Police Officer Trainee

City-of-Haywar; Hayward (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

3-day work week

Health benefits

CalPERS Defined Benefit

Job summary

City of Hayward is seeking a Police Officer Trainee to enter a POST-certified academy and advance to Police Officer upon successful completion. Responsibilities include training across academy and field operations, reporting, and community safety.

Candidate must meet Post requirements, be legally eligible to work in the U.S., and be at least 21 with vision meeting standards. The City offers a defined benefits plan and ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Free of any felony convictions.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Age not less than 21 years at time of appointment.
• Vision in each eye, correctable to at least 20/30.
• Must pass background, polygraph, medical, and psychological standards.
• Bi-lingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Attend POST-certified academy to gain law enforcement knowledge and training.
• Receive academy and field training to become a Police Officer.
• Transition from Police Officer Trainee to Police Officer upon successful completion of POST academy.

Skills

Bi-lingual encouraged

Observation & memory

Public service mindset

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

APPLICATIONS

Candidates are encouraged to apply online at www.hayward-ca.gov under the Current Vacancies tab or at www.GovernmentJobs.com. Paper applications can be obtained by contacting the Human Resources Department at [phone]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least one (1) hour to submit your application if you are a new user to the system. Our on-line application system is provided by NeoGov. If you have problems while applying online, please contact the NeoGov Help Desk at [phone].

If you are unsuccessful in this recruitment process, you are encouraged reapply at a later date and/or to look at our current vacancies and apply to any position(s) that you are qualified for.

The City of Hayward is an Equal Opportunity Employer & A Certified Age Friendly Employer

Learn more about the mission of the Age Friendly Institute here.

BENEFITS AND REWARDS

Depending on employee group, some of these benefits may include:

• 3-day work week
• Vacation - 80 hours minimum
• 15.5 Paid Holidays
• Generous employer contribution for Health, Dental and Vision coverage
• CalPERS Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (2.5% at 55 for Classic CalPERS members | 2.0% at 62 for New CalPERS members | 3.0% at 50 for Classic Safety members | 2.7% at 57 for New Safety Members) - No Social Security participation.
• Life and Disability Insurance and Paid Leave
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health and Wellness Reimbursement
• Professional Development Reimbursement
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (employee paid)

EXAM INFORMATION

P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB): The PELLETB is a multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank written examination designed to measure reading and writing ability. Candidates MAY NOT retake the PELLETB within 30 days of previously taking the examination. City of Hayward requires a T-Score of 46 or higher. Candidates are given 2.5 hours to complete the PELLETB exam which contains five sections:

• Spelling (applicants select the correct spelling of a word from a list of options); Vocabulary (applicants select the correct meaning of a word from a list of options); Clarity (applicants select the sentence that is most clearly written from a pair of options);
• Reading Comprehension (applicants read a passage and answer questions about the passage's content); and
• CLOZE (applicants use contextual clues to complete a passage that contains blanks/missing words).

For a preparation guide please visit: POST PELLETB Preparation Guide

-OR-

National Testing Network (NTN) Frontline Law Enforcement Written Examination: Applicants must complete the Public Safety Job Suitability Assessment (PSSA) component of the NTN examination battery at the time of the Frontline Law Enforcement Written examination. This examination is administered directly by the National Testing Network and the candidates pay a fee to take this examination. The test may be taken virtually or in person at testing sites throughout the country. To schedule a test, visit the National Testing Network Website. Select the City of Hayward, then select the Police Officer Trainee position. NTN will submit the scores directly to the City of Hayward for review.

Physical Agility Test (PAT): Designed to measure an applicant's knowledge, skills, and abilities to complete exercises that replicate some aspect of the job. The examination is timed and includes the following physical examinations:Obstacle course, body drag, chain link fence, solid fence climb, 500 yard run, and a 1 1/2 mile run (under 14 minutes).

What to Expect for the Physical Agility Test (PAT)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12wiuo8tB1g

If you are interested in the Hayward PD Fitness 5.0 Training Program, to better prepare for the 1.5 mile run and the PAT, please email Detective Wright at [e-mail] for more information.

Applicants will be notified electronically via GovernmentJobs.com as to their status in the selection process. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure they can receive email notice from NeoGov/Government Jobs and the City of Hayward.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Candidates must successfully pass each step to advance to the next step in the recruitment process.

1. Apply - submit a completed City of Hayward job application and responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire.

2. Application Review - A. Minimum Qualifications B. Completion of the supplemental questionnaire. Applications submitted without all required materials will not be considered.

3. Pre-Background Questionnaire Survey Monkey - Complete the survey truthfully and thoroughly.

4. Job Related Testing (examination) - One Day Testing

NEXT EXAM DATE TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2026, *You must apply and be invited to attend*

Place: Alameda County Sheriff's Department

6289 Madigan Road

Dublin, CA 94568

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

8:30 AM Check-In Begins. Photo ID required. Wear athletic clothing and shoes.

