Police Officer Trainee (ICPOET Program)

THE COMMUNITY WE SERVE:

The City of Owatonna is a growing community strategically placed at the crossroads of I-35 and two major US highways, approximately one hour south of the Twin Cities metro area.  The community has a commitment to growth, access to services, and quality of life for its 25,000 residents.  

Click the link below to learn more about the community this position would have the opportunity to be part of and serve. 



ABOUT THE OWATONNA POLICE DEPARTMENT:

DEPARTMENT PURPOSE:
We believe that our community thrives when lives, property, and rights of all people are safeguarded through trusted partnerships. The Police Department creates a better tomorrow by providing law enforcement services that prioritize the quality of life and maintain a safe and secure community.

As an organization, our Purpose is to create a better tomorrow.  We are guided in that work by our organization's three Values: Better Together, Community Stewardship, and Pride in Our Work.

In our department, the City’s values look and sound like . . . 

BETTER TOGETHER:

• Holding each other and ourselves accountable—to our peers and the community
• Trusting our peers will always be there to provide backup and support
• Building the team by helping each other out, mentoring, and collaborating
• Taking our work seriously, but not ourselves—humor is appreciated

• Conducting ourselves in a professional and approachable manner in the community
• Operating with integrity at all times
• Participating in opportunities for community engagement and partnership
• Taking care of the equipment, facilities, and other public resources we are entrusted with
• Spending taxpayers’ money and using city resources wisely, efficiently and effectively
• Maintaining a reputation as trusted responders

• Showing up with a caring and positive attitude ready to support any individual on their worst day
• Having a willingness to learn new things and seek self-improvement
• Always giving 100%
• Proudly honoring the positive public image of the police service and the responsibility that comes with that
• Giving and earning respect – within the department, the City, and the community
• Policing with professionalism

WHAT YOU'LL DO:
The Police Officer Trainee program is designed to bring non-traditional candidates into the field of law enforcement, thereby removing barriers for those who wish to make a career change. Individuals looking for a new career path and a way to make a difference in our community are encouraged to apply.

How the program works ...
This is a transitional full-time position with a starting wage of $27.65 per hour, plus insurance and pension benefits. As a Police Trainee Cadet, you will attend 40 hours a week of college coursework and training at Hennepin Technical College in Brooklyn Park, MN or approximately 20 weeks and then take and pass the MN POST licensing exam for police officers. All course fees are provided and paid for in accordance with grant funding parameters and an ICPOET Program Agreement between the applicant and the City of Owatonna. Upon graduation and successful completion of the training program and POST licensing exam, you may be promoted to a probationary sworn Patrol Officer position and begin your career in law enforcement just like any other new Patrol Officer (current Patrol Officer wage is $39.12 - $52.66/hour).

Expectations of the program ...

• Model and contribute to a positive work environment, open and honest communication, engagement, and safety.
• Communicate effectively and respectfully with employees and the public, including but not limited to those of diverse racial, ethnic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Work cooperatively as a member of a team; develop and maintain effective working relationships with diverse coworkers and community members; consistently bring a high level of self-awareness and empathy to all personal interactions.
• Embrace the City of Owatonna’s values and contribute toward the stated purpose and goals by being creative, innovative, continuously learning, and communicating clearly.   Click here to learn how the City of Owatonna’s purpose and values are embedded in the Patrol Officer job description.   

• Attend and actively participate in the identified education and skills program.
• Complete all course work associated with the program.
• Maintain appropriate physical conditioning to ensure successful completion of the skills training component.
• Upon completion of training program, successfully attain POST licensure eligibility.
• Commitment to remain employed as a licensed peace officer for the City of Owatonna for a minimum of three years after obtaining license.
• Attend Owatonna Police Department monthly check-in meetings.
• Conditional employment offers will be extended to police trainees for the period of time required to complete the aforementioned POST-approved training/skills program.
• Successful completion of the program may result in a change in employment status to probationary Patrol Officer.

ABOUT YOU:

A successful candidate will have the following minimum qualifications ...

• No previous police experience is required.
• Must have a 2-year or 4-year degree in any discipline (other than law enforcement) from a regionally accredited college or university as of application deadline.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must possess a valid driver's license, or ability to obtain upon hire.
• Must submit to a thorough background investigation conducted by the agency and meet minimum expectations - 6700.0700 - MN Rules Part.
• Must NOT have completed a MN Skills program or taken the MN POST or reciprocity exam.

• Standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and seeing.
• Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• May be subjected to odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, extreme temperatures, disruptive people, imminent danger, and a threatening environment.  

• This is a transitional full-time position, up to 40 hours of work per week.  Course schedule expected to be Monday - Friday.   

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.