Assistant Program Officer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $24.77 - $28.67 Hourly
Location : Special Operations Center (SOC), 4119 DuPont Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN
Job Type: Both Full-time and Part-time
Job Number: 2026-00001
Department: Police
Division: Police
Opening Date: 01/01/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: CAF
Position Description
As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose-serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.
The Minneapolis Police Department is looking for Community Service Officer candidates - people who have a strong sense and commitment for public service, outstanding character, sound judgment, excellent work ethic, effective oral and written communication skills, interpersonal tact, empathy, and compassion.
A Community Service Officer (CSO) works approximately 20-30 hours per week (Monday - Friday with occasional nights and weekends) in the Minneapolis Police Department for up to three years while enrolled as a student in an approved, two- year law enforcement program and/or working toward completion of Minnesota Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) licensing requirements. CSO's assist the Police Department and community by promoting intercommunication, understanding and cooperation between the Police Department and the diverse communities of Minneapolis. The CSO is a civilian position designed to prepare CSO's for a full time Police Officer position. No one retains the job title of CSO on a long-term basis.
Work Location - This position currently works on-site only (no remote work).
The City of Minneapolis does not sponsor applicants for work visas.
Want to learn more about the CSO program? The Minneapolis Police Department is hosting an information session which you are highly encouraged to attend. Attendance is optional for all applicants or potential applicants. Registration is NOT required.
INFORMATION SESSION:
Want to learn more about the Community Service Office position? The Minneapolis Police Department is hosting an information session which you are highly encouraged to attend. Attendance is optional for all applicants or potential applicants. Registration is NOT required.
Date: TBD
Location: TBD
GOVERNMENT ISSUED PHOTO ID REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
We will highlight and discuss some of these topics:
Application process and educational requirements

• Background Investigation information
• Medical, psychological, physical and drug & alcohol testing
• CSO Academy and Education Program
• P.O.S.T. minimum selection standards for peace officer licensure

Continuous Application Process -- This job posting will be used for on-going hiring without closing for applications. Applications will be reviewed in groups on an on-going basis as described in the Selection Process section below.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
(Including but not limited to)

• Assists patrol officers in non-enforcement activities
• Responds to citizen requests for service
• Maintains police vehicles and equipment as assigned
• Picks up and delivers correspondence for the department and community organizations Identifies and reports criminal activity
• Assists citizens in identifying crime prevention techniques
• Recovers abandoned property
• Assists in traffic control of special events, major fires, parades and accidents
• Assists department officers or other agencies in providing transportation as requested
• Participate in recruitment and community engagement events
• Must pass periodic performance evaluations
• Regular and reliable attendance

WORKINGCONDITIONS:
Exposure to hazardous conditions and life-threatening situations
Required Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age by hire.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States
• Must have a valid driver's license by hire.

Education:

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent by conditional offer.
• Must provide a college transcript and/or documented proof of enrollment or acceptance to a law enforcement program at a regionally accredited college/university by conditional offer.

**NOTE: TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT REQUIRE ENROLLMENT INTO THE FIRST AVAILABLE SESSION, AFTER HIRE, AND CONTINUOUS ENROLLMENT (TO INCLUDE SUMMER SESSIONS) AS A FULL-TIME STUDENT IN AN APPROVED TWO-YEAR LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING PROGRAM AND COMPLETION OF THE LAW
ENFORCEMENT DEGREE WITHIN THREE YEARS OF HIRE. ***Must maintain a grade point average of 2.5 and must not be on academic suspension.*** After successful completion of the degree, applicants must also complete the Minnesota P.O.S.T. Board requirements and department testing to be eligible to achieve the position of Police Officer (Recruit). Failure to do so will result in release from employment with the Minneapolis Police Department. Also, the MPD will assess CSO suitability for Police Officer after completion of academic training, based on, but not limited to, field performance, assignment rotations, and supervisor recommendation.
Must continue employment with the Minneapolis Police Department for a period of three years following hire as a Police Officer or reimburse the cost of tuition paid by the department.
Licenses:

• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license as defined by the Minneapolis Police Department by hire.
• Applicants must NOT have taken and passed the Minnesota Board of P.O.S.T. licensing exam before hire.

