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Entry Level Swat Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

City of Petaluma

Police Officer Trainee

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$93K/yr

Acceptance by the Academy, which includes successfully passing the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement ... SWAT: 2.5% as assigned Shift Differential: 3% if assigned to swing shift, 5% if assigned to ...

City of Concord, CA

Police Officer - Lateral

Concord, CA · On-site

$123K - $150K/yr

Police Officer - Lateral Please note: this is not an entry level police officer position. Please ... SWAT, Front Desk Corporal, Patrol Corporal, and Drone Operator * Master Officer Program - 10% at 15 ...

City of San Diego

Police Officer I

San Diego, CA

$85K - $93K/yr

Detective, SWAT, New Technologies, K9 Handler, Beach Patrol and Motor Officer, among others. SDPD ... an entry-level position. If you have not graduated from a California P.O.S.T. academy or do not ...

City of Concord

Police Officer Trainee

Concord, CA

$31.91/hr

... sworn, entry-level training position. Employees in this classification are temporary, at-will ... SWAT, Front Desk Corporal, Patrol Corporal, and Drone Operator. Master Officer Program - 10% at 15 ...

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Entry Level Swat information

What is an entry level SWAT officer?

Entry level SWAT officers are law enforcement personnel who have recently joined a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, often after gaining some experience as regular police officers. They are responsible for handling high-risk operations such as hostage rescues, armed standoffs, and counter-terrorism situations. These officers receive specialized training in tactics, firearms, and crisis negotiation to effectively manage dangerous scenarios. Entry level SWAT members typically work under the supervision of more experienced team members as they gain practical experience in the field.

What is the difference between Entry Level Swat vs Entry Level Security Guard?

AspectEntry Level SwatEntry Level Security Guard
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, specialized training, firearms certificationHigh school diploma or equivalent, basic security training
Work EnvironmentHigh-risk, tactical operations, often in law enforcement or military settingsMonitoring premises, patrolling, access control in various settings
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, military, specialized security firmsPrivate security companies, retail, corporate buildings

Entry Level Swat roles involve tactical training, firearms certification, and work in high-risk environments, often within law enforcement or military contexts. In contrast, Entry Level Security Guards focus on monitoring and protecting property in more routine settings with basic security training. Both roles serve security purposes but differ significantly in scope, environment, and required credentials.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level SWAT officers during their first year on the team?

Entry-level SWAT officers often face challenges such as adapting to the high-intensity, fast-paced nature of tactical operations and learning to work seamlessly within a tightly coordinated team. New members must quickly develop proficiency with specialized equipment and procedures while managing the physical and mental stresses unique to critical incidents. Building trust and communication with more experienced team members is essential, as is ongoing training to ensure readiness for a variety of situations. Support from senior officers and a strong focus on continuous learning can help smooth the transition during the first year.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level SWAT officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level SWAT officer, you need a strong background in law enforcement, physical fitness, tactical training, and typically a police academy certification. Familiarity with firearms, less-lethal weapons, tactical gear, and communications systems is critical, and some agencies require specialized SWAT training courses. Strong teamwork, stress management, quick decision-making, and effective communication skills set candidates apart in high-pressure situations. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring public safety, effective crisis response, and successful team operations during dangerous incidents.
Entry Level Swat jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Swat job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Police Officer Trainee (Entry-Level)

City of Pleasant Hill (CA)

Pleasant Hill, CA

$83K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Position Description The City of Pleasant Hill is currently seeking applicants for Police Officer Trainee. The Trainee position is a non-sworn, entry-level position. As a Trainee, you will be assigned to attend an upcoming POST-approved Police Academy.

Upon successful completion of the Academy, you will be eligible for appointment to the position of a sworn Police Officer. Sworn Police Officers can serve in patrol, traffic, investigations, and K-9 assignments. Other collateral opportunities include instructor positions (Firearms and Force Options Team), Regional SWAT, Mobile Field Force, 10851 Task Force, CSI, Regional Major Accident Investigation Team, Driving Team with firearms and force options team, Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), FBI Safe Streets Task Force, SET Team, Drone Team, Social Media Team, Community Resource Officer, School Resource Officer, and Field Training Officers.

Please see the Police Officer class specification for a complete description of this classification's representative duties, requirements, working conditions, and physical requirements. Examples of Duties Police Officer Trainee Duties: Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Participate in and complete a prescribed law enforcement officer training program for entry level police officers, including training in report writing, laws of arrest and seizure, defensive driving, California Vehicle and Penal Codes, officer survival and physical fitness. Prior to entering the law enforcement academy training program, perform a wide variety of police support duties which may include dispatching and records, duties acting as desk officer and/or assisting in planning and research activities.

Perform related duties as assigned. Typical Qualifications Police Officer Trainee Qualifications: Observe accurately and remember names, faces, numbers, incidents and places. Learn to use and property care for firearms.

Think and act quickly in emergencies, and judge situations and people accurately. Learn, understand, interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies and procedures. Prepare clear, accurate and grammatically correct written reports.

Ability to Successfully complete a training program for entry level Police Officer. Establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with those contact in the course of work. Understand and carry out oral and written directions.

Meet standards of physical stature, endurance and agility established by the City. Meet the requirements for Police Officer contained in the California State Government Code. Experience & Education Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Experience: None required, although previous experience in law enforcement is desirable. Education: High school diploma and 60 units of college-level course work. Candidates with an honorable discharge may be credited with up to 15 semester units for a minimum of 3 years of active duty in the U.S

Armed Services (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard). Additional Information Application & Selection Process: Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Apply early as recruitment may close at any time.

Initial screening of applicants will be based on quality of experience, education and training. In order to move forward in the recruitment, you must have completed the P.O.S.T. Entry Level Law Enforcement Test (Pellet-B exam) with a T-Score of 48 or higher or completed testing with the National Testing Network with a passing score

The most qualified applicants, as evidenced by their application, will be invited for an oral board interview, which is weighted 100%. To be placed on an eligibility list, an applicant must receive a passing score of 70 or more from each panel member. A thorough background check, as well as a physical, including a drug screen, psychological evaluation, and polygraph exam will be conducted on the top candidates prior to appointment consideration.

Failure to achieve a qualifying score on any portion of the examination process will eliminate a candidate from further consideration. All applicants must be at least 21 years of age at time of appointment and meet the physical requirements set in the California P.O.S.T. screening manual

Immigration Reform & Control Act: To comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, all new employees are required to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or authorization to work in the United States on their first day of employment. Equal Opportunity Employer: The City of Pleasant Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), requests for special accommodations during any stage of the examination process should be made in advance to the Human Resources Department. For more information contact Sgt. Ron Priebe, (925) 288-4644, rpriebe@pleasanthillpd.org.

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