Police Officer (Lateral / Academy Graduate)

Police Officer (Lateral / Academy Graduate)

Salary

$99,767.20 - $121,267.74 Annually

Location

Fountain Valley, CA, CA

Job Type

Non-exempt FLSA

Job Number

2026-36

Department

Police

Opening Date

08/26/2026

Closing Date

10/8/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

MORE THAN A JOB- AN OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE, GROW, AND MAKE AN IMPACT!

Click Here to Learn About the City of Fountain Valley

Fountain Valley Police Department

The City of Fountain Valley is nestled in the heart of Orange County, California. With approximately 60,000 residents, we are a mid-sized, full-service Police Department that proudly serves our wonderful community, dedicated to protecting life, property, and public safety. With City events like our Summerfest and Concerts in the Park, 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 with countless restaurants, entertainment venues, shopping centers, and Disneyland within 15 miles radius of the city, providing many options for a rich work-life balance.

The Fountain Valley Police Departments mission is to demonstrate the courage to protect life and property in our community; the duty to provide the highest quality of service in a fair, impartial and ethical manner; and the commitment to take a leadership role in providing public safety and quality of life in a manner that will preserve public trust.

Headed by Chief of Police Craig Heredia, the Police Department is comprised of dedicated sworn and non-sworn professionals, including 2 Captains, 3 Lieutenants, 10 Sergeants, 9 Corporals, 40 Police Officers, a Support Services Manager & Support Services Supervisor, Dispatchers (full and part-time), a Crime Analyst, an Identification Technician, Record Clerks, Community Services Officers, Cadets, Police Services Officers, and administrative staff.

Job Overview

Are you looking to do meaningful police work in a department where your voice matters, your leadership is visible, and your work truly impacts the community you serve? Join a tight-knit Southern California police department where professionalism, trust, and balance are more than buzzwords - theyre how we operate every day. We are currently recruiting experienced lateral police officers and recent police academy graduates who are motivated, community-oriented, and ready to be part of a supportive, forward-thinking agency.

Why Join Fountain Valley Police Department?

• We offer a Hiring Incentive Bonus!!

• Lateral Police Officers - $10,000 paid in two (2) installments: $5,000 plus 40 hours of compensatory time at the time of hire and $5,000 after successful completion of the probationary period. Prior sworn law enforcement service will be considered for Longevity Pay (5 years=5%; 10 years=7%; 15 years=8%; 20 years=9% of base pay)

• Police Officer Academy Graduates - $5,000 paid in two (2) Installments: $2,500 at the time of hire and $2,500 after successfully completing the probationary period.

• Build a stable, meaningful career with competitive pay and benefits (See "Benefits" tab for more details regarding our comprehensive total compensation package).

• Specialties: General Detectives, Crime Suppression Unit Detectives, School Resource Officer, Field Training Officer, Traffic including motorcycle, Regional Narcotics Program, S.W.A.T. (Special Weapons and Tactics - part of West County), Drone Operator, and Canine.

• Special Compensation: Police Officers will be eligible for the following special compensation if certain criteria are met. Please refer to the POA MOU for more details.

• P.O.S.T. Certification Pay: Intermediate is 5%; Advanced is 12% of base salary

• Physical Fitness/Wellness pay of $495 per month

• Special Assignment Pay (Canine Officer, Detective, SRO, FTO, Traffic, SWAT)

• Bilingual premium up to $200 per month depending on qualification level

• A Department That Knows Your Name - Our size allows for strong relationships - between officers, leadership, and the community. You are not a number here; you are a valued professional.

• Community-Focused Policing: Serve a community that genuinely supports its police department. Officers are encouraged to build relationships, solve problems creatively, and engage proactively.

• Work-Life Balance Matters: We prioritize sustainable staffing, realistic workloads, and predictable scheduling whenever possible - so you can excel at work and enjoy life outside the badge.

• Opportunities to Grow: From specialty assignments to training and professional development, we support career growth and recognize initiative.

• Accessible Leadership: Our command staff is visible, approachable, and invested in your success.

Lateral Police Officers - We Value Your Experience

We welcome experienced officers who are seeking a department with strong culture, supportive leadership, and a true sense of purpose. Lateral hires may be eligible for:

• Expedited hiring process (Interview only after review of application)
• Salary placement based on experience
• Reduced or modified field training, when applicable
• Recognition of prior service and certifications

Academy Graduates - Start Your Career Strong

• A supportive Field Training Program
• Mentorship from experienced officers
• Early opportunities to build confidence and competence in the field.

Ready to Make A Difference? If you're looking for a department where integrity, teamwork, and community truly come first, we invite you to apply and learn more about what makes our agency special.

To access the full class specification, including a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required, please click on the following link: Police Officer

Qualification Guidelines

You must be POST-certified or have previous experience as a California Peace Officer to be considered for this position

Lateral Candidate Qualifications (All required certifications/licenses MUST be submitted with the completed employment application)

• Must have completed a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) approved Basic Police Recruit Academy;
• Must have current or prior sworn law-enforcement experience (with successful completion of probationary period);[TR1]
• Out-of-State applicants may meet California's Regular Basic Course (academy) training requirement by completing the California P.O.S.T. Basic Course Waiver.

