Mounted Unit Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $112,899.00 - $151,301.04 Annually
Location : 7301 Hanna St. Gilroy, CA 95020, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: FY 26/27 -00001
Department: Police Dept
Division: Operations
Opening Date: 07/01/2026
Police Officer - Lateral
$136,326 - $182,220* Potential Compensation
Holiday Pay - 7.01%
Bilingual pay - 5%
Education pay (up to) - 7.5%
Annual Uniform pay $1400
(Base Annual Salary $112,899 - $151,301*)
APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT
Applications will be continuously reviewed.
Oral board interviews may be scheduled at any time.
REIMAGINE YOUR JOURNEY
WHAT YOU GAIN AS A MEMBER OF GILROY PD

• Competitive Salary
• State of the Art Training and Equipment
• On-site Work Out Facility

Specialty Assignments:

• Investigations
• Traffic/Motors
• Anti-Crime Team
• County Task Forces
• Field Training Officer
• SWAT/HNT
• K-9 and Mounted Units
• Bike Unit
• Crime Scene Investigations
• Peer Support Team
• Honor Guard
• Unmanned Aerial Systems

IF YOU HAVE:

• The ability to reimagine and embrace contemporary modern policing practices
• The willingness to be a part of police technology advances
• The drive to employ effective and meaningful change in Gilroy
• An engaging philosophy and the ability to build relationships with community members from diverse backgrounds
• A strong and compassionate work ethic
• The ability to adapt to a changing environment
• A self-accountable attitude and approach to your work
• A heart for community service
• The desire to be a role model for youth in our community
• An aspiration to be part of an innovative team environment
• The desire to work in a busy and pro-active department
• Integrity and loyalty

Then........................
YOU ARE A GOOD FIT FOR THE GILROY POLICE DEPARTMENT!
JOIN OUR TEAM
ABOUT THE POSITION
The City of Gilroy is recruiting for the position of Police Officer - Lateral. The Gilroy Police Department is located 28 miles south of San Jose, in Santa Clara County, and serves a diverse population base of approximately 60,000 residents. The Gilroy Police Department (GPD) provides 24 hours patrol services responding to public safety calls for service and implementing crime suppression, conducting investigations, traffic enforcement and accident investigation and solving civil conflicts, arresting suspects and engaging in directed patrol missions to prevent or reduce crime in order to protect life and property for the citizens of Gilroy.
The Mission of the Gilroy Police Department is: Providing excellent public safety services in partnership with the community.
The Vision of the Gilroy Police Department is: The men and women of the Gilroy Police Department are dedicated to courageously ensuring the safety of our community.
The Core Values are: Respect, Integrity, Compassion, Teamwork, Innovation, and Accountability.
*Additional steps (Step F and Step G) included in the salary range listed above are available to employees in this job classification after completion of five years of service (Step F), ten years of service (Step G), one year at the prior step, and good performance evaluation. Placement in the Step A - Step E portion of the salary range is based on years of directly related police officer work experience. Master Officer Pay of 5% can be earned with ten years of sworn officer experience with credit for five years of lateral officer time.
Under general direction of a police supervisor, patrol an assigned beat in the enforcement of law and order; protects life and property; maintain a calm and safe community.
Examples of Essential Duties:

1. Perform mobile patrol or fixed post in an assigned area for the prevention of crime and the enforcement of traffic laws and regulations.
2. Investigate and prepare reports on accidents, offenses and damage to property
3. Make arrests and take law enforcement action as appropriate.
4. Respond to pages, radio, and telephone dispatches.
5. Note and report traffic hazards, assist in controlling traffic at scenes of emergencies.
6. Give verbal warning, issue citations and serve warrants.
7. Work with juveniles.
8. Intervene in private or public disputes to protect the public.
9. Appear in court.
10. Investigate complaints.
11. Request medical attention for victims, citizens and suspects when necessary.
12. Interview persons whose actions are suspicious.
13. May transport prisoners.
14. May ride motorcycle.
15. Provide first aid.
16. Care for and maintain departmental equipment.
17. Work an assigned shift with varied days and/or hours.
18. Conduct follow-up investigations.
19. Report vice conditions.
20. Perform in specialized functions when assigned.
21. Participate in related training programs.
22. May be required to speak in front of community groups.
23. May do research into law, policies, and related matters.
24. May be required to train other department members.
25. May be subject to recall/call-out.
26. Perform related work as required.

1. LATERAL LEVEL: Any combination of education, training or experience equivalent to graduation from high school or possession of a G.E.D. certificate, and possession of a valid P.O.S.T. Basic certificate.
2. Be at least 21 years of age.
3. Pass a physical agility test.
4. Be able to meet the current Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) medical standards for a peace officer and be free from any physical condition which might adversely affect the exercise of power as a peace officer.
5. Pass P.O.S.T. background investigation, which includes a polygraph examination, an extensive Department of Justice criminal record check, an FBI check and a firearms clearance.
6. Pass a post-offer psychological evaluation and a medical examination, which includes a drug test.
7. Possess and maintain a valid California river license necessary to operate assigned vehicles.
8. Required to be proficient in typical police weaponry
9. Pass all required department and P.O.S.T. training.
10. Must C.P.R. and First Aid within six (6) months of hire
11. Establish and maintain residency within 45 minutes normal driving time from the Gilroy Police Station within 18 months from date of hire.
12. Bilingual (English/Spanish) desired, but not required.
13. Prefer non-tobacco user.

