POST Educator

State of Utah; Sandy (UT); On-site; USD 57,000 - 81,000; Part time

Job summary

State of Utah is seeking an Adjunct Instructor for Scenario-Based Training at Utah POST in Sandy. The role focuses on facilitating, evaluating, and debriefing dynamic training exercises for police cadets, with emphasis on de-escalation, legal use‑of‑force decision‑making, and real-world application.

The candidate will lead, evaluate, and log cadet performance, coordinate with full-time leadership, and ensure alignment with POST standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years of sworn law enforcement experience.
• Currently active or honorably retired law enforcement officer (or federal equivalent).
• Comprehensive understanding of state statutes, constitutional law, de-escalation tactics, and use‑of‑force case law.
• Exceptional ability to communicate complex concepts clearly to adult learners.

Responsibilities

• Lead adjunct instructors and role-players before and during scenario exercises.
• Oversee setup, logistics, and teardown of training scenarios; manage training gear.
• Facilitate and evaluate structured, reality-based scenarios; conduct debriefings.
• Act as a role-player when needed and ensure safety during scenarios.

Skills

Sworn law enforcement experience

Communication to adult learners

Facilitation & feedback

Education

Active or retired law enforcement officer (or federal equivalent)

Tools

Simunition systems

Job description

FT / PT Status – Part-Time

Benefits Eligibility – This position is not eligible for benefits.

Salary – $50.00 - $50.00 Hourly Wage

Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office / On-Site

Application Deadline – 2/14/2027*

• This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

POST Educator

About The Academy

Utah POST is dedicated to preparing the next generation of law enforcement professionals through rigorous, reality-based, and ethically grounded training. We are currently seeking experienced, highly motivated law enforcement professionals to join our cadre as Adjunct Instructors focusing on Scenario-Based Training (SBT).

Role Overview

Scenario-Based Training is the bridge between classroom theory and real-world application. As an Adjunct Instructor, you will facilitate, evaluate, and debrief dynamic, reality-based training exercises for police cadets. You will play a critical role in developing cadets' critical thinking, de‑escalation techniques, tactical communication, and legal use‑of‑force decision‑making under stress.

Key Responsibilities

• Cadre Leadership & Oversight: Brief, direct, and manage adjunct instructors and role‑players before and during scenario exercises to ensure consistent execution, realistic role‑play, and standardized cadet evaluations.
• Scenario Setup & Logistics: Oversee the physical staging, operational workflow, and teardown of training scenarios. Manage the distribution, maintenance, and inventory of training gear.
• Facilitate & Evaluate: Act as a Facilitator or Evaluator running structured, reality‑based scenarios in accordance with the academy curriculum. Provide immediate and constructive debriefings using adult learning methodologies to help cadets analyze their own decision‑making, tactics, and legal justifications.
• Role‑Playing: Act as a role‑player when necessary, reacting dynamically to the cadets' communication and tactics.
• Safety Assurance: Act as a Safety Officer during scenarios, ensuring all participants adhere to academy safety protocols.
• Debriefing & Feedback: Lead debriefings following scenario training. Guide cadets and instructing staff through critical thinking analyses, connecting scenario outcomes to use‑of‑force legalities and de‑escalation tactics.
• Documentation: Complete accurate and timely performance evaluations. Review and audit cadet performance evaluations completed by adjunct instructors to ensure feedback is objective, constructive, and aligned with academy standards.
• Liaison & Curriculum Alignment: Serve as the primary point of contact between adjunct instructors and full‑time Academy Leadership. Provide feedback on scenario effectiveness and recommend updates to ensure training aligns with current state POST standards, case law, and evolving departmental policies.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 4 years of sworn law enforcement experience.
• Certification: Currently active or honorably retired law enforcement officer (or federal equivalent).
• Subject Matter Expertise: Comprehensive understanding of state statutes, constitutional law, de‑escalation tactics, and use‑of‑force case law.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and provide constructive, actionable feedback to adult learners.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience as a Field Training Officer (FTO), Detective, SWAT operator, or Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) member.
• Current instructor certifications in relevant areas (e.g., Firearms, Defensive Tactics, Reality-Based Training, De‑escalation).
• Familiarity with Simunition® or other non‑lethal marking cartridge systems.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move dynamically for extended periods (4–10 hours).
• Willingness to wear protective training gear and physically participate in high‑stress, dynamic training environments.
• Availability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings or weekends, based on the academy training schedule.

Location –

410 West 9800 South

Sandy, Utah, 84070

United States

Background Check Required – No

Drug Test Required – No

Schedule Code – IN – Part‑time indefinitely

Why You Should Join Our Team

In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here.

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well‑established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The Agency

The Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) is comprised of 13 divisions and bureaus that include the Utah Highway Patrol, the Division of Emergency Management (DEM), Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Driver License division (DLD), Statewide Information and Analysis Center (SIAC), State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), State Fire Marshal, Highway Safety Office, Communications, State Crime Lab, Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) and Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST). The DPS dive team, aero bureau, CERT team and Public Protection Unit (PPU) also fall under the Department of Public Safety. DPS is made up of more than 1,500 state employees who are stationed across Utah. The Department of Public Safety offers a unique and rewarding employment opportunity. More information about our agency can be found on www.dps.utah.gov.

EEO Statement

The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957‑9390.