The Port of Los Angeles is a department of the City of Los Angeles, also known as the Los Angeles Harbor Department––although it is not supported by City taxes. The Port operates as a landlord port that generates revenue from leasing and shipping service fees. The Port is a key generator of jobs, commerce and tourism in Southern California. While thousands of jobs are connected to this major economic driver, most positions at the Harbor Department undergo a civil service employment process administered by the City of Los Angeles Personnel Department.
City of Los Angeles Employment (Civil Service)
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 Personnel Department.
Civil Service Exams and Interviews
The City of Los Angeles offers exams for positions (job classifications) assigned to the Harbor Department. Learn more about civil service exams and the City application process.
Exams Open for Filing
The City of Los Angeles lists civil service job opportunities on GovernmentJobs.com. After creating an account and submitting your online application, you may receive an email invite to participate in a civil service exam.
Los Angeles Port Police (Officers)
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.
Targeted Local Hire Program (Entry-Level)
Provides alternative job pathways into City of Los Angeles civil service via full-time, paid, on-the-job training for entry-level City positions.
Bridge To Jobs Program (Semi-Skilled)
Provides alternative pathways into City of Los Angeles civil service via full-time, paid, on-the-job training for semi-skilled City positions.
Student Worker Program (College Students)
The Port provides a unique opportunity for experiential learning, networking and personal development for undergraduate and graduate students.
Student Engineer Program (College Students)
The Port employs college engineering majors as student engineers and architecture majors as student architects, who may assist in the design and construction of major Port and LA Waterfront projects.
Port Police Cadet Program (College Students)
Port Police Cadets support the Los Angeles Port Police in a variety of duties, providing a great opportunity for college students interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice or law enforcement.
Marine Terminal Employment
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.
Union Employment
Unions serving the Port employ dockworkers, truck drivers, warehouse workers, welders, carpenters and other skilled workers in various maritime service sectors. Individuals interested in applying for a union job should contact the union of interest directly.
Construction Employment
Construction activity at the Port is often contracted out through a competitive bid process. Jobs associated with these contracts are generally union jobs and information on employment opportunities should be sought directly from these on-site contractors.
Harbor Gateway WorkSource Center
The Harbor Gateway WorkSource Center actively assists Harbor Area residents seeking employment in the the construction trades. To meet local hiring requirements, Port construction contractors often find qualified workers through this center.
Contracting Opportunities
The Port actively seeks the participation of qualified vendors, consultants and contractors by providing a fair, objective selection process for all contracts, including proposals, agreements, and procurement opportunities.
Harbor Occupational Center (LAUSD)
Harbor Occupational Center offers full-time educational programs operated by the Los Angeles Unified School District's Division of Adult and Career Education with career technical education training and job placement assistance.