Police Officer

City of Santa Fe Springs

Kearney (NE)

On-site

USD 52,000 - 78,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

City of Kearney seeks a Police Officer to patrol and investigate incidents, ensuring public safety and order. You will respond to dispatches, file detailed reports, and participate in community safety efforts.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, a Nebraska driver’s license, and the ability to obtain certification within a year. Physical and background standards apply, with benefits including health, retirement, and paid leave.

Qualifications

High school diploma or GED plus one year of public-facing work.
Nebraska driver’s license in good standing and background clearance.
United States citizen with ability to obtain state certification within one year.

Responsibilities

Patrol assigned beat by foot, bike or vehicle and respond to dispatches.
Investigate incidents, prepare reports and issue citations when appropriate.
Control scenes, direct traffic, and assist in emergencies.
Interrogate suspects and maintain professional conduct under scrutiny.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Radar equipment

Handgun handling

Computer systems

Job description

Description

Under general supervision, patrols an assigned beat and investigates incidents in the enforcement of law and order in the protection of life and property. Work varies requiring individual judgment within prescribed standards and procedures. Patrols an assigned area on foot, on bicycle or automobile operation and after selection and appropriate training potentially operates motorcycle, for the prevention of crime and the enforcement of traffic laws and regulations; responds to radio, computer and telephone dispatches and appears at scenes of disorder or crime; notes and reports traffic hazards; assists in controlling traffic at scenes of emergencies; investigates and prepares reports on offenses, accidents and damages to property; gives directions and information; makes custodial and non-custodial arrests; issues citations; occasionally serves at front service desk; serves warrants and subpoenas; gives warnings; prepares reports on arrests and property impounded; directs traffic; handles animal problems, inspects to assure property protection; inspects establishments providing alcoholic beverages and entertainment; intervenes in private or public disputes to protect the public and maintain order; appears in court as a witness and arresting officer; transports prisoners; performs initial and follow-up investigations of crimes involving adults and juveniles; investigates complaints; interrogates persons whose actions are suspicious or criminal; issues citations for parking and moving violations; assists fire department and ambulance personnel in rendering first aid; assists in hazardous materials (haz-mat) spills; speaks before school and civic groups as required; serves on stake-outs and on surveillance; impounds and tags evidence; provides general assistance to the public; escorts parades and processions; trains in basic first aid and CPR; operates a computer and specific software; prepares reports of their own activities as well as investigative and operational reports; rotates through assignments and shifts; performs overtime as required; and performs other duties as assigned.

Supervision - Responsibility For Work Of Others

None.

Essential Job Functions

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, officials and the public. (Daily)
Regular timely/punctual attendance. (Daily)
Effectively patrol assigned areas deterring and detecting crimes. (Daily)
Effectively and properly control crime, traffic or emergency scenes. (Daily)
Conduct investigations properly and effectively. (Daily)
Effectively communicates both verbally and in written form. (Daily)
Physically perform the duties of a police officer. (Daily)
Perform all duties under scrutiny and pressure. (Daily)
Present a professional attitude and demeanor. (Daily)
Professionally and logically work to solve problems. (Daily)
Participate in scheduled and self-training in law enforcement, first aid and EMS. (Daily)
Effectively maintain peace and order in assigned areas. (Daily)
Effectively and properly interrogate suspects and prisoners. (Daily)
Maintain and apply knowledge of current departmental policies, procedures, rules, instruction, laws, regulations and police literature. (Daily)
Maintain and apply knowledge of safe and proper use of firearms and weapons. (Daily)
Maintain and exhibit discretion and integrity at all times when handling confidential information. (Daily)

Physical Demands Of Essential Job Functions

Work Type: Heavy, exerting up to 100lbs of force occasionally, and/or up to 50lbs of force frequently, and/or up to 20lbs of force constantly to move objects or persons
Climbing/Balancing: Climb inclines and ladders, uneven surfaces, balance required
Walking: Moderate amount required
Stooping/Bending: Frequently
Stand/Sit: Sit about 50 percent of the time
Reaching: Frequent, overhead as well as horizontal
Vision: 20/100 correctable to 20/20, with contact lenses no upper acuity limit correctable to 20/20
Color Vision: Ability to distinguish colors
Hearing: Frequently perceive nature of sounds by ear
Speech: Frequently express ideas by means of spoken words
Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Frequently operates motor vehicles or bicycles requiring moderate ability
Manual Dexterity: Frequently operates motor vehicles or bicycles requiring moderate ability