APPLICATION DEADLINE
This is a continuous recruitment with periodic review of application packets. Only complete application packets will be reviewed.
ORAL BOARD INTERVIEWS
Interviews may be scheduled at any time.
This recruitment may close at any time.
Candidates will receive communication by email regarding the recruitment process which includes, but is not limited to, application status, test dates and interview scheduling.
Applicants are responsible for notifying Human Resources of any changes to an e-mail address and/or other contact information.
SUBMIT AN APPLICATION WITH THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

• Responses to supplemental questions (required)
• A copy of your P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate (required)
• Cover letter (preferred)
• Detailed resume (preferred)

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS, AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Persons appointed to this position on a full-time basis will receive the following benefits:
Police Officers Association (GPOA) and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
The current MOU ends on June 30, 2025.
Retention Steps:

• Effective 1/1/24, a new Step F (2.5%) is added to the salary schedule. Requirements for Step F = one year at Step E, good performance evaluation, completion of 5 years of service in the bargaining unit.
• Effective 1/1/25, a new Step G (2.5%) is added to the salary schedule. Requirements for Step G = one year at Step F, good performance evaluation, completion of 5 years of service in the bargaining unit.

Health Allowance and Flexible Benefits Plan
Depending upon the number of dependents the health allowance ranges from $1,063.74 to $2,673.97 per month for core health benefits. Subject to specific rules, a cash back program is also available with proof of other medical coverage. City employees participate in the PERS Health Program, and may choose their medical coverage from a variety of providers. The City's flexible benefits plan includes medical and dental coverage as core benefits. A range of optional benefits including vision care and medical and dependent care accounts are also available.
Other Benefits/Compensation

• Employees participate in Medicare (1.45% for both the employer and employee) as this is a mandated federal program. The city does not participate in social security.
• Bilingual candidates fluent in Spanish may qualify to receive 5% bilingual pay following a certification process.
• Sworn Peace Officeers with a Bachelor's degree or an Advanced P.O.S.T Certificate qualify for up to 7.5% Education Incentive Pay. Sworn Peace Officers with an Intermediate P.O.S.T. Certificate or an AA/AS degree can qualify for 5% Education Incentive Pay.
• Detention Services Officers with 60 college semester units or pssession of an Intermediate POST certificate can receive 5% Education Incentive Pay. Detention Services Officers with 30 college semester units or possession of a Basic POST certificate can receive 3.5% Education Incentive Pay.
• GPOA members receive 7.01% Holiday Pay in lieu of holidays off.
• Uniform allowance for Sworn Peace Officers is $116.67 per month or $1400 annually. Uniform allowance for Detention Services Officers is $77.75 per month or $933.00 annually.
• The City contributes $300 per month to each employee's retiree medical trust (PORAC).

Retirement Benefits
The City of Gilroy shall comply with the Public Employee Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) that went into effect on January 1, 2013.

• Police Safety Employees Hired On or After January 5, 2011, but Prior to January 1, 2013 and "Classic" CalPERS Members Hired On or After January 1, 2013: The City shall provide the 2% at 50 CalPERS retirement plan for employees in the Police Safety CalPERS category that were hired to a full-time Police Safety position with the City of Gilroy on or after January 5, 2011, but prior to January 1, 2013 OR to employees hired to a full-time position on or after January 1, 2013 who are categorized as a "classic" member of CalPERS. Single highest year final compensation is included with this plan. The employee shall pay a nine (9%) employee contribution as a pre-tax payroll deduction pursuant to IRC 414(h)(2).
• Police Safety Employees Hired On or After January 1, 2013 Categorized as "New" CalPERS Members: The City shall provide the 2.7% at 57 CalPERS retirement plan for employees in the Police Safety CalPERS category that were hired to a full-time Police Safety position with the city of Gilroy on or after January 1, 2013 who are categorized as a "new" member of CalPERS. Employees in this category shall have a pre-tax payroll deduction for 50% of the total normal cost of the plan as identified annually by CalPERS. This employee payroll deduction amount may change from year to year as required by PEPRA. Three year average final compensation is included with this formula.

Leaves and Work Schedule

• Employees accrue 8 hours of sick leave each month.
• Employees accrue vacation at the rate of 10 days a year during the first 5 years, 15 days after 5 years, and 20 days after 15 years.
• Currently, patrol officers and detention services officers work either a 4-10 work schedule, or a 3-12.5 work schedule with a 10 hour training day each month.
• Employees are provided with 20 hours of personal leave time to use each fiscal year.
• Employees may earn up to 40 hours of fitness time off each fiscal year.

Medicare/Social Security
Employees participate in Medicare (1.45% for both the employer and employee) as this is a mandated federal program. City of Gilroy does not participate in Social Security.
Payroll
All City employees are paid monthly, on the first business day of each month via direct deposit.
Representation
Persons appointed to this position are covered by the Police Officers Association (GPOA) Memorandum of Understanding.
01
If you answer "NO" to any of the questions below please review the Police Officer Academy Graduate and Police Officer Current Academy Cadet job flyer on the City of Gilroy website to see if you meet the requirements. If so, please apply for the correct position via NEOGOV. Do you currently possess a valid California P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate (note- this is not a Basic Academy certificate and a written copy of your certificate will be required with your application)? Depending upon education level, this certificate is typically received after completing 12-24 months of service as a sworn law enforcement officer.

• Yes
• No

02
Are you currently employed as a sworn law enforcement officer by a California P.O.S.T. law enforcement agency OR have you been employed as a sworn law enforcement officer by a California P.O.S.T. law enforcement agency in the last three years?

• Yes
• No

03
Have you carefully read and understand the requirements outlined in the Police Officer - Lateral job flyer to include the benefits and retirement formula section?

• Yes
• No

04
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