Jobs in Santa Monica | Careers in Government

14Jobs found

Police Officer/Lateral Transfer
- Santa Monica, California
- City of Santa Monica
$126,672.00 - $156,384.00 Annually
- Full Time
- Public Safety
- Other
Neighborhood Preservation Coordinator
- Santa Monica, California
- City of Santa Monica
$108,144.00 - $133,512.00 Annually
- Full Time
- Public Health
Crossing Guard (As-Needed)
- Santa Monica, California
- City of Santa Monica
$22.50 Hourly
- Full Time
- Public Safety
Senior Human Services Analyst
- Santa Monica, California
- City of Santa Monica
$106,020.00 - $130,884.00 Annually
- Full Time
- Administrative Analysis and Research
- Human Resources and Personnel
Police Officer Trainee
- Santa Monica, California
- City of Santa Monica
$94,572.00 Annually
- Full Time
- Public Safety
Lead Code Enforcement Officer
- Santa Monica, California
- City of Santa Monica
$94,152.00 - $116,244.00 Annually
- Full Time
- Code Enforcement and Inspections
Traffic Engineer
- Santa Monica, California
- City of Santa Monica
$127,668.00 - $157,608.00 Annually
- Full Time
- Engineering
- Transportation or Transit
Background Investigation Officer (As-Needed)
- Santa Monica, California
- City of Santa Monica
$48.53 Hourly
- Full Time
- Public Safety
Senior Plan Check Engineer
- Santa Monica, California
- City of Santa Monica
$117,024.00 - $144,468.00 Annually
- Full Time
- Engineering
Combination Building Inspector I/II/III
- Santa Monica, California
- City of Santa Monica
$79,512.00 - $121,512.00 Annually
- Full Time
- Building and Safety
- Code Enforcement and Inspections
- Construction and Skilled Trades
Fire & Life Safety Consultant & Solutions Expert
- Santa Monica, California
- Kitchen Guard of Los Angeles
- Full Time
- Fire and EMS
Corporate Security Officer (78278)
- Santa Monica, California
- Inter-con Security
- Full Time
- Public Safety
11X Infantryman - Start Your Career with the US Army (90405)
- Santa Monica, California
- U.S. Army
- Full Time
- Federal Government
Executive Protection Agent
- Santa Monica, California
- Psd Services
- Full Time
- Public Safety

FEATURED JOBS

Featured Employers

Police Officer/Lateral Transfer
- Santa Monica, California United States
- City of Santa Monica
- Jul 24, 2026
- $126,672.00 - $156,384.00 Annually - Full Time
City of Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a beachside city of 8.3 square miles on the westside of Los Angeles County. Offering an environment of unparalleled natural beauty, the city is home to a mix of residential communities, commercial districts, and recreational venues. Recently named by National Geographic as one of the Top "10 Beach Cities in the World" and by TIME as one of the "Best Places to Live", Santa Monica features three miles of Pacific beaches and the Santa Monica Pier. Santa Monica’s residential population is approximately 93,000, increasing to an estimated 250,000 during the day with tourists, shoppers, and employees. Tourism attracts over 8 million visitors annually. The City of Santa Monica was incorporated on November 30, 1886 and subsequently adopted a City Charter in 1945. In 1947, a City Council-City Manager form of government was established. The City Council consists of seven members elected by the community at large to four year terms. The City of Santa Monica is a full-service city. City departments provide police, fire, a regional transportation network, water, refuse and recycling, streets, parking, planning, building, engineering, free public wifi, a high speed fiber optic network, parks, affordable housing, economic development, library, rent control, recreational, cultural, and educational services to the community. The City-operated Big Blue Bus regional bus service provides over 16.5 million rides for customers each year, all powered by renewable natural gas. Breeze Bike Share was Southern California's first bike share system with 500 bikes at 85 locations. In 2016, the Metro Expo Line opened connecting Santa Monica to Downtown Los Angeles in under an hour. The City of Santa Monica is a national leader in environmental, economic and social sustainability. The City is working toward aggressive climate action goals including: water self-sufficiency by 2020, zero waste by 2030, and carbon neutrality by 2050. The highly-rated Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District serves both Santa Monica and Malibu residents. Santa Monica College (SMC), one of the state's top two-year community colleges, serves over 30,000 full-time and part-time students on several campuses and offers more than 90 fields of study. Santa Monica's strong education institutions are complemented by the 5-star rated Santa Monica Public Library system. Public safety is a top priority in the City of Santa Monica. Santa Monica Fire Department continues to maintain a Class 1 ISO rating, the highest possible rating. Santa Monica has a strong and diverse economy. Known as “Silicon Beach,” local businesses are at the leading edge of the nation’s creative economy and startup scene. Sana Monica is also home to three renowned and respected health facilities, Providence Saint John’s Health Center, Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente. Connect with the City of Santa Monica by visiting www.santamonica.gov, follow @santamonicacity on Twitter, or sign up for the City's newsletter and emergency alerts at www.smgov.net/newsletter.
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Job Details
- $126,672.00 - $156,384.00 Annually
- Full Time
- Jul 24, 2026
Job Description
Job Summary

