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Entry Level Police Department Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Animal Control Officer

Greeley, CO · On-site

$26.57 - $38.53/hr

... police records management system, laptop, Outlook email, Windows 10, and smart phone. * Ability to comprehend municipal ordinances and state statutes, as well as department policy. * Entry level ...

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Entry Level Police Department information

See Colorado salary details

$21.2K

$45.8K

$73K

How much do entry level police department jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level police department in Colorado is $45,817.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,358.00 and $53,185.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you work in an entry level police department without being a police officer?

Entry level positions in police departments often include roles such as administrative support, community service officers, or cadets, which do not require police officer certification. However, most law enforcement roles that involve policing duties require completion of police academy training and certification, and non-officer roles typically do not have the same authority or responsibilities as sworn officers.

What is an entry level police department job?

Entry level police department jobs typically refer to positions such as Police Officer, Patrol Officer, or Police Recruit. These roles are responsible for enforcing laws, responding to emergencies, patrolling assigned areas, conducting investigations, and writing reports. Candidates usually must meet minimum education and physical requirements, pass written tests and background checks, and complete police academy training. Entry level officers work under the supervision of experienced officers and may have opportunities for advancement with experience and further training.

What types of training and mentorship can new hires expect in an entry level police department role?

Newly hired entry-level police officers typically undergo a comprehensive training program that includes both classroom instruction and field training. Recruits attend a police academy where they learn about laws, procedures, defensive tactics, and community policing. After graduation, they are usually paired with experienced officers through a Field Training Officer (FTO) program, providing hands-on mentorship and guidance as they transition into active duty. This structured support system helps new officers build skills, confidence, and professionalism while adjusting to the unique demands of law enforcement.

What do entry level police officers do?

Entry level police officers perform duties such as patrolling neighborhoods, responding to emergency calls, enforcing laws, conducting investigations, and writing reports. They often work under supervision, complete training at a police academy, and may use tools like radios and patrol vehicles to maintain public safety.

What is the difference between Entry Level Police Department vs Police Officer?

AspectEntry Level Police DepartmentPolice Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy trainingHigh school diploma or GED, police academy training
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement agencies, patrol, community engagementLaw enforcement agencies, patrol, investigations
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal, state, or federal agenciesMunicipal, state, or federal agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Police Department roles typically refer to the initial positions within law enforcement agencies, requiring basic credentials and training. Police Officers are the standard frontline personnel performing patrols, investigations, and community safety duties. The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'Entry Level Police Department' emphasizes the starting point, while 'Police Officer' describes the role itself.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level police officer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Police Officer, you typically need a high school diploma or GED, physical fitness, and a clean background, often followed by successful completion of police academy training. Familiarity with law enforcement tools, such as radios, firearms, body cameras, and report management systems, is essential. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and integrity help officers build trust and effectively manage high-pressure situations. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring public safety, upholding the law, and fostering positive community relations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Police Department jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Police Department jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Entry Level Police Department jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Entry Level Police Department job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Police Department job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,817 per year, or $22 per hour.

Animal Control Officer

City of Greeley

Greeley, CO • On-site

$26.57 - $38.53/hr

Other

Posted 14 days ago


City Of Greeley rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

621st of 844 rated public administrative organizations


Job description


Anticipated Hiring Range: $26.57 - $33.77 hourly
Full Salary Range: $26.57 - $38.53 hourly
Why do I see two salary ranges?
The City of Greeley in compliance with Colorado state law, includes a salary range for all positions posted. This law is intended to improve wage transparency. The City of Greeley, in support of wage transparency posts both the full salary range for each position (what you might anticipate your earnings could be if you work for the City of Greeley for some time), as well as the anticipated hiring range (the range within which the City anticipates making an offer). The actual offer extended will be based on your years of relevant experience, education, certifications and potentially other factors.
City of Greeley's Total Rewards
The City of Greeley is committed to providing a comprehensive total rewards program that supports employees in their work by encouraging excellence and investing in employee development and recognition. This philosophy is grounded in fiscal responsibility, organizational effectiveness, and employee safety and well-being, ensuring the responsible stewardship of public resources while offering meaningful and comparable rewards. This approach ensures that the city remains an attractive, inclusive, and rewarding work environment, while also effectively serving the community.
Benefits: This position is benefits eligible. Please view our benefits guide here.
City of Greeley: Work, Live, and Play in Greeley: https://youtu.be/hX-4F0pG0OY
Job Summary
The Animal Control Officer responds to animal-related calls including, but not limited to complaints, animals at large, injured animals, and catching and transporting animals to the shelter while enforcing municipal ordinances as they relate to animals.
Minimum Requirements
  • Two (2) to four (4) years of relevant experience.
  • High School diploma.
  • Experience operating large and modified police vehicles, kennels, nets, cages, humane traps. catchpole, tranquilizer rifle and pistol (to include darts, syringes, and narcotics), police radio, ASP baton, X26 Taser, OC spray, etc.
Preferred
  • Bachelor's degree in related field.
  • Prior experience working with animals and owners.
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Ability to operate police records management system, laptop, Outlook email, Windows 10, and smart phone.
  • Ability to comprehend municipal ordinances and state statutes, as well as department policy.
  • Entry level knowledge of specialized software.
  • Ability to follow detailed instructions.
  • Ability to enter data accurately and efficiently.
  • Ability to comprehend municipal ordinances and state statutes.
Essential Functions
  • Duties & Responsibilities
  • Perform animal welfare checks to determine possible cruelty or neglect to include, but not limited to, tracking animals a large, containing strays, addressing vicious / aggressive animals, tending to sick or injured animals, and animal bites.
  • Place temporary animal holds in instances of arrest, medical transport, and/or lack of other suitable animal-care options.
  • Perform traffic control and motorist assists as needed.
  • Dictate police reports and perform data entry.
  • Interact with the public on calls for service and officer-initiated calls regarding information, violation warnings, citations, etc.
  • Interact with paramedics, medical staff, veterinarians, and public officials (Sheriff's office, police, etc.) when dealing with animals involved in traffic accidents, responding to animal bites, and tending to sick and injured animals.
  • Solve problems and make decisions on a case-by-case basis in compliance with established Deportment General Orders and the Municipal Ordinance protocol.
  • Operate single purpose power tools / machines or equipment involving specialized training.
  • Prepare routine reports or correspondence.

Supervisory Responsibilities
N/A
Travel
Category A-Standard Local Travel: This position requires occasional local travel within the County. Employees may be expected to walk or drive short distances to attend meetings, trainings, or perform work at other city buildings or partner sites.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements
Work Environment
Exposure to considerable hazards that are unpredictable and may lead to injury including, but not limited to, vicious animals, animal diseases, upset citizens / customers, and areas of high traffic volume.
Physical Requirements
Strenuous to extreme physical effort that includes lifting and moving heavy objects up to 100 pounds, using heavy tools, and physical application of strength in awkward positions (lifting, capturing animals, etc.).
EOE Statement: The City of Greeley provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
ADA Statement: We are committed to an inclusive and barrier-free search process. We provide accommodations for applicants requesting accommodation through the search process such as alternative formats of this posting. Individuals with disabilities in need of accommodations throughout the search process should contact the ADA Coordinator at: HR@Greeleygov.com .
Conditions of Employment: Candidates must successfully complete all pre-employment screenings and employment eligibility verification. Pre-employment screenings include a drug test, a background and national sex offender search, a motor vehicle record search, and for some positions, a physical demands evaluation. For more information about City policies and practices during the recruitment process, including but not limited to EOE, Reasonable Accommodation, and pre-employment screenings, please visit our career page HERE.

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