Post Certification Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $8,798.62 - $11,790.94 Monthly
Location : Chula Vista, CA
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Job Number: 26506101
Department: Police
Opening Date: 01/01/2026
Closing Date: 12/31/2026 12:00 AM Pacific
Description and Essential Functions
The Chula Vista Police Department is a progressive organization that welcomes diversity, encourages innovation, and rewards employee performance. The CVPD promotes employee involvement in decision-making and problem solving. Through this commitment to inclusiveness, the CVPD receives strong support and an exemplary approval rating from the community. There are significant opportunities for career advancement through the CVPD.
Mission
The Chula Vista Police Department, in partnership with the Community, is dedicated to providing community policing, with the highest level of professionalism and transparency. Chula Vista Police Department Employees will provide fair, courteous, and compassionate service to enhance the quality of life in Chula Vista.
Values
Leadership | Respect | Integrity | Accountability
The Position: Peace Officers perform a variety of duties involved in the prevention of crime and the enforcement of law and order; participate in and conduct a variety of criminal investigations; provide assistance to special crime prevention and law enforcement programs; and perform a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of law enforcement services. For a full classification click here.
Compensation: Peace Officer salary range is $8,798.62 - $11,790.94 monthly.
Qualified Lateral Officers may be eligible for New Hire Incentive Pay up to $10,000, up to 80 hours vacation, may qualify for "Top Officer's Pay" and out-of-county applicants are eligible for $5,000 moving expense bonus. Eligibility is based on experience and Chief's discretion.
Additionally, this position is eligible for the Employee Referral Program. Eligible employees that make a successful referral will receive a referral payment of up to $3,000 or 10 hours of base pay (for eligible POA employees in accordance wiith the POA MOU).
Those who meet the minimum qualifications are invited to apply if you meet the following requirements:
Laterals
Applicants currently employed as a paid, full-time sworn Peace Officer (or equivalent) with a California city Police, county Sheriff, or state law enforcement agency with at least one year of continuous full-time law enforcement experience at time of application. A copy of the appropriate POST certificate must be submitted at time of application.
Out-of-State Lateral Applicants
Qualified out-of-state applicants who lack the CA POST Certificate may apply. Proof of enrollment in the CA POST Basic Course Waiver process must be submitted at time of application. Information on the Basic Course process is found in California POST website: Oral board interviews can be done virtually.
Academy Enrolled
Applicants currently attending a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) approved basic Police academy may apply with proof of current attendance. Attendance verification signed by the academy Director or designee providing that at an applicant: (1) is currently attending the academy; (2) is performing at an academic level that meets or exceeds POST minimum standards for academics, including tests of learning domains and writing skills; and (3) is performing at a level that meets or exceeds POST minimum standards for physical fitness must be submitted at time of application.
Academy Graduates
Applicants who have successfully completed a California POST certified academy or attained Basic POST Certification or POST Re-certification dated within the last three (3) years may apply. A copy of the appropriate certificate must be submitted at time of application.
PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Please click for a list of disqualifying criteria.
APPLICANTS MUST PASS ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ASSESSMENTS:
Application Review
Applications will be reviewed to ensure that candidates meet the age, licensing, citizenship, and education requirements. All statements made in the application materials are subject to verification; false statements will be cause for disqualification or discharge.
Preliminary Background Assessment
Applicants will receive a Background Information Packet and instructions on how to complete it. Upon completion, applicants must return the packet as soon as possible. A preliminary assessment will be conducted by the Background Investigator.
Background Investigation
Peace Officers are responsible for protecting and serving the public and are entrusted with substantial authority to carry out these responsibilities. As such, the California POST requires that the history of peace officer applicants be thoroughly investigated to make sure that nothing in their background is inconsistent with performing peace officer duties.
Chief's Interview
Psychological Evaluation and Medical Examination
California Government Code 1031(f) requires all California peace officers to be free from any emotional, or mental condition that might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer. Peace officers must also be free from any physical condition that might adversely affect the exercise of peace officer powers.
Minimum Qualifications
Must at least be 20 years of age at time of application and 21 years of age at time of appointment; must have a valid California driver's license at time of appointment; and meet citizenship requirements as defined under California Government Code Sections 1031(a) and 1031.5. Per Government Code Section 1031(e), United States high school graduation, or passage of the General Education Development (GED), or attainment of a two-year or four-year degree from an accredited college or university.
For benefit information click
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Physical Demands and Working Conditions
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of community-based policing, familiarization between law enforcement and community residents and collaborative problem solving. Ability to write in a clear and concise manner; prepare reports using a computer; communicate effectively with co-workers and the public; excellent interpersonal and communication skills; perform a wide range of physical duties to include: running, stooping, jumping, climbing, walking on uneven surfaces, lifting heavy objects, crawling, driving an automobile, talking on a radio, using a firearm, and other physical duties as required. Must be willing to work in hazardous situations.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Proportionate weight to height; excellent physical condition. Upon selection, candidate must pass a stringent medical examination. Vision requirements: eyesight must be correctable to 20/40 both eyes and 20/20 uncorrected both eyes.
Additional Information
RECRUITMENT NO. 26506101
To be considered for this position, applicants must submit a City Application and Supplemental Questionnaire. Candidates whose applications indicate the required education and experience most directly related to the position will be invited to participate in the recruitment and selection process. Copies of all required license(s) and/or certificate(s) must be attached to the online employment application at the time of submission. Applications without proper documentation attached will be disqualified.
Unless otherwise noted, a passing score must be achieved at each step of the selection process in order to have your name placed on the eligibility list for hiring consideration. Note: The examination materials for this recruitment are validated, copyrighted and/or inappropriate for review. The eligibility list established as a result of this recruitment will be for a duration of twelve (12) months, unless otherwise extended. All notices will be sent via e-mail.
POA Benefit Summary: Click
01
The supplemental questionnaire is used to determine your eligibility to participate in the Peace Officer (Lateral/Academy Enrolled/Academy Graduate) selection process. Please answer each question accurately and thoroughly. Failure to complete the "Work History/Experience" section of the employment application will result in your application not being considered. Please do not refer your response to your resume. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications. A copy of any required license(s) and/or certificate(s) must be attached to your online employment application.