StateRequirements:

• Must not have a felony conviction.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Medical/Psychological Exams:
Candidates must be deemed medically and psychologically fit. After a conditional job offer, candidates will be required to pass a medical examination which includes a physical screening, a work simulation test and a psychological exam. Pre- Employment Medical exams are tentatively scheduled to begin in September.
DrugandAlcoholTesting
All job applicants must pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Applicants will be required to sign a notification and consent form prior to undergoing drug and alcohol testing. Applicants who do not consent to undergo drug and alcohol testing will not be required to do so and the City will withdraw the conditional job offer, resulting in the job applicant no longer being considered for the position.
Physical Requirements
This position requires standing, walking, sitting, talking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, reach with hands and arms. Must be able to lift up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Requires close distance color, peripheral vision with ability to adjust focus. Police work is physically and mentally demanding. During the training academy, candidates will participate in, and be assessed on, MPD Police Officer fitness requirements.
Background Check (Police)
The City has determined that a thorough Minneapolis Police Department criminal background check is necessary for positions with this job title. Applicants must sign an informed consent allowing the City to obtain their criminal history information in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be considered for the position.
SelectionProcess:
Candidates unable to complete any portion of this process will not be eligible to move forward in the hiring process.
The selection process will consist of a rating of relevant education and experience (30% of total score) and an oral examination (70% of total score). It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Only those candidates who attain a passing score (70%) on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.
SelectionStepsandTentativeTimeline:
Applications will be reviewed every 30 days. Applications received within each 30-day period will be processed through the described selection process as a group. Candidates will be notified by email with instructions or information for each step below:
Application
Review
Review and screen applications within 60 days of receipt.
BackgroundsBackground investigation, conducted by MPD. Selections to move forward in the process will be made upon the completion and review of the background investigation results. Average background investigation is a 10-week process.Department
InterviewsDepartment interviews are held while candidates are in the Background Investigation Process.ConditionalJob
OffersFinal selections and conditional job offers will be made within two weeks of Department
Interviews.Medical ExamsPre-employment medical exams, including work simulation tests and psychological exams, are
held within two weeks of conditional job offer and will take approximately six weeks to complete.Begin WorkCSO academy begins 2-4 weeks from successfully completing all medical exam components.InterviewSelection:
The hiring authority reserves the right to determine the maximum number of candidates to interview from the list of individuals who meet basic qualifications. If the hiring authority decides to interview other than by exam score order, they may select additional people to interview based on a candidate's education or experience related to the field, work history, or skills uniquely related to the operational needs of the position.
EligibleListStatement:
The names of applicants who meet minimum qualification and who pass the screening process shall be placed on a continuous eligible list for employment consideration. This list will be certified in groups to the hiring manager who may use the list to fill a vacancy of the same job title on an on-going basis. A candidate's eligibility for consideration will expire 6 months after date of certification.
UnionRepresentation:
This position is represented by AFSCME General Unit (CAF). A collective bargaining agreement between the City of Minneapolis and AFSCME General Unit sets forth the terms and conditions of employment. For more information on the terms and conditions of this agreement please visit:
NOTES:
For more information about this position and the Minneapolis Police Department:
For more information about Minnesota P.O.S.T. requirements:
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of Police Department divisions, functions, goals and special programs.
• Considerable knowledge of community needs desires, social patterns and attitudes.
• Some knowledge of State, Federal and Local laws, ordinances and law enforcement techniques.
• Knowledge of social services available to crime victims who need assistance.
• Law enforcement background highly desirable in some positions.
• May require bilingual skill depending on the community assigned.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Continuing employment contingent on satisfactory progress toward graduation from an approved law enforcement training program, and Minnesota POST Licensing, within specified time limits

As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose-serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.
The City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Benefits Summary
Our employees enjoy competitive salaries and generous benefits. We pride ourselves on a comprehensive benefits program that supports employees' health and financial well-being. Programs, resources, and benefit eligibility varies based on position, average hours worked, location and length of service. For detailed benefits information, please visit the
Insurance
Health insurance
Eligibility for benefits begins the first of the month following employment date. The City of Minneapolis offers eligible employees with a choice of six provider networks, allowing you to select the best option for you. Available plans include Medica Choice Passport, Medica Elect, VantagePlus with Medica, Park Nicollet and HealthPartners Medical Group First with Medica, Ridgeview Community Network powered by Medica, and Clear Value with Medica.
Dental insurance
The City of Minneapolis offers dental insurance through Delta Dental of Minnesota and pays 100% of the monthly premium for eligible employees.
Life insurance
The city provides basic life insurance of one times your annual salary up to $50,000. You can elect to purchase optional life insurance.
Paid time off
Our generous leave package includes vacation, holidays and paid sick leave, which gives employees the opportunity to enhance their quality of life outside work. Amounts and accrual rates are based on years of experience and
Paid parental leave
City employees...