Police Officer - Lateral

Salary: $8,171.54 - $9,932.54 Monthly
Location : Santa Maria, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: FY 25-00059
Department: Police Department
Division: Police - Operations
Opening Date: 02/21/2025

LATERAL INCENTIVES (as of August 2021) are offered to those candidates who are currently employed as a sworn Peace Officer, have successfully completed a Field Training Program, and possess a Basic POST Certificate.

• $20,000 hiring incentive ($10k at time of hire / $5k upon successful completion of FTP / $5k upon successful completion of probation, 12 months)
• Relocation incentive for candidates outside of area.
• Credit for full years of service with most recent POST recognized agency (for vacation accrual purposes)
• PERS ret. 3% at 55 (if coming from another PERS agency)
• 4/10 plan for sworn personnel
• Preloaded 80 hours vacation upon hire.
• Preloaded 80 hours sick time upon hire.
• 7% Longevity Pay for employees with ten (10) years of sworn law enforcement service

OUT-OF-STATE LATERAL APPLICANTS: Assistance through the recertification course may be available.

Please see the SELECTION PROCESS below for required attachment(s) to the electronic application. Applicants will not be able to "submit" the application, without first electronically attaching the required documents.

If you have further job-related questions please contact staff in the Training and Recruitment Bureau at 805-928-3781 x2144. If you are experiencing any technical (computer related) difficulties, please call the NEOGOV help line for technical assistance at 1-877-204-4442.

Under general direction of assigned supervisor, performs law enforcement and crime prevention work; controls traffic flow and enforces state and local traffic laws; may work rotating shifts to preserve the peace and enforce the law. Supervision is not normally a responsibility of this classification, but may act as lead worker for temporarily assigned employees, or special projects.

The Police Officer position is an Individual Contributor role that provides safety, security, trust and comfort to Santa Maria residents. Their role enables the enforcement of laws and promotion of safety so that the Santa Maria community is a safe place to live, work and raise a family.
DUTIES

WHAT WE DO:
These duties are a representative example; position assignments may vary depending on the business needs of the department and organization. This position:

• Performs law enforcement and crime prevention work.
• Controls traffic flow and enforces state and local traffic laws.
• Performs security patrols, first aid, detection, investigations, and arrests of persons involved in crimes or misconduct.
• Carries out duties in conformance with local, state and federal laws and ordinances.
• Patrols city streets, parks, commercial and residential areas, etc.
• Performs work requiring good physical condition in a safe and effective manner and under all conditions; safely drive a vehicle under a variety of conditions; etc.
• Uses firearms and other weapons safely and accurately.
• Handles difficult and emergency situations without assistance.
• Responds to emergency radio calls; investigates accidents, robberies, civil disturbances, domestic disputes, fights, drunkenness, missing children, prowlers, abuse of drugs, etc.
• Takes appropriate law enforcement action including interrogations, evidence preservation, etc.
• Conducts follow-up investigations; prepares cases and testifies in court proceedings.
• Prepares a variety of reports.
• Undertakes community oriented police work; assists citizens with such matters as locked or stalled vehicles, crime prevention, drug abuse resistance education (DARE), traffic safety, etc.
• Scope of assigned area will depend on departmental structure and is at the discretion of the department director.
• Upholds the values of the organization and has strong customer service orientation.
• Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.
• Demonstrates regular, reliable and punctual attendance.

DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION:
Police Officer

REQUIRED SUBMITTALS:
Due upon application:

• Cover letter
• Résumé
• POST Basic Law Enforcement Certificate

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

• Ideally, One year of recent law enforcement experience (preferably in California); and
• Graduation from high school;
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
• Current technical/professional knowledge of complex principles, methods, standards and techniques associated with the scope of work of a recognized profession, such as:
  • Federal, State and local laws and ordinances, particularly with reference to arrest, rules of evidence pertaining to search and seizure, and preservation and presentation of evidence; community-oriented policing; etc.
  • Police procedures, and the management of programs of persons committing misdemeanors and felonies; preservation and presentation of evidence in criminal cases; analyze situations effectively; etc.
  • Communicate effectively both oral and written forms; learn the community and organizational procedures and maintain effective relationships; etc.
  • Effective customer service and oral and written communication skills.
  • Microsoft Office Suite (or equivalent).
  • Use computer and other office equipment effectively.
• Desired other licenses and/or certifications associated with the assignment, such as:
  • P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Possession of a valid and appropriate Driver License. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record and meet City liability requirements to drive for City business.
• Requires completion of a background investigation to the satisfaction of the City, which includes polygraph, medical, and psychological exam.
• The incumbent must meet the physical requirements of the job class and have mobility, balance, coordination, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed. Pre-employment physical agility will be performed.
• Reasonable accommodation(s) for an individual with a qualified disability will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

SELECTION PROCESS

***Note: Individuals who have applied for the position of Police Officer with the City of Santa Maria and have failed any examination pertaining to the Police Officer selection process within the past twelve months are not eligible to apply.