• I have read and acknowledge the instructions stated above.

02
Have you ever been convicted for a criminal offense which resulted in your being imprisoned, being placed on probation, or being required to pay a fine of more than $25.00?You should consider whether you have ever been convicted of any charges other than minor traffic violations. Drunk driving, reckless driving, hit and run driving, and failure to appear convictions are not minor traffic violations. Conviction is not an automatic bar to employment; each case is considered on its own merits. A conviction includes a plea of guilty by a guilty or nolo contendre (no contest plea) or finding of guilty by a judge, commissioner or jury.

• Yes
• No

03
If you answered "YES" to Question 2, please explain. If you answered "NO" to Question 2, please indicate "N/A".
04
Do you possess education equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma, GED, or two-year or four-year degree from an accredited college or university? In order to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you MUST have either a U.S. high school diploma, GED, or a two-year or four-year degree from an accredited college or university.

• Yes
• No

05
Are you currently employed as full-time paid sworn Peace Officer (or equivalent) with a California City Police, County Sheriff, or State law enforcement agency with at least one year of continuous full-time law enforcement experience at time of application? You must submit your California POST certificate with your application.Please Note: Employment in Federal, US Military, or Border Patrol does not qualify as CA law enforcement experience.

• Yes, I am currently employed as a California law enforcement officer.
• N/A

06
Are you currently enrolled in a CALIFORNIA POST approved Basic Police Academy? You must attach letter of current attendance with your application.

• Yes, I'm currently attending and have attached the appropriate verification letter of current attendance to my application.
• N/A

07
Have you completed a California Basic POST Academy OR have a POST re-certiifcation dated within the last three (3) years?

• Yes, I have a current California POST certificate dated within the last three (3) years. I have attached my POST Certificate to my application.
• N/A

08
OUT-OF-STATE: Are you currently employed as a full-time, paid Police Officer outside the state of California? Note: Qualified out-of-state applicants who lack the CA POST Certificate may apply. Proof of enrollment in the CA POST Basic Course Waiver process must be submitted at time of application.

• Yes, I am a qualified out-of-state applicant and have submitted proof of enrollment in the CA POST Basic Course Waiver process.
• N/A

09
Were you referred to apply by a Chula Vista Police Officers Association (POA) member?

• Yes
• No

10
If you answered "YES" to Question 10, please provide the name of the person who referred you.If you answered "NO", please indicate "N/A".
11
To help us assess our recruitment efforts, please check or complete all that apply.Job Fair/Expo - Please provide name of event and location. Mark N/A if it does not apply.
12
Police Associations - If you read our job posting in a Police Association website or publication, please list below. Mark N/A if it does not apply.
13
News or Publication - If you heard or read about our job opening from a Magazine, Press Release or a News Coverage.

• PORAC Magazine
• Press release
• News coverage
• N/A if it does not apply
• Other

14
If you responded "other" to the question above, please specify:
15
Online
To help us assess our recruitment efforts, please answer the following questions.
Please indicate how you learned about the job posting?

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Google
• Nixle
• Recruiting Event
• Other

16
If you responded "other" to Question 16, please provide the source of how you learned about the position.
17
APPLICANT'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT - NOTIFICATION VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL (E-MAIL)
The City of Chula Vista's Human Resources Department uses electronic mail (e-mail) to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of your application. We do so as part of our ongoing efforts to increase operational efficiency, promote the conservation of green resources, and minimize delays and costs. Therefore, as an applicant, you are hereby advised of the following:
1. Ensure that the email address and contact information you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. Do not share email addresses. Spam or other filters should be adjusted to accept our emails. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails, i.e., for the non-delivery of email or if you fail to check your email-box on a timely basis, etc.
2. Read any notices we send carefully and in a timely manner. Follow further instructions, if any. We recommend that y