Police Cadet (Part-Time)

Salary: $16.90 - $20.54 Hourly Location : Santa Ana, CA Job Type: Part-time Job Number: 2026-00300 Department: Police Department Opening Date: 12/02/2025 Bargaining Unit: NA Description The City of Santa Ana is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitude, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success and have a passion for public service. Having the best employees provides the best service to the community. Applications will be accepted beginning January 1, 2026. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early, as the recruitment may close once a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. This is a non-sworn part-time position. This program is designed to be a constructive gateway to a career in law enforcement and designed for applicants who are between the ages of 18-25. The incumbent(s) will work up to 20 hours per week in various assignments throughout the police department. The assignment will rotate annually and the work schedule is to be determined depending upon assignment. Successful performers are motivated, enthusiastic individuals who are interested in exploring the law enforcement profession by working in a police environment. These dedicated, conscientious employees possess a high moral character and strong interpersonal skills, and enjoy performing important duties which have a significant impact on the community. Essential Functions Include But Are Not Limited To Police Cadets perform non-sworn law enforcement related functions in all divisions of the police department, including answering telephone lines and public inquiries, writing reports, processing evidence, and other duties/projects as assigned. Minimum Qualifications17 1/2 years old to 24 years old at time of application submission Possession of a high school diploma or G.E.D. certificate Current enrollment (or enrollment in upcoming academic term) in an accredited college or university with a minimum of nine semester units A valid CA driver license and acceptable driving record. (Based on possible field duties applicants may operate a personal or city vehicle.) One year of public administration or volunteer experience is highly desirable; participation in a Police Explorer program is qualifying experience. Bilingual fluency in English and one of the following languages is also highly desirable: Spanish, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Samoan, Hmong or Korean. SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Willingness and ability to work any shift, holidays and weekends. Ability to move and lift objects weighing up to 20 lbs. Selection Process All applicants are required to complete and submit a City application form and answer the supplemental questionnaire online. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the City online application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page. New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Applications, as well as responses to the supplemental questionnaire, will be reviewed by City staff. Those candidates who possess the most pertinent qualifications will be invited for an oral interview by the Police Department. Candidates selected for employment must successfully complete a thorough background investigation, which may include a polygraph examination, psychological evaluation, and a pre-employment medical examination. The City of Santa Ana is an equal opportunity employer. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact us regarding providing reasonable accommodation. Part-Time employees accrue paid sick leave at the rate of one (1) hour of paid sick leave for every thirty (30) hours worked up to a maximum accrual of 6 days or 48 hours. Employees are eligible to use 3 days or 24 hours of accrued paid sick leave in a 12-month period. For additional information please visit the Department of Industrial Relations Website: 01 Police Cadets must be within the age of 17 1/2 years of age and 24 years (zero months) at the time of application submission.Are you within the age range noted above? Yes No 02 Do you posses a High School Diploma or G.E.D.? Yes No 03 Are you currently enrolled (or enrolled in the upcoming academic term) in an accredited college or university with a minimum of nine semester units? Yes No 04 Do you possess a valid CA driver license and have an acceptable driving record? (Based on possible field duties applicants may operate a personal or city vehicle.) Yes No 05 Do you possess one year of public administration or volunteer experience? Yes No 06 If you answered "Yes" to the above question, provide details on your public administration and/or volunteer experience. If you do not have any related experience, type N/A. 07 Describe any skills, education, training and work experience which have prepared you for the Police Cadet position. 08 Are you willing and able to work any shift, holidays and weekends? Yes No 09 Are you willing and able to move and lift objects weighing up to 20 lbs. Yes No 10 The Police Cadet position is a non-sworn, part-time position. The Police Cadet program is designed to be a constructive gateway to a career in law enforcement and designed for applicants who are between the ages of 18-25 during the course of the program. Police Cadets will work up to 20 hours per week in various assignments throughout the police department. The assignment will rotate annually and the work schedule is to be determined depending upon assignment. I have read and understood the statement above. Yes No 11 All Police Cadet positions are in the Police Department, which requires selected candidates undergo a thorough backgrounds process, which may include a polygraph and psychological assessment. I have read and understood the statement above. Yes No 12 I certify that all information provided on my application and on the supplemental questionnaire is accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief. Yes No Required Question

Created: 2026-03-04