Join Santa Monica PD - We Hire for Character & Train for Skill

Join one of the highest-paid police departments in California, where competitive compensation is just the beginning. At SMPD, you’ll experience the excitement of working in a world-class destination, Santa Monica’s beaches, iconic pier, and vibrant community make it a place like no other. Beyond the pay, you'll find a truly regarding career where purpose, community impact, and personal growth are our priorities. With a supportive team culture and numerous career development pathways, SMPD offers opportunities to advance and diversity your skills across a wide range of assignments. Our focus on well-being, ongoing training, and a balanced work environment ensures you'll be both challenged and supported as you make a positive difference in Santa Monica.

Base Salary - Police Officer

Step 1 - $126,672

Step 2 - $132,924

Step 3 - $140,748

Step 4 - $148,560

Step 5 - $156,384

Below is what you can potentially be making annually at Step 1 and Step 5 of the Police Officer salary range.

Salary and Benefits Breakdown

Step 1

Top Step (5)

Base Salary

$126,672

$156,384 ($75.18 hourly)

Longevity Pay

None

$21,894 (14% of base salary after 20 years)

Education

$16,214 (12.80%)

$20,017 (12.80%)

Bilingual Pay

$1,800 (for Spanish, $150/mo.)

$1,800 (for Spanish, $150/mo.)

Uniform Allowance

$2,000 (paid bi-weekly)

$2,000 (paid bi-weekly)

Holiday Pay

$8,526 (35 hours paid quarterly x 4 quarters = 140 hours annually

$10,525 (35 hours paid quarterly x 4 quarters = 140 hours annually)

Total

$155,212

$212,620

Additional Compensation Opportunities :

Other incentives not included in total above: 100% City-paid medical premiums, K9, Overtime, FTO, Film Assignments, Call Back Pay, Telephone Calls Pay, Call Back Pay, Wellness Hour, Military Leave, Paid Parental Leave, Bereavement Leave, FMLA, Personal Leave Cash Out, Employee Parking

Additional Incentives and Benefits:

Longevity Pay (Applies to Overtime)
2.7% of base salary Over 5 years to 10 years
7% of base salary Over 10 years to 15 years
11.1% of base salary Over 15 years
14% of base salary Over 20 years

Educational Incentive Pay
6% of base for Intermediate P.O.S.T. Certificate or AA/AS
12.8% of base Advance P.O.S.T. Certificate or BA/BS

Bilingual Pay
$1200/annual
$1800/annual for Spanish

Uniform Allowance

$1200/annual

Pay in Lieu of Holiday - 14 holidays
Compensation equals ten hours at the employee’s regular rate of pay
35 hours paid quarterly x 4 quarters = 140 hours annually

Annual Sick Leave Cash Out
Less than 10 years of service max 6 days
10 plus years of service 12 days max

Annual Vacation Cash Out
Less than 5 years Up to 60 hours
5 years or more Up to 120 hours

Learn More About Us:
Visit the Santa Monica Police Department’s newly launched website for detailed information about our hiring process, department values, and what it means to serve our community. Explore now at JoinSMPD .

Click here to speak directly with a recruiter!

DEFINITION
Enforces laws and maintains order; protects life and property; prevents crime, and actively contributes to the welfare of the community.
SUPERVISION

Receives technical supervision from a Police Sergeant or higher-level sworn classification. May provide technical supervision over non-sworn personnel.

Representative Duties

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

Patrols an assigned area in marked/unmarked vehicles, bicycles, motorcycles, horses, and all terrain/beach vehicles and on foot for the prevention of crime and enforcement of laws and ordinances.

Maintains law and order; answers inquiries and assists the public; responds to requests for police services and takes appropriate actions.

Investigates and prepares reports on offenses, collisions, and other incidents.

Makes arrests, transports arrestees/prisoners, issues citations, and serves warrants and subpoenas.

Directs traffic.

Appears and testifies in court, both on and off duty.

Observes and reports hazards, abandoned or damaged vehicles or property, and malfunctions of city-owned equipment such as streetlights and traffic control devices.

Practices and maintains proficiency in the use of firearms and other police weapons and equipment.

Attends training courses as required by P.O.S.T and the Chief of Police.

Analyzes recurring patrol and specialized problems/hazards in collaboration with supervisors, peers, and service clientele. Participates in developing long-term resolutions to law enforcement related problems and issues.

