Job Details

Salary: $43.86 Hourly
Location : The City of Pinole, CA
Job Type: Full Time Temporary Appointment 40 hours
Job Number: 2026 (2/3-2/26) PO Trainee
Department: Police Department
Opening Date: 02/03/2026
Closing Date: 2/26/2026 4:00 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: N/A

Are you ready to start a rewarding career in law enforcement?

The City of Pinole is seeking motivated, dedicated individuals to join our Police Department as Police Officer Trainee.

This is an exceptional opportunity to make a meaningful impact on your community while receiving comprehensive training and support to become a Police Officer.
Tentative Written Exam: March 5 or March 12

Tentative Interviews: April 2 or April 12

Anticipated Police Academy start date: June 2026
Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be invited to a written exam. You may visit and download a study guide to prepare for the exam.
You may waive the written exam if you possess a POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) taken within the last 12 months (March 2025-March 2026). Per the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training , you may retake the exam but you must wait for a period of 30 calendar days before taking the exam again.

Class Concept
The Police Officer Trainee applicant is someone who is interested in becoming an Officer but has not yet completed the Police Academy. An applicant who is hired as Police Officer Trainee is sponsored by the Police Department to attend the Police Academy. While attending the Academy, the employee is considered a temporary employee who may be released at any time. At present, the Academy runs approximately six (6) months in duration. When the employee completes the Academy, they are sworn in as a Police Officer for the City and begin their Field Training.
Minimum Qualifications
Per the , California State Minimum Selection Standards: The minimum peace officer selection standards are set forth in Government Code. Every California peace officer must be:

• Free from any disqualifications for employment, including felony convictions.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States by federal law.
• At least 21 years of age.
• Fingerprinted for purposes of search of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record.
• Of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background investigation.
• A high school graduate, pass the General Education Development test or other high school equivalency test approved by CDE, or have attained a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from an accredited or approved institution.
• Found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, which might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer.

In addition to the Academy, the trainee will be provided health, dental, vision, and PERS miscellaneous benefits for his/her family during this temporary employment period (no coverage for life insurance or short/long-term disability benefits).
Part-time employees are eligible for 40 hours of sick leave per year if the following conditions are met:
1. Work a min. of 30 days; and
2. Be employed with the City for 90 days.

Please note: This position is not eligible for CalPERS membership.
01

The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview. By completing this supplemental questionnaire, you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal.

• Yes, I understand and agree
• No, I do not agree

02

I understand that I must be at least 21 years of age for this position.

• Yes
• No

03

PO Trainee: Per the California State Minimum Selection Standards, the minimum peace officer selection standards are set forth in Government Code Sections 1029, 1031, and 1031.4, every California peace officer must be:

• Free from any disqualifications for employment, including felony convictions.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States by federal law.
• At least 21 years of age.
• Fingerprinted for purposes of search of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record.
• Of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background investigation
• A high school graduate, pass the General Education Development test or other high school equivalency test approved by CDE, or have attained a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from an accredited or approved institution.
• Found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, which might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer.

04

POLICE TRAINEE: Are you currently enrolled in the Police Academy?

• Yes
• No

05

POLICE TRAINEE GRAD: If you're currently enrolled in the Police Academy, please provide your expected graduation date (If you are not enrolled, type "N/A"):
06

Do you possess a PELLETB T-Score obtained within the last 12 months?

• Yes, I possess a PELLETB T-Score obtained within the last 12 months, and I have uploaded a copy of my T-Score as an attachment to my application.
• No, I do not possess a PELLETB T-Score obtained within the last 12 months.

07

Please enter your PELLETB T-Score below. If you do not possess and PELLETB T-Score obtained within the last 12 months, please enter N/A.
08

Why do you want to work for the City of Pinole?
Required Question