Environmental Demands Of Essential Job Functions

Inside/Outside: Adverse conditions possible
Cold/Heat: Adverse conditions possible
Wet/Dry: Adverse conditions possible
Noise/Vibrations: Minimal exposure
Hazards: Physical confrontation, emergency response driving, traffic control, operation of firearms and foot pursuit
Fumes/Dust/Odors: Moderate exposure
Infectious Disease: High exposure

Mental Requirements Of Essential Job Functions

Ability to read and comprehend written material.
Ability to listen to and apply information and instructions.
Ability to think logically and quickly during an emergency.
Ability to understand mathematical concepts to include basic arithmetic.
Ability to organize information and prepare written records.

Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or GED, plus one year of work experience involving public contact or one year of college level coursework; valid Nebraska driver’s license; must not have felony, Domestic Violence or other serious misdemeanor convictions; must possess good character as determined by thorough background investigation and meet Nebraska Law Enforcement Certification Standards. Must have the ability to obtain Nebraska Police Officer certification within one year of appointment. Must be at least 21 years of age at time of appointment, and must be a United States citizen.

Residency Requirements

This position has a sixty (60) minute response time by way of the most direct route from the employee’s permanent residence to the employee’s assigned work site and within posted speed limits.

Machines, Tools, Equipment And Work Aids Used

Computer, telephone, FAX, calculator, portable radio, vehicle, bicycle and/or motorcycle, radar, handgun and other weapons as required; handcuffs, breath testing equipment, pager, first aid equipment and baton.

Remarks

The above position description is intended to describe the duties of an employee in general terms and does not necessarily describe all of his/her duties.

Rates effective January 1, 2026, and are subject to change. Benefits are effective on the 1st day of employment.

Health and Dental Insurance

The City of Kearney Health Insurance Plans includes health, prescription, and dental coverage. The City offers two plans (traditional PPO and a high deductible option) Employee spouses’ who have health/dental coverage available through their own employer are not eligible to participate in the City’s health/dental insurance.

Health/Dental (4 Tiers) - Traditional PPO

Single Coverage $ 92.20 biweekly
Employee + Spouse Coverage $196.62 biweekly
Employee + Dependents Coverage $156.73 biweekly
Family Coverage $229.57 biweekly

Health/Dental (4 Tiers) - High Deductible Health Plan with HSA option

Single Coverage $ 81.50 biweekly
Employee + Spouse Coverage $174.03 biweekly
Employee + Dependents Coverage $138.56 biweekly
Family Coverage $203.05 biweekly

HSA City Contribution

Individual - $750

Family - $1,200

Vision Insurance

EyeMed Vision coverage is available. Employee only - $3.32; Employee/Spouse - $6.30; Employee/Dependents - $6.64; Family - $9.76. All rates are bi-weekly payroll deductions.

IdentityForce

Identity Theft Protection available, Employee/Children (children 26 and under) $8.49; Family $14.49 per month.

Retirement

City contributes 9%, employee contributes 9%. Participation is mandatory.

Life Insurance

The City pays 100% of the cost of employee life insurance of $50,000, spouse coverage $10,000, and dependent children coverage $5,000. Supplemental life insurance available at a discounted group rate.

Cafeteria/Section 125

Can be used for medical and daycare expenses per IRS guidelines.

Deferred Comp

Voluntary deferred compensation program (457 & Roth IRA Plans).

EAP

Employee Assistance Program provides 6 free counseling sessions per issue for employees and dependents.

Long Term Disability

Long term disability insurance provided by the City.

Longevity

Annual payment of $300 after 5 years of continuous years of service with $50 increases every 5 years with a maximum payment of $550.

