Police Officer Recruit

City of Paso Robles

Paso Robles, CA

Testing will take place on a rolling basis. Testing dates will be announced via e-mail. Notices will only be sent once a date is scheduled. Application status updates will not be provided outside of test invitation notices.

Law enforcement is at its finest here at the City of Paso Robles Police Department. With state of the art equipment and a community-oriented proactive approach to crime, the City of Paso Robles Police Department offers a work environment unlike any in San Luis Obispo County. If you are interested in working with exceptional individuals in a tight knit community, we encourage you to apply.

Please note this recruitment is intended for those applicants who are not yet certified law enforcement officers and will require training at a police academy or are currently enrolled in a certified academy. If you have already graduated from a certified police academy, please apply to thePolice Officer (Academy Grad/Entry Level)recruitment.

Wage Range
Academy:$31.75 per hour| $66,033.24 annually
Starting Officer:$46.16 per hour| $96,009.16 annually

About Paso Robles

Nestled in the heart of California’s scenic Central Coast, Paso Robles—short for El Paso de Robles, or “The Pass of the Oaks”—offers a unique blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and modern opportunity. Originally founded around its famous mineral hot springs and rich agricultural heritage, Paso Robles has grown into a dynamic and thriving community. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny days and cool evenings, ideal for both outdoor living and agricultural innovation. With its rolling hills, majestic oak trees, and panoramic vineyard views, Paso Robles provides a truly inspiring setting for work and life.

Paso Robles’ central location within San Luis Obispo County offers residents easy access to a wide array of cultural, educational, and recreational attractions. Just a short 30-minute drive south lies California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), a nationally ranked institution known for its hands-on learning and innovation. This proximity fosters strong connections to cutting-edge research, continuing education, and a highly educated talent pool. To the west, scenic Highway 1 leads to the iconic Hearst Castle in San Simeon, a historic landmark that draws visitors from around the world with its stunning architecture and sweeping coastal views. Within the county, residents can also enjoy the vibrant coastal towns of Morro Bay, Cambria, and Pismo Beach, as well as the eclectic energy of downtown San Luis Obispo. From wine tasting and hiking to art galleries, surf spots, and farmers’ markets, San Luis Obispo County offers an exceptional quality of life.

Today, Paso Robles is best known as a premier wine region, home to over 200 wineries producing world-class Zinfandels, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Rhône varietals. But wine is just the beginning. The city boasts a vibrant downtown filled with boutique shopping, award-winning restaurants, and a bourgeoning local arts scene. Cultural highlights include the Paso Robles Wine Festival, California Mid-State Fair, and a variety of community events that bring residents together year-round. A wide array of housing options, good schools, a welcoming business environment, and proximity to outdoor destinations make it an ideal place to live and work. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to make a lifestyle change, the City of Paso Robles offers the perfect balance of opportunity, community, and California charm.

The Organization

The City of Paso Robles was incorporated in 1889 as a general law city and operates under the Council-Manager form of government. As of January 1, 2025, the City's population has grown to approximately 31,061, reflecting consistent growth over recent years as more residents are drawn to the City's high quality of life, strong community identity, and comprehensive municipal services.

The City is a full-service municipality, meaning it provides a wide range of essential public services directly to its residents. These include police and fire protection, emergency medical response, water and wastewater utilities, parks and recreation, planning and development services, public works, and community enrichment programs. The City is committed to delivering responsive, effective, and efficient services that enhance the well-being of its residents and support a safe, sustainable, and vibrant community.

The governing body consists of a five-member City Council: the Mayor, elected at large by the voters of the City; and four Councilmembers elected by district. Voters also elect one City Treasurer at-large. All six elected positions are non-partisan. The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, serves as the Chief Executive Officer and is authorized to appoint all non-elected employees, with the exception of the City Attorney.

The City operates with a total annual budget of $145.7 million for fiscal year 2025-26 and employs 314.44 full-time equivalent positions across the departments of Administrative Services, City Manager’s Office, Community Development, Community Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Public Works, and Utilities.

The Position
This is a non-sworn, training-level classification in the Police Department. Recruits do not have police officer powers or authority. Incumbents will assume non-sworn duties within the department and attend a six-monthP.O.S.T. Certified Academy.A housing allowance is available for qualified candidates. The academy is intense and requires a high degree of discipline.

