Police Officer

Posting Details

Before applying, be sure to read the "Application Procedure" section below.

Posting Summary


Job Title
Police Officer


Type of Assignment
Classified/Staff


Assignment Category
Regular Position


Position Details


One regular, full-time position, 40 hours per week, 12 months per year on all MiraCosta College Campuses. Scheduled shifts could be 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, or 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm, Monday through Friday. This position is subject to rotation possibly every 6 months. Shift hours could vary due to departmental and training needs. The person selected for this position will be subject to assignment to any district facility during any hours of operation.

The first-level interviews with the screening and interview committee will be conducted via Zoom. The second-level interviews may be conducted in person or via Zoom.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT:
MiraCosta College Board Policy 7800: Employee Residency requires all classified staff, administrators, and temporary/hourly short-term employees to maintain and permanently reside in a principal place of residence in the state of California that is within two hundred (200) road miles from the employee's regularly assigned district worksite.

The District may consider an individual's request to temporarily reside outside the State of California or beyond the 200-mile limit on a case-by-case basis, provided it does not exceed 12 consecutive months.

Location City
Oceanside, Cardiff, and/or Carlsbad


Location State
California


Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA)


MiraCosta College is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable learning and working environment. We welcome candidates who share our commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA). Learn more about our values and initiatives on our IDEA website and in our IDEA policy .

We are committed to creating a racially just campus climate where all identities and cultures are respected and affirmed. MiraCosta actively works to close equity gaps for disproportionately impacted communities, including: Latinx/Chicanx, Black/African American, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Native American, LGBTQIA+, Veterans, Former Foster Youth, Adult Learners, and students from low socioeconomic status backgrounds.

As a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) since 2013, MiraCosta supports the success of Latinx and first-generation college students. We are also a veteran- and military-supportive institution and an Achieving the Dream Leader College.

The successful candidate will join a college that values community and equity, and offers robust, culturally responsive programming-including heritage month events and speaker series-through our Social Justice and Equity Center .

Explore our Mission, Vision, and Institutional Goals to learn more about our commitment to student success and inclusive excellence.

Salary Range
26


Compensation

Compensation:
Starting at $84,053 per year (range 26, step 1), with annual salary step increases up to step 5.

Benefits


MiraCosta College offers an array of benefits to eligible employees:

• The district covers 100% of the costs for medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees and their dependents.
• $100,000 Life Insurance Policy
• Up to $250 of monthly benefit credits to help pay for various voluntary benefit options, such as supplemental life insurance, disability coverage, dependent care flexible spending account (FSA), & Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA).
• Vacation, Sick Leave, and up to 18 Paid Holidays
• State Pension System Retirement Benefits (CalPERS)
• Free and Confidential Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• Participation in the District's Early Retirement Program
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Tuition Fee Reimbursement

Position Term in Months
12


Application Procedure


To be considered for this position, you must upload all required documents directly into the online application system, complete the application process, and receive a confirmation number no later than 11:59 PM on the posted closing date.

1. Application in which you list all relevant experience. (Do not write "see resumé")

2. A cover letter addressed to the "Screening and Interview Committee" specifically describing how your experience aligns with the Essential Duties, Other Duties, and Desirable Qualifications.

3. A current resumé or curriculum vitae, summarizing your educational background and experience.

4. A photocopy of your California POST-certified Basic Law Enforcement Academy course completion certificate, or California POST Basic Certificate (or Intermediate or Advanced Certificate), or California Requalification Course Certificate, or California Basic Course Waiver - attach this to the "Certificate/License 1" link. 5. A current CPR certificate.

Applications will be reviewed for up to four weeks following the closing/first screening date. Applicants selected for interview will be contacted by phone; those not selected for interview will be notified by e-mail.

Offer of employment to the person selected for this position is contingent upon 1) successful completion of a pre-placement physical exam at district expense; 2) submission of a current tuberculosis test clearance; 3) proof of eligibility to work in the United States; 4) fingerprint clearance; and 5) approval by the Board of Trustees.

Retired STRS members are not eligible for this position.

