Police Officer Trainee I/II (Ventura Police Department)

Applications are accepted exclusively through the City of Ventura Career Site:
www.cityofventura.ca.gov/jobs. Submissions through other websites or methods will not be accepted.

Submit a city application and supplemental questionnaire. Applications and supplemental questions will be accepted on a continuous basis. Applications are reviewed on a weekly basis, and candidates are encouraged to apply for immediate consideration.  

About the Opportunity

The City of Ventura is seeking highly motivated and dedicated individuals to join our team as a Police Officer Trainee I/II. This structured training pathway prepares candidates to become sworn police officers, with professional growth and development opportunities. Police Officer Trainees receive high-quality training and mentoring to prepare them for a career in law enforcement with the Ventura Police Department.

POSITION CLASSIFICATIONS

• Police Officer Trainee I (Pre-Academy): An entry-level, non-sworn position designed for individuals preparing to attend a California POST-certified Basic Police Academy. Trainees at the level I will receive hands-on experience and departmental mentorship to prepare for academy success. Individuals will transition to Police Officer Trainee II upon commencement of the academy.

• Police Officer Trainee II (Academy Ready): An entry-level, non-sworn classification for individuals who have been selected to attend a California POST-certified Basic Police Academy. Upon successful completion of the academy and all department and state-mandated requirements, Trainees will transition into a sworn Police Officer role.

Candidates may be hired at either Police Officer Trainee I or II, depending on academy availability and at the discretion of the hiring department. Those hired as a Trainee I will work in a non-sworn capacity with the Ventura Police Department before the start of the academy and progress to Trainee II upon commencement of the academy.

WHY JOIN THE VENTURA POLICE DEPARTMENT?

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including a paid workout for patrol

• State-of-the-art training and equipment

• A supportive team environment with strong civic engagement

• Coastal community with endless opportunities for career growth and advancement

Pay

• Police Officer Trainee I - $43.47 Hourly | $7,534.80 Monthly

• Police Officer Trainee II - $45.64 | $7,910.93 Monthly

• Police Officer (Upon successful completion of the academy and appointment as a sworn Police Officer) – Step A $50.80 – Step E $61.75 per hour

Employee Referral Program

This position has been designated “hard to fill” and is eligible for the employee referral program. If you have been referred to apply for this position by a current City staff member, please indicate their name as the person who referred you in the supplemental question.  

Benefits

Police Officer Trainee I/II: Unrepresented (Salary Schedule "D")

• Medical Insurance: Up to $887 monthly towards a selection of plans. 
  Employees are eligible to participate in the City’s medical insurance program. The City contributes up to the monthly maximum toward a selection of available plans. Insurance is effective the first of the second month after date of hire.

• Optional Benefits: $285.00 monthly, which may be applied toward medical insurance premiums.

• Dental & Vision Insurance: City-paid coverage is provided for employees and eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first of the second month after date of hire.

• Life Insurance: The City shall contribute toward payment of term life insurance benefits an amount equal to the premium cost for $10,000 of coverage. Dependent life insurance coverage of $5,000 per eligible dependent is also provided.

• Retirement (CalPERS – Miscellaneous Members for Salary Schedule D):

  • Tier I - 2% @ 55/Single Highest Year of Compensation Period for Classic CalPERS members who worked for the City prior to December 31, 2012 and are returning to City employment.  Employees make a 7% member contribution, and may be subject to compensation limits per Section 401(a)(17) of the IRC.

  • Tier II - 2% @ 60/3-Year Final Compensation Period for Classic CalPERS members with less than a six-month break in service from another CalPERS or CalPERS'-reciprocal agency.  Employees make a 7% member contribution, and may be subject to compensation limits per Section 401(a)(17) of the IRC.

  • Tier III - 2% at 62/3-Year Final Compensation Period for New CalPERS members.  Employees make a 7.75% member contribution, and are subject to compensation limits per Government Code Section 7522.10.  Additional details regarding the City's retirement plan will be provided to candidates during the job offer process.

• Social Security: CalPERS members do not participate in Social Security retirement, so there is no payroll deduction.

• Medicare: Employees participate in Medicare with a 1.45% payroll deduction.

• Vacation: 2 weeks per year.

• Holidays:  Employees in Salary Schedule "D" will receive 5.0 hours of holiday leave semi-monthly. No hours will be carried over upon reassignment to a different salary schedule.

• Sick Leave: Employees in Salary Schedule "D" shall accrue at a rate of 4.0 hours semi-monthly.

• Student Loan Forgiveness: The City currently qualifies as an eligible employer for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

• Wellness Program: A comprehensive program is available that includes an on-site gym, paid workouts, exercise classes, a comfort therapy dog, critical incident debriefings, mandatory mental health check-ins, and more.

• Professional Development: The City of Ventura is a LinkedIn Learning organization. LinkedIn Learning online classes are available with a library of more than 13,000 courses taught by real-world experts. Users can download certificates and customize learning paths that match their roles and competencies.

