Police Officer (Recruit)

Police Officer (Recruit)

Salary

$48,000.00 Annually

Location

110 SE Watula Ave, 3rd Floor, Ocala, FL 34471, FL

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

982026

Department

Ocala Police Department

Opening Date

09/08/2026

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

The annual salary for this position is $48,000.00 while attending school.

This position is an entry level, non-sworn position in the Police Department. Law Enforcement Recruits report to the Resource Development Supervisor.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Attends and participates in a departmental approved Basic Police Officer Recruit School maintaining a minimum grade point average of 80% throughout the course. Must score at least 72% on the Florida Basic Abilities Test for Law Enforcement. Must maintain 100% attendance in Basic Recruit School pursuant to CJSTC rules.
• Required to report to work at the appointed hour, as scheduled, and to work the entire assigned shift. Required to abide by the "Law Enforcement Code of Ethics", the Ocala Police Department Code of Conduct and Directives, and all local, state and federal laws.
• Must maintain a professional, alert, and business-like manner. Additionally, recruits must maintain a military bearing in the classroom, during field training and when in the community at all times. May be required to direct traffic or perform other police-related functions when not attending classes. Attendance of classes at odd and unusual hours may be required, as well as working on weekends and designated holidays.
• Required to successfully graduate from the assigned Basic Police Officer Recruit School and pass the State of Florida Police Certification Test.

NONESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Operates a computer.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Must be 19 years of age by the time of graduation from the Law Enforcement Academy.
• Must successfully complete OPD competitive selection process for the position, including medical, physical, drug screening and psychological assessments.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• Florida Operators Drivers License with an acceptable driving record.
• Florida State Law Enforcement Officer Certification. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC) examination for State Law Enforcement Officer Certification must be taken and passed within 30 days of successful graduation from Basic Police Recruit School.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

• Resident of Marion County.

EMPLOYMENT COMMITMENT REQUIREMENT

• Required to make a 3-year employment commitment with the Ocala Police Department at the time of selection as a Law Enforcement Recruit. This commitment period will begin on the date the Law Enforcement Recruit is successfully released following the OPD Field Training Program.

Supplemental Information

CUSTOMER SERVICE

• High volume of customer service is performed in assisting the public and employees in person and by telephone. Communicates clearly and courteously to assist others.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Be able to effectively communicate information both orally and in writing.
• Ability to interact and communicate effectively with academy instructors, faculty and fellow students.
• Ability to demonstrate excellent teamwork skills.
• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively, and determine a proper course of action.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly under emergency situations.
• Ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously and tactfully, with respect to rights of others.
• Ability to develop skill in use and care of firearms.
• Ability to develop excellent emergency vehicle operations skills.
• Ability to maintain good physical and mental conditions and a positive, professional demeanor.

PHYSICAL ABILITY

• This non-sworn civilian recruit training position requires performance of extremely physically demanding work occasionally that typically involves some combination of reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, running, scaling and climbing. May involve lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling. Must be able to exert up to 150 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to constantly lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects such as those required in training to develop the essential skills which are needed for chasing and subduing a law violator resisting physical control. Tasks may also involve standing, sitting or walking for long periods of time. Defensive tactics skills development, firearms qualification and emergency vehicle operations training are also essential physical functions required of this position. Reads reports, policies and procedures.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Approximately 95% of these job functions are performed while sitting in a classroom or participating in a learning environment. The remaining 5% may include riding in a patrol vehicle, directing traffic, or participating in other police related functions.
• The job functions are generally performed Monday through Friday at a time set by the Basic Recruit School. Recruit Officers may be required to work weekends or unusual hours.
• Equipment used consists of a patrol car, handcuffs, expandable baton, police portable radio, mobile radio, pager, lights and sirens, spotlight, flashlight, service weapon, fire extinguisher, computer, printer, copier.
• Immediate supervisor is at the job site 15% of the time and is also available by police radio and telephone.
• Hazards include all dangers associated with law enforcement training, including possible severe physical injury or death. Both physical and mental stress may be present.