Basic Function


Under general supervision, perform a wide variety of peace officer duties involving the protection of life and property, enforcement of laws and ordinances, emergency preparedness, crime prevention and suppression, and providing information and assistance to students and the public utilizing an equity-minded and trauma-informed approach; may provide investigative or training support, as assigned; and perform related duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

California Driver's License Requirement Check
I confirm that this position reasonably requires driving as a primary duty, and no alternative form of transportation would be comparable in travel time or cost to the employer. Note: Per Senate Bill 1100 (effective 01/01/25), including a driver's license


Essential Duties & Responsibilities


The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

1. Exhibit an equity-minded focus, responsiveness, and sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, and employees, including those with physical or learning disabilities, and successfully foster and support an inclusive educational and employment environment. Ensure consistency and alignment with the district's commitment to a racially just, trauma-informed policing approach, emphasizing innovation, creativity, and transparency.

2. Utilize a community policing approach to patrol assigned areas on any district campuses and properties by foot, bicycle and emergency vehicle to enforce state and federal laws and district rules and regulations pertaining to public safety, asset protection and campus security; inspect the security of facilities and prevent the entry of unauthorized persons on grounds or in buildings.

3. Respond to routine and emergency calls for service; as a first responder, interview and take appropriate action such as performing first aid or CPR to assist crime victims; activate the Incident Command System (ICS) as needed.

4. Build and maintain strong relationships with key campus stakeholders and law enforcement agencies; work creatively and collaboratively with department leadership to address the needs of disproportionately impacted and minoritized populations including Latinx and Chicanx communities, Black and African American communities, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities, Native American communities, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) communities, veteran communities, former foster youth, adult students, and students from low socioeconomic statuses, undocumented/mixed status/DACA, justice or system impacted and formerly incarcerated communities, reduce disparities, and help create a racially just campus climate.

5. Enforce federal, state and local laws and ordinances, issue verbal warnings and citations; pursue and apprehend suspects and request assistance as required; arrest and detain suspects; support the safety of individuals impacted by severe mental health concerns per Section 5150 of the Welfare and Institutions Code; remove individuals from campus and/or district property and refer to the Office of Student Affairs; record and document incidents in patrol logs.

6. Investigate traffic accidents and provide traffic and crowd control as necessary; coordinate crime scene control and assist with preliminary investigations, including locating and inter-viewing witnesses, collecting and cataloging evidence, and detaining or arresting individuals violating laws, rules and regulations; coordinate with other local law enforcement agencies; prepare reports including arrest reports, criminal citation notices-to-appear and property evidence reports; testify as a witness in court.

7. Work closely with other law enforcement agencies; perform follow-up investigations of cases initiated by the Oceanside Police Department and the San Diego County Sheriff's Department; contact and liaison with probation officers, case workers and others involved with juvenile offenders; respond to mutual aid requests of allied law enforcement agencies during disasters, emergencies and/or incidents that are of local or regional significance; participate in cooperative enforcement activities with allied law enforcement agencies such as DUI checkpoints and traffic safety initiatives.

8. Perform directed patrol activities to support motorist and pedestrian safety; conduct investigations of non-injury traffic collisions in accordance with State-Wide Integrated Traffic Reporting System (SWITRS) guidelines; issue citations for non-compliance with parking permits, vehicle registrations, parking regulations and/or violations of the California Vehicle Code; ensure parking lots and roadways are clearly marked and maintained.

9. Maintain, inspect and qualify with department-issued firearms and other department-issued weapons and equipment including Tasers, impact weapons and oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray, handcuffs, handheld radios, and video and audio recording devices in accordance with department policy; participate in monthly firearms training activities.

10. Attend ongoing and periodic training on the law, police procedures, de-escalation tactics, use of force, implicit bias, impacts of trauma, mental health, history of policing, defensive tactics, report writing and other topics to keep knowledge and skills current.

11. In the event of disaster, supervise the distribution of emergency operational equipment and implement and monitor emergency procedures.

Other Duties


1. Control and/or direct traffic during emergency and non-emergency situations, special events and other situations during which traffic congestion occurs; maintain orderly control of large crowds.

