Cadet

Bloomington Police Department, MN; BLOOMINGTON (MN); On-site; USD 36,000 - 42,000; Part time

Job summary

The Bloomington Police Department is seeking individuals enrolled in post-secondary law enforcement programs to join as Police Cadets. This apprenticeship offers practical support duties within the Police Department and a potential path to become a Police Officer after completing the program.

Cadets must maintain at least 3/4 enrollment in relevant coursework, with employment ending no later than 12 months after education completion or 6 months after leaving school.

Qualifications

• High School graduate or GED (required).
• Valid driver's license (required).
• Currently enrolled in a post-secondary law enforcement program or college-level courses (required).
• Desirable: prior police-related experience or internship (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Assist in routine maintenance and cleaning of police vehicles.
• Provide non-contact monitoring, meal preparation and laundry duties in detention facility.
• Maintain community relations by conducting tours of the Police Department.
• Complete forms and reports as required.
• Assist with crime prevention activities.
• Assist at police department front counter.
• Provide delivery services to crime lab, court, and Mayor/City Council offices.
• Assist in transportation or recovery of evidence or found property.

Education

High School graduate or GED

Currently enrolled in post-secondary law enforcement program or college courses

Valid driver's license

Job description

Police Explorer Program

• Salary: $26.30 Hourly
• Location: 1800 W. Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington, MN
• Job Type: Temporary
• Job Number: 2026-00029B
• Department: Police
• Opening Date: 08/24/2026
• Closing Date: 9/20/2026 11:59 PM Central
• FLSA: Non-Exempt
• Bargaining Unit: NU

Primary Objective

The City of Bloomington is seeking individuals academically pursuing a future career in law enforcement are needed to fill positions as Police Cadet. This position is identified as an apprenticeship for individuals who will provide various support services to the Police Department. Bloomington Police Cadets have the opportunity to advance to the position of Police Officer upon completion of the academic program.

This position is not designed to be long-term. Individuals hired as a Police Cadet must be attending a minimum of ¾ enrollment in a post‑secondary law enforcement program or college‑level courses in criminal justice, police science, or related subjects. Should the Cadet complete their coursework, their employment with the City of Bloomington as a Cadet will end no later than 12 months after completing their education. Should the Cadet terminate attending school, their employment with the City of Bloomington as a Cadet will end no later than 6 months after leaving school.

Please note that meeting deadlines is an essential part of the selection process. Failure to meet specified deadlines may result in disqualification from consideration for this position.

CITY VALUES & EXPECTATIONS

• Models and contributes to a positive work environment, culture of communication, engagement and safety
• Communicates effectively and respectfully with employees and the general public, including but not limited to those of diverse racial, ethnic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Works cooperatively as a member of a team; develops and maintains effective working relationships with diverse coworkers and community members; consistently brings a high level of self‑awareness and empathy to all personal interactions
• Embraces the City’s shared values and contributes towards accomplishing the City’s vision and goals by being creative, innovative, continuously learning, and communicating clearly

Examples of Duties

Essential Duties

• Assist in the routine maintenance and cleaning of police vehicles including transport to and from repair facilities
• Provide no‑contact monitoring, meal preparation and laundry duties in detention facility
• Maintain community relations by conducting tours of the Police Department
• Complete forms and reports as required
• Assist with crime prevention activities
• Assist at police department front counter
• Provide delivery services including, but not limited to, packages to crime lab or BCA, documents to court or attorneys' offices, and agenda packets to Mayor/City Council members
• Assist property technician or investigations division in transportation or recovery of evidence or found property; pick up reports, prints or photo lineups for the investigations division
• Assist in setting up traffic speed trailer
• Assist with Animal Control duties, to include dealing with animal complaints, barking dogs, injured animals, dog bites, loose dogs/cats, etc.
• Clean kennels, feed animals, intake, and release of impounded animals
• Provide limited amount of filing, data entry, and general clerical support

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Ability to communicate with the public, police department employees and other City employees both orally and in writing
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle
• Ability to learn and apply various laws, codes and regulations
• Ability to work a variety of hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays

Minimum/Desirable Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School graduate or G.E.D. equivalent
• Valid driver's license
• Currently enrolled in a post‑secondary law enforcement program or college level courses in criminal justice, police science or related subjects

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience in police related work such as police reserve, police explorer, or police cadet program; or criminal justice internship
• Prior Community Service Officer or Cadet experience with another agency
• Paid or volunteer experience working with animals
• Additional years of work experience in dealing with the public

Supervision Of Others

This position does not supervise others.

Conditions Of Employment

Must have active ¾ full enrollment in a post‑secondary law enforcement program or college‑level courses in criminal justice, police science, or related subjects. Employment in this position will end 12 months after completing coursework towards their degree or 6 months after terminating coursework towards their degree. Individuals in this position must be considered a viable candidate for promotion to Police Officer. Being selected as a police cadet does not guarantee employment as a police officer. When eligible, Cadets may apply for employment as a police officer as positions become available. The Chief of Police, following an application process and interview, will determine whether a cadet will be promoted to police officer. This determination will be based on application, qualifications, interview, training, and performance. Upon an unsuccessful attempt at an internal promotion to the rank of police officer, the cadet would have to vacate the program within 6 months.

The position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Anticipated Hiring Range: $26.30 Hourly

2026 Full Salary Range: $26.30 – $30.77 Hourly

Part-Time; Non-Exempt; Non-Union; Benefits Ineligible

The City of Bloomington is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating a diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve. Applicants who are black, indigenous or persons of color are encouraged to apply. We also encourage women, veterans, members of the LGBTQIA community, and individuals with disabilities to apply.

Ongoing Part‑Time employees who are employed for more than 6 months will make contributions to the pension program (PERA) through payroll deductions unless they qualify for one of the exemptions. In addition, Part‑Time may receive Paid‑time Off (PTO) at rate outlined in employee handbook and eligible for paid parental leave after 6 months of employment.

Temporary/Seasonal employees do not receive benefits outside of Paid‑time Off (PTO) at rate outlined in employee handbook.