The Ocala Police Department is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. ADA requires the Ocala Police Department to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• The job requires inside and outside work; ability to tolerate inclement weather including head, humidity, cold, fog and rain. Possible exposure to hazardous materials and conditions, toxic conditions, fumes, odors, vibration, dust, confined areas, animal/human waste and/or bodily fluids can occur during field training.
• Sensory Requirements: In accordance with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement minimum vision must be at least 20/70 either/or both, corrected to 20/30 and hearing must be normal at a distance of fifteen feet.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (e.g., emergencies, change in personnel, workload, rush jobs, or technological developments).

The City of Ocala provides a competitive, comprehensive benefit package for all full-time employees.

Health Insurance

We offer both single and family coverage, for employees working 30 or more hours per week.

Dental Insurance

For full time employees, we offer both single and family dental coverage.

Vision Insurance

For full time employees, we offer both single and family vision coverage.

Life Insurance

For full time employees, the City of Ocala provides Basic Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberments policies as an employer paid benefit. Employees can opt for additional coverage such as supplemental voluntary life, spouse life, dependent life, and child life. For full time employees, the City of Ocala provides Basic Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberments policies as an employer paid benefit. Employees can opt for additional coverage such as supplemental voluntary life, spouse life, dependent life, and child life.

Short Term and Long Term Disability

Offered to full time employees, STD and LTD coverages are income replacement benefits that assist policyholders who are unable to work for an extended period of time due to sickness or accidental injury.

Medical FSA (Flexible Spending Account) and Dependent Care FSA

Flexible spending accounts allow employees to pay out-of-pocket medical, dental, vision, and dependent care expenses using pre-tax dollars.

Pet Insurance

We also offer special pet insurance for your pets in the case of illness or accidents, as well as preventative care.

Employee Health & Wellness Center

The City of Ocala offers the use of the City Clinic for those employees, and covered dependents over the age of 8, which have elected one of our health insurance plans. Services offered by the City Clinic include primary care, chronic disease management, labs, x-rays, and wellness coaching.

Voluntary Cancer Insurance

For full time employees, the cancer insurance policy can help provide security if you, or a covered dependent, suddenly become diagnosed with cancer.

Supplemental Critical Care Insurance

Our full time employees have the option of electing critical care insurance that is available to help with medical expenses that could arise from things such as a heart attack or stroke.

Supplemental Accident Insurance

Also available to full time employees, is our Accident Coverage. This supplemental plan can be used to help with expenses like MRIs, physical therapy, and hospital admission.

Legal Plan Insurance

Full time employees can have access to local attorneys for a monthly fee and receive discounts on services such as legal consultation, wills, traffic violations and the purchase or sale of your home. The carrier also has a separate policy assisting with the matter of identity theft and social media monitoring.

Deferred Compensation Plan

Deferred compensation is available to all full-time employees at the time of employment. This benefit allows the employee to defer income without paying taxes until money is withdrawn. Current plan is administered through MissionSquare.

Direct Deposit

Direct deposit automatically deposits your net pay each pay period to your checking or savings account at your own financial institution. Direct deposit is a condition of employment for a person hired by the City.

Each pay period the employee receives an earnings statement showing gross pay, taxes, other deductions, accruals and net pay. Enrollment forms are available at Human Resources or Payroll.

Discounts - Theme Park

Discounts are available to all non-temporary employees at the time of employment.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The Employee Assistance Program is available to all full-time employees and members of your household as an employer paid benefit. The EAP offers emotional wellbeing support in the form as counseling sessions and all sessions are confidential. The EAP also provides daily life assistance, legal services, and financial services.

Holidays and Paid Time off

The City provides paid holidays and paid time off for full-time employees. Refer to the Employee Handbook for details.

