Police Officer Recruit

Salary : $80,350.40 Annually
Location : Paso Robles, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 24/25-10
Department: Police
Opening Date: 10/22/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: SEIU


Description
Testing will take place on a rolling basis. Testing dates will be announced via e-mail. Notices will only be sent once a date is scheduled. Application status updates will not be provided outside of test invitation notices.
Law enforcement is at its finest here at the City of Paso Robles Police Department. With state of the art equipment and a community-oriented proactive approach to crime, the City of Paso Robles Police Department offers a work environment unlike any in San Luis Obispo County. If you are interested in working with exceptional individuals in a tight knit community, we encourage you to apply.

Please note this recruitment is intended for those applicants who are not yet certified law enforcement officers and will require training at a police academy or are currently enrolled in a certified academy. If you have already graduated from a certified police academy, please apply to the Police Officer (Academy Grad/Entry Level) recruitment.

Wage Range
Academy: $38.63 per hour
Starting Officer: $46.16 per hour
About Paso Robles

Nestled in the heart of California's scenic Central Coast, Paso Robles-short for El Paso de Robles, or "The Pass of the Oaks"-offers a unique blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and modern opportunity. Originally founded around its famous mineral hot springs and rich agricultural heritage, Paso Robles has grown into a dynamic and thriving community. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny days and cool evenings, ideal for both outdoor living and agricultural innovation. With its rolling hills, majestic oak trees, and panoramic vineyard views, Paso Robles provides a truly inspiring setting for work and life.

Paso Robles' central location within San Luis Obispo County offers residents easy access to a wide array of cultural, educational, and recreational attractions. Just a short 30-minute drive south lies California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), a nationally ranked institution known for its hands-on learning and innovation. This proximity fosters strong connections to cutting-edge research, continuing education, and a highly educated talent pool. To the west, scenic Highway 1 leads to the iconic Hearst Castle in San Simeon, a historic landmark that draws visitors from around the world with its stunning architecture and sweeping coastal views. Within the county, residents can also enjoy the vibrant coastal towns of Morro Bay, Cambria, and Pismo Beach, as well as the eclectic energy of downtown San Luis Obispo. From wine tasting and hiking to art galleries, surf spots, and farmers' markets, San Luis Obispo County offers an exceptional quality of life.
Today, Paso Robles is best known as a premier wine region, home to over 200 wineries producing world-class Zinfandels, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Rhône varietals. But wine is just the beginning. The city boasts a vibrant downtown filled with boutique shopping, award-winning restaurants, and a bourgeoning local arts scene. Cultural highlights include the Paso Robles Wine Festival, California Mid-State Fair, and a variety of community events that bring residents together year-round. A wide array of housing options, good schools, a welcoming business environment, and proximity to outdoor destinations make it an ideal place to live and work. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to make a lifestyle change, the City of Paso Robles offers the perfect balance of opportunity, community, and California charm.
The Organization

The City of Paso Robles was incorporated in 1889 as a general law city and operates under the Council-Manager form of government. As of January 1, 2025, the City's population has grown to approximately 31,061, reflecting consistent growth over recent years as more residents are drawn to the City's high quality of life, strong community identity, and comprehensive municipal services.

The City is a full-service municipality, meaning it provides a wide range of essential public services directly to its residents. These include police and fire protection, emergency medical response, water and wastewater utilities, parks and recreation, planning and development services, public works, and community enrichment programs. The City is committed to delivering responsive, effective, and efficient services that enhance the well-being of its residents and support a safe, sustainable, and vibrant community.

The governing body consists of a five-member City Council: the Mayor, elected at large by the voters of the City; and four Councilmembers elected by district. Voters also elect one City Treasurer at-large. All six elected positions are non-partisan. The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, serves as the Chief Executive Officer and is authorized to appoint all non-elected employees, with the exception of the City Attorney.

The City operates with a total annual budget of $148.5 million for fiscal year 2026-27 and employs 311.97 full-time equivalent positions across the departments of Administrative Services, City Manager's Office, Community Development, Community Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Public Works, and Utilities
The Position
This is a non-sworn, training-level classification in the Police Department. Recruits do not have police officer powers or authority. Incumbents will assume non-sworn duties within the department and attend a six-month P.O.S.T. Certified Academy. A housing allowance is available for qualified candidates. The academy is intense and requires a high degree of discipline.
Upon graduation and award of the Basic Law Enforcement Academy certificate, incumbents will be appointed to the position of Police Officer, assigned step 1 of the wage range (which is currently $46.16 per hour), and assume the benefits associated with the Paso Robles Police Officers Association (POA) bargaining unit. After six months at step 1, incumbents will be eligible for evaluation to step 2 (which is currently $48.96 per hour). Details of the POA benefits can be found in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Typical Duties


The following duties are typical of this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the duties set forth below and/or may be required to perform additional related duties to address City needs and evolving business practices.

