Location
Description
The Mill Valley Police Department is currently seeking applicants for the position of Police Officer Trainee, a salaried and benefitted, at-will classification which includes a Sponsored Police Academy opportunity.
A valid (within 1-year) and passing PELLETB T-Score of 42 or higher, as well as a passing score of 320 for the Physical Agility Exam and a maximum run completion time of 14 minutes for the 1.5 mile run is required to move forward in the hiring process. A list of testing sites and dates can be found here: https://theacademy.ca.gov/tests/
Salary + Benefits*
$5,894/month while a Police Officer Trainee
$8,701/month Step 1 Police Officer
*Benefit info below.
Deadline to Apply
Sunday, September 21 @ 10:00PM
Save the Date
If selected for the position, the employee will undergo a full background check, psychological testing, and medical testing. After passing required tests, the employee must commit to attending a 20-week program with the Santa Rosa Junior College Public Safety Training Center. The police academy will be held Monday – Friday and include some nights and weekends. The next academy is January 5 - May 22, 2026.
Upon graduation, the successful trainee will be transitioned to a Field Training Officer program with the Mill Valley Police Department and promoted to Step 1 Police Officer (probationary) with full benefits. If the employee does not complete and graduate the police academy with a POST academy certificate, they will be released from employment. The applicant may be released at any point they do not pass required testing during the course of the police academy.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Police Officer Trainee position enables an incumbent to attend a local law enforcement academy and earn their POST (California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training) certificate of academy completion while enjoying the support and mentorship of our agency, and receiving compensation. Through the academy and certification process, the successful incumbent will become eligible for promotion to Police Officer and immediate transition into MVPD's Field Training Program.
Police Officer Classification - Examples of Essential Duties (include but are not limited to):
- Patrol the City in radio-equipped car or on foot.
- Answer calls for the protection of life & property, and the enforcement of city, county, and state laws.
- Conduct both preliminary and follow-up investigations of disturbances, prowlers, burglaries, thefts, hold-ups, vehicle accidents, death, and other criminal incidents.
- Patrol the City and respond to calls related to traffic incidents and any other required emergencies.
- Observe, monitor, and control routine and unusual traffic conditions.
- Assist and advise motorists and enforce traffic safety laws.
- Make arrests as necessary.
- Interview victims, complainants, and witnesses.
- Interrogate suspects; gather and preserve evidence.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Please thoroughly complete your application through CalOpps AND upload a thoughtful Cover Letter and Resume.
- Upload your valid P.O.S.T. PELLET B Exam, (minimum passing score of T-42 for Entry Level Officer Only). Your valid Physical Agility Exam (minimum passing score of 320) and run completion (maximum time of 14 minutes for 1.5 miles).
*Please note that the Job Description is currently under review, the job definition and duties contained in this announcement are representative of the job and are in substantial conformance to what the finalized description will include.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated desire and commitment to public service and sincere interest in a career in law enforcement. The ideal candidate should maintain high standards of personal conduct in the following areas:
- Attention to safety
- Self-control
- Personal and professional integrity
- Performance in high-stress environments
- Interpersonal and customer service skills
- Flexibility and ability to learn
Furthermore, the ideal candidate will have a proven track record of excellent decision-making and use of judgement. Successful candidates must past a vigorous background check and pre-hire screening process.
High School diploma or G.E.D., valid California driver’s license, U.S. citizen or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship. AA or BA/BS desired.
Benefits
Police Officer Trainee Benefits include:
- Monthly Salary
- Paid Academy Tuition and Fees
- Uniform and Equipment
- Per Diem
- Commuter Reimbursement (eligibility restrictions apply)
- Any other legally required benefits
Health Insurance – The City pays the full premium for the Kaiser Family Plan and up to the same amount for an HMO with Western Health Advantage
Dental Insurance – The City pays the full premium for coverage with Delta Dental PPO
Leave – the City offers generous leave, including:
- Vacation – 2 to 5 weeks depending on service time
- Sick – 11 days per year
- Holidays – 15 total per year
Retirement
- CalPERS retirement (a defined-benefit retirement plan)
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (with up to $600 in matching by the City)
- Retirement Health Savings Account (RHSA) with mandatory 1% employee contribution (1.5% after 5 years of service); City matches after first year
Other
- City pays the premiums for a $50,000 life insurance plan, as well as Long-Term Disability insurance
- Career development program and ample training
- Free & discounted use of City recreational facilities and programs, including: indoor pool, gym, summer camps, enrichment classes, group swim lessons and more!
Special Instructions
The City of Mill Valley utilizes CalOpps.org to accept and process employment applications.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the City's official application form, but should accompany the application. All applications and resumes will be reviewed to select those applicants whose qualifications appear to most closely match the requirements of the position. A limited number of qualified applicants may be invited to participate in the subsequent phase(s) of the recruitment process, which may include one or more of the following: written examination, performance examination, assessment exercises, oral interviews, and complete background checks. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement in the selection process.
Paper applications may be obtained from the City of Mill Valley at City Hall, 26 Corte Madera Avenue, Mill Valley, CA 94941 or by calling (415) 388-4033 x4772.