Salary: $18.50 - $22.49 Hourly
Location : Fountain Valley, CA
Job Type: Non-exempt FLSA
Job Number: 2026-26
Department: Police
Opening Date: 07/07/2026
Description
MORE THAN A JOB - AN OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE, GROW AND MAKE AN IMPACT
JOIN THE FOUNTAIN VALLEY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis
The Police Department is currently looking to hire up to four (4) Police Cadets. Please apply immediately as this recruitment may close at any time upon receiving enough qualified applications.
THE CITY OF FOUNTAIN VALLEYThe City of Fountain Valley is nestled in the heart of Orange County. With approximately 60,000 residents, we are a mid-sized full-service Police Department that proudly serves our wonderful community with courage, duty, and commitment. With City events like our Summerfest and National Night Out, we actively participate alongside community members to build a safe and vibrant City. The City of Fountain Valley is only 7 miles from the beach and within a 15-mile radius of countless restaurants, entertainment venues, shopping centers, and Disneyland, providing many options for a rich work-life balance.
FOUNTAIN VALLEY POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Fountain Valley Police Department's mission is to demonstrate; 1) Courage to protect life and property in our community; 2) Duty to provide the highest quality of service in a fair, impartial and ethical manner; 3) Commitment to take a leadership role in providing public safety and quality of life in a manner that will preserve the public trust.
ABOUT THE ROLE
As our next
Police Cadet, you will gain valuable hands-on experience while supporting the Police Department with a variety of administrative and operational tasks. Our Police Cadets are part-time, non-sworn personnel who perform critical responsibilities supporting the law enforcement mission. This role is the first step toward becoming a Police Officer and is ideal for individuals committed to community-oriented policing and who want to develop a rewarding career in public service.
Job Overview
KEY RESPONSIBILITES INCLUDE
- Interact with the public on the telephone and in person; obtain information from victims; complete police reports on minor incidents.
- Assist in parking control during special events or on City streets during peak traffic conditions and post temporary signs and barricades.
- Answer 911 and business telephone lines; assist the public.
- Perform fingerprinting duties and process of applicants.
- Store and release property evidence.
- Assist in photographing and fingerprinting crime scenes.
- Operates City vehicles to travel to City facilities, support community events, and provide transportation assistance to department personnel when necessary.
OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES
- Enter citations into the database.
- Issue bicycle licenses and maintenance of the bicycle and evidence storage area.
- Assist with storage inventory and control of Department supplies.
- Conduct tours of the Police Department facility.
- Prepare and maintain a variety of records and reports.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualification Guidelines
EDUCATION
- High school graduation or equivalent certification is required.
EXPERIENCE
- Previous public contact and customer service experience is desirable
CITIZENSHIP AND AGE
LICENSE REQUIRED
Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record is required to perform the essential functions of this position, including travel between City facilities, supporting community events, and transportation assistance to department personnel when necessary. The City will evaluate whether alternative means of transportation would allow an individual to perform these essential functions in accordance with applicable law.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including additional hours beyond regularly scheduled hours to include, shift work, nights, holidays and weekends to accommodate City needs.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
- This is an entry-level classification performed under general supervision. Temporary/part-time employment is restricted to 1,000 hours within a 12-month period (July 1 to June 30) and does not qualify to receive City benefits, except those required by law. Temporary/part-time employees are only eligible to work a maximum of 28 hours per week.
To access the full class specification, including a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required, please click on the following link:
Recruitment Information
To be considered for this excellent opportunity, please complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application and/or supplemental questionnaire.
To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete your application and consider having your profile created and/or updated before applying for the position. Once your application has been successfully submitted
, you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email. If you require
technical assistance, please review the Government Jobs or contact their Toll-Free Applicant Support line at (855) 524-5627. Please note that Human Resources is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by the internet connection, computer or browser used to submit the application.
QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS RECRUITMENT SHOULD BE SENT TO .
SELECTION PROCESS:
The selection process may include one or more of the following: application review, written test, performance exam, and/or oral interview examination. The employment application and supplemental questions will be evaluated based on the employment standards and minimum qualifications listed above
IMPORTANT RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:
All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully completing all components of the pre-employment process which may include but is not limited to: reference checks, background investigation, credit check, California Department of Justice (DOJ) criminal history check (Live Scan fingerprinting), polygraph, psychological evaluation, post-offer drug test and post-offer medical examination.
The City of Fountain Valley is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Candidates with a disability who may need accommodation during the selection process must notify the Human Resources Department at least 72 hours in advance of the exam date.
NOTE:
The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained within may be modified or revoked without notice.
N/A
01
Do you possess a high school diploma/GED? Proof of your education requirement must be attached to your application.
02
Do you currently possess a valid California Driver's License (or out-of-state equivalent)? Please select the response that applies to you.
- Class "C" License (Basic, Non-Commercial)
- Out of state equivalent
- None of the Above
03
How many years of experience do you have providing customer service and interacting with the public?
- No Experience
- Less than one (1) year
- One (1) to less than two (2) years
- Two (2) to less than three (3) years
- Three (3) to less than five (5) years
- 5 years or more
04
This position involves working a flexible schedule, including additional hours beyond regularly scheduled hours to include, shift work, nights, holidays and weekends. Are you willing and able to work this type of schedule?
05
Briefly describe what made you want to join the Fountain Valley Police Department.
06
In 250 words or less, how will serving as a Police Cadet contribute to your long-term professional development?
07
I certify that all of the information provided is accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief, and that I understand purposely providing false information may be grounds for disqualification from the process. I have supplied all the applicable information in my application. Examples of incomplete/inaccurate information leading to disqualification include, but are not limited to: noting incorrect department, leaving dates of employment blank, leaving reason for leaving employment blank, leaving duties blank or noting "see resume", etc.
Required Question
