Police Officer Trainee

University of California - Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 57,859 - 66,124; Full time

Job summary

University of California - Santa Barbara is seeking Police Officer 1 to join the Public Safety team. The role entails attending a POST Certified Law Enforcement Academy, completing mandatory training, and starting sworn duties upon graduation.

Responsibilities include reporting, physical fitness, firearms, and emergency operations while maintaining vaccination status and compliance with campus policies. Lateral entry is possible for those with a POST academy background.

Qualifications

• Writing skills to prepare police-related reports.
• Oral communication to interact with a diverse population.
• Ability to relate to a diverse population.
• Completion of POST basic academy considered for lateral entry.

Responsibilities

• Attend and complete the POST Certified Law Enforcement Academy (22-week course).
• Demonstrate proficiency in relations, communication, problem solving, and report writing.
• Complete required time-card reporting and department communications.
• Maintain vaccination status under UCSB policy.

Skills

Writing skills

Oral communication

Diversity awareness

Education

Two years of college

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Title

Payroll Title: Police Officer 1

Job Code: 5315

Location: UCSB Campus, Public Safety Building

Schedule: Monday‑Friday / 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Pay: $44.89/hr (salary determined by qualifications and experience; full benefits)

Overview

We are seeking ethically minded, intelligent, creative, and motivated candidates who desire to address the unique challenges of our diverse campus environment. The role allows successful applicants to work for UCPD while attending a POST Certified Law Enforcement Academy. Costs and equipment are provided and upon completion the graduates will be sworn in as full‑time police officers.

Key Responsibilities

• Attend and successfully complete the POST Certified Law Enforcement Academy (22‑week intensive course).
• Demonstrate proficiency in human relations, communication, problem solving, job knowledge, professional reasoning, physical fitness, firearms, emergency vehicle operations, arrest and control skills, scenario skills, and report writing.
• Complete required time‑card reporting and miscellaneous department communications.
• Maintain vaccination status under the University of California Policy on Vaccinations Programs.

Required Qualifications

• At least 21 years of age.
• U.S. citizenship (resident aliens must provide proof of citizenship one year prior to application).
• Valid California driver’s license.
• Writing skills sufficient to prepare police‑related reports.
• Oral communication skills sufficient to interact with a diverse population.
• Ability to relate to a diverse population.
• Applicants who have completed a POST basic academy will be considered lateral entry candidates.
• Graduation from high school (or successful completion of a GED) 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.
• Requires fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Familiarity 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 the Clery Act.
• Maintain a valid California driver’s license and satisfactory DMV record.
• Satisfactory conviction history, background check.
• UCSB is a tobacco‑free environment.

Special Instructions

For full consideration, please include a resume and cover letter. POST Reading & Writing Tests and Physical Ability Tests are required as part of the hiring process. Passing test scores will be accepted from tests completed within six months of our test date, but participation in our testing is preferred if allowed by POST regulation.

Vaccinations Programs – Including SARS‑CoV‑2 (COVID‑19)

You are required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccinations Programs. For more information, visit UC Santa Barbara COVID‑19 Information, University of California Policy on Vaccinations, and California Department of Public Health Order on vaccine requirements.

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.