2. Register college-affiliated sex offenders pursuant to Sections 290 and 290.4 of the California Penal Code and the Sexual Offender Act and disseminate information to appropriate district authorities as needed; accept and record domestic violence restraining orders and/or civil harassment orders pertaining to members of the campus community.

3. Perform related duties as assigned.

As Assigned - Detective
4. Conduct criminal investigations of suspected crimes and ongoing criminal activities; locate and interview suspects, victims, witnesses and other involved parties; conduct research using online, justice department and departmental resources; conduct crime scene investigations of active and cold crime scenes.

5. Prepare criminal cases for presentation to the District Attorney's office for filing consideration.


6. Write a variety of reports including crime reports, investigative reports, interview transcripts and other reports that may be used in criminal court cases; prepare and request search warrants.


As Assigned - Background Investigator
7. Once qualified, may serve as a Background Investigator for peace officer, dispatcher, campus aide and student workers assigned to the Police Department; prepare and submit investigative reports describing the qualifications of candidates for service with the Police Department in accordance with Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) guidelines and requirements; coordinate selection and screening activities for Police Department candidates including structured interviews and polygraph and psychological examinations.


As Assigned - Field Training Officer
8. Provide day-to-day lead work direction to other sworn and civilian Police personnel on an assigned shift; assign and monitor work to ensure conformance with district and legal/regulatory requirements and standards; provide information, instruction and training on work procedures and legal/regulatory requirements; provide input to Police Sergeants on employee work performance and behaviors.


9. Schedule and ensure mandatory training is completed to meet established deadlines; may provide training on patrol procedures, POST Field Training Guidelines and other topics; maintain and recommend updates to the Department Policy and Procedures Manual under the direction of the Chief of Police.


As Assigned - Firearms Instructor/Rangemaster
10. Test and maintain individual officer qualification records, shooting scores and range activities; acquire, store, inventory and issue ammunition and weapons; maintain firing range and related facilities.

Knowledge of


1. Methods of safeguarding human lives and maintaining safety utilizing patrol, surveillance and investigation techniques.

2. California Penal and Vehicle Codes, applicable municipal code and other laws, ordinances, codes and regulations applicable to assigned responsibilities.

3. Laws governing arrests and elements of misdemeanor and felony crimes.

4. Principles and practices of community-oriented policing.

5. Criminal and traffic collision investigative techniques.

6. Legal rights of citizens, probable cause and proper methods and procedures for searching, warning, citing, detaining and arresting individuals found in violation of ordinances or laws.

7. Care, cleaning, safe handling and use of a firearm.

8. The proper use of non-lethal force utilizing a baton, pepper spray, TASER, etc.

9. Methods and procedures for effective report writing; correct English usage, grammar, spelling and punctuation.

10. State laws, rules and regulations relating to privacy, confidential information and liabilities including relating to the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS), Family Educational Right to Privacy Act (FERPA) and victim confidentiality.

11. Proper techniques for physically restraining an individual; defensive tactics.

12. The Incident Command System.

13. Disaster management procedures and actions.

14. First aid, CPR and AED procedures/techniques.

15. District organization, functions, rules, policies and procedures applicable to assigned areas of responsibility.

16. Safety policies and safe work practices applicable to the work.

17. Written and oral communication skills including correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.

Ability to


1. Analyze situations as they occur and respond appropriately to ensure the protection of the public and police personnel.

2. Apply the principles of community-oriented policing and problem-oriented policing in responding to crime and safety issues affecting the campus community.

3. Learn, understand, interpret and apply modern police methods and procedures.

4. Communicate tactfully, respectfully and effectively with the public, both orally and in writing, in a manner consistent with the department's policing and customer service policies.

5. Interact with sensitivity and understanding with students, faculty, staff and others from diverse socioeconomic, cultural, disability and ethnic backgrounds.

6. Confront sensitive and/or dangerous situations with maturity, professionalism and decisive-ness in accordance with departmental policies, applicable laws and codes and standard operating procedures.

7. Analyze, interpret, explain and apply relevant laws, regulations, ordinances and policies.

8. Operate equipment including police vehicles, two-way radio systems, emergency alarm systems, two-way cameras and other standard business equipment.

