Police Officer Trainee

Salary : $5,410.08 - $6,576.02 Monthly
Location : Police Department - Dispatch, 107 Civic Center Plaza, Lompoc Ca 93436, CA
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Job Number: 562/FY26-27
Department: Police
Opening Date: 08/13/2026
Closing Date: 9/4/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


DEFINITION/SELECTION PROCESS
THIS RECRUITMENT IS TO ESTABLISH AN ELIGIBILITY LIST FOR CURRENT AND FUTURE FULL-TIME VACANCY. Interested applicants must submit on-line application -- NO paper applications will be accepted.
If you forget your password, have application login problems, or get an error message during the application process, please call the NeoGov helpline at View phone number on click.appcast.io for assistance.
The City reserves the right to stop accepting applications prior to the posted deadline, if sufficient number of qualified applications are received. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. The recruitment is officially closed once it has been removed from the City's website.
Under close supervision, to participate in a basic law enforcement training program approved by the California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.); and to do other work as required.

The class of Police Officer Trainee represents the training level class in the law enforcement series. Incumbents remain in probationary status for the duration of such employment and must successfully complete the basic Post Academy to qualify for status as a Police Officer. Incumbency in this class shall not be considered toward the probationary period required for the classification of Police Officer. Positions in this class are distinguished from Police Officer in that the Police Officer Trainee is a non-sworn class which has no peace officer powers and shall exercise no peace officer powers. Failure to successfully complete the basic P.O.S.T. Academy is grounds for automatic rejection from this class.

EXAMINATION PROCESS: Based upon screening of the City application , résumé, and responses to supplemental questions , applicants whose qualifications best meet the requirements of the position will be invited to the examination process. This process may include but is not limited to, panel interview, which consists of an evaluation of some of the essential knowledge, skills, abilities, and job-related experience listed below. Those candidates who pass the examination process are placed on an eligibility list from which the final selection will be made.


SELECTION PROCESS: As authorized by City policy, applicants being considered for hire in this position are subject to fingerprinting for purposes of investigating criminal history background, as part of the employment screening process. Appointment is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment medical examination (based upon job-related physical standards) by a City-designated physician.

Failure in any one part of the examination or selection process will disqualify a candidate from further consideration.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Participates in a basic law enforcement training program approved by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, which includes the following: Receives instructions in the interpretation and application of laws contained in various state codes and local ordinances, e.g. Penal, Vehicle, Welfare, Institutions Code as well as Health and Safety Codes; receives instructions in the basic criminal and traffic accident investigation procedures; learns techniques, including crime scene preservation, witness interviewing and evidence collection, participates in a firearms training course which deals with safety, care and use of small arms, as well as department issued weapons; receives classroom instruction and participates in field training exercises covering patrol procedures, radio and vehicle operation and traffic control; receives training in civil procedures as well as custodial responsibilities; and performs other work as required.

If you are unable to perform the essential functions of the position for which you are applying, either with or without reasonable accommodation, please notify Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS
License Required : Possession of a valid and appropriate California Driver's License.

Education/Experience : High School diploma or GED and any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates an ability to perform the duties of the position.
Knowledge of : Basic English composition, grammar and spelling; and basic math
Ability to : Read, learn, understand, interpret and apply laws, ordinances, regulations, codes, directives and police literature; write clear, comprehensive and accurate reports; operate a vehicle safely, under normal and emergency conditions; use and care for firearms; learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police ratio system; inspire public confidence through personal integrity, appearance and action; analyze situations and adopt a quick, effective and reasonable course of action; remember facts, names, faces and details of incidences accurately; speak clearly; understand and carry out oral and written instructions; and establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS :
Physical : Strength : Heavy work - Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling over 100 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing over 50 pounds.
Incumbents must have normal hearing, excellent general health, and physical fitness sufficient to meet the City's Medical Standards.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS : Citizen of the United States or permanent resident alien who is eligible and has applied for citizenship; Must have no felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude; Must meet legal age requirements (minimum of 18 years of age); Must qualify in background and psychological examination.
The information herein does not either constitute an expressed or implied contract. These provisions are subject to change without notice.
Incumbents in this job class are subject to the City's Personnel Rules, Procedures, and Policies. Benefits include the following:

Bilingual Pay: Individuals determined to be in an eligible position and qualified by the City will be eligible for bilingual pay.
Deferred Compensation: The City encourages and supports employee enrollment in either MissionSquare or CalPERS deferred compensation plan. Employees may contribute up to the maximum amount according to the IRS Retirement Plan Contribution Limits.

