Salary : $61,069.00 - $124,918.00 Annually
Location : St. Helena
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2027-05
Department: Police Department
Opening Date: 08/26/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: POA
THE POSITIONThe City of St. Helena is seeking dedicated and forward-thinking Police Officers to join a department committed to exceptional public safety and meaningful community service. As our department continues to evolve through the implementation of new technologies, modern policing practices, and innovative tools, our officers have the opportunity to help shape the future of law enforcement in our community. Serving as a St. Helena Police Officer means more than responding to calls-it means building trust, protecting residents and visitors, and preserving the safety and quality of life that make St. Helena such a special place. Bring your skills, integrity, and commitment to service and help us
protect the heart of Napa Valley.Note: Candidates at various stages of their law enforcement careers are encouraged to apply, including lateral candidates, current Police Academy attendees, individuals who possess a POST certificate, and those interested in attending a Police Academy.
Candidates who possess the required POST certification may be eligible for appointment as a
Police Officer, with an annual salary range of
$102,771 - $124,918. Candidates who are selected but need to attend and successfully complete a Police Academy will be appointed as a
Police Officer Trainee, with an hourly salary range of
$29.36 - $35.69, while attending the Academy.
DEFINITION:Under general supervision, performs tasks and duties related to the protection of public health, safety and welfare, and the enforcement of applicable federal, state and local laws; provides traffic enforcement and control; carries out special assignments in a particular phase of police work; and performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The
Police Officer is the entry level class responsible for performance of the full scope of assigned law enforcement duties and responsibilities under general supervision. This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Police Sergeant in that the latter is responsible for performance of the more complex and difficult tasks, as well as the supervision of assigned law enforcement activities
SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED: Receives general supervision from a Police Sergeant or higher ranking position depending upon assignment. May provide direction to support staff and volunteers as required. May provide technical supervision and training if serving in the Field Training Program or as assigned officer in charge.
- Patrols assigned areas by car, motorcycle, bicycle or on foot; performs crime suppression and prevention activities; answers special calls; conducts initial and follow-up investigations; interviews victims, complainants and witnesses; answers complaints including domestic disturbances, health code and local ordinance violations; performs surveillance activities; conducts chemical, drug and alcohol testing; investigates suspicious circumstances; performs the handling of domestic and wild animals.
- Enforces traffic laws; controls and directs traffic when necessary; performs crowd control, operates hand held and stationary radar devices; assists in crime prevention activities and the control of juvenile delinquency; serves search warrants and subpoenas; administers CPR and first aid in cases of emergency; issues citations and makes arrests; transports, books and is responsible for the care and custody of detained persons; performs commercial vehicle enforcement.
- Trains and assists less experienced personnel as assigned; may serve as a Field Training Officer, officer in charge or in a variety of special program areas, including the Special Enforcement Team, traffic safety, K-9, school resource officer, detective, multi-agency task forces and administration.
- Coordinates and conducts complete and detailed investigation of crimes against persons and property; collects, preserves, maintains and processes evidence; takes written statements; prepares required reports and maintains investigative records; serves warrants and subpoenas; testifies in court in connection with prosecution of offenders; contacts and cooperates with other law enforcement agencies as warranted.
- Conducts property and building checks for burglary and other criminal activity; responds to questions, concerns and requests for service from the general public; provides information as appropriate and resolves complaints.
- Logs activity into department's database to accurately reflect activity and status.
- Participates in community policing activity including downtown foot patrol, school visits, organized events, community meetings etc.
- Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public.
Education and/or Experience: Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for a
Police Officer. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Experience in law enforcement and completion of an Associate's degree with major course work in a related field are desirable.
License/Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license.
Possession of a Basic Certificate issued by P.O.S.T.
Specialized assignments may require additional P.O.S.T. certifications as necessary.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: (The following are a representative sample of the KSA's necessary to perform essential duties of the position.)
Knowledge of: Operations and standard operating procedures of a Police Department; applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations; principles of crime prevention and suppression; modern law enforcement methods and procedures, including patrol, crime prevention, traffic control and investigation; technical aspects of law enforcement activities including juvenile programs, record keeping, automated records systems, search and seizure, code violations and care and custody of persons and property; care, maintenance and operation of a variety of law enforcement equipment; methods and techniques of report preparation and writing; occupational hazards and standard safety practices; office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as law enforcement information systems, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Skill to: Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications; safely and effectively operate a variety of law enforcement equipment, firearms and a police vehicle in emergency situations.
Ability to: Gather, analyze and evaluate facts and evidence and reach sound conclusions; act quickly and calmly in emergency situations; function with a significant degree of independence; learn and apply applicable laws, codes and regulations; meet standards for physical endurance, agility, health and vision; work flexible hours, including weekends and split shifts; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Retirement: - Sworn: CalPERS defined benefit retirement: 3.0% at 50 formula for current (Classic) members; 2.7% at 57 for new (PEPRA) members.
- Employee (EE) is responsible for payment of the EE share of the pension cost.
- City employees also participate in the Social Security system.
Insurance: - City-paid health, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
- Life Insurance - $25,000 - City Paid
- Dependent Care Program
- Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
- Employee Assistance Program
Leaves: - Vacation accrues at varying rates for full-time employees.
- Holidays - 3.69 hours accrued/pay period.
- One personal convenience day per year (increases to four days after five years).
- Sick leave (twelve days per year)
- Bereavement Pay - 5 days for death of immediate family.
Additional Pays: - Bilingual Pay - 2.5% written, 2.5% verbal, or $150/month for adequate communication.
- Longevity Pay - Available after 5 years of continuous service.
- Special Assignment Pay - For sworn officers. Varies based on assignment.
- Uniform Allowance:
