Police Officer Recruit

Police Officer RecruitSituated at 9,545 feet above sea level in the heart of the breathtaking San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado, The Town of Mountain Village was incorporated as a home-rule municipality in San Miguel County in 1995. Mountain Village is home to roughly 1,400 year-round residents and to the world-renowned Telluride Ski Resort.At the Town of Mountain Village, we take pride in fostering an authentic and healthy community and workplace, where collaboration and respect are at the core of everything we do. As we continue to grow, we are seeking dedicated individuals who share our passion for creating a world-class resort community while preserving the natural beauty that surrounds us. Our mission is not only to be a market leader but also to be an employer of choice through career growth and opportunity, competitive wages and an excellent well-rounded benefit package.If you share our vision for a better community, we invite you to explore the exciting job opportunities available. Join our team and be a part of shaping the future of Mountain Village!Job SummaryPolice Officer Recruit FLSA: Non-Exempt Effective Date: September 2026 Salary Grade 15: Minimum $33.07, Midpoint $39.68 Maximum $46.30 Hiring Range: $33.07-$39.68/hour Applications will be accepted until position is filled. Nature of Work: Police Officer Recruits are non-certified applicants for the Police Officer I position who are attending, or will attend, a Colorado-certified law enforcement academy. This position provides an opportunity for the Town of Mountain Village Police Department to sponsor a qualified applicant as a Police Officer Recruit while the recruit obtains Level I Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Board Certification. Under general supervision, the Police Officer Recruit attends a prescribed law enforcement academy training program and performs related duties as required. The Town will cover the recruit's salary, benefits, and approved academy-related expenses, including tuition, books, and uniforms, while the recruit completes the required P.O.S.T. certification program. The Recruit is expected to successfully complete all required academy training and obtain Colorado P.O.S.T. certification. Following certification, the employee will transition to the Police Officer I position and must successfully complete a multi-week Field Training Officer (FTO) program with the department.Essential FunctionsMandatory Academy Timeline & Requirements Immediate Academy Registration: Upon receiving a conditional and/or final offer, the recruit must immediately apply and register for the next upcoming available law enforcement academy session. Maintaining continuous compliance with all registration deadlines is an essential requirement of employment. Pre-Academy Training Program: Prior to the official start of the academy, recruits may be required to participate in a structured pre-academy training program hosted by the department. This may include physical conditioning and fitness preparation, departmental expectations and professional conduct, introduction to departmental policies and procedures, basic law enforcement concepts and terminology, and other preparatory training as determined by the department.Duties and Responsibilities: Under supervision and as part of the required training process, the Police Officer Recruit will:Attend a structured, intensive basic training academy daily and follow all rules, regulations, and academic standards. Attendance is required for every scheduled day unless properly excused.Successfully complete the Law Enforcement Academy and meet all requirements for Peace Officer Standards and Testing (POST) certification as a police officer for the State of Colorado.Learn, understand, explain, and apply Town of Mountain Village Police Department policies and procedures.Learn and apply modern law enforcement practices and techniques related to patrol, investigation, public relations, and report writing; Vehicle and Penal Codes.Develop knowledge of applicable laws, including laws governing arrest, rules of evidence, legal rights of citizens, court procedures, and applicable vehicle and criminal statutes.Learn and demonstrate proper radio procedures and etiquette, including clear, concise and professional radio transmissions.Obtain and maintain first aid and CPR certifications.Become proficient with the Spillman records system.Participate in departmental training, physical conditioning, and other assigned learning activities.Maintain professional conduct and appearance consistent with Department standards.Other duties may be assignedMinimum QualificationsMinimum Qualifications: In addition to being at least 21 years of age, you have:A high school diploma or GED equivalent (college credits or degree preferred).A valid Colorado driver's license or the ability to obtain one.A citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship.The ability to meet all Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Certificate requirements.The ability to legally possess a firearm.The ability to successfully pass pre-employment and post-offer testing, including background investigation, drug screen, and psychological examination.Additional procedural and/or equipment certification will be required throughout employment depending upon assignments.Must maintain a level of physical fitness to meet Department standardsDemonstrated computer skills in working with word processing, spreadsheet, and email software.Licenses and Certifications:Valid Colorado driver's license is required, or the ability to obtain one within the required timeframe.Colorado P.O.S.T. certification is not required at the time of application for the Police Officer Recruit position.Upon hire, the recruit must attend and successfully complete a qualifying Colorado P.O.S.T. basic law enforcement academy and successfully complete all required state certification examinations and requirements.Additional departmental, technical, firearms, emergency medical, or specialized certifications may be required depending upon assignment.Knowledge, Skills & Abilities RequiredThe Police Officer Recruit must demonstrate the ability to learn and develop proficiency in the following areas:Safely use, handle and properly care for firearms and other law enforcement equipment.Understand, interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies and procedures.Accurately observe and remember names, faces, numbers, incidents and places.Prepare clear, accurate and grammatically correct written reports.Analyze situations quickly and objectively to determine and take emergency action.Recognize potential crime situations or traffic hazards and take preventive action.Learn and properly operate standard police equipment, vehicles, technology and facilities required in the performance of assigned tasks.Meet the physical requirements established by the Department.Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.Exercise sound judgment, professionalism, integrity, discretion, and emotional control in stressful situations.Environmental Factors: Work is performed in internal and external environments with exposure to inclement weather, and varying temperatures; subject to physical harm such as dangerous vehicles, gun shots, and physical attacks; may be exposed to hazardous chemicals, drugs, infectious and communicable diseases; required to physically restrain persons; subject to extended periods of intense concentration in review of crime scenes, investigations and preparing law enforcement reports. Must be able to work during weekdays, weekends, holidays and on any assigned shift. Physical Factors: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand for extended periods of time, operate vehicles in all conditions of light, darkness, heat, cold or bad weather, on paved and unpaved surfaces which may be covered with ice, snow, mud or standing water, simultaneously operate police radios, computers, lights, speed detection devices and signal controls while driving; utilize firearms, and lift and/or move items weighing up to 150 pounds. Recruits must be fit to evade physical attack and engage in the pursuit and apprehension of suspects. Expectations of All Employees: To support consistent high-quality guest service to everyone in our community, including our co-workers, making Mountain Village a great place to live, work and visit.BenefitsThe Town of Mountain Village offers a robust, well-rounded benefits package. Full-time, year-round employees receive a variety of benefits as part of their total compensation package. Some benefits are fully paid by the Town, while others offer cost-sharing or employee contributions.We participate in Colorado PERA (Public Employees' Retirement Association), providing retirement benefits for public sector employees. Through PERA Choice, you can select the retirement plan that best fits your goals. PERA also offers additional retirement saving options, including 401(k) and 457 plans, along with a