• Attends and successfully completes a California POST-certified Regular Basic Course, Requalification Course, or other required POST-approved training program.
• Participates in classroom instruction, practical exercises, physical conditioning, and skills-based training in areas including criminal law, patrol procedures, investigations, traffic enforcement, report writing, emergency response, firearms, defensive tactics, community policing, and officer safety.
• Learns applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Completes written assignments, examinations, reports, presentations, and practical performance evaluations as required.
• Demonstrates proficiency in firearms, defensive tactics, emergency vehicle operations, first aid, communications, and other required law enforcement skills.
• Participates in scenario-based exercises designed to develop decision-making, problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking abilities. • Maintains physical fitness standards and participates in required conditioning programs.
• Adheres to academy rules, regulations, standards of conduct, and departmental expectations.
• Observes departmental operations and participates in ride-alongs, orientation activities, and other learning opportunities as assigned.
• Performs limited non-sworn administrative, customer service, and support duties in preparation for future sworn responsibilities.
• Provides courteous and professional service to members of the public and department personnel.
• Learns the principles of community-oriented policing, crime prevention, and public service.

Employment Standards & Special Requirements

Knowledge of:

• Basic principles and practices of law enforcement, public safety, and community service.
• Department policies, procedures, and standards of conduct.
• Fundamental concepts of criminal law, traffic laws, and the criminal justice system.
• Principles of community-oriented policing, crime prevention, and public service.
• Basic investigative, observation, and problem-solving techniques.
• Principles of effective customer service and public relations.
• Report writing, recordkeeping, and documentation practices.
• Effective oral and written communication techniques.
• Basic computer systems and software applications used in law enforcement training and operations.
• Safe work practices and personal safety principles.
• Physical fitness principles, conditioning techniques, and defensive tactics fundamentals.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation

Ability to:

• Successfully complete a California POST-certified Regular Basic Course, Requalification Course, or other required POST-approved training program.
• Learn, understand, interpret, and apply federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Learn and demonstrate proficiency in firearms, defensive tactics, emergency vehicle operations, first aid, communications, and other law enforcement skills.
• Successfully complete academic coursework, written assignments, examinations, practical exercises, and physical fitness requirements.
• Observe, learn, retain, and apply technical information, instructions, procedures, and training concepts.
• Analyze situations, exercise sound judgment, and make appropriate decisions within established guidelines.
• Remain calm, focused, and effective in stressful, emotionally charged, or rapidly changing situations.
• Observe, recall, and accurately report facts, events, names, locations, and other details.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and grammatically correct reports and written materials.
• Communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Follow oral and written instructions and adhere to established rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with instructors, peers, supervisors, department personnel, and members of the public.
• Interact tactfully, professionally, and respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds and circumstances.
• Provide courteous, responsive, and professional customer service.
• Maintain physical fitness and successfully perform the physical requirements of academy and law enforcement training.
• Demonstrate integrity, professionalism, initiative, adaptability, and a commitment to public service.
• Operate computers and standard office software applications related to assigned duties.

Human Relations and Communications Skills
Requires minimal contact beyond immediate co-workers and direct supervisor.


Analytical Skills and Complexity
Applies a variety of procedures, policies, and/or precedents and uses moderate analytical ability to adapt standard methods to specific facts and conditions

Education and Experience:
A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Possession of a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate

Experience involving public contact, customer service, military service, volunteer service, or other activities demonstrating responsibility, integrity, effective communication skills, and the ability to work with diverse individuals is desirable.

Licenses and Certifications Requires possession of the following:

• A valid California Class C driver license and a satisfactory driving record

Other Requirements:
Must meet or exceed all Peace Officer selection requirements pursuant to 11 CCR § 1950 and all qualifications necessary for attendance at a California POST-certified Regular Basic Course or Requalification Course.

The full job description, including physical demands and working conditions, is available on the
Selection Procedure & Application Process

Selection Components:
1. PELLETB Written Exam
A score of 39 or above on the PELLETB is considered passing.
Testing for the PELLETB more than once in a 30-day period is prohibited.
Your participation in the PELLETB written exam may be waived if you have taken the PELLETB test within one year from the scheduled test date and received a score of 39 or above; documentation of your test score on agency letterhead must be provided with your application. The Academy (South Bay Regional Public Safety Training) holds PELLETB exams at various locations that can be used to waive our exam. Additional testing opportunities can be found


2 . Physical Assessment Test (PAT)
Your participation in the physical assessment may be waived if you have taken and passed a Physical Assessment Test (PAT) from another agency or academy within a year from the scheduled test date ; documentation on agency letterhead must be provided with your application.

Candidates that pass both the PELLETB written exam and the PAT may be invited to interview.

3. Interview

Application process:
To be considered with the next pull of applicants, apply now!
This is a confidential recruitment and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the process. Candidates should be aware that references will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.

