Police Officer Cadet Sponsorship

Salary : $33,280.00 Annually
Location : City Hall 205 North Marion Ave, Lake City, FL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202600068
Department: Police
Opening Date: 05/19/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


Description

General Description
Selected applicants will receive a full sponsorship for all costs associated with attending a Basic Law Enforcement Academy to include tuition, books, uniforms and fees. Plus employment as a Lake City Police Dept (LCPD) Cadet, 40 hours per week, with benefits, while enrolled in the Academy. Upon acquisition of their Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Law Enforcement Officer Certification, the selected applicant will be appointed as a full time Police Officer with LCPD and will receive pay and benefits commensurate with that classification. Sponsorship is performed under the supervision of the Lake City Police Department's Office of Professional Standards Training Sergeant. Participation in the LCPD Police Officer Cadet Sponsorship requires the applicant to agree to and sign a five (5) Year employment agreement contract.

Nature of Work
Essential Functions:
• The selected applicant agrees to attend all classes and labs required to successfully pass the curricula of the Basic Law Enforcement Academy. Failing of the academy requirements will result in immediate termination of employment. During periods of class recess or when the class hours are less than a 40-hour work week, the selected applicant agrees to report for assignment at the Lake City Police Department as determined by the Office of Professional Standards. The Cadet will keep the Training Sergeant in the Office of Professional Standards informed of their schedule.
• The Lake City Police Department will pay for one (1) state certification examination.
• Ability to attend full-time (40-hours per week) the FDLE Basic Law Enforcement Academy, location of academy to be determined by LCPD (usually Florida Gateway College Public Safety Campus).
• Must successfully complete the academy curriculum and obtain the State of Florida Law Enforcement Certification bypassing the required State Officer Exam no later than (60) days after graduation from a Florida Law Enforcement Academy.
(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job related marginal duties as required.)

Minimum Qualifications:
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine proper course of action to be taken
• Ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously and tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Ability to read, write and speak effectively
• Ability to meet physical requirements and standards
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to pass basic firearms qualifications

Education and Experience:
Must be a high school graduate or possess a General Education Diploma (GED).
(A comparable amount of education can be substituted for the minimum qualifications.)
Licenses, Certifications or Registrations:
Must possess a valid Florida Driver's License

Essential Physical Skills
• Light (up to 15 pounds) to heavy (45 pounds and over) lifting and carrying
• Endure sustained acts of physical exhaustion
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing
• Reaching, pulling, pushing, smelling
• Climbing, walking, standing, crawling, kneeling, bending, stooping, jumping, running, driving
• Depth perception
• Distinguish colors
• Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction)
• Acceptable hearing (without hearing aid)

Environmental Conditions:
• Works inside
• Works outside in various weather conditions with: noise, fumes, gases, smoke or flames, odors
• Slippery surfaces, uneven surfaces, heights, poor lighting
• In or with moving objects or vehicles
• In hazardous and stressful conditions
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability insurance, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Part-time employees who work an average of 30 hours per week are eligible for benefits.

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