Police Officer - Academy Graduate

Santa Maria Police Department; Santa Maria (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring incentive

Relocation assistance

Out-of-state recertification help

Job summary

The City of Santa Maria Police Department is seeking an Academy Graduate Police Officer to join its dedicated team on the central coast. Under general direction, you will perform law enforcement, traffic control, and crime prevention to keep Santa Maria a safe place to live and work.

Required qualifications include CA POST Basic Academy certification, a high school diploma or GED, and strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills, plus proficiency with Microsoft Office and computer use.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Graduation from a CA POST Basic Academy.
• Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and computer use.
• Possession of applicable licenses and certifications.

Responsibilities

• Perform law enforcement and crime prevention work.
• Control traffic flow and enforce state/local laws.
• Conduct security patrols, investigations, and arrests as needed.
• Prepare reports and cooperate with court procedures.
• Engage with the community through crime prevention programs.
• Respond to emergencies and maintain safety and order.

Skills

Verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Microsoft Office

Computer skills

Education

High School diploma or GED

CA POST Basic Academy graduate

Tools

Microsoft Office

Office equipment

Job description

Closing Date: Continuous

Interview Date: TBD

Second Interview Date: TBD

Desired Start Date: TBD

OPPORTUNITY

ACADEMY GRADUATE INCENTIVES

• $5,000 hiring incentive ($2,500 at time of hire / $2,500 upon successful completion probation, 18 months).
• Relocation incentive for candidates outside of the area.
• OUT-OF-STATE APPLICANTS: Assistance through the recertification course may be available.

The City of Santa Maria is the largest city in the Santa Barbara County (located on the central coast) with a population of over 100,000. This growing department currently has 180 sworn and non-sworn personnel. Come join our hard working and innovative team!

If you have further job-related questions please contact staff in the Training and Recruitment Bureau at 805-928-3781 x2144. If you are experiencing any technical (computer related) difficulties, please call the NEOGOV help line for technical assistance at 1-877-204-4442.

Under general direction of assigned supervisor, performs law enforcement and crime prevention work; controls traffic flow and enforces state and local traffic laws; may work rotating shifts to preserve the peace and enforce the law. Supervision is not normally a responsibility of this classification, but may act as lead worker for temporarily assigned employees, or special projects.

The Police Officer position is an Individual Contributor role that provides safety, security, trust and comfort to Santa Maria residents. Their role enables the enforcement of laws and promotion of safety so that the Santa Maria community is a safe place to live, work and raise a family.

Must submit verification of graduation from a valid CA POST Basic Academy with their application. Copies of ALL certifications are required at time of application submittal and must be easily readable in order to be considered for this recruitment.

WHAT WE DO:

• Performs law enforcement and crime prevention work.
• Controls traffic flow and enforces state and local traffic laws.
• Performs security patrols, first aid, detection, investigations, and arrests of persons involved in crimes or misconduct.
• Carries out duties in conformance with local, state and federal laws and ordinances.
• Patrols city streets, parks, commercial and residential areas, etc.
• Performs work requiring good physical condition in a safe and effective manner and under all conditions; safely drive a vehicle under a variety of conditions; etc.
• Uses firearms and other weapons safely and accurately.
• Handles difficult and emergency situations without assistance.
• Responds to emergency radio calls; investigates accidents, robberies, civil disturbances, domestic disputes, fights, drunkenness, missing children, prowlers, abuse of drugs, etc.
• Takes appropriate law enforcement action including interrogations, evidence preservation, etc.
• Conducts follow-up investigations; prepares cases and testifies in court proceedings.
• Prepares a variety of reports.
• Undertakes community oriented police work; assists citizens with such matters as locked or stalled vehicles, crime prevention, drug abuse resistance education (DARE), traffic safety, etc.
• Scope of assigned area will depend on departmental structure and is at the discretion of the department director.
• Upholds the values of the organization and has strong customer service orientation.
• Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.
• Demonstrates regular, reliable and punctual attendance.

DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION:

Police Officer

REQUIRED SUBMITTALS:

• Cover letter
• Résumé
• POST Basic Law Enforcement Certificate

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

ACADEMY GRADUATE:

• High School diploma or G.E.D.
• Graduation from a CA P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate Law Enforcement Academy.
• Current technical/professional knowledge of complex principles, methods, standards and techniques associated with the scope of work of a recognized profession, such as:
• Modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment; applicable laws and ordinances.
• Effective verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Microsoft Office Suite (or equivalent).
• Use computer and other office equipment effectively.
• Possession of licenses and/or certifications associated with the assignment

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Possession of a valid and appropriate Driver License. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record and meet City liability requirements to drive for City business.
• Requires completion of a background investigation to the satisfaction of the City. This includes polygraph, medical, and psychological exam.
• The incumbent must meet the physical requirements of the job class and have mobility, balance, coordination, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed.
• Reasonable accommodation(s) for an individual with a qualified disability will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

***Note: Individuals who have applied for the position of Police Officer- Academy Graduate with the City of Santa Maria and have failed any examination pertaining to the Academy Graduate selection process within the past twelve months are not eligible to apply.

The completed electronic application packet will include the online application and supplemental questions, and electronic attachment of a current/valid California POST Basic Academy Certificate or Certificate of Completion of the California POST Basic Course Waiver Process (if from out of state). If you are experiencing any technical (computer related) difficulties or need help with attaching documents to your appl