Applications will be reviewed for accuracy, completeness and job-related qualifications. A limited number of persons whose applications clearly demonstrate they most closely meet the requirements may be invited to participate in the selection process, which may be any combination of written, oral, and/or performance exams. All statements made in the application materials are subject to verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification or discharge.

Appointment is subject to successfully passing a pre-employment physical, psychological exam, polygraph, and background and criminal history check. Before starting work, applicants must present documentation of their identity, authorization to work in the United States, and a DMV driving record.

City of Paso Robles participates in E-Verify (more information can be found at ). Following appointment as a Police Officer Recruit, a twelve-month probationary period may be required as the final phase of the appointment process. Upon graduation and award of the Academy Basic Certificate, the incumbent may be appointed to and sworn in as a Police Officer and begin a new 18-month probationary period.

The email address you provide on the City application will be the primary means of communication the City will use to contact you regarding your application and this recruitment. If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io, or by email at .

All persons employed by the City of Paso Robles are designated as "disaster service workers" as defined in the California Government Code section 3100 and 3101.

The City of Paso Robles provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.


The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract.
Photos by: @brittanyapp
Leave Benefits:

• Vacation : Accrual of 80-160 hours per year based on years of City service.
• Sick Leave : Accrual of 96 hours per year.
• Holidays : 14 paid days per year.

Health and Wellness:

• Medical : The City contributes up to $956.28 per month for employee-only coverage, $1,721.30 for employee plus one, and $2,113.38 for family coverage. Under the lowest-cost PPO plan, current employee monthly premiums are $0 (employee only), $191.26 (employee + one), and $372.95 (family). Employees who waive coverage may be eligible for a $300 monthly cash-in-lieu payment.
• Dental: The City pays 100% of employee coverage and partial family coverage
• Vision: The City pays 100% of employee and family coverage
• Life Insurance: $75,000 employee-only coverage paid by the City
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): The City pays 100% of employee and family coverage
• Flexible Spending Account: Allows you to pay for dependent care and un-reimbursed medical expenses on a pre-tax basis

Retirement:

• CalPERS:
  • Tier 1: 2.5% at 55; employee contribution of 10% (8% member contribution plus 2% cost sharing)
  • Tier 2: 2% at 60; employee contribution of 10% (7% member contribution plus 3% cost sharing)
  • PEPRA: 2% at 62; current employee contribution of 10.75% (one-half of the normal cost, currently 7.75%, plus 3% cost sharing)

• 457 Deferred Compensation: The City will match up to $50 per pay period and contribute it to a pre-tax account. Employees may choose to contribute pre-tax dollars, post-tax (Roth) dollars, or a combination of both toward their retirement.
• Social Security: Both the City and employee contribute

Additional Benefits

• Bilingual Pay : Spanish verbal services: $46.15 per pay period; Spanish written services: $11.54 per pay period
• Commercial License Incentive: Employees in eligible positions who hold a valid Class A or Class B California commercial driver license, maintain a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate, and are cleared by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Clearinghouse to drive commercial vehicles shall receive $100 per pay period, subject to department director approval.
• Education Reimbursement : Up to $3,000 per fiscal year for job-related coursework
• Retiree Health Reimbursement: Up to $500 per month until the age of 65 for employees who retire from the City with at least 20 years of service

For additional details and information, please see the SEIU Wage and Benefit Summary located on our website here.
01


Do you possess a high school diploma, GED, or its equivalent?

• Yes
• No

02


Have you taken and passed the P.O.S.T. Entry Level Test Battery (PELLETB) Law Enforcement Exam with another agency within the last year? If yes, please submit certified results as an attachment to your application. The document must contain your name, your passing score(s), the date of the exam(s), and must be on the testing agency or academy's letterhead.

• Yes
• No

03


Have you taken and passed a WSTB Physical Assessment Test for an academy or an Agility Test from another agency within the last year? If yes, please submit certified results as an attachment to your application. The document must contain your name, your passing score(s), the date of the exam(s), and must be on the testing agency or academy's letterhead.

• Yes
• No

04


Are you currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a Police Officer Academy?

• Yes
• No

05


If currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a Police Officer Academy, please enter your graduation date.
06


Are you able to legally possess a firearm per the State of California?

• Yes
• No

07


Please indicate that you understand and meet the requirement that you must be at least 21 years of age at the time of acceptance to a P.O.S.T. Certified Academy, and that those applicants who do not meet this qualification will be disqualified.

• Yes
• No

08


Do you understand that successful completion of a P.O.S.T. Certified Basic Academy is required within 12 months of appointment?

• Yes
• No

09


Have you included all work history for the past 10 years, including the reason for leaving prior employers?

• Yes
• No

10


Why are you interested in becoming a Police Officer for the City of Paso Robles?
Required Question