The completed electronic application packet will include the online application, supplemental questions, and electronic attachment of a current/valid California POST Basic Certificate or Certificate of Completion of the California POST Basic Course Waiver Process (if attained). If you are experiencing any technical (computer related) difficulties or need help with attaching documents to your application, please call the NEOGOV help line for assistance at 1-877-204-4442.

As you complete your online application, please provide complete and accurate information for each employment during the past 10 years. Attaching a resume to your electronic application does not substitute for providing the information requested on the electronic application. Do not write "See resume" or "See attached." Failure to provide complete information will cause forfeiture toward employment with the City.

As you complete your supplemental questionnaire, please provide length of experience as of the date the recruitment closes, not as of the date you are submitting your application.

Applicants are required to apply online. Hard copy application packets will not be accepted in lieu of applying through the online process. However, persons who believe they are qualified under the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) or California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) may request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the recruitment process. The request must be received by Human Resources with sufficient time prior to the final filing deadline, to allow for the request to be considered through the interactive process.

The most qualified candidates will be selected to appear before a panel for an oral interview. Those applicants invited to interview will be notified electronically at the e-mail address provided by each candidate through application process. Therefore, it is the applicant's responsibility to provide an accurate email address and to allow their inbox to receive emails in regard to this recruitment. A tentative oral interview date has been scheduled for TBD. The oral board will recommend a limited number of candidates to the eligibility list from which the new Police Officer may be selected. This recruitment may also establish an eligibility list for future Police Officer openings.

Although you are unable to make changes to a completed application or add additional documents one you initially submit your packet, if you need to make corrections or attach a document you missed, you may only do so by submitting an entire new application packet prior to the final filing deadline. Please note if you reapply, ONLY your most recent application will be reviewed; all portions of previous applications submitted will be automatically archived without review. It is the applicant's responsibility to submit a fully completed application for Human Resources review; incomplete applications will be subject to disqualification.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Upon hire, the candidate must submit a Department of Motor Vehicles printout summarizing their driving record covering the last 30 days from the closing date of this recruitment. Upon hire, candidate must possess a bank account to accommodate the City of Santa Maria's direct deposit for bi-weekly pay.
The following benefits vary by bargaining unit. For full benefit information please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding or compensation resolution available at

Retirement
The City of Santa Maria is a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Your benefit factor is determined by the retirement formula, age, service credit and final compensation. Based upon your bargaining unit and hire date the benefit factor will vary.
Health Insurance
Medical Insurance is provided to employees and eligible dependents through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). There are four Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO's) and three Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO's) to choose from. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

The City has a medical insurance benefit program which provides either payment towards the premium for the employee and eligible dependents, or cash payment if you and your dependent(s) already have health benefits. Evidence of major medical health insurance coverage is required for those employees who receive the cash payment. See Memorandum of Understanding for eligibility requirements.

Dental Insurance
Dental Insurance is provided to employees and eligible dependents through The Standard covering 100% of Preventive; 90% of Basic; and 60% of Major with a minimal deductible. The plan includes a Max Builder option rewarding insured employees and their dependents who use only a portion of their annual dental benefit maximum. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

Vision Insurance
Vision Insurance is available to employees and eligible dependents. Coverage is through VSP and covers an annual Well Vision exam and an allowance towards prescription glasses. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.
Life Insurance and AD&D Coverage
All employees working a minimum of thirty two (32) hours per week are eligible for Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. Supplemental life, spousal and dependent child options are also available. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.
Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
All employees working a minimum of thirty two (32) hours per week, excluding Sworn Police and Fire shall participate in the short-term and long-term disability plan with coverage up to 66 2/3% of salary. Sworn Police and Fire are covered through their respective bargaining unit.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
The City offers a flexible spending account option for Dependent Care and Health Care Expenses. With these plans, employees can choose to place a portion of their earnings into a personal reimbursement account on a pre-tax basis. Doing so lowers employees' taxable income for the year and allows them to pay for their qualified dependent care and eligible health care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Employee Assistance Program
The City provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through AETNA for all full and part time employees and their eligible dependents. The confidential EAP program can refer employees to professional counselors and services that can help resolve emotional health, family and work-life issues, or provid