Police Officer Trainee I/II

Ventura Police Department; Ventura (CA); Sur place; USD 60 000 - 85 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

The City of Ventura is seeking motivated individuals to join as Police Officer Trainee I/II. This structured training pathway prepares candidates to become sworn officers, with mentoring and hands-on exposure to patrol operations during pre-academy or academy-ready stages.

Trainees receive high‑quality training, join a supportive team, and may progress to a California POST-certified Basic Police Academy. Hires as Trainee I will work in a non-sworn capacity until the academy begins, then advance

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 21 years of age by appointment.
• No felony convictions or firearm‑preclusion convictions.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Must pass background, polygraph, medical and psychological evaluations and drug screening.
• Valid California Class C driver's license with acceptable driving record.

Responsabilités

• Participate in the Police Officer Trainee I/II structured training pathway.
• Receive mentoring and hands-on exposure to patrol operations during pre‑academy or academy‑ready stages.
• Progress to a California POST-certified Basic Police Academy and, upon completion, become a sworn officer.

Formation

High School Diploma or GED

College coursework in Criminal Justice or related field preferred

Description du poste

About the Opportunity

The City of Ventura is seeking highly motivated and dedicated individuals to join our team as a Police Officer Trainee I/II. This structured training pathway prepares candidates to become sworn police officers, with professional growth and development opportunities. Police Officer Trainees receive high-quality training and mentoring to prepare them for a career in law enforcement with the Ventura Police Department.

POSITION CLASSIFICATIONS

• Police Officer Trainee I (Pre-Academy): An entry-level, non-sworn position designed for individuals preparing to attend a California POST-certified Basic Police Academy. Trainees at the level I will receive hands‑on experience and departmental mentorship to prepare for academy success. Individuals will transition to Police Officer Trainee II upon commencement of the academy.


• Police Officer Trainee II (Academy Ready): An entry-level, non-sworn classification for individuals who have been selected to attend a California POST-certified Basic Police Academy. Upon successful completion of the academy and all department and state‑mandated requirements, Trainees will transition into a sworn Police Officer role.

Candidates may be hired at either Police Officer Trainee I or II, depending on academy availability and at the discretion of the hiring department. Those hired as a Trainee I will work in a non-sworn capacity with the Ventura Police Department before the start of the academy and progress to Trainee II upon commencement of the academy.

WHY JOIN THE VENTURA POLICE DEPARTMENT?

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including a paid workout for patrol


• State‑of‑the‑art training and equipment


• A supportive team environment with strong civic engagement


• Coastal community with endless opportunities for career growth and advancement

Pay

• Police Officer Trainee I - $43.47 Hourly | $7,534.80 Monthly


• Police Officer Trainee II - $45.64 | $7,910.93 Monthly


• Police Officer (Upon successful completion of the academy and appointment as a sworn Police Officer) – Step A $50.80 – Step E $61.75 per hour

Employee Referral Program

This position has been designated "hard to fill" and is eligible for the employee referral program. If you have been referred to apply for this position by a current City staff member, please indicate their name as the person who referred you in the supplemental question.

Minimum Qualifications – Required

• Education: Graduation from High School, or a GED is required. College coursework in Criminal Justice, behavioral science, or other social sciences is preferred.


• Age: Must be 21 years of age on or before the date of appointment as a Police Officer


• Convictions: Must be of good moral character, with no felony convictions or convictions that preclude firearm possession or employment as a peace officer.


• Citizenship: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.


• Medical: Excellent physical condition. Must meet California POST medical and psychological standards.


• Other: Candidates are required to undergo an extensive background investigation, polygraph examination, post‑offer psychological evaluation, and post‑offer medical examination, including screening for drugs and alcohol.


• License: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Class C driver's license and acceptable driving record are required at time of appointment.