9. Administer emergency first aid and CPR and utilize an AED device.

10. Maintain qualification for use of firearms and use of non-lethal tools/equipment.

11. Testify authoritatively in court.

12. Operate a computer, standard business software and a variety of computer software programs and databases related to area of assignment.

13. Prepare clear and accurate reports, documents, data entries and files.

14. Maintain confidentiality of police records and activities.

15. Represent the district effectively in dealings with other law enforcement agencies, community and business organizations, the media and the public.

16. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all those encountered in the course of work.

Education & Experience

To be eligible for this position, you must meet and provide evidence of the following minimum qualifications:


Graduation from high school or GED equivalent, at least 21 years of age, and current employment as a police officer or deputy sheriff in the State of California or successful completion of the California Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) basic course or completion of a basic course waiver within the past three years or by time of appointment.

Additionally, candidates for this position must meet the following minimum peace officer selection standards as set forth in Government Code Sections 1029 and 1031. Every California peace officer must be:
• Free of any felony convictions.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States by federal law.
• Fingerprinted for purposes of search of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record.
• Of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background investigation.
• Free of bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation
• Found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition that might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer.

NOTE: For work experience, one "year" is defined as equivalent to 40 hours per week for 12 months, or at least 2,080 hours.

Desirable Qualifications

Licenses & Other Requirements

• A valid California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the district's vehicle insurance program.
• PC 832 fire arm qualified.
• A valid first aid certification and CPR certificate.
• Police Officers are expected to maintain ongoing training mandated by POST to maintain their skills and retain their Peace Officer status.

Successful completion of the Intermediate and Advanced POST courses are highly desirable.

Additional certification is required for special assignments - POST Detective/Investigator Certification, POST Background Investigator, POST Firearms Instructor, Taser Instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor.

Successful completion of a comprehensive background investigation is required, including a review of employment history, criminal conviction record, credit history, and use of intoxicants and/or other controlled substances.

WORK DIRECTION, LEAD AND SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Supervise, train and direct probationary Police Officers, non-sworn Community Service Officers (CSOs), Police Support Assistants and temporary and part-time student workers.

CONTACTS:
District administrators, faculty, staff, students, other college and community organizations, other public safety agencies, the District Attorney's office and the general public.

Physical Effort


The physical efforts described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee must maintain department physical fitness and weight requirements necessary to perform the job functions with or without accommodation, such as the ability to walk, run, bicycle, operate motor vehicles and equipment, position and maintain traffic barricades, and physically detain and apprehend suspects; effectively deal with a variety of unanticipated stressors; continuous wearing and transporting of up to 30 pounds of police equipment (personal protection equipment), which includes body armor and duty gear; finger and hand strength to operate, grasp, hold and manipulate firearms. Infrequent balancing above ground; lifting of items weighing up to 100 pounds from chest to above shoulder level, either with or without assistance. Ability to operate a police vehicle on and between district locations and subject to occasional travel to other approved locations. Visual effort includes focusing attention on persons, situations and detailed items and events for prolonged periods; alternating frequently between short- and far-distance viewing during an average eight-hour shift. Hearing must be within normal range.

Emotional Effort


Ability to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; observe and interpret people and situations; learn and apply new information and skills; perform highly detailed work; deal with changing deadlines, constant interruptions and multiple concurrent tasks; may respond to life-threatening, emergency situations; cope with disturbing or traumatic situations; interact with others encountered in the course of work, including frequent contact with the public and dissatisfied, abusive and traumatized individuals. Incumbents will occasionally be required to pass psychological evaluations.

Working Conditions


Office and outdoor environments with exposure to noise and outside weather conditions; expo-sure to environmental and biological hazards as well as disease/infestations; exposure to potentially dangerous situations and disturbing or traumatic events. Work involves shifts at night, on weekends and holidays as assigned and in emergency situations and natural disasters.

Posting Detail Information


Posting Number
S_25/26_038_P


Human Resources Contact Information
View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io


Job Close Date

Open Until Filled
Yes


First Screening Date
First screening date 4/06/2026 - Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.


Direct Link to Posting