Police Officer - Academy Graduate

Salary: $8,090.64 - $9,834.22 Monthly
Location : Santa Maria, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: FY 25-00052
Department: Police Department
Division: Police - Operations
Opening Date: 02/21/2025


OPPORTUNITY
Closing Date: Continuous Interview Date: TBD

Second Interview Date: TBD Desired Start Date: TBD

OPPORTUNITY

ACADEMY GRADUATE INCENTIVES

• $5,000 hiring incentive ($2,500 at time of hire / $2,500 upon successful completion probation, 18 months).
• Relocation incentive for candidates outside of the area.
• OUT-OF-STATE APPLICANTS: Assistance through the recertification course may be available.

Please see the SELECTION PROCESS below for required attachment(s) to the electronic application. Applicants will not be able to "submit" the application, without first electronically attaching the required documents.

The City of Santa Maria is the largest city in the Santa Barbara County (located on the central coast) with a population of over 100,000. This growing department currently has 180 sworn and non-sworn personnel. Come join our hard working and innovative team!
If you have further job-related questions please contact staff in the Training and Recruitment Bureau at View phone number on click.appcast.io. If you are experiencing any technical (computer related) difficulties, please call the NEOGOV help line for technical assistance at View phone number on click.appcast.io.


Under general direction of assigned supervisor, performs law enforcement and crime prevention work; controls traffic flow and enforces state and local traffic laws; may work rotating shifts to preserve the peace and enforce the law. Supervision is not normally a responsibility of this classification, but may act as lead worker for temporarily assigned employees, or special projects.


The Police Officer position is an Individual Contributor role that provides safety, security, trust and comfort to Santa Maria residents. Their role enables the enforcement of laws and promotion of safety so that the Santa Maria community is a safe place to live, work and raise a family.

Must submit verification of graduation from a valid CA POST Basic Academy with their application. Copies of ALL certifications are required at time of application submittal and must be easily readable in order to be considered for this recruitment.

DUTIES

WHAT WE DO:
These duties are a representative example; position assignments may vary depending on the business needs of the department and organization. This position:

• Performs law enforcement and crime prevention work.
• Controls traffic flow and enforces state and local traffic laws.
• Performs security patrols, first aid, detection, investigations, and arrests of persons involved in crimes or misconduct.
• Carries out duties in conformance with local, state and federal laws and ordinances.
• Patrols city streets, parks, commercial and residential areas, etc.
• Performs work requiring good physical condition in a safe and effective manner and under all conditions; safely drive a vehicle under a variety of conditions; etc.
• Uses firearms and other weapons safely and accurately.
• Handles difficult and emergency situations without assistance.
• Responds to emergency radio calls; investigates accidents, robberies, civil disturbances, domestic disputes, fights, drunkenness, missing children, prowlers, abuse of drugs, etc.
• Takes appropriate law enforcement action including interrogations, evidence preservation, etc.
• Conducts follow-up investigations; prepares cases and testifies in court proceedings.
• Prepares a variety of reports.
• Undertakes community oriented police work; assists citizens with such matters as locked or stalled vehicles, crime prevention, drug abuse resistance education (DARE), traffic safety, etc.
• Scope of assigned area will depend on departmental structure and is at the discretion of the department director.
• Upholds the values of the organization and has strong customer service orientation.
• Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.
• Demonstrates regular, reliable and punctual attendance.

DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION:
Police Officer


REQUIRED SUBMITTALS:
Due upon application:

• Cover letter
• Résumé
• POST Basic Law Enforcement Certificate

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

ACADEMY GRADUATE:

• High School diploma or G.E.D.
• Graduation from a CA P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate Law Enforcement Academy.
• Current technical/professional knowledge of complex principles, methods, standards and techniques associated with the scope of work of a recognized profession, such as:
  • Modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment; applicable laws and ordinances.
  • Effective verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Microsoft Office Suite (or equivalent).
  • Use computer and other office equipment effectively.
  • Possession of licenses and/or certifications associated with the assignment

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Possession of a valid and appropriate Driver License. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record and meet City liability requirements to drive for City business.
• Requires completion of a background investigation to the satisfaction of the City. This includes polygraph, medical, and psychological exam.
• The incumbent must meet the physical requirements of the job class and have mobility, balance, coordination, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed.

• Reasonable accommodation(s) for an individual with a qualified disability will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

SELECTION PROCESS


***Note: Individuals who have applied for the position of Police Officer- Academy Graduate with the City of Santa Maria and have failed any examination pertaining to the Academy Graduate selection process within the past twelve months are not eligible to apply.

