and agencies. Develops lesson plans, presentations, facilitates safety education programs, and participates in advanced training opportunities.
7. Writes reports, case files, and departmental documents while managing daily tasks, prioritizing activities, and handling federal and state grant projects. Adapts to new technologies, equipment, and changes in laws and policies.
8. Provides roadside assistance to stranded motorists, helps with vehicle issues, and offers general area information. Ensures public safety through proactive service and adherence to the core values of the department.

Competencies (KSA's)

Competencies:

1. Instills Trust
2. Manages Complexity
3. Decision Quality
4. Communicates Effectively
5. Courage

Knowledges:

1. Basic Word Processing
2. Basic Computer Skills
3. Basic Mathematics
4. Laws and Regulations
5. Emergency Vehicle Operations

Skills:

1. Active Learning
2. Active Listening
3. Basic Reading Comprehension
4. Coordination
5. Critical Thinking

Abilities:

1. Ability to multi-task
2. Ability to work independently
3. Basic memorization
4. Number Facility
5. Written and Oral Comprehension and Expression

Tools & Equipment

1. Law Enforcement Weapons and Restraints
2. Basic Office Equipment
3. Audio/Video and Radio Equipment
4. Evidence Collection Kits

TN Driver Standards

State of Tennessee positions that may involve driving responsibilities require candidates to meet the following minimum driver qualifications:

• A valid driver's license
• For the past five years, the candidate's driver record must not have record of the following violations: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, more than 4 moving violations.

Please include your Driver's License Information under the Licenses and Certifications section of your application.

**Agencies may allow an exception based on other factors.