Police Cadet

Salary: $17.62 Hourly
Location : Oceanside, CA, CA
Job Type: Hourly Extra-Help
Job Number: 26-95
Department: Police
Opening Date: 04/16/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


Introduction
THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for the position of Police Cadet. This is a part-time, non-benefited, civilian position.
The Oceanside Police Department has the opportunity to use or access grant funding to award an internship and a scholarship to those selected. Along with a paid (20) hour a week Cadet position at the Police Department, each selected individual will receive a scholarship for tuition and expenses up to $2,500 annually for a period not to exceed two (2) years.


Prospective employees will undergo and must successfully pass a thorough police background investigation which may include a psychological evaluation, polygraph examination, and a medical examination which may include a drug screen. The selection process could take up to 90 days.

Examples of Duties
The Police Cadet provides assistance to the Police Department by performing a variety of duties including assisting with special events such as setting up barricades, traffic control, delivering and setting up equipment and materials; assisting the Homeless Outreach Team with field duties; pick up, transport, deliver and place into storage archived files; provides courier service to the Police Department; may assist customers at the public counter of the Police Department; and performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications


Applicants must be at least 18 up to 20 ½ years of age, possess a high school diploma or equivalent and must be currently enrolled on a full-time basis in an accredited college or university program with emphasis in criminal justice, and/or demonstrate intent to pursue a degree in criminal justice or related field.


SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Successfully complete and submit the application form.
2. Be a high school graduate or graduating senior with an overall 2.5 GPA.
3. Be enrolled in an accredited college or university and pursuing a degree or Certificate in a field related to the policing profession. It will be the applicant's responsibility to demonstrate how the selected field of study is related to the policing profession.
4. Maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher while enrolled at an accredited college or university with a minimum of twelve (12) semester units each semester. Failure to maintain the minimum 2.5 GPA or semester units will result in the loss of the cadet internship and the scholarship.
5. Does not have to be a resident of the City of Oceanside; however, Oceanside residents will be given preference.
6. Not be eligible to apply as a police officer at time of starting cadet internship and receiving scholarship.
7. Must submit two (2) letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or employers, etc.
8. Successfully pass a thorough police background, polygraph, psychological, and a medical examination, which will include drug screening.
9. Does not have to be an Explorer; however, preference will be given to members of the Explorer Program within the Oceanside Police Department.
10. Possess a valid California Class C Driver's License at time of appointment.

APPLICANTS MUST ATTACH A COPY OF THEIR TRANSCRIPTS AND LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION TO THE APPLICATION
Working Conditions and Selection Process

Environmental Conditions: Office in Police Department; driving a City vehicle; field environment in all types of weather; may be in heavily trafficked City streets; exposure to potentially dangerous situations associated with law enforcement; exposure to computer screens.

Physical Conditions: Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for kneeling, lifting, bending, sitting and standing for prolonged periods of time; speaking and hearing to exchange information; visual acuity to read and interpret information.

Selection Process: All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process.

Note: Prospective employees will undergo, and must successfully pass, a background reference check (including fingerprinting) and a medical examination. Drug screening may be required.
RESUMES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS BUT MAY BE ATTACHED.
CANDIDATES WHO REQUIRE A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION IN THE SELECTION PROCESS SHOULD STATE THEIR NEEDS IN WRITING WHEN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION.
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.
Changes to Accrued Paid Sick Leave

for Hourly Extra Help & Part-Time Employees

Effective January 1, 2024
Senate Bill (SB) 616 went into effect January 1, 2024 as an amendment to SB 1522. The new bill increases the number of sick leave hours accrued and sick leave hours able to be used by Hourly Extra Help and Part-Time employees in a calendar year. It will not apply to retired annuitants. The law states that, unless exempt, the part- time employee is entitled to receive the minimum requirements for paid sick leave. The City of Oceanside will ensure that part-time employees will accrue paid sick leave pursuant to the minimum requirements stated in the California Labor Code §245 et seq. which provides that an employee:


a. May accrue 1 hour paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked up to 80 hours per year;


b. May request and use up to 5 days or 40 hours of accrued paid sick leave per year;


c. May not be terminated or retaliated against for using or requesting the use of accrued paid sick


leave; and


d. Has the right to file a complaint against an employer who retaliates or discriminates against an


employee for


1. requesting or using accrued sick days;


2. attempting to exercise the right to use accrued paid sick days;


3. filing a complaint or alleging a violation of Article 1.5 section 245 et seq. of the


California Labor Code;


4. cooperating in an investigation or prosecution of an alleged violation of this Article


or opposing any policy or practice or act that is prohibited by Article 1.5 section 245 et seq. of the California Labor Code.
Sick leave accruals for Hourly Extra Help and Part-Time employees cannot be used in the first 90 days of employment for newly hired employees. If unused, up to 40 hours can roll into the next calendar year in the Pay Period containing January 1. A maximum of 80 hours can be retained annually after roll over, however only 40 hours can be used per year. The employer is not required to pay out accrued, unused paid sick days at the time of termination. If the employee is rehired within one year, previously accrued and unused paid sick days shall be reinstated.


Sick pay codes have been developed to use hourly sick leave:


- Code 24 - Sick HX Self


- Code 25 - Sick HX Family


- Code 26 - FMLA Sick HX Self


- Code 27 - FMLA Sick HX Family


Reports have been developed to help managers and supervisors in tracking leave usage. Employees will have access to view balances anytime in Oracle Time Entry. Balances will be updated each pay period and can be viewed on the electronic wage statement.


Please visit for additional information or contact Sarah Curtis in the Human Resources Department at View phone number on click.appcast.io if you have questions.
01


Do you possess a high school diploma or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

02


Per program and scholarship guidelines:Are you between 18 to 20 ½ years of age?If No, you do not qualify for this position.

• Yes
• No

03


Are you a full time student, enrolled in an accredited college or university, pursuing a degree or certificate in a field related to the policing profession?

• Yes
• No

04


What is your Grade Point Average (GPA)?Attach a copy of your transcripts.
05


What college or university will you be attending or now attending?What is your major?What are your career goals?
06


Explain in an essay of 300 words or less, why you have chosen the policing profession as a career. Why your selected college or university course of study will assist your professional goals. Also, explain why you feel the selection committee should grant you this scholarship.
07


List extracurricular activities you are involved in.
08


Have you had any work experience with a police department or with a public safety agency?
09


Have you attached a copy of your transcripts? They must be submitted with your application.

• Yes
• No

10


Have you attached two letters of recommendation? They are required in order to be considered for the position.

• Yes
• No

11


I understand that I must demonstrate financial need and have applied for and/or have received financial aid.

• Yes
• No

12


Have you ever been CONVICTED of a felony?

• Yes
• No

13


Are you currently serving probation for any crime (misdemeanor or felony)?

• Yes
• No

14


Have you ever been CONVICTED of Domestic Violence?

• Yes
• No

15


Have you ever used illegal drugs, other than marijuana, in the past five (5) years?

• Yes
• No

16


Have you used any hallucinogens (mushrooms, LSD, peyote, mescaline, etc.) in the past fifteen (15) years?

• Yes
• No

17


Have you ever sold any illegal substances, including steroids?

• Yes
• No

18


Have you ever injected any illegal substances, including steroids?

• Yes
• No

19


CERTIFICATE OF APPLICANT: I certify that all statements and information provided in this application and any attachments are true, and I understand that any false or misleading statements or omissions of material facts may forfeit right to employment considerations by the City of Oceanside.

• Yes
• No

Required Question