Upon completion of the academy and appointment as a Police Officer, candidates will be eligible for the following benefits package:

Police Officer: Represented – (Ventura Police Officers’ Association)

• Medical Insurance: Up to $1,100 monthly towards a selection of plans. Employees are eligible to participate in the City’s medical insurance program. The City contributes up to the monthly maximum toward a selection of available plans. Insurance is effective the first of the second month after date of hire.

• Optional Benefits Program: $462 monthly, which may be applied toward medical insurance premiums.  Cash-out option is not available.

• Dental & Vision Insurance: City-paid coverage is provided for employees and eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first of the second month after date of hire.

• Deferred Compensation: The City will match an individual employee's contribution to a 457 deferred compensation plan in an amount up to $949 per year.

• Life Insurance: Eligible for a $50,000 basic term life insurance policy for each employee and dependent life insurance of $5,000 for each eligible dependent.

• Retirement: Employees are covered by the CalPERS retirement system.  If you are a CalPERS retiree, please contact CalPERS to discuss the impact that employment in this position would have on your pension benefit.

• Tier I - 3% @ 50/Single Highest Year of Compensation Period for Classic CalPERS members who were hired prior to July 24, 2011, or who worked for the City prior to July 24, 2011 and are returning to City employment. Employees make a 4.5% member contribution and 4.5% of the employer's share, and may be subject to compensation limits per Section 401(a)(17) of the IRC.  The City will contribute 4.5% of the member contribution and report the value to CalPERS as pensionable income.

• Tier II - 3% @ 55/Single Highest Year of Compensation Period for employees hired on or after July 24, 2011 and prior to January 01, 2013, and for employees hired on or after January 01, 2013 who are considered Classic CalPERS members with less than a six-month break in service from another CalPERS or CalPERS'-reciprocal agency. Employees make a 4.5% member contribution and 4.5% of the employer's share, and may be subject to compensation limits per Section 401(a)(17) of the IRC.  The City will contribute 4.5% of the member contribution and report the value to CalPERS as pensionable income.

• Tier III - 2.7% @ 57/ Highest Three Consecutive Years of Compensation for employees hired on or after January 01, 2013 who are considered, "New Members." Employees will pay an 11.5% member contribution in accordance with Government Code Section 7522.30, and are subject to compensation limits per Government Code Section 7522.10. Additional details regarding the City's retirement plan will be provided to candidates during the job offer process.

• Social Security:  CalPERS members do not participate in Social Security retirement so there is no payroll deduction. Receiving a CalPERS benefit may affect your Social Security upon retirement. For further information contact a Social Security office or www.socialsecurity.gov/form1945.

•   Employees participate only in the Medicare portion of Social Security. There is a 1.45% payroll deduction for this benefit.

• Holidays: Due to employees working in positions that require scheduled staffing without regard to holidays, they will receive holiday pay and may cash out their annual hours of holiday time.

• Vacation: Officers will accrue vacation semi-monthly, based on their years of service. (Refer to the VPOA MOU for detailed information.)

• Personal Leave: 35 hours per calendar year.

• Sick Leave: 8 hours accrued per month, up to 1,440 hours (25% will be paid out at retirement with 10 years of service).

• Educational Incentive: After completion of probation, 5% of base pay for an AA/AS degree or intermediate POST certificate or 10.24% for a BA degree or Advanced POST certificate.

• Tuition Reimbursement: $2,500 per fiscal year for tuition and books for courses taken at an accredited institution after completion of the probationary period.

• Uniform Allowance: $550 per year. All uniforms, including safety vests, are provided.

• Bilingual Pay: $100 per pay period for demonstrated proficiency in a second language.

• Student Loan Forgiveness: The City currently qualifies as an eligible employer for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

•  Officers in Field Services work 12 hours per day, 3 days per week.

• Wellness Program: A comprehensive program is available that includes an on-site gym, paid workouts, exercise classes, a comfort therapy dog, critical incident debriefings, mandatory mental health check-ins, and more.

• Professional Development: The City of Ventura is a LinkedIn Learning organization. LinkedIn Learning online classes are available with a library of more than 13,000 courses taught by real-world experts. Users can download certificates and customize learning paths that match their roles and competencies.

Minimum Qualifications – Required

Candidates must meet the qualifications stated below to be considered for these positions.

Education: Graduation from High School, or a GED is required. College coursework in Criminal Justice, behavioral science, or other social sciences is preferred.

Age: Must be 21 years of age on or before the date of appointment as a Police Officer

Convictions: Must be of good moral character, with no felony convictions or convictions that preclude firearm possession or employment as a peace officer.

Citizenship: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.

Medical: Excellent physical condition.  Must meet California POST medical and psychological standards.

Other: Candidates are required to undergo an extensive background investigation, polygraph examination, post-offer psychological evaluation, and post-offer medical examination, including screening for drugs and alcohol.

License: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Class C driver's license and acceptable driving record are required at time of appointment.

How to Apply

Submit a city application and supplemental questionnaire. Applications and supplemental questions will be accepted on a continuous basis.  Applications are reviewed weekly, and candidates are encouraged to apply for immediate consideration.  