Academy Graduate Qualifications (All required certifications/licenses MUST be submitted with the completed employment application)

• Must have completed a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) approved Basic Police Recruit Academy within the last 3 years. If graduation from a California P.O.S.T. approved academy was more than 3 years ago, successful completion of the recertification program is required.
• Must provide a copy of your academys official P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate documenting successful completion of the academy with your application.
• If you are currently enrolled in California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) approved Basic Police Recruit Academy but have not yet graduated: Must provide formal verification of your academy written and physical agility entrance exam scores with your application. Must have and maintain satisfactory academic and physical training performance evaluations by academy staff.

Education:

• High School graduation or equivalent or possession of a General Education Development Test (GED) certificate is required.
• Associate of Arts or Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is highly desirable.
• Graduation from a California P.O.S.T. approved academy at the time of appointment within the last 3 years or have successfully completed the P.O.S.T. basic course waiver examination process is required. If graduation from a California P.O.S.T. approved academy was more than 3 years ago, successful completion of the recertification program is required.

Required License: Possession of a valid California Class "C" drivers license (or equivalent). [Please note: Candidates are required to have a California Drivers License at time of appointment.]

Special Requirements (Pursuant to California POST):

• 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 at the time of appointment
• 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
• 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.
• Candidates must have normal hearing acuity. Refer to POST Hearing Guidelines.
• Candidates must have a vision of 20/70 uncorrected, correctable to 20/20, and normal color vision. Refer to POST Vision Guidelines.
• Candidates must have height and weight in accordance with age, sex, and frame.
• Police Officers must be able to work rotating shifts, evenings, holidays, and weekends as assigned.

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:

• Application Review (including successful submission of required documentation)
• Oral interview
• Extensive background investigation including credit check, California Department of Justice (DOJ), and Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) criminal history check (Live Scan fingerprinting)
• Polygraph examination
• Medical examination after a conditional job offer is given (including a psychological evaluation and drug screen)

Re-application: Candidates who failed any component of the City of Fountain Valleys selection process for Police Officer will not be eligible to re-apply for another Police Officer 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:

• New Members / PEPRA Police: As defined by the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), "New Members" have never been a member of any California public retirement system, were hired by a CalPERS agency after January 1, 2013, moved between public retirement systems lacking reciprocity, or moved between employers in the same public retirement system with a break in service of more than six months. New Members are enrolled in the 2.7% at age 57 retirement formula and pay a contribution rate of 50% of the total normal cost of the PEPRA member benefits for their retirement pension. This rate is determined annually based on the actuarial valuation of the retirement benefits provided to active PEPRA employees. For Fiscal Year 25/26, employees pay a mandatory 13.75% pre-tax contribution for this retirement benefit. Note: In 2026, the pensionable compensation limit for PEPRA is $191,679 (pursuant to GC § 7522.10). This limit is adjusted on an annual basis.

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.

• Medical

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.

• Dental

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).

• Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (ADD)

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).

• Vision

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.

• AFLAC

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.

• Flexible Spending Account

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).

• Retiree Health Savings Account (RHSA): Build a dedicated fund for your future healthcare needs. Employees are required to contribute

$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.

• Long-Term Disability

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.

• Medical Opt-Out

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.

• Retiree Medical

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!

• Holidays

Employees shall be entitled to 11 paid holidays per calendar year (including a "floating holiday" that can be used at the employee's discretion).

• Vacation

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

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

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

Please specify your qualification level:

• Lateral
• Police Academy Graduate
• Police Academy Enrolled

02

If you graduated from a P.O.S.T. certified Basic Academy, please type the name of the academy that you graduated or will graduate from, as well as the month and year of your graduation date (or anticipated graduation date).

03

Which best describes your highest level of education?

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Some College
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• None of the Above

04

Please list any specialized law enforcement related training or coursework you have completed.

05

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.]

• Yes
• No

06

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States by federal law?

• Yes
• No

07

Are you at least 20 years and 6 months of age or older?

• Yes
• No

08

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?

• Yes
• No

09

At ANY TIME in the past, did you fail any component of the Citys selection process for Police Officer? If yes, specify the date(s) and which component(s) you failed such as application screen, oral interview, Chiefs interview, etc. If no, type "N/A."

10

In order to complete your application, you MUST ATTACH the following documents: LATERAL: No verification documentation required if currently working as a Peace Officer in California. If you are not currently working as a Peace Officer and/or you are an out-of-state Peace Officer, please attach your California P.O.S.T Basic Course Waiver. POLICE ACADEMY GRADUATE: Provide a copy of your academys official P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate documenting successful completion of the Police Academy. POLICE ACADEMY ENROLLED: 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?

• Yes
• No

11

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.

• Agree
• Disagree

Required Question

Employer City of Fountain Valley

Address 10200 Slater Ave

Fountain Valley, California, 92708

Phone 714-593-4506

Website http://www.fountainvalley.org/jobs