Upon graduation and award of the Basic Law Enforcement Academy certificate, incumbents will be appointed to the position of Police Officer, assigned step 1of the wage range (which is currently $3,692.66 biweekly),and assume the benefits associated with the Paso Robles Police Officers Association (POA) bargaining unit. After six months at step 1, incumbents will be eligible for evaluation to step 2 (which is currently $3,916.93 biweekly).Details of the POA benefits can be found in theMemorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Must have the ability to:

Understand, interpret, and apply state and local laws and regulations, department policies and procedures, and other technical literature pertaining to law enforcement
React quickly and calmly in emergency or hazardous situations and adopt an effective course of action
Observe and remember facts and details of incidents
Follow oral and written instructions
Learn to operate firearms safely and skillfully
Obtain information through interview, interrogation, and observation
Write clear and accurate reports
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
Communicate verbally in a clear, effective manner and provide excellent customer service
Deal tactfully and effectively with a wide range of different individuals and groups from the community
Work rotating day and evening shifts

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be equivalent to graduation from high school and three years of responsible experience working in an organization which will have provided knowledge of the departmental function to which assigned.

Completion of 12 semester units from an accredited college, university, or trade school in a field related to the work assigned, as well as additional specialized training in law enforcement, criminal justice, or a related field is desirable. Spanish language skills and experience working in a public agency setting are also desirable.

Physical Demands and Working Environment:
Environment: High-stress police training academy environment; indoor classrooms and outdoor physical agility course; exposure to noise, smoke, and fumes.
Vision: Must be correctable to 20/30 both eyes – normal color acuity.
Weight: Should be proportional to height.

Special Requirements:

Possession of a valid California Class C driver license and have a satisfactory driving record
At least 21 years of age upon acceptance to the police academy
Must be free of any felony convictions
Must be found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition which might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer
Ability to legally possess a firearm per the State of California
Must possess and maintain a P.O.S.T. approved Penal Code 832 certification and CPR/First Aid certification within twelve months of appointment

Selection Components:
1. PELLETB Written Exam

A score of 39 or above on the PELLETB is considered passing.
Testing for the PELLETB more than once in a 30-day period is prohibited.Your participation in the PELLETB written exam may be waived if you have taken the PELLETB test within one year from the scheduled test dateand received a score of 39 or above; documentation of your test score on agency letterhead must be provided with your application. The Academy (South Bay Regional Public Safety Training) holds PELLETB exams at various locations that can be used to waive our exam.Additional testing opportunities can be found here.
2. Physical Assessment Test (PAT)

Your participation in the physical assessment may be waived if you have taken and passed a Physical Assessment Test (PAT) from another agency or academy within a year from the scheduled test date; documentation on agency letterhead must be provided with your application.
Candidates that pass both the PELLETB written exam and the PAT may be invited to interview.

3. Interview

Application process:

To be considered with the next pull of applicants, apply now!

This is a confidential recruitment and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the process. Candidates should be aware that references will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.

Applications will be reviewed for accuracy, completeness and job-relatedqualifications. A limited number of persons whose applications clearly demonstrate they most closely meet the requirements may be invited to participate in the selection process, which may be any combination of written, oral, and/or performance exams. All statements made in the application materials are subject to verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification or discharge.

Appointment is subject to successfully passing a pre-employment physical, psychological exam, polygraph, and background and criminal history check. Before starting work, applicants must present documentation of their identity, authorization to work in the United States, and a DMV driving record.

City of Paso Robles participates in E-Verify (more information can be found atwww.PRCity.com/HR). Following appointment as a Police Officer Recruit, a twelve-month probationary period may be required as the final phase of the appointment process. Upon graduation and award of the Academy Basic Certificate, the incumbent may be appointed to and sworn in as a Police Officerandbegin a new 18-month probationary period.

The email address you provide on the City application will be the primary means of communication the City will use to contact you regarding your application and this recruitment. If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact Human Resources at (805) 227-7234, or by email atJobs@PRCity.com.

All persons employed by the City of Paso Robles are designated as "disaster service workers" as defined in the California Government Code section 3100 and 3101.

The City of Paso Robles provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Police Officer Recruit

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