Retirement Plan

All full-time employees hired after 10/01/2013, apart from Sworn Police Officers and Firefighters, are enrolled in the 401a Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with MissionSquare. All contributions to the 401a Defined contribution plan are pre-tax and earnings grow tax-deferred. The City contributes 8% and employees contribute 3%. City contributions are 100% vested after one year of employment. You will be enrolled automatically and should take time to review your investment options at your earliest convenience.

Training Programs

The City is committed to provide training programs for all departments and all positions. Risk Management conducts classes in Defensive Driving, Safety, and Insurance. With rare exceptions, classes are offered during working hours, and are open to all eligible employees.

Tuition Reimbursement

All regular, full-time employees are eligible to participate in the tuition reimbursement program.

01

Do you have a high school diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you possess a valid State of Florida Operator Drivers License with an acceptable driving record OR If you possess a valid out of state license, do you have the ability to obtain a Florida Drivers License prior to employment?

• Yes
• No

03

Were you referred by an Ocala Police Department employee?

• Yes
• No

04

If yes, please provide their first and last name, if no, please put N/A.

05

Have you previously applied for this or any other position with the City of Ocala?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you understand that you must reside within 35 miles of the Ocala Police Department (402 S. Pine Ave.) if you are hired?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you understand you must be a least 19 years of age to be employed as a police officer?

• Yes
• No

08

Have you had three moving violations within the past 24 months, or 5 in the past five years?

• Yes
• No

09

Have you had any drivers licenses suspensions (excluding financial responsibility) in the past 5 years?

• Yes
• No

10

If yes, please explain the circumstances, if no, please put N/A.

11

Have you had any illegal drug use, other than marijuana in the 24 months prior to the date of this application?

• Yes
• No

12

Have you ever sold drugs or acted as a middleperson in a drug transaction?

• Yes
• No

13

If yes, please explain the circumstances, if no, please put N/A.

14

Have you used marijuana within 6 months of the date of this application?

• Yes
• No

15

Have you had any conviction for DUI or convicted lesser charge within the last 5 years?

• Yes
• No

16

If yes, please explain the circumstances, if no, please put N/A.

17

Have you been convicted of ANY felony or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement? Note: Any person who, after July 1, 1981, pleads guilty or Nolo Contendene to or is found guilty of ANY felony or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement, regardless of suspension of sentence or withholding adjudication will not have their application processed. (F.S.S. 943.13(4)).

• Yes
• No

18

Have you had any domestic violence convictions or pleas, including suspension or sentence or withholding adjudication?

• Yes
• No

19

Do you have any tattoos on the head, scalp, face, or neck?

• Yes
• No

20

Have you had any discharge other than honorable or uncharacterized from any of the Armed Forces of the United States?

• Yes
• No

21

If yes, please explain the circumstances, if no, please put N/A.

22

Have you been fired, terminated, dismissed, resigned in lieu of termination from a job, including as a juvenile?

• Yes
• No

23

If yes, please explain the circumstances, if no, please put N/A.

24

I understand that all information I provide regarding my background, education, certifications, licenses, and work history is subject to verification once an offer of employment has been extended and accepted. I further understand that any false, misleading, or incomplete information, or the omission of relevant information, may be grounds for disqualification from consideration, withdrawal of an employment offer, or dismissal from employment if discovered after I begin work.

• Yes
• No

25

Have you provided a complete employment and education history covering the past ten (10) years, or dating back to high school graduation, whichever period is shorter, within your NeoGov application and/or master profile? Please note: Resumes are welcome; however, they do not substitute for a completed application. Applications that do not include the required employment and education history, or that are otherwise incomplete, will be rejected and will not be considered for further review.

• Yes, I have provided a complete employment and education history and understand that incomplete applications will be rejected.
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Ocala

Address 110 SE Watula Ave

City Hall, 3rd Floor

Ocala, Florida, 34471

Phone 352-629-8359

Website https://www.ocalafl.gov/