| Location | Fountain Valley, CA |
| Salary | $99,767.20–$121,267.74 Per Year |
Academy Enrolled/Self Sponsored Police Recruit
Salary
$99,767.20 - $121,267.74 Annually
Location
Fountain Valley, CA, CA
Job Type
Non-exempt FLSA
Job Number
2026-44
Department
Police
Opening Date
11/04/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
Description
YOU INVESTED IN YOURSELF. NOW CHOOSE AN AGENCY THAT INVESTS IN YOU.
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FROM SELF-SPONSORED RECRUITS
Click Here to Learn About the City of Fountain Valley
This recruitment is open to candidates who are currently enrolled in a POST certified Police Academy.
This recruitment is conducted on a continuous basis to meet the needs of the City as vacancies occur and may close at any time.
The Fountain Valley Advantage
At the Fountain Valley Police Department, you are a valued professional, never an anonymous badge number. We operate a premier, mid-sized agency in the heart of Orange County where high performers enjoy an accelerated career track, visible leadership opportunities, and a genuine commitment to work-life balance.
Fountain Valley Police Department
The City of Fountain Valley is a vibrant, thriving community of approximately 60,000 residents. Located just 7 miles from the Pacific Coast and within 15 miles of major Southern California attractions like Disneyland, our city offers an exceptional environment for a rich work-life balance. From iconic community traditions like Summerfest to our Concerts in the Park, our officers actively work alongside residents to maintain a safe, welcoming, and connected city.
Our Mission
The mission of the Fountain Valley Police Department is rooted in three core principles:
Job Overview
The Fountain Valley Police Department is actively recruiting highly motivated self-sponsored academy recruits who are community-oriented, disciplined, and ready to excel within a supportive, forward-thinking environment.
Why Join Fountain Valley Police Department?
Hiring Incentive Bonus
We offer a 5,000 dollar hiring incentive bonus for Police Officer Academy Graduates. This is paid in two equal installments: 2,500 dollars at the time of hire and 2,500 dollars upon successful completion of the probationary period.
Competitive Compensation and Stability
Build a stable, rewarding career with competitive pay and comprehensive benefits. Please see the Benefits tab for full details regarding our total compensation package.
Specialized Assignments
Expand your expertise through diverse assignments, including General Detectives, Special Investigations Unit Detectives, School Resource Officer, Field Training Officer, Traffic and Motorcycle units, SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics, via West County), Drone Operator, and K9 units.
Special Compensation Opportunities
Officers may qualify for additional special compensation based on specific criteria outlined in the POA MOU:
Community-Focused Policing
Serve a community that genuinely supports its police department. Our officers are encouraged to build lasting relationships, solve problems creatively, and engage proactively with residents.
Opportunities for Advancement
From specialized assignments to advanced training and professional development, we actively support your long-term career goals and reward initiative.
Accessible Leadership
Our command staff is visible, approachable, and deeply invested in your individual success.
Start Your Career Strong
We ensure a seamless transition from the academy to the streets by providing:
A supportive and structured Field Training Program
Dedicated mentorship from experienced officers
Early opportunities to build confidence, competence, and field expertise
Ready to Make a Difference? If you are looking for a department where integrity, teamwork, and community come first, apply today to discover what makes the Fountain Valley Police Department the right choice for your future.
To access the full class specification, including a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required, please click on the following link: Police Recruit and Police Officer
Qualification Guidelines
Academy Status & Qualifications:
General Guidelines:
Special Requirements (Pursuant to California POST):
Recruitment Information
To be considered for this excellent opportunity, please complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Please ensure that all required documents are attached to the application. After documents are scanned and saved as a file on your computer, click on the "Add Attachments" link in the Job Application step of the employment application in order to upload the files. Documents must be entirely legible. Faxes, postmarks and hand delivery will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application and/or supplemental questionnaire. Incomplete applications will be disqualified.
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 Online Employment Application Guide 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.
Selection Process: The selection process will consist of the following:
Re-application: Candidates who failed any component of the City of Fountain Valleys selection process for Police Recruit or Police Officer will not be eligible to re-apply for another selection process until six months have passed since the date they were disqualified from the selection process.
EEO / ADA Statement: 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 encourage 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.
