Police Officer Trainee
Salary
$125,497.84 Annually
Location
Police/Fire Administration Building
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
20260506
Department
Police Department
Division
Field Operations
Opening Date
05/08/2026
Closing Date
6/8/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit
NPOA
Whats the Role and What Youll Do
If you are looking to begin a career in law enforcement, we invite you to consider joining the Mountain View Police Department. This position is designed for individuals who are ready to take the first step toward becoming a police officer.
As a Police Officer Trainee, you will attend a California Peace Officer Standards Training (POST) certified police academy, where you will learn the laws, responsibilities, and core skills needed for a career in law enforcement. This is a non-sworn, training-level position focused on preparing you for the role of a Police Officer. Upon successful completion of the academy, trainees are appointed as sworn, probationary Police Officers and begin their careers serving the Mountain View community.
Our department is committed to the principles of community policing - building strong relationships with our diverse and engaged community and working proactively to address local concerns. Our officers reflect this commitment through their service each day.
To learn more about the recruitment process and this rewarding career opportunity, please visit Join MVPD. You can also review the updated job description here.
To be considered for the Police Officer Trainee position, candidates must:
Testing Requirement
Additionally, candidates must submit one of the qualifying test requirements:
Option 1: POST PELLETB Exam
The POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) is a written exam that measures reading and writing ability.
Important Notes:
Option 2: National Testing Network (NTN) Frontline Law Enforcement Test
The NTN Frontline Law Enforcement Test is a standardized exam that measures reading, writing, and judgment.
Minimum required scores:
Reading: 70% or higher
Writing: 70% or higher
Video: 65% or higher
Candidates must complete the test through the National Testing Network (NTN) available at multiple locations nationwide. To schedule your exam, visit: https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/
You must select Mountain View Police Department as a recipient agency before taking the exam
Once selected, your scores will automatically be sent to the City (approximately 2 business days after completion)
Important Notes:
Contact Sergeant Fisher with questions regarding this process at david.fisher@mountainview.gov.
Selection Process
Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and pass one of the required exams will be invited to complete an online Pre-Employment History Questionnaire (PHQ). Those who successfully complete the PHQ will move forward to an oral board interview.
Applicants who pass the oral board interview will be placed on an eligibility list. Candidates selected from the eligibility list may then be invited to participate in an executive interview.
Applicants who advance beyond the executive interview must successfully complete all required pre-employment screening, including a medical examination, psychological evaluation, and an extensive background investigation conducted in accordance with POST guidelines. The background investigation includes DOJ and FBI fingerprint checks and polygraph examination.
A prior conviction will not disqualify an applicant; however, failure to disclose any conviction will result in disqualification or termination. Final appointment is contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment requirements.
Submit your application and resume online at GovernmentJobs.com or to the Human Resources Department; City of Mountain View, 500 Castro Street, Mountain View, CA 94041, (650)903-6309. Please provide a valid email address on your application. This recruitment will close at 5:00 PM PST on Monday, June 8, 2026. Depending on the number of applicants, this process might be altered.
BONUS OPPORTUNITY
The $5,000 new hire bonus is reserved for new hires; current City of Mountain View employees are not eligible. Bonus is paid in two payments; $2,500 in your first paycheck and $2,500 following the successful completion of the probationary period.
FINE PRINT
The above process may be altered depending on the number of applications. Candidates with disabilities who may require special assistance at any phase of the application or testing process should advise the Human Resources Department upon submitting the application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request. The City of Mountain View is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). The Mountain View Police Department is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.
Note: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
To learn more, visit our Benefit Comparison Chart and/or the applicable Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on our website.
01
Are you at least 21 years of age?
02
Have you completed 40 semester or 60 quarter units from an accredited college?
03
Please select the qualifying test score(s) you will submit to complete your application.
Required Question
Employer City of Mountain View (CA)
Address 500 Castro Street
Mountain View, California, 94041
Website https://www.mountainview.gov/