Police Officer Trainee

UC Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

UC Santa Barbara is seeking a Police Officer 1 to join the Public Safety team. The role supports enrollment in the POST Certified Law Enforcement Academy, with sworn officer status upon graduation and statewide jurisdiction under California Penal Code section 830.2.

Officers will be trained under state guidelines and serve the campus community. The position participates in administrative duties and vaccination compliance while pursuing career development within university public safety.

Qualifications

• At least 21 years of age.
• U.S. citizenship (or proof of eligibility).
• Valid California driver’s license.
• Writing and oral communication skills sufficient for reports and community interaction.
• Ability to relate to a diverse population.
• Completion of the POST basic academy qualifies for lateral entry.
• High school diploma (or GED) plus two years of college or equivalent.
• Passing scores on POST Reading & Writing Test (PELLETB) and Physical Ability Test.
• Fingerprinting and background check; historical review considered.

Responsibilities

• Attend and successfully complete the 22‑week POST Law Enforcement Academy (862 hours).
• Perform administrative duties such as timecard reporting and communications (approximately 1% of time).
• Maintain vaccination compliance per UC Vaccination Program.

Skills

Communication skills

Diversity awareness

Report writing

Education

High school diploma or GED + 2 years college

Bachelor’s degree (preferred)

Tools

POST academy

Job description

Police Officer 1

Job Code: 5315

Open Until Filled: Yes

Department: POLI - Police Department

Work Location: Public Safety Building.

Salary: $44.89/hr (budgeted). Full Benefits available. Vaccinations required per UC policy.

Job Summary

This position allows successful applicants to work for UCPD while attending the required POST Certified Law Enforcement Academy. After the academy, graduates will be sworn in as full‑time police officers. Officers will have statewide jurisdiction under California Penal Code section 830.2, be trained under state guidelines and mandates, and serve the campus community.

Responsibilities

• Attend and successfully complete the 22‑week POST Law Enforcement Academy (862 hours).
• Perform administrative duties such as timecard reporting and communications (approximately 1% of time).
• Maintain vaccination compliance per UC Vaccination Program.

Required Qualifications

• At least 21 years of age.
• U.S. citizenship (or proof of eligibility).
• Valid California driver’s license.
• Writing and oral communication skills sufficient for reports and community interaction.
• Ability to relate to a diverse population.
• Completion of the POST basic academy qualifies for lateral entry.
• High school diploma (or GED) plus two years of college or equivalent.
• Passing scores on POST Reading & Writing Test (PELLETB) and Physical Ability Test.
• Fingerprinting and background check; historical review considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Familiarity with campus and surrounding communities.

Special Conditions of Employment

• Mandated child abuse and dependent adult abuse reporting.
• UCSB Campus Security Authority under Clery Act.
• Maintain valid CA driver’s license & enrollment in DMV Employee Pull‑Notice Program.
• Clean conviction history per background check.
• Tobacco‑free environment.

Special Instructions

Please include a resume and cover letter. POST Read/Writing and Physical Ability Tests will be administered. Passing test scores may be accepted if completed within six months of the test date, but testing during the hiring process is preferred.

Vaccinations Programs

A condition of employment is compliance with the UC Vaccination Program, including COVID‑19 vaccination, with applicable proof or exemption.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to protected characteristics.

Reasonable Accommodations

For accessibility, contact Katherine Abad, HR (805‑893‑4664, [e-mail]).