POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE (20685918)

The City of Simi Valley is seeking motivated and community‑minded individuals to join our team as Police Officer Trainees. This entry‑level opportunity is designed for those who have not yet attended a POST‑certified academy but are eager to begin a rewarding career in law enforcement.

As a Police Officer Trainee, you will receive PAID TRAINING while attending the six‑month academy, where you will learn the skills necessary to protect life and property, enforce laws, and serve the community with integrity. Upon successful completion, trainees are promoted to Police Officer, with opportunities for advancement, specialized assignments, and additional pay incentives.

This is your chance to start a meaningful career with the Simi Valley Police Department, where we are committed to safety, service, and building strong community partnerships.

                                  POSITION DETAILS:

• Salary Range: $37.84 hourly with Excellent benefits
  • 5% Cost of Living Adjustment increase effective 6/29/26
• Upon completion of Academy: $43.24 hourly with Excellent benefits
  • 5% Cost of Living Adjustment increase effective 6/29/26
• 4/10 work schedule (Four 10-hour shifts per week)
• Must be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays

                         MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be 21 years of age as of the date of hire
• Legally authorized to work in the United States
• Equivalent to graduation from an accredited U.S. high school or a passing score on the General Education Development (GED) test.   
• Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Be of good moral character with no felony convictions.

                                  JOB DESCRIPTION:

Job Description: Police Officer Trainee

                                 IDEAL CANDIDATE:

The ideal candidate will be someone who:

• Embodies service, integrity, and resilience in their daily work.

• Genuinely seeks to help others, demonstrating compassion and a commitment to making a positive impact in the community.

• Possesses strong communication skills, enabling effective connections with colleagues, community members, and the public.

• Can remain calm under pressure, exercising self‑control and sound judgment in stressful situations.

• Upholds honesty and integrity, fostering trust and respect in every interaction.

• Navigates challenges with professionalism and empathy, making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

                                       WHY SVPD?

Click here to discover more about the Simi Valley Police Department, our mission, and career opportunities by visiting our website today!

                                          BENEFITS:

We’re proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that supports your health, financial well‑being, and professional growth—because taking care of our team is essential to serving our community.

Below, you’ll find an overview of the benefits available to Police Officer Trainees, as well as the enhanced benefits you become eligible for upon graduation from the Police Academy as a Sworn Police Officer.

This information is intended to give an overview of the benefits available to City employees. It is not intended to be a contract (expressed or implied), nor is it intended to otherwise create any legally enforceable obligations on the part of the City, its agents or its employees.

                                APPLICATION PROCESS:

• Submit Online Application

  • Complete your application through CalOpps.

• Written Examination Requirement

  • After submitting your application (or within one year prior), complete the National Testing Network (NTN) FrontLine National Written Examination.

  • Visit www.nationaltestingnetwork.com to schedule your exam.

• Alternative Option – POST Examination

  • If you have already taken the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) entry‑level examination (PELLET B) within the last twelve months and achieved a passing T‑Score of 45.0 or higher, you may bypass the NTN exam.

  • Submit your results directly to jobs@simivalley.org.

                                         TESTING PROCESS:

• Written Examination Upon passing the written exam, candidates will be contacted via email to complete a Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ).

• Oral Interview & Eligibility List Candidates who submit their PHQ in a timely and appropriate manner will be invited to an oral interview with Background Detectives. Successful candidates will be placed on an eligibility list based on interview ranking.

• Background Investigation Top candidates will undergo a comprehensive background investigation, which includes:

  • Medical evaluation

  • Psychological assessment

  • Polygraph examination

  • Drug and alcohol screening

• Physical Agility Testing Candidates must successfully complete the following physical agility components:

  • One Mile Run – 10 minutes

  • Solid Fence Climb – 13.5 seconds

  • Chain Link Fence Climb – 10 seconds

  • Body Drag (165 lbs.) – 14 seconds

  • 99‑Yard Obstacle Course – 25 seconds

• Final Interview Candidates who pass all prior stages will participate in the Chief’s Final Oral Interview.

                                 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

This recruitment is continuous with application review occurring on a regular basis. The most qualified candidates will be invited to the next steps in our hiring process. An invitation is not guaranteed. 

Resumes are not accepted in lieu of the City’s Application form. Employment applications must be complete, contain a minimum of ten years of experience (appropriately), and list gaps in employment.

                                    SELECTION PROCESS:

• Applications will be evaluated based on education, training, and experience as it relates to the position.
• Testing may include written, oral panel interviews, and department-level interviews.

If selected for this position, you agree to undergo the following before your official appointment:

• Polygraph Examination
• Comprehensive Background Investigation
• Psychological Evaluation
• Drug Screening before your official appointment
• Providing copies of degree(s), training certifications/licenses listed on application/resume
• Verification of Employment for entire job history

**Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must submit form DD214 with the application.

                         REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance in the selection process, please notify the Human Resources Division, in writing.

                              DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

The following factors are disqualifying:

• False statement or omission of information on the employment application, personal history statement, verbally to the oral panel, or the background investigator is disqualifying and grounds for termination of employment.
• Felony conviction.
• Applicants on criminal probation at time of intended hire.
• Unlawful use of any drug (including marijuana) while employed as a full-time or limited peace officer.
• Involvement in the sales of illegal drugs (including marijuana).
• Lack of a California driver’s license at time of intended hire.
• A sex act perpetrated against the will of the other party.
• Suicide attempts.

The following factors may be disqualifying:

• Prior drug usage will be evaluated for what was used, the extent of the use, and how recent the usage has been (including marijuana).
• Misdemeanor conviction.
• An arrest which could have led to one year in County Jail or State Prison.
• Theft.
• Unlawful carrying of a concealed weapon.
• A sex act in which the other party was under eighteen years of age.
• Demonstrated history of irresponsible motor vehicle operation.
• A “Failure to Appear” on your driving record.
• D.U.I. conviction.
• Applicants under psychological/psychiatric care.
• Military discipline or less than honorable discharge.
• Demonstrated history of financial irresponsibility.
• Failure to keep appointments or submit documentation in a complete, neat and timely fashion during the hiring process.