Police Officer (Trainee)

UC Santa Barbara; California; On-site; USD 51,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

UC Santa Barbara is seeking Police Officer 1s to join the UCPD team. Attendees will complete the POST Certified Law Enforcement Academy and, upon graduation, become sworn full‑time officers.

The role encompasses academy training, administrative duties, and adherence to campus policies and vaccination programs. UCPD offers a structured training path with statewide jurisdiction and a commitment to ethical policing, transparency, and community engagement.

Qualifications

• At least 21 years of age.
• U.S. Citizenship (resident aliens must furnish proof of application).
• Valid California Driver's License.
• Writing skills sufficient to prepare police reports.
• Oral communication skills to interact with diverse personalities.
• Ability to relate to a diverse population.
• POST academy graduates may enter laterally.
• Two years of college or equivalent education/experience.
• Passing POST tests (PELLETB) and Physical Ability Test.
• Background check and fingerprinting required.

Responsibilities

• Attend and successfully complete Law Enforcement Academy (POST) / 99%.
• Administrative duties including required timecard reporting and department communications / 1%.
• Vaccination program compliance as required by university policy.
• UCPD functions as a full‑service, 24/7 police department with statewide jurisdiction.
• UCSB emphasizes ethical standards, transparency, and community partnerships.

Skills

Writing skills

Oral communication

Diversity awareness

Background check

POST academy experience

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Two years of college

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Position Information

Payroll Title: Police Officer 1

Percentage of Time: 100%

Collective Bargaining Unit (CBU): 99 - non-represented

Grade Type/Grade: STP

FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Work Location: Public Safety Building

Days/Hours: Monday-Friday / 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Benefits Eligibility: Full Benefits

Budgeted Pay Rate/Range: $44.89/hr. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and the application of fair, equitable, and consistent pay practices at the University.

Department Marketing Statement

At UC Santa Barbara, we offer a dynamic environment that prizes academic inquiry and interpersonal connection to inspire scholarly ambition, creativity, and discoveries with wide-ranging impact. We’re inquisitive and curious, community-driven, and globally focused. Across our campus, you’ll find independent thinkers and consensus builders, Nobel Laureates, and leaders chasing noble causes. But no matter how you define us, we are above all Gauchos — diverse in our pursuits yet connected in our collective drive toward excellence.

The University of California, Santa Barbara, is a leading research institution that also provides a comprehensive liberal arts learning experience. Teaching and research go hand-in-hand at UC Santa Barbara. Our students are full participants in an educational journey of discovery that stimulates independent thought, critical reasoning, and creativity. Our academic community of faculty, students, and staff is characterized by a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration that is responsive to the needs of our multicultural and global society. All of this takes place within a living and learning environment like no other, as we draw inspiration from the beauty and resources of our extraordinary location at the edge of the Pacific Ocean.

We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at Santa Barbara, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative, and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students, and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at Santa Barbara, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, our Principles of Community, and our Strategic Plan.

Benefits of Belonging

Working at UC means being part of this vibrant institution that shines a light on what is possible. People make UC great, and UC recognizes your contributions by making this a great place to work. Excellent retirement and health are just one of the rewards. Learn more about the benefits of working at UC

Brief Summary of Job Duties

We are interested in ethical, intelligent, creative, and motivated candidates who possess the desire and talent required to address the unique challenges of our diverse campus environment. We offer a wide variety of assignments and a public service experience, unlike any other agency.

This position allows successful applicants to work for UCPD while attending the required POST Certified Law Enforcement Academy (for more information https://post.ca.gov/peace-officer-basic-training). Costs and equipment are provided. After successfully completing the academy, graduates will be sworn in as full-time police officers.

UCPD Police Officers have statewide jurisdiction, are duly sworn under section 830.2 of the California Penal Code, and are trained under state guidelines and mandates. UCPD is a full-service police organization that is open 24-hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. UCPD values transparency in policing, integrity, honesty, and fairness in our interactions with the community and each other, by recognizing and maintaining an ethical standard above reproach through open, truthful, and respectful communication and by encouraging external and internal partnerships.

Required Qualifications

• At least 21 years of age
• U. S. Citizenship (resident aliens must furnish proof of application for citizenship at least one year prior to application for employment as a peace officer)
• Valid California Driver's License.
• Writing skills sufficient to prepare a variety of police related reports.
• Oral communication skills sufficient to interact with a variety of personalities.
• Ability to relate to a diverse population.
• Applicants who have successfully completed a POST basic academy will be considered lateral entry candidates.
• Graduation from high school (or successful completion of a G.E.D.) and two years of college; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Passing scores on the POST Reading & Writing Test (PELLETB) and Physical Ability Test. Link to California POST website https://post.ca.gov/LE-Entry-Level-Test-Battery-Applicant-FAQs
• Requires fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. UCPD does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field
• Familiar with campus and surrounding communities

Special Conditions of Employment

• Mandated reporting requirements of Child Abuse
• Mandated reporting requirements of Dependent Adult Abuse
• UCSB Campus Security Authority under Clery Act
• Maintain a valid CA driver's license, a satisfactory DMV record and enrollment in the DMV Employee Pull-Notice Program.
• Satisfactory conviction history background check.
• UCSB is a Tobacco-Free environment.

Job Functions/Percentage of Time/Duties

Attend and successfully complete Law Enforcement Academy / 99%

The Basic Law Enforcement Academy is designed to satisfy all State of California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) requirements for students wanting to be hired by a law enforcement agency or for newly hired peace officers.

The Basic Law Enforcement Academy is a 22-week (862 hour) intensive course that is best described as a college course with strict para-military discipline. Students attending the academy will be academically and physically challenged, faced with solving complex problems in a highly stressful, disciplined and structured environment. Recruits receive rigorous and challenging training in all phases of law enforcement. Prior to graduation, recruits must demonstrate acceptable proficiency in:

• Human relations
• Communication skills
• Problem solving
• Job knowledge
• Professional reasoning
• Physical Fitness
• Firearms
• Emergency Vehicle Operations
• Arrest and Control skills
• Scenario skills
• Report Writing

The standards and values of the Law Enforcement Academy are high and very demanding. Those who are willing and capable of meeting the standards in academics, leadership ability, tactical skills, general performance, and physical ability will be certified to join the ranks of professional law enforcement.

Administrative Duties / 1%

Complete required timecard reporting and miscellaneous department communications

Vaccinations Programs – Including SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19)

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccinations Programs – With Interim Amendments. As a condition of Physical Presence at a Location or in a University Program, all Covered Individuals must participate in any applicable Vaccination Program by providing proof that they are Up-to-Date with any required Vaccines or submitting a request for Exception in a Mandate Program or properly declining vaccination in an Opt-Out Program no later than the Compliance Date (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.). Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

For more information, please visit:

• UC Santa Barbara COVID-19 Information https://www.ucsb.edu/COVID-19-information
• University of California Policy on Vaccinations – With Interim Amendments https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy
• August 5, 2021 California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Order (Heath Care Worker Vaccine Requirement) https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Order-of-the-State-Public-Health-Officer-Health-Care-Worker-Vaccine-Requirement.aspx

* Covered Individuals: A Covered Individual includes anyone designated as Personnel, Students, or Trainees under this Policy who physically access a University Facility or Program in connection with their employment, appointment, or education/training. A person accessing a Healthcare Location as a patient, or an art, athletics, entertainment, or other publicly accessible venue at a Location as a member of the public, is not a Covered Individual.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Reasonable Accommodations

The University of California endeavors to make https://jobs.ucsb.edu accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Katherine Abad in Human Resources at 805-893-4664 or email [e-mail]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.