Vacation

Vacation leave is earned and accrued in bi-weekly increments in the following manner: 82.5 hrs years 1 - 4; 123.75 hrs years 5 – 14; 165 hrs years 15+. New employees receive 41.25 hours of vacation upon hire with biweekly accruals beginning on the sixth month of employment. Vacation leave may accumulate to a maximum of 240 hours.

Medical Leave

Medical leave is accrued at a biweekly rate equal to 12 days a year. New employees receive 41.25 hours of medical leave upon hire with biweekly accruals beginning on the sixth month of employment. Medical leave may accumulate to a maximum of 1,440 hours.

Parental Leave

3 weeks paid leave.

Personal Leave

2 personal days are provided on the first of every calendar year. Employees must be employed on January 1st to receive personal leave days. Unused personal leave does not carry over to the next year.

Holidays

Twelve paid holidays per year.

Sign-On Bonus

$6,000 (Certified Only) - New Hires Only

Military

Active members receive 120 hours of military leave annually. Military leave does not carry over to the next year.

01 What are the last 4 numbers of your Social Security Number?

02 Have you taken the TABE test?

03 I understand that I have to take and pass the TABE test prior to testing date.

04 Are you at least 21 years age?

05 Did someone suggest you apply for this position?

Did someone suggest you apply for this position?

06 Do you know any other law enforcement officers? If you answered yes, please list below:

Do you know any other law enforcement officers? If you answered yes, please list below:

07 Have you ever been denied employment by a criminal justice agency?

08 If yes, what agency? (If no, please put N/A)

If yes, what agency? (If no, please put N/A)

09 Do you speak any foreign languages?

10 If yes, what language(s) and to what proficiency? (If no, put N/A)

If yes, what language(s) and to what proficiency? (If no, put N/A)

11 Have you ever been arrested or detained?

12 If yes, please explain when, where and what offense. If no, put N/A.

If yes, please explain when, where and what offense. If no, put N/A.

13 Have you committed an illegal act in the last five years, and if so, what?

14 If yes, please explain the type of act and location. If no, put N/A.

If yes, please explain the type of act and location. If no, put N/A.

15 Do you have any outstanding civil judgments against you?

16 Are you presently using illegal drugs?

17 Have you ever possessed or sold any amount of illegal drugs?

18 If Yes, Explain (if No, Put N/A):

If Yes, Explain (if No, Put N/A):

19 How often do you consume alcohol?

How often do you consume alcohol?

20 Do you have any relatives who have criminal convictions?

21 If yes, for what offense? (If no, put N/A)

If yes, for what offense? (If no, put N/A)

22 Are you willing to wear a uniform?

23 Are you able and willing to work rotating shifts?

24 Are you able and willing to meet this department's grooming standards?

25 Are you willing to use deadly force, if necessary, to protect your life or that of another?

26 Are you able and willing to render emergency aid to trauma victims?

27 Are you able and willing to identify dead persons and witness autopsies?

28 Are you able and willing to perform the essential job functions of a Police Officer as provided you in the job description under the title "Qualifications"?

29 With proper training and supervision, do you believe you can perform all of the essential job functions of a Police Officer, unassisted and without delay?

30 Are you an honest person?

31 Are you reliable?

32 Are you good at communicating with all kinds of people?

33 Are you able to control your anger when insulted or threatened?

34 Are you able to function normally when placed under temporary or prolonged stress?

35 Have you ever received any type of disciplinary action from your current or previous employer, i.e. written reprimand, suspension with or without pay, and/or termination?

36 If Yes, Explain (if No, Put N/A):

If Yes, Explain (if No, Put N/A):

37 Have you served in the military? If yes, please answer all questions below.

38 What were your occupational specialties and assignments?

What were your occupational specialties and assignments?

39 Was your discharge honorable?

40 Have you attached your DD214 for Veteran preference credit?

41 Did you have any disciplinary actions under UCMJ?

42 If yes, what and when?

If yes, what and when?

43 Did you have any arrest or convictions under UCMJ?

44 If yes, what and when?