Important Selection Information: All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidates 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: Background Investigation, reference checks, California Department of Justice (DOJ) criminal history check (Live Scan fingerprinting), post-offer drug test, and pre-employment medical examination.
QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS RECRUITMENT SHOULD BE SENT TO hr@fountainvalley.gov
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.
Fountain Valley Police Officers' Association (FVPOA) Representation: This classification is represented by the Fountain Valley Police Officer Association. Click here to access the current FVPOA Memorandum of Understanding.
Compensation:
Base Salary Adjustments: None scheduled.
Merit Increase: Employees shall be eligible for merit increases annually on the first day of the pay period closest to their anniversary date, until they reach the fifth step.
457 Deferred Compensation: The City directly contributes $200 per month toward your 457 retirement account to help grow your personal savings.
PORAC Retiree Medical Trust: The City contributes $150 per month to the PORAC Retiree Medical Trust, securing your health benefits for the future.
Retention Incentive Premium: Sworn personnel receive significant pay premiums based on total years of law enforcement service (including qualified lateral experience):
5% Premium upon completion of 5 years
7% Premium upon completion of 10 years
8% Premium upon completion of 15 years
9% Premium upon completion of 20+ years
P.O.S.T. Professional Certification Pay: Sworn personnel are eligible for significant base-salary increases based on their California P.O.S.T. certification levels:
Intermediate Certificate: 5% increase to base hourly pay.
Advanced Certificate: 12% increase to base hourly pay.
Physical Fitness Program (Wellness): Sworn personnel earn an additional $495/month by maintaining peak operational readiness and meeting annual wellness standards.
Fitness Compensatory Time: Sworn personnel who participate in the City's on-site fitness program in the Police Department's gym will be eligible to accrue fitness compensatory time, up to forty (40) hours. Employees may use their fitness compensatory time in lieu of working the ten (10) administrative day that occurs once during the twenty-eight (28)-day schedule or can use this fitness compensatory time in the same manner they use overtime compensatory time.
Other Specialty Pays: Employees under certain assignments, or who possess specialized skills/training, certifications, bilingual pay, court appearances, may be eligible for other specialty pays. Please refer to the FVPOA for further details.
Retirement: All full-time employees are members of the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) - a defined benefit program. Most new POA employees will be enrolled as follows:
The City contracts for the three-year average for final compensation, a 2% Cost-of-Living adjustment in retirement, and service credit for unused sick leave. Please refer to the POA Memorandum of Understanding for additional CalPERS contract provisions.
Health Insurance: The City contributes towards the cost of health premiums for full-time employees as follows:
Enrollment Tier 2 (Employees hired August 1, 2010 and later)
Flex Dollar Monthly Allowance
Employee Only Coverage
$1,075.00
Employee +1 Dependent Coverage
$1,667.00
Employee + Family Coverage
$2,100.00
The Flex Dollar Allowance may be used for medical (optional), dental (mandatory), life insurance (mandatory), vision insurance (optional), and AFLAC (optional) premiums. All health benefits are effective on the first of the month following date of hire.
Employees have a choice to select a medical plan under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program. Please visit CalPERS for more information regarding the various plans offered under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program, as well as the current premium rates.
Enrollment in a City dental plan is mandatory for all eligible employees. Coverage is managed under the cafeteria plan, and premiums are paid by the employee (Flex Dollars may be used).
Enrollment in a City life and ADD plan is mandatory for all eligible employees. The policy amount is $50,000. Coverage is managed under the cafeteria plan, and premiums are paid by the employee (Flex Dollars may be used).
Enrollment in a City vision plan is voluntary for all eligible employees. Coverage is managed under the cafeteria plan, and premiums are paid by the employee.
Employees have the option to enroll in a variety of voluntary insurance plans including accident, short-term disability, hospital confinement indemnity, cancer/specified-disease, lump sum critical illness, and whole or term life insurance. Employees are responsible for the entire cost of the premium if they elect coverage.
Note: City employees do not participate in California's Disability Insurance (SDI) or Paid Family Leave (PFL) programs through the Employment Development Department (EDD). While this saves employees 1.3% in payroll tax, it's important to keep this in mind when deciding whether or not to enroll in the AFLAC short-term disability benefit.
