Police Officer - Academy Graduate

City of Santa Maria; Santa Maria (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

$5,000 hiring incentive ($2,500 at the

Relocation incentive for candidates

OUT-OF-STATE APPLICANTS: Assistance

Job summary

The City of Santa Maria seeks a Police Officer (Academy Graduate) to perform law enforcement duties, traffic control, and public safety tasks in a busy municipal environment. You must hold a CA POST Basic Academy certificate and demonstrate strong communication and technical skills in standard office tools.

Applicants will provide required submittals (cover letter, résumé, POST certificate) and may be eligible for incentives such as signing and relocation support.

Qualifications

• Must have a CA POST Basic Academy certificate.
• Strong communication and professional conduct required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and standard office tech.

Responsibilities

• Perform law enforcement and crime prevention duties.
• Control traffic flow and enforce traffic laws.
• Conduct security patrols, investigations, and reporting.
• Prepare cases and testify in court when required.

Skills

Law enforcement principles

Verbal & interpersonal skills

Microsoft Office

Computers & office equipment

Licenses & certifications

Education

High School diploma or GED

CA POST Basic Academy

Job description

OPPORTUNITY

Closing Date: Continuous

Interview Date: TBD

Second Interview Date: TBD

Desired Start Date: TBD

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.

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.

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.

Police Officer

REQUIRED SUBMITTALS: Due upon application:

• 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 most qualified candidates will be selected to appear before a panel for an oral interview. Those applicants invited to interview will be notified electronically at the e-mail address provided by each candidate through application process. Therefore, it is the applicant's responsibility to provide an accurate email address and to allow their inbox to receive emails in regard to this recruitment. A tentative oral interview date has been scheduled for TBD. The oral board will recommend a limited number of candidates to the eligibility list from which the new Police Officer may be selected. This recruitment may also establish an eligibility list for future Police Officer openings.

The City of Santa Maria is a participant in the E-Verify program through the Department of Homeland Security. Upon hire, the candidate must produce original documents according to the Department of Homeland Security Form I-9 List of Acceptable Documents. If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources staff at [phone] extension 2203.

Upon hire, the candidate must submit a Department of Motor Vehicles printout summarizing their driving record covering the last 30 days from the closing date of this recruitment. Upon hire, candidate must possess a bank account to accommodate the City of Santa Maria's direct deposit for bi-weekly pay.