8:45 AM Check-in closes. Please note that late applicants will NOT be admitted

9:00 AM-11:00 AM Physical Agility Test and 1.5 mile run

11:30 AM PELLETB Check-In. Photo ID required.

11:45 AM- 2:45 PM PELLETB Written Exam

Physical Agility Test (PAT) Options:

1. Participate in the PAT on the exam date indicated above

2. Submit a passing PAT or Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB) Score in lieu of taking the exam. Score must be dated within the last 12 months prior to the date of application.

5. Eligible List - The examination process will result in a ranked eligible register of candidates for hiring consideration by the department. Actual hire depends on success in the departmental selection process.

6. Background - Will include employment history, personal references, criminal history, credit history, a polygraph examination, medical examination, drug urinalysis test, and a written and oral psychological examination. During the background process, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with City of Hayward.

A. Disqualifying Factors - In addition to the definition of disqualifying criminal acts as defined by Cal. Gov. Code § 1029, applicants who have engaged in “Serious Misconduct” as defined by Cal. Pen. Code § 13510.8 are ineligible to be employed as a peace officer in the State of California.

Special Qualifications

• Free of any felony convictions.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States as outlined by federal law.
• Age, not less than 21 years at time of appointment.
• Vision in each eye, correctable to at least 20/30.
• Must pass a background investigation and polygraph exam.
• Must meet all Department medical, physical, and psychological standards.
• Bi-lingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

You have

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: None.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

License: Possession and maintenance of a valid Class C California Driver's License.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Successfully complete academy requirements.
• Observe accurately and remember names, faces, numbers, incidents and locations.
• Think and act quickly in emergencies, and to assess situations and people accurately.
• Understand and interpret laws and regulations.
• Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive written reports.
• Become proficient in self-defense techniques.
• Become proficient in the care and use of firearms.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Deal courteously and effectively with the public.

What you will do

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

Attend a basic POST certified police academy designed to provide an overview of the criminal justice system including knowledge of laws, police procedures, law enforcement techniques, first aid and physical fitness.

Receive training to develop an awareness of Police Department functions, as well as the responsibilities of Police Officers and how those responsibilities relate to field operations.

Receive academy and field training to become a Police Officer.

YOU

Are intent on providing excellent service to the Hayward Community

Have a desire to Improve Hayward's Quality of Life

Value Integrity and Accountability

Seek continuous Improvement

Are professional and respect all who live and work in our community

For more information regarding Hayward Police Recruiting, please visit: www.joinhaywardpd.com

THE POSITION

This is a trainee-level classification that transitions into the Police Officer position. A Police Officer Trainee is a civilian position before and during enrollment in a Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified police academy, which lasts approximately six months. Upon successful completion of the POST academy and the availability of a Police Officer position, Police Officer Trainees are sworn in and appointed to the classification of Police Officer. The Police Officer Trainee position is represented by SEIU Local 1021 and has corresponding benefits provided to a civilian employee.

Upon appointment to Police Officer, duties may include various law enforcement assignments such as patrol, traffic control, criminal and juvenile investigation, and radio communication. These require operating a patrol car or motorcycle, arresting and citing violators of laws, writing reports, serving warrants, testifying in court, and providing information to the public. Please see the City of Hayward's website for a complete job description.

WAIVERS

We accept waivers from many outside agencies as well as the National Testing Network. City of Hayward requires a T-Score of 46 or higher. Below are upcoming test dates you may want to consider. Once you receive your passing scores, either add them as an attachment to your City of Hayward application OR if you already applied, email waivers as a PDF to [e-mail] who will add them to your application.

Alameda County Sheriff Office PELLETB and PAT/WSTB Registration | Alameda County Sheriff's Office, CA - Recruiting

South Bay Regional Pre-Employment Testing and Training - The Academy

National Testing Network (virtual) National Testing Network Website

APPLICATION

NO prior law enforcement experience or POST certified police academy training is needed. If you ARE a POST certified academy graduate or currently participating in a POST certified Academy, please apply to Police Officer (Academy Graduate or Participant).

Must apply no later than Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 11:59p.m. to be considered for the next exam.

NEXT EXAM DATE TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2026

Place: Alameda County Sheriff's Department

6289 Madigan Road

Dublin, CA 94568

Candidates MAY NOT retake the PELLETB within 30 days of previously taking the examination.

All waivers must be received by HR by the close of the application period (September 22, 2026, at 11:59pm) in order to be invited to this round of testing or you will need to reapply to the next round.

You are encouraged to apply with waivers. You can email waivers to [e-mail]

If you receive them after you apply and they will be verified and manually added to your application.