Dental Insurance: Effective the first day of the month following six complete months of employment, the employee and dependents are eligible for insurance; the City contributes a substantial amount of the premium for the employee and dependents.

Health Insurance: Effective the first day of the month following appointment, the employee and dependents are eligible for insurance; the City contributes a substantial amount of the premium for the employee and dependents. Employees can select from a three (3) Blue Shield plans.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Employees of the City of Lompoc are eligible to receive EAP services administered by Managed Health Network (MHN). Employee, spouse, and eligible dependents are entitled to receive five (5) sessions per family member, per incident. Services include counseling for various reasons/needs.
Holidays: Thirteen (13) days per year.

Life Insurance: The City provides life insurance in the amount equivalent to two years' annual salary up to a maximum of $300,000. The premium is paid entirely by the City. Employees are eligible for enrollment after the first day following six (6) months continuous employment. Additional coverage for employee is available at group rates.
Long-Term Disability Insurance: Effective the first day of the month following six (6) months of continuous employment, the employee is eligible for insurance. The City pays 100% of the premium.

Retirement: Third Tier -- Employees hired after January 1, 2013 are covered by California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) 2% at age 62 formula. Employees pay 50% of the normal cost of the member's contribution as prescribed by PEPRA. Final compensation is the average for the highest 36 consecutive months.

Second Tier -- Employees hired after November 19, 2011 and before January 1, 2013 are covered by California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) 2% at age 60 formula. An eight percent (8%) member's contribution is paid by the employee. Final compensation is the average for the highest 36 consecutive months.
First Tier -- Employees hired prior to November 19, 2011 are covered by California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) 2.7% at age 55 formula with 1959 survivor's benefit. Final compensation is the average for the highest 12 consecutive months. The ten percent (10%) member's contribution is paid by the employee.
Social Security: As a City of Lompoc employee, your earnings are not covered by Social Security. Under the Social Security law, there are two ways your Social Security Benefit amount earned under previous employers may be affected, "Windfall Elimination Provision" and "Government Pension Offset Provision." FOR MORE INFORMATION, please visit You may also call View phone number on click.appcast.io or for the deaf or hard of hearing, call the TTY number View phone number on click.appcast.io, or you may contact your local Social Security Office.

Section 125 Tax Deferral: Program used for out-of-pocket health premiums, medical costs not covered under health plan, and day care/elder care.

Sick Leave: Commencing at the time of appointment, sick leave benefits accrue at a bi-weekly rate and the employee is eligible to use those benefits reflected as their sick leave balance; accrual rate is 12 days/year.

Tuition Reimbursement: The City will provide tuition reimbursement for college courses in accordance with Personnel Procedures Manual Chapter 43 "Tuition Reimbursement for College/University Courses." (Course syllabus and receipts identifying books purchased are required for books).

Vacation: Commencing at the time of appointment, vacation leave benefits accrue at a bi-weekly rate based upon length of employment. Employees are eligible to use vacation leave following completion of six months employment and accrue 10 days per year, which increases to 21 days based on years of service.
01


All appointments to this position are subject to the successful completion of an in-depth background investigation conducted by the Lompoc Police Department as well as a physical examination. A typical background investigation includes but is not limited to: background interviews with individuals designated by the Lompoc Police Department (this may include current and former co-workers, friends, relatives and neighbors, or any other relevant individual), criminal background check, credit check, and polygraph examination.

• Yes, I understand and agree
• No, I do not agree

02


Are you currently enrolled in a California P.O.S.T. approved Basic Academy?

• Yes
• No

03


If YES, please list the Basic Academy. If NO, please enter N/A.
04


If YES, when do you graduate? If NO, enter N/A.
Required Question