The completed electronic application packet will include the online application and supplemental questions, and electronic attachment of a current/valid California POST Basic Academy Certificate or Certificate of Completion of the California POST Basic Course Waiver Process (if from out of state). If you are experiencing any technical (computer related) difficulties or need help with attaching documents to your application, please call the NEOGOV help line for assistance at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

As you complete your online application, please provide complete and accurate information for each employment during the past 10 years. Attaching a resume to your electronic application does not substitute for providing the information requested on the electronic application. Do not write "See resume" or "See attached." Failure to provide complete information will cause forfeiture toward employment with the City.

As you complete your supplemental questionnaire, please provide length of experience as of the date the recruitment closes, not as of the date you are submitting your application.

Applicants are required to apply online. Hard copy application packets will not be accepted in lieu of applying through the online process. However, persons who believe they are qualified under the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) or California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) may request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the recruitment process. The request must be received by Human Resources with sufficient time prior to the final filing deadline, to allow for the request to be considered through the interactive process.

The most qualified candidates will be selected to appear before a panel for an oral interview. Those applicants invited to interview will be notified electronically at the e-mail address provided by each candidate through application process. Therefore, it is the applicant's responsibility to provide an accurate email address and to allow their inbox to receive emails in regard to this recruitment. A tentative oral interview date has been scheduled for TBD . The oral board will recommend a limited number of candidates to the eligibility list from which the new Police Officer may be selected. This recruitment may also establish an eligibility list for future Police Officer openings.

The City of Santa Maria is a participant in the E-Verify program through the Department of Homeland Security. Upon hire, the candidate must produce original documents according to the Department of Homeland Security Form I-9 List of Acceptable Documents. If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources staff at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Although you are unable to make changes to a completed application or add additional documents one you initially submit your packet, if you need to make corrections or attach a document you missed, you may only do so by submitting an entire new application packet prior to the final filing deadline. Please note if you reapply, ONLY your most recent application will be reviewed; all portions of previous applications submitted will be automatically archived without review. It is the applicant's responsibility to submit a fully completed application for Human Resources review; incomplete applications will be subject to disqualification.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Upon hire, the candidate must submit a Department of Motor Vehicles printout summarizing their driving record covering the last 30 days from the closing date of this recruitment. Upon hire, candidate must possess a bank account to accommodate the City of Santa Maria's direct deposit for bi-weekly pay.
The following benefits vary by bargaining unit. For full benefit information please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding or compensation resolution available at


Retirement
The City of Santa Maria is a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Your benefit factor is determined by the retirement formula, age, service credit and final compensation. Based upon your bargaining unit and hire date the benefit factor will vary.
Health Insurance
Medical Insurance is provided to employees and eligible dependents through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). There are four Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO's) and three Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO's) to choose from. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

The City has a medical insurance benefit program which provides either payment towards the premium for the employee and eligible dependents, or cash payment if you and your dependent(s) already have health benefits. Evidence of major medical health insurance coverage is required for those employees who receive the cash payment. See Memorandum of Understanding for eligibility requirements.


Dental Insurance
Dental Insurance is provided to employees and eligible dependents through The Standard covering 100% of Preventive; 90% of Basic; and 60% of Major with a minimal deductible. The plan includes a Max Builder option rewarding insured employees and their dependents who use only a portion of their annual dental benefit maximum. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

Vision Insurance
Vision Insurance is available to employees and eligible dependents. Coverage is through VSP and covers an annual Well Vision exam and an allowance towards prescription glasses. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.
Life Insurance and AD&D Coverage
All employees working a minimum of thirty two (32) hours per week are eligible for Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. Supplemental life, spousal and dependent child options are also available. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.
Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
All employees working a minimum of thirty two (32) hours per week, excluding Sworn Police and Fire shall participate in the short-term and long-term disability plan with coverage up to 66 2/3% of salary. Sworn Police and Fire are covered through their respective bargaining unit.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
The City offers a flexible spending account option for Dependent Care and Health Care Expenses. With these plans, employees can choose to place a portion of their earnings into a personal reimbursement account on a pre-tax basis. Doing so lowers employees' taxable income for the year and allows them to pay for their qualified dependent care and eligible health care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Employee Assistance Program
The City provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through AETNA for all full and part time employees and their eligible dependents. The confidential EAP program can refer employees to professional counselors and services that can help resolve emotional health, family and work-life issues, or provide help with childcare and eldercare assistance, financial and legal services, identity theft recovery services and daily living services.
Wellness Program
Offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being. The City's Wellness Program includes ergonomic evaluations, flu shots, and Wellness Workshops during lunch and after work.


