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Government Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

City of Gardena

Police Trainee

Gardena, CA

$87K/yr

A Police Trainee is a non-sworn, local government, miscellaneous employee as defined under Government Code Section 20018. Upon hire, the Police Trainee is eligible to begin receiving civilian police ...

City of Gardena, CA

Police Trainee

Gardena, CA · On-site

$87K/yr

Sworn Opening Date: 05/01/2026 Closing Date: 8/31/2026 11:59 PM Pacific A Police Trainee is a non-sworn, local government, miscellaneous employee as defined under Government Code Section 20018. Upon ...

County of Orange

Deputy Sheriff Trainee

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$91K/yr

CAREER DESCRIPTION DEPUTY SHERIFF TRAINEE THE ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT IS CURRENTLY ... Pass a background investigation conducted in compliance with California Government Code 1031, to ...

Town of Los Gatos, CA

Police Trainee

Los Gatos, CA · On-site

$62.89/hr

The Police Officer Trainee position is a non-sworn position for individuals who have not yet ... No experience is required; however, candidates with prior internship or experience in a government ...

City of Chino

Police Academy Trainee

Chino, CA · On-site

$75K - $91K/yr

WE'RE HIRING POLICE ACADEMY TRAINEE Starting Salary $6,261.75 - $7,591.58 Monthly Excellent ... Pursuant to California Government Code section 1031.4, applicants must be at least 20 years of age ...

City of Glendora, CA

Police Officer Trainee

Glendora, CA · On-site

$68K - $83K/yr

The Police Trainee participates in a Basic Law Enforcement Training Program approved by the ... Meet Police Officer requirements contained in the California State Government Code * Perform other ...

City of Glendora

Police Officer Trainee

Glendora, CA · On-site

$68K - $83K/yr

The Police Trainee participates in a Basic Law Enforcement Training Program approved by the ... Government Code Perform other related duties as assigned For a complete visit cityofglendora.org ...

City of Oxnard

City Corps Leader Trainee

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$17/hr

The City Corps Leader Trainee is a classification assigned to staff 18 years of age and older ... Submit NEOGOV/Government Jobs on-line application. Complete and submit responses to the ...

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All JobsGovernment JobsGovernment Trainee JobsGovernment Trainee Jobs in California

Government Trainee information

See California salary details

$25.2K

$43K

$62.7K

How much do government trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for government trainee in California is $42,960.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,600.00 and $50,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a government trainee?

A Government Trainee is an entry-level position within a government agency or department, designed to provide recent graduates or young professionals with practical work experience in the public sector. Trainees typically rotate through different departments or projects to gain a broad understanding of government operations and policies. The goal is to develop skills, build professional networks, and prepare for long-term careers in public service. Government trainee programs often include mentorship, training sessions, and opportunities to contribute to real-world projects.

What types of projects or tasks can a government trainee expect to be involved with during their program?

Government Trainees typically rotate through various departments, working on projects such as policy research, data analysis, public outreach, and assisting with administrative functions. This hands-on experience helps trainees gain a broad understanding of how government operations function, while also developing skills in communication, project management, and problem-solving. Collaboration with experienced professionals and participation in cross-departmental teams are common, providing a supportive environment for learning and professional growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a government trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Government Trainee, you typically need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, strong analytical skills, and an understanding of public administration principles. Familiarity with government databases, policy research tools, and standard office software is often expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability help trainees effectively support diverse projects and interact with various stakeholders. These skills are crucial for contributing to efficient public service delivery and preparing for more advanced roles in government.

What is the difference between Government Trainee vs Government Intern?

AspectGovernment TraineeGovernment Intern
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; sometimes vocational trainingUsually students or recent graduates; may require enrollment in a program
Work EnvironmentOfficial government offices, agencies, or departmentsGovernment offices, often in administrative or support roles
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies offering structured training programsInternship programs for students or recent grads in government
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Government Trainee positions are typically structured training roles for individuals seeking to gain experience in government, often requiring a high school diploma. Government Internships are usually short-term opportunities for students or recent graduates to explore government careers. While both roles involve working within government agencies, trainees often have more formal training components, whereas internships focus on learning and observation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Government jobs in California?

The most popular types of Government jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Government Trainee jobs in California?

For Government Trainee jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Government Trainee jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Government Trainee jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Government Trainee jobs?

Cities in California with the most Government Trainee job openings:

Government Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Government Trainee job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,960 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Police Trainee

City of Gardena

Gardena, CA

$87K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

A Police Trainee is a non-sworn, local government, miscellaneous employee as defined under Government Code Section 20018. Upon hire, the Police Trainee is eligible to begin receiving civilian police training as well as attending a Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certified police academy to prepare the incumbent to assume the responsibilities of a Police Officer upon completion of the academy. Work may also include performing non-sworn police-related tasks directly for the Police Department during non-academy hours

Under general supervision, will perform law enforcement, crime prevention and other duties related to the position as required. Examples of Duties REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES The Police Trainee will be receiving training for eventual appointment as a Police Officer within the Gardena Police Department. Until appointment as a Police Officer, the Trainee is a non-sworn position performing civilian police training work and attending a P.O.S.T certified basic academy

Typical Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AGE: 21 years at time of appointment to Step 1. EDUCATION: Graduation from high school or equivalent G.E.D. Certificate

HEIGHT, WEIGHT, GENERAL HEALTH: Applicants must have the capacity both mentally and physically to perform the essential duties of a Gardena Police Officer as determined by a qualified psychologist and/or medical examiner. LICENSE Must possess a valid Class "C" California Driver's License, or if licensed in another state, be capable of securing the required California license. Probationary Period Probationary Period is 12 months following the completion of Academy.

STEP 1: Granted upon successful completion of Academy. STEP 2: Granted after 6 months of continuous and satisfactory service at Step 1. STEP 3: Granted after 1 year of continuous and satisfactory service at Step 2.

STEP 4, 5, & 6: Granted on annual basis following continuous and satisfactory service. Supplemental Information Testing Procedure: Prior to appointment, the applicant must meet minimum standards by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training and the City of Gardena. Applicants must pass the processes listed below: Written Exam - Pass/Fail Physical Agility - Pass/Fail Oral Interview - 100% Polygraph Examination - Qualifying Psychological Evaluation - Qualifying Medical Examination - Qualifying Background Investigation - Qualifying Chief's Oral Interview - Qualifying.

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