Location
Description
Mill Valley Police Department Now Hiring:
Lateral Police Officers, Academy Graduates, & Academy Attendees
The Mill Valley Police Department is seeking dedicated, service-driven individuals to join our team as Lateral Police Officers, Academy Graduates, and Academy Attendees. Whether you are an experienced officer or beginning your career in law enforcement, we offer the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a highly engaged and supportive community.
WHY MILL VALLEY?
Nestled at the base of Mount Tamalpais, Mill Valley offers a unique policing environment where community relationships come first. Our officers are trusted partners, problem-solvers, and visible leaders committed to maintaining a safe and welcoming city.
The City of Mill Valley offers hiring incentives including:
SALARY | BENEFITS | BONUS
- Salary: $8,701 - $10,577 (DOE)/Monthly + Benefits + Hiring Bonuses
- $20,000 Hiring Bonus
- 40-hour Vacation Bank (laterals only)
- 40-hour Sick Bank (laterals only)
- Vacation accrual to match total years of service
- MOU scheduled raises July 2026
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY
Mill Valley, the third largest city in Marin County, is located 6 miles north of San Francisco at the foot of Mount Tamalpais. The population is 14,500 with another 16,000 within its sphere of influence. The city is primarily residential with an active commercial element supporting local needs. The cost of housing is high and is a factor applicants should consider.
The mountain and panoramic views of San Francisco create an awe-inspiring backdrop for thousands of hikers and mountain bikers who visit Mill Valley each year. They enjoy miles of fire roads and hiking trails both within the City limits and on adjacent Water District lands. Tourists visit the historic downtown on weekends and holidays, enjoying the numerous small specialty shops and fine restaurants, which comprise the majority of the downtown business.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The Mill Valley Police Department is committed to providing exceptional public safety service, education and preparedness in partnership with our community. The Department strives to develop professional and well-trained employees dedicated to upholding the highest standards of law enforcement.
The Mill Valley Police Department's mission is to provide a safe and secure community for our residents and visitors; protect life and property; enforce the law in transparent and equitable manners; and develop strong partnerships through community outreach, education, and collaboration.
Law enforcement, criminal investigation, patrol, traffic, crime prevention, and other public safety duties are provided by the Mill Valley Police Department under the direction of Police Chief Ignacio R. Navarro.
ABOUT THE POSITION
Under general supervision, a Police Officer is responsible to perform law enforcement and crime prevention work; to control traffic flow and enforce State and local traffic regulations; to perform investigative work; to participate in and provide support and assistance to special department crime prevention and enforcement programs. This is the entry level classification in the professional police series requiring sworn peace officer status.
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 and 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.
*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
With a proven track record of excellent decision-making and use of judgement, the ideal candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to public service and 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
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. Must have completed a California P.O.S.T. Academy within the past 3 years (does not apply to currently employed California peace officers holding a Basic California P.O.S.T. certificate).
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
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
- "New"/PEPRA sworn safety employees will be covered by the PERS 2.7% @ 57 Plan
- "Classic" sworn safety employees will be covered by the CalPERS 3.0% @ 55 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.
Educational Incentive Program
Educational Incentive Program All members of the Police Officers Association who have successfully completed POST (Police Officers Standards and Training) certificate programs and/or earned a postsecondary or advanced degree from an accredited educational institution shall receive additional compensation according to the following:
- 2% of base pay with POST Certificate
- 3% of base pay with Associate degree or Advanced POST Certificate
- 5% of base pay with Bachelor’s degree
- 6% of base pay with Master’s degree
- Additional 0.50% of base pay with Sworn POST Supervisor Certificate
Other
- City pays the premiums for a $25,000 life insurance plan, as well as Long-Term Disability insurance.
- Longevity Pay (see Police Officers Association on the City Website for more info)
- Career development program and ample training
- Free & discounted use of City recreational facilities and programs, including: indoor pool, gym, rental facilities, summer camps, group swim lessons, enrichment classes, and more!
Special Instructions
Deadline to apply: Open until filled (Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis)
The City of Mill Valley utilizes CalOpps.org to accept and process employment applications. All communication and notices will be sent via e-mail. Additional inquiries about the position may be directed to Human Resources Analyst Annie Bricca at abricca@cityofmillvalley.gov.
Please complete all sections of the application, including the supplemental questions and work experience section which should be consistent with information on your resume. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the City's official application form, but should accompany the application. Applicants are required to attach both a cover letter and a resume for consideration.
It is strongly recommended that you write your cover letter personally and do not use AI tools, as we value authentic and individualized responses.
If you are currently attending academy, please upload verification of your attendance with your application.
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.
Incomplete applications may be disqualified from further consideration.
All applications, cover letters, 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.
The City of Mill Valley is not responsible for failure of internet forms or email in submitting your application.
Candidates who may require special assistance in any phase of the application or selection process should advise the City of Mill Valley by emailing abricca@cityofmillvalley.gov and sallingham@cityofmillvalley.gov.
City of Mill Valley is an Equal Opportunity Employer.