Access to the Paul Nelson Aquatics Center for employee and immediate family members. Access to the Weight room at the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center for employee and immediate family members. Access to employee discounts and special offers on travel, entertainment, shopping, dining and services.
Mentorship Program
This professional development program of mentoring and job shadowing provides mentees with an opportunity to be mentored by experienced staff with the objective of developing specific skills and knowledge that will enhance the participants' leadership skills and promote professional growth.
Succession Planning
The academies are offered to all employees including those that are not yet in a supervisory role, but are interested in becoming leaders within the organization as well as our executive management team who have an interest in honing their skills and helping to prepare our future leaders. In addition to multiple leadership academies, the City offers quarterly Speaker Series, a corporate Toastmasters club available for City employees, site tours of various departments, and more.
Deferred Compensation
Employees may participate in the City's 457 Deferred Compensation Plan sponsored by either Empower or CalPERS Supplemental Income. The plan enables employees to save salary and earn interest on a tax-deferred basis. A City match is available based upon representation.
The City also provides an IRS approved 401(a) plan sponsored by Empower for managers represented by Non-Represented Full-Time Management & Confidential (NMAC).
Post Employment Health Plan (PEHP)
Based upon your bargaining unit the City may participate in a PEHP plan that will provide reimbursement for out-of-pocket cost of qualified medical expenses such as prescription drugs, doctor co-pays, eyeglasses and cover the reimbursement of medical insurance premiums upon separation or retirement.
Holidays
The City offers seven (7) paid holidays per year. In addition, based upon your bargaining unit a bank of floating holiday hours is available to be used at the employee's discretion.
Vacation
The City initially offers two weeks of paid vacation per calendar year for all full time employees. Accrual rates increase thereafter based upon your bargaining unit.
Sick Leave
Sick leave shall accrue a rate of eight hours for each month of continuous service, or approximately two weeks per year for all full time employees. Employees may use up to half of their annually accrued sick leave for family illness and up to five days (40 hours) per calendar year for bereavement leave.
Management Leave
Management level employees may receive a prorated amount of management leave time each new calendar year.
Educational Incentive Program
In addition to regular pay when education is in addition to the regular requirements of the job specifications and is work related.
Tuition Reimbursement
Based on your bargaining unit, you may be reimbursed for tuition and book costs of approved job related courses. The maximum amount of tuition reimbursement in any calendar year will vary based upon your bargaining unit.
Auto Allowance
Management level employees may receive auto allowance based upon the need of the position.
Telephone/PDA Stipend
Management level employees may receive a telephone and/or PDA stipend based upon the need of the position.
Bilingual Pay
Bilingual pay is provided to employees who are required by their department head to use both English and Spanish in communicating with the public while performing the duties of his/her position and who demonstrate appropriate skills in both speaking and understanding the Spanish language shall receive compensation. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.
01


Have you reviewed the Job Bulletin Minimum Qualifications for this position?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you have your High School Diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

03


PD - Please indicate which of the following applies to you:

• I possess a current California POST Basic Law Enforcement Academy Certificate and am NOT employed as a Law Enforcement Officer in the State of California
• I am an Out-of-State applicant NOT employed as a Law Enforcement Officer in a state other than California
• None of the above

04


If you selected "None of the above" please explain how your background, training, and experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position.
05


PD - Out-of-State Applicants: If you have successfully completed the Basic Course Waiver Process administered by California POST, on what date did you receive your certificate? (You will be required to attach a copy of the certificate to your application.)
06


Out-of-State Applicants: Have you applied to complete the Basic Waiver Course process administered by California POST?

• Yes
• No

07


Out-of-State Applicants: If you answered Yes to Question #6, when do you expect to complete your certification?
08


PD - Describe how your previous employment, experience, and education have provided you the ability to exercise seasoned judgment under stress. Please provide at least one example.
09


PD - Have any of your employers imposed any level of disciplinary action against you?

• Yes
• No

10


If you answered Yes to Question #9 please provide details.
11


PD - Excluding marijuana usage have you ever used illegal drugs, including prescription drugs NOT prescribed to you? (Responding Yes to this question does not automatically disqualify you from this recruitment process. Do not include any marijuana usage.)

• Yes
• No

12


If you answered Yes to Question #11, when did your use occur? What type of drug(s)? How often did you use the drug(s) and how much did you consume?
13


List all vehicle accidents (and date of occurrence) that you have been involved with, regardless of fault. If none, enter N/A.
14


List all police vehicle accidents (and date of occurrence) that you have been involved with, regardless of fault. If none, enter N/A.
15


PD - Have you ever been terminated from any position, or resigned in lieu of termination?

• Yes
• No

16


If you answered Yes to Question #15, please provide details.
17


PD - Are you currently going through the recruitment process with any other agency?

• Yes
• No

18


If you answered Yes to Question #17, in which stage of the process are you?
19


What specifically attracted you to work for the City of Santa Maria?
20


Are you able to communicate effectively in Spanish at a basic level?

• Yes
• No

21


If you have been convicted of a crime? Please briefly describe the nature of the crime(s), the date and place of conviction, and the legal disposition of the case.
22


How did you hear about this position?

• Local Radio Station
• Satellite Radio
• Social Media Posts
• Website
• Friends/Family
• City of Santa Maria Employee

Required Question