Police Officer Cadet

Police Officer Cadet

Job no: 560320

Work type: Staff

Location: San Diego

Categories: Excluded, Probationary, Full Time, Safety, On-site (work in-person at business location)

Position Summary

The Cadet is a non-sworn officer in a trainee capacity. Incumbents attend a Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certified academy to develop the minimum qualifications necessary to assume a position as a sworn police officer. Upon successful completion of the required P.O.S.T. training within the required timeframe and the discretion of management, the Police Officer Cadet will be appointed to the classification of Police Officer on a probationary basis.

Responsibilities:

• Attend training in criminal and civil law, codified and case law.
• Develop skills in report writing, physical fitness, firearms, arrest/control, and de-escalation techniques.
• Learn and apply community policing strategies.
• Assist police officers under close supervision.

Why join us:

• Receive comprehensive P.O.S.T.-certified training in law enforcement, report writing, physical fitness, firearms, and community policing.
• Gain hands-on experience under the guidance of experienced University Police officers.
• Make a meaningful impact by contributing to campus safety and community service.

Join us in upholding a safe and secure campus, where students, faculty, staff, and the community can learn, work, and thrive.

Position Information

• This recruitment will be used to establish a pool of candidates for current and future full-time (1.0 time-base), police cadet appointments.
• This position is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation.
• The selection process for Police Cadet positions include, application, written exam (PELLET B) or College degree, interview, background investigation, medical evaluation and psychological evaluation.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

Safety and security is coordinated by University Police, through a force of 40 sworn police officers and 57 non-sworn support employees. Our police officers are graduates of a California Peace Officers Standards Training Academy with full arrest powers throughout the state. They undergo continued training to upgrade their skills as well as first aid and CPR requirements.

University Police officers are armed. They conduct foot, vehicular and bicycle patrols on campus and in the adjacent community 24 hours a day, year-round. Officers are responsible for reporting and investigating crimes and traffic accidents, enforcing state laws and local ordinances, responding to medical emergencies and all other incidents requiring police assistance.

The Division of Business and Financial Affairs (BFA) celebrates diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We understand representation is essential to our success, which is why we strive to recruit and retain highly-skilled, compassionate leaders. By prioritizing listening and learning, engaging in critical conversations, and thoughtfully considering the needs of our different populations, we are creating a culture of belonging. As a division, we aim to offer opportunities for advancement and foster an inclusive environment, so all are valued and empowered to thrive.

For more information regarding the University Police, click here.

Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent and eligibility to attend a certified P.O.S.T. basic training academy.

Key Qualifications

• Ability to qualify for and satisfactorily meet the ongoing standards of the basic P.O.S.T. academy training.
• Mental capacity, physical agility and learning potential to perform all aspects of P.O.S.T. training and police work.

Licenses/Certifications Required

• Valid California Driver's License or have the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire .

Compensation and Benefits

San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

Compensation :
Salary is based on your experience, education, and qualifications, within the department's budget and equity guidelines.

• CSU Classification Salary Range: $3,934-$6,418/month; hiring salary not expected to exceed $6,418/month .

Full Benefits Package Includes :

• Generous Time Off : 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement : CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the University of California system.
• Health Coverage : Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• Education Support : CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional Offerings : FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
• Campus & Community : Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation. Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview.

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment. We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university.


SDSU's Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another.


Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU's Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.


SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Applications will be reviewed on an as needed basis.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.


San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act.


A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Eurick Hilario at View email address on click.appcast.io.

Advertised: Jul 27 2026 Pacific Daylight Time

Applications close:


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