The preferred method to submit your application is online at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/jobs. If you are unable to submit an online application, you may request paper application materials by calling (805) 654-7802 during regular business hours or emailing recruitment@cityofventura.ca.gov .

Paper applications and answers to the supplemental questionnaire can be Faxed to (805) 648-4467 or mailed to City Hall at: 501 Poli Street, Room 210; Ventura, CA 93001. If you FAX, it is highly recommended that you also send the original documents via mail. It is important that your city job application show all the relevant education, training, and experience you possess. Resumes, CVs and cover letters may be attached to your application but will not be accepted in lieu of a completed job application or supplemental questionnaire. Submitting an incomplete application or supplemental questionnaire, may disqualify you from further consideration in the recruitment process. After you apply, all future correspondence from the city will be via E-Mail.  Please check your messages regularly and keep your contact information up to date using your on-line application.

The Selection Process

The selection process includes:

Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Review:

A review of application and supplemental questionnaire will be conducted and applicants meeting the minimum qualifications and desired background experience for successful performance as a Police Officer Trainee will continue in the next step of the process.  

Applicants must successfully meet the written examination requirement and submit qualifying California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) results WITH their application (valid for exams administered within one year of application submittal) or have already passed the National Testing Network exam to be certified to the eligibility list.

Written Examination

PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION UNTIL THIS REQUIREMENT IS SATISFIED.  

Applicants must satisfy the following requirements:

• Submit California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) test score with your application. Test scores are valid for exams administered within one year of application submittal and applicant must submit a letter from the testing agency on agency letterhead at time of application submission. Applicants must meet the minimum T-score of 42 and acceptance of other agency's T-score is subject to verification with the testing agency.

OR

• Must have completed the National Testing Network (NTN) FrontLine National Written examination within one year prior to submitting your application and achieve a minimum score of: Video (65), Reading (70), Writing (70).  The Human Resources Department will confirm applicant test scores directly with NTN once the application is submitted.  

Information Regarding NTN FrontLine National Written examination:

If you choose to take the NTN written examination, go to www.nationaltestingnetwork.com, select Law Enforcement and sign up for the City of Ventura Police Department. If you have problems scheduling the written examination, please contact NTN Customer Support at: support@nationaltestingnetwork.com.  

National Testing Network is a service provided to conduct entry level testing in a standardized, professional environment. National Testing Network does not replace the City of Ventura's responsibility and decision making in the testing process.  All candidate results are provided to the City of Ventura Human Resources Department where the final decisions are made.

What to expect at the www.nationaltestingnetwork.com website:

• You will need to establish an account with NTN.  A fee is required to take the written exam. Candidates with demonstrate financial hardship may submit a request to have the fee waived prior to test registration.  See Candidate FAQ #27 on the NTN website for information on how to apply for a fee waiver. www.nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/faqs.cfm

• Online practice tests are available at www.frontlinetest.com.

• Schedule your own convenient test time. Tests are offered multiple times each week, including Saturdays.

•  You will need to designate City of Ventura Police Department for us to receive and review your scores.

Eligibility List

Applicants who meet the written examination requirement by providing qualifying POST PELLETB test scores or passing the NTN written examination will be certified to an eligibility list, which will be sent to the Police Department for further consideration. The Police Department will administer the remaining processes outlined below.

Pre-Investigative Questionnaire (PIQ) Completion: All applicants certified to the eligibility list are required to complete and return the Pre-Investigative Questionnaire (PIQ) to the Police Department. A copy of the Pre-Investigative Questionnaire in PDF fillable format will be sent to candidates selected to move forward in the process.

Department Selection Interviews: Upon review of the completed Pre-Investigative Questionnaire, the Police Department will invite a limited number of candidates to participate in department selection interviews.

Personal History Statement (PHS) Completion: After successfully completing the department selection interviews, candidates selected to proceed will be required to submit an online ESOPH background Personal History Statement (PHS) following the interview.

Physical Agility Test:  Applicants placed into the background investigation stage will be required to complete a physical agility test.

The physical agility test consists of the following components:

• Agility Run: Run a 99-yard course with abrupt changes in lateral and vertical movement

• Dummy Drag: Lift and drag a 165 pound dummy 32 feet

• Fence Climb/Run: Run 5 yards, climb a six-foot high chain-link fence, continue running 25 yards

• Fence Climb/Run: Run 5 yards, climb a six-foot high solid fence, continue running 25 yards

• 500 Yard Run: Run 500 yards with no obstacles

Additional Selection and Hiring Components: Polygraph, background investigation, post-offer psychological and medical examinations.

Police Academy: Candidates selected for hire will enter a 24-week Police Academy.

Additional Information

For additional information on the duties and responsibilities of each position, refer to the job descriptions located on the City’s Career Page at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/jobs or by viewing here: Police Officer Trainee I and Police Officer Trainee II. 

Questions? Contact the Recruitment Team at:

recruitment@cityofventura.ca.gov

(805) 654-7802