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Job Description
Description
THE POSITION:
This is a non-sworn trainee classification. Incumbents participate in required law enforcement training in order to meet the requirements of the entry-level Police Officer classification and work under close supervision. Assignments and instruction are outlined and overseen by both Academy and Police Staff who continuously monitor the Trainee’s progress and review work product; and performs related work as required
Representative Duties
For full job descriptions, please access the following links: Police Trainee or Police Officer .
Minimum Qualifications
Applications will be accepted only from those applicants who properly complete the application and clearly demonstrate on the City application and supplemental questionnaire that they possess the minimum qualifications which include:- Development (G.E.D.) exam; AND
- At least 21 years of age upon completion of the academy training;
- Must be a citizen of the United States; OR
- Permanent resident alien who is eligible and has applied for U.S. citizenship prior to application for employment in compliance with Government Code Section 1031;
- Possession of a valid California Class "C" driver's license;
- Must meet the medical standards recommended by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) ;
- Must undergo a complete background investigation, which includes a polygraph, psychological examination, medical examination, and fingerprint clearance.
EXAMINATIONS : ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE NOTIFIED VIA E-MAIL (IF PROVIDED) OF DATE, TIME, AND PLACE OF EXAMS.
WRITTEN EXAM (Pass/Fail): The written exam is the first phase of the examination process for the TRAINEE candidates and measures reading and writing ability. A minimum T-Score of 42 is required. ( NOTE : If you have already taken the P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLET-B) exam administered within the last 30 days by the City of Bakersfield or with another agency/academy and achieved a T-Score of 42 or higher you are not required to retake the PELLET-B exam and will be scheduled to take the Agility Exam. Refer to Supplemental Questionnaire #5 on the Job Bulletin for information regarding required documentation).
PRELIMINARY BACKGROUND QUESTIONNAIRE (PBQ): Prior to appointment, applicants must successfully complete a preliminary investigation of their personal history and background to determine suitability for this position with the Bakersfield Police Department. Qualified candidates will be required to submit a COMPLETED Preliminary Background Questionnaire at the time of the Physical Agility Exam. Instructions will be provided at a later date .
PHYSICAL AGILITY EXAM (Pass/Fail): The physical agility exam is designed to measure the job-related physical characteristics of strength, agility and stamina required of a Police Officer. To see the Physical Agility Exam Description, click here: Physical Agility Exam Description .
ORAL APPRAISAL INTERVIEW (Weighted 100%): An appraisal will be made of applicants’ training, education, experience, communication skills and personal qualifications for the position. A minimum rating of 70% is required to move forward in the examination process. NOTE : EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS MUST BE PROPERLY COMPLETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE FACE OF THE APPLICATION FORM. ALL PERTINENT INFORMATION NEEDED TO DETERMINE THAT THE APPLICANT MEETS THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS MUST BE SHOWN ON THE APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONAIRRE; OTHERWISE, THE APPLICATION WILL BE REJECTED. RESUMES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF COMPLETED CITY APPLICATION AND REQUIRED SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE.
Examination (Weighted: 100%)
HIRING INCENTIVES:
- Up to $4,500 Hiring Bonus -
For more information on incentives, benefits, and additional phases of the examination and selection process, please visit the City’s Website under News & Highlights .
Any questions regarding the recruitment process, please visit our Recruitment Website - JOINBPD.US . Or you may contact the Training Division of the Bakersfield Police Department at 661-326-3895 or Recruiting@bakersfieldpd.us .
Full Summary of Benefits by Bargaining Unit:- Blue & White Miscellaneous Unit
- Fire Safety Unit
- Police Safety Unit
- Police Trainee Unit
- Supervisory & Management Unit
RETIREMENT: Benefits are provided by the City's participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). 2% @ 62 for new hire Miscellaneous and 2.7% @ 57 for Safety (Fire & Police). Visit the City's Retirement Info page for additional information.
Closing Date/Time: 1/5/2026 1:00 PM Pacific - Development (G.E.D.) exam; AND
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ABOUT THE COMPANY
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City of Bakersfield
Show moreAt over 413, 000 residents within the City of Bakersfield and another 100,000 in the metro area,
Bakersfield is the ninth largest city in California, ranked between Oakland and Anaheim. Uniquely placed
geographically, the successful candidate will be no more than a couple of hours drive from all things California,
whether that’s Disneyland, the Pacific Ocean, Sequoia’s Big Trees and Yosemite’s waterfalls, or the thrill of skiing
at Mammoth Mountain. Right here at home, the 30-mile paved Kern River Parkway Trail winds through preserved
riparian habitat where you might see rabbits, roadrunners, and other protected wildlife. Sunny year round,
Bakersfield does get hot in the summer, but this region’s Mediterranean climate provides for an
all-seasons lifestyle. Bakersfield is the nation’s top city for family activities. For more information
on things to do in Bakersfield, please visit The Visit Bakersfield Website.
The Bakersfield City Council is composed of seven members elected from the seven wards of the City on a nonpartisan basis to serve overlapping four-year terms. The Mayor is elected at-large to serve a four-year term as presiding officer at Council meetings and as the head of the City for legislative and ceremonial purposes.
The City’s tagline is “The Sound of Something Better” and our team strives to better the community on behalf of the residents we serve each and every day. The City also strives to ensure all team members are provided with a supportive and fulfilling working environment, with emphasis placed on professional development opportunities and career advancement planning. Our team members are frequently encouraged to participate in the City’s employee incentive, wellness and leadership development programs that are offered throughout the year, as well as position-specific training and educational opportunities. Employment with the City of Bakersfield is more than a job, it is being part of something better.
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