The Port of Los Angeles is a department of the City of Los Angeles. Also known as the Los Angeles Harbor Department, most Port employees are hired through the Civil Service employment process administered by the City of Los Angeles Personnel Department. The Port directly hires interns and student workers during the year, and Los Angeles Port Police officers year-round.
City of Los Angeles Employment
As a department of the City of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Harbor Department employs nearly 900 City employees. The City of Los Angeles is a civil service, equal opportunity employer, with most of its job opportunities requiring that an applicant take a competitive civil service exam through the City of Los Angeles Personnel Department.
Join the Los Angeles Port Police
Los Angeles Port Police officers are responsible for patrol and surveillance of the Port of Los Angeles and neighboring Los Angeles Harbor Area communities. The Port Police directly employ nearly 200 sworn and non-sworn employees, who are also Harbor Department employees.
Student Engineer Program
Throughout the year, the Port of Los Angeles employs college engineering majors as student engineers or architecture majors as student architects. Student engineers or architects may assist in the design and construction of major Port and LA Waterfront projects.
Student Worker Program
While most positions at the Port are secured through the City of Los Angeles civil service process, the Port’s Human Resource Division directly hires summer interns and student workers.
Other Employment Opportunities
Other jobs generated at the Port are managed directly by Port tenants and companies, including independent terminal operators, shipping and cruise lines, railroads, and service and logistics companies—or they are offered directly by labor unions that contract with the Port.