Employees may contribute pre-tax earnings into a flexible spending account for health ($3,400 maximum in 2026) and dependent care expenses ($7,500 maximum in 2026).
$25 per-pay-period to a personal account used for health premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket medical expenses in retirement. Fully Portable: Your account assets belong to you if you leave the City prior to retirement, your contributions and earnings go with you.
The City agrees to pay thirty dollars ($30.00) per month per employee for Long-Term Disability insurance benefits to eligible sworn, non-management Police personnel. LTD premiums exceeding $30 per month will be covered by employee contributions.
Employees who provide proof of alternate group health insurance may waive the employers medical coverage and receive a monthly taxable cash payment of $162 (the PEMHCA minimum in 2026). Mandatory dental and life insurance premiums are deducted from this cash payment, with the remaining balance paid to the employee.
Employees who retire from the City of Fountain Valley may be entitled to a monthly employer contribution towards health insurance if they meet certain criteria. In 2026, this monthly employer contribution is $162 (the PEMHCA minimum).
Time Off From Work: The City offers a generous leave package!
Employees shall be entitled to 11 paid holidays per calendar year (including a "floating holiday" that can be used at the employee's discretion).
Employees accrue 80 hours of paid vacation leave per year. Accruals increase based on time in service with the City of Fountain Valley, beginning after completion of 1 year of service (increases to 120 hours per year). Employees may elect to receive a cash payment for up to 80 hours of accrued vacation at the end of the calendar year if certain criteria are met.
Sick leave accrues bi-weekly based on the employee's work schedule:
Work Schedule
Bi-Weekly Accrual
Monthly Equivalent
5/8 or 9/80
3.69
One 8-Hour Day
4/10
4.62 Hours
One 10-Hour Day
Fountain Valley Police Officers Association Membership: As a member of the Fountain Valley Police Officers Association, you will receive full access to the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC). This includes premier legal defense coverage, comprehensive benefits, and a powerful statewide network dedicated to protecting those who protect our communities.
Work Schedules: Sworn, non-management Police personnel work schedules vary between a 3/12.5 or 4/10 work schedule, depending on assignment.
Tuition Reimbursement: Eligible employees may receive up to $3,000 per fiscal year for actual tuition expenses.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): The City provides a confidential, no-cost Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to help you and your household members navigate personal challenges. This third-party service offers support for personal counseling, financial guidance, legal advice, and more.
Social Security: City employees are not covered under the provisions of Federal Social Security (OASDI); therefore, they are not required to contribute 6.2% of salary towards Social Security.
Medicare: Employees contribute 1.45% to Medicare.
This benefit summary is intended to provide an easy way for current and prospective employees to access fringe benefit information, including voluntary options. This summary is intended to be accurate, but it is not an official plan document, and has no legal or binding effect as an expressed or implied contract, or otherwise, and does not alter or amend any provision of the Compensation Plan, Memoranda of Understanding, Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual, Retirement Contract, Insurance Policy Contract, or any other official document of the City of Fountain Valley. All insurance benefits described in the summary are subject to the terms and limitations of the City of Fountain Valley's insurance contracts with individual insurance providers.
Should you have any questions pertaining to information in this summary, please contact the Human Resources Division at (714) 593-4506.
01
Are you currently enrolled in a Police Academy?
02
Please type the name of the academy that you will graduate from, as well as the month and year of your anticipated graduation date.
03
Which best describes your highest level of education?
04
Do you possess a valid California Class "C" Drivers License (or equivalent drivers license)? [Please note: Candidates are required to have a California Drivers License at time of appointment.]
05
Are you legally authorized to work in the United States by federal law?
06
Are you at least 20 years and 6 months of age or older?
07
This position requires each candidate to pass an extensive background check and to be free of felony convictions and of good moral character. Do you believe you will meet this requirement?
08
In order to complete your application, you MUST ATTACH the following documents: Provide formal verification of your academy written and physical agility entrance exam scores with your application. Candidates with incomplete applications may not be able to progress to the next step in the recruitment process. Do you understand this requirement?
09
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
Employer City of Fountain Valley
Address 10200 Slater Ave
Fountain Valley, California, 92708
Phone 714-593-4506