Police Officer Recruit

Police Trainee

Interviews will be scheduled on an ongoing basis until positions are filled.

Equal opportunity employer: The City of Seaside provides outstanding services to the public and is deeply committed to a community and workforce that is inclusive, equitable, and diverse. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified applicants, including underrepresented minorities that contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives. The City of Seaside does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group of class protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Applicant process: The standards as stated on the front of this job announcement represent only the minimum required to file an application. Meeting the listed standards does not guarantee that a candidate will be invited for an examination as the Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number of candidates to the most qualified for the position as determined by the Human Resources Department. The testing process for this recruitment will include evaluation and initial screening of the standard on-line City application to determine which candidates progress to the next phase of the recruitment process. In order to qualify, please attach proof of unexpired (one year from exam date) passing scores. A passing score for the PELLETB is 42 points and a passing score for the WSTB is 320. The subsequent selection process will include passing a Personal History Statement in order to qualify for a panel interview. Background investigation: Candidates moving forward in the hiring process will be subject to an extensive background investigation including a psychological exam and physical.

Examples of Duties

This is a non-sworn, training level classification in the Police Department. Incumbents are sent to a basic police academy for training. During the training, incumbents do not have police powers and are subject to the rules and regulations of the City of Seaside Police Department and the academy attended. Trainees may be assigned non-safety duties in the Police Department such as assisting in prevention; collecting information and data; transporting people and materials, etc. Promotion to a sworn Police Officer position is contingent upon successful completion of the basic academy and the final review of the Police Chief. Upon promotion to Police Officer, incumbents will begin a new one-year probationary period.

Typical Qualifications

Minimum qualifications:

• Equivalent to graduation from high school
• Must possess and maintain a current, valid, California drivers license and a safe driving record
• Must be 21 years old at time of appointment to Police Officer
• Must attach proof indicating a passing score within the last 12 months of the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB - reading and writing assessment) and the Physical Agility WSTB. A passing score for the PELLETB is 42 points and a passing score for the WSTB is 320
• Physical health, strength, and agility necessary to meet the physical demands of police work, as determined by a physical agility test and a medical exam (based on current California POST Commission guidelines)
• Must meet current POST vision guidelines, including those for color, binocular, and peripheral vision
• Psychological suitability for police work (determined by a psychological exam as required by the California POST Commission)

Special requirements:

• Willingness to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays
• No felony convictions
• Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation which includes a polygraph examination, credit history, driving record, criminal activity, military and employment records, and character references (in accordance with the minimum standards for employment issues by the California POST Commission)

Qualifications Ability to:

• Understand, interpret, and apply State and local laws and regulations, department policies and procedures, and other technical literature pertaining to law enforcement;
• React quickly and calmly in emergency or hazardous situations and adopt an effective course of action;
• Observe and remember facts and details of incidents;
• Follow oral and written instructions;
• Learn to operate firearms safely and skillfully;
• Obtain information through interview, interrogation, and observation;
• Write clear and accurate reports;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
• Communicate verbally in a clear and effective manner; and
• Deal tactfully and effectively with a wide range of different individuals and groups from the community.

Supplemental Information

Both the PELLETB and Physical Agility certificates/proof must be submitted prior to participating in the panel interview. The closest testing facility to the City of Seaside is administered by South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Consortium (SBRTC). For more information on testing through the SBRTC, please visit the SBRTC website at: For more information regarding the testing standards, please visit the POST website at: Disaster Service Workers All City of Seaside employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.