Responds to calls for police service, major traffic collisions, and other emergencies.

Performs other duties, as assigned.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILIITIES

Knowledge of:

Law enforcement codes, crime prevention methods, rules of evidence, laws of arrest, investigation and identification techniques and traffic and crowd control
Principles of grammar and composition
Effective customer service techniques

Ability to:

Follow written and oral instructions
Follow applicable safety rules and regulations
Make decisions under pressure, including life threatening situations

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing

Respond to inquiries from the public in a tactful manner
Be sensitive to issues impacting the quality of life of residents, guests, and visitors to the City
Provide effective customer service

Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees and the general public

Maintain a qualifying score, at the shooting range, as established by the Santa Monica Police Department
Interact and communicate tactfully with culturally diverse populations
Skill in:

Reading, writing, and communicating at an appropriate level

Assessing situations and determining the proper course of action

REQUIREMENTS
Minimum Requirements:

Education :
Graduation from high school or the equivalent.
Completion of a California P.O.S.T. approved police academy.
Experience :
One year of full-time, paid experience as a sworn peace officer with an organized, local government agency.
Applicants must be currently employed as a sworn peace officer in State of California.
Licenses and Certificates :
Possession of a valid Class C driver license.
Possession of a regular Basic California P.O.S.T. Certificate.
Other Requirements :
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens who are eligible for and have applied for U.S. citizenship. Resident aliens must obtain citizenship within three (3) years from date of application.
Upon hire, police officers must be non-users of tobacco products.
Applicants for Police Officer-Lateral Transfer must pass an extensive background investigation and must not have been convicted of a misdemeanor involving domestic violence or a felony.
Effective September 23, 2021, all incoming Santa Monica Police Officer/Lateral Transfers must maintain California residency and live within a 95-mile radius from the Santa Monica Police Department.

Supplemental Information

HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must file a clear, concise, completed on-line City application with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline.

An on-line City application and required supplemental questions must be completed to be considered for this position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates considered to be most qualified f or the position on the basis of experience, training and education as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process.
Candidates invited to participate in the Police Department's testing process will participate in the following:

Oral Interview: 100%

Background Investigations : Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation. The investigation is used to determine a candidate's moral character and suitability for employment in law enforcement. The investigation shall include but is not limited to, the following checks: criminal record, polygraph, driving history, credit history, military record, previous record(s); and references.

Medical Examination : Prior to appointment, candidates must successfully complete a thorough medical examination, including a treadmill stress test and drug screen to determine if they meet the City's medical standards for the position of Police Officer/Lateral Transfer.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

SALARY RANGE: Composed of 5 steps-Step 1 through Step 5. Each step represents an increase of approximately 5% per year during the first five years of service.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: Choice of 12 CalPERS medical plans. 100% City-paid medical premiums.

CASH-IN-LIEU: Employees who elect to waive medical coverage due to spouse’s medical coverage are entitled to a payment equal to the cost of the current employee only premium rate under the PORAC plan per month. Payment is provided bi-weekly.

DENTAL INSURANCE: An HMO and PPO plan are available. Premiums fully paid by the city for employee and eligible dependents.

VISION INSURANCE: One plan available. Premiums fully paid by the city for employee and eligible dependents.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT: Employees may elect to contribute pre-tax dollars towards a Flexible Spending Account to pay for qualifying health and dependent care.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Premiums fully paid by the city for employee and household members.

CalPERS RETIREMENT: Retirement formula and employee contributions are based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS. City employees are vested after 5 years and do not participate in Social Security. Employees pay a 1.45% contribution towards Medicare.

SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT PLAN: 457(b) plan is available for voluntary participation.

PREMIUM REIMBURSEMENT PLAN: The City makes a monthly contribution of $142 into a retiree trust to allow eligible separated employees to reimburse healthcare premiums. Employees contribute $257 monthly.

VACATION: 60 hours following the completion of the first six months of continuous service. Thereafter, up to and including five completed years of continuous service, 10 hours for each completed calendar month of service.
Accrued vacation leave can be cashed out based on years of service on two occasions each calendar year.

SICK LEAVE: One sick leave day per month (96 hours per year).
Sick leave accrued but not used can be cashed out at the end of the fiscal year based on the formula outlined in the POA MOU.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: Full-time employees who have passed probation will be reimbursed for the cost of tuition and study materials for career improvement or job enhancement courses that meet the policy guidelines.
The maximum amount shall not exceed $2500 per fiscal year.

Diversity & Inclusion Statement

The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly-talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!

REQUESTS FOR ACCOMMODATIONS: Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246 (Hearing Impaired Only).

Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed both inside and outside in seasonal climate and weather conditions. Slippery surfaces, oily conditions, dust, dirt, and odors are conditions frequently encountered. Must constantly work with noise from vehicular traffic and police radio. Position requires availability to work weekends, evenings, holidays, on-call, and overtime. Physical demands include constant arm and leg movements, driving, standing, and sitting for long periods of time. Bending, stooping, lifting, running, squatting, and climbing is also required. For more comprehensive information, click HERE to access the Essential Functions Job Analysis for this job classification.

The City's liberal fringe benefits for full-time employment include sick leave, holiday and vacation pay, the Public Employees Retirement System, medical, dental and vision insurance, credit union, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, Dependent Care Assistance Plan and priority enrollment consideration at Hill & Dale Family Learning Center, Marine Park Child Development Center, and Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School. Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.
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Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.
City of Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a beachside city of 8.3 square miles on the westside of Los Angeles County. Offering an environment of unparalleled natural beauty, the city is home to a mix of residential communities, commercial districts, and recreational venues. Recently named by National Geographic as one of the Top "10 Beach Cities in the World" and by TIME as one of the "Best Places to Live", Santa Monica features three miles of Pacific beaches and the Santa Monica Pier. Santa Monica’s residential population is approximately 93,000, increasing to an estimated 250,000 during the day with tourists, shoppers, and employees. Tourism attracts over 8 million visitors annually.

The City of Santa Monica was incorporated on November 30, 1886 and subsequently adopted a City Charter in 1945. In 1947, a City Council-City Manager form of government was established. The City Council consists of seven members elected by the community at large to four year terms.

The City of Santa Monica is a full-service city. City departments provide police, fire, a regional transportation network, water, refuse and recycling, streets, parking, planning, building, engineering, free public wifi, a high speed fiber optic network, parks, affordable housing, economic development, library, rent control, recreational, cultural, and educational services to the community.

The City-operated Big Blue Bus regional bus service provides over 16.5 million rides for customers each year, all powered by renewable natural gas. Breeze Bike Share was Southern California's first bike share system with 500 bikes at 85 locations. In 2016, the Metro Expo Line opened connecting Santa Monica to Downtown Los Angeles in under an hour.

The City of Santa Monica is a national leader in environmental, economic and social sustainability. The City is working toward aggressive climate action goals including: water self-sufficiency by 2020, zero waste by 2030, and carbon neutrality by 2050.

The highly-rated Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District serves both Santa Monica and Malibu residents. Santa Monica College (SMC), one of the state's top two-year community colleges, serves over 30,000 full-time and part-time students on several campuses and offers more than 90 fields of study. Santa Monica's strong education institutions are complemented by the 5-star rated Santa Monica Public Library system.

Public safety is a top priority in the City of Santa Monica. Santa Monica Fire Department continues to maintain a Class 1 ISO rating, the highest possible rating.

Santa Monica has a strong and diverse economy. Known as “Silicon Beach,” local businesses are at the leading edge of the nation’s creative economy and startup scene.

Sana Monica is also home to three renowned and respected health facilities, Providence Saint John’s Health Center, Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente.

Connect with the City of Santa Monica by visiting www.santamonica.gov, follow @santamonicacity on Twitter, or sign up for the City's newsletter and emergency alerts at www.smgov.net/newsletter.
City of Santa Monica
- Santa Monica, California, United States
- https://www.santamonica.gov
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14 Jobs in Santa Monica

Police Officer/Lateral Transfer

Neighborhood Preservation Coordinator

Crossing Guard (As-Needed)

Senior Human Services Analyst

Police Officer Trainee

Lead Code Enforcement Officer

Traffic Engineer

Background Investigation Officer (As-Needed)

Senior Plan Check Engineer

Combination Building Inspector I/II/III

Fire & Life Safety Consultant & Solutions Expert

Corporate Security Officer (78278)

11X Infantryman - Start Your Career with the US Army (90405)

Executive Protection Agent

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Chief Executive Officer

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Featured Employers

Hayward Area Recreation and Park District

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Police Officer/Lateral Transfer

City of Santa Monica

Job Details

Job Description

City of Santa Monica

City of Santa Monica

Search Jobs In Santa Monica

14 Jobs in Santa Monica

Police Officer/Lateral Transfer

Neighborhood Preservation Coordinator

Crossing Guard (As-Needed)

Senior Human Services Analyst

Police Officer Trainee

Lead Code Enforcement Officer

Traffic Engineer

Background Investigation Officer (As-Needed)

Senior Plan Check Engineer

Combination Building Inspector I/II/III

Fire & Life Safety Consultant & Solutions Expert

Corporate Security Officer (78278)

11X Infantryman - Start Your Career with the US Army (90405)

Executive Protection Agent

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FEATURED JOBS

Chief Executive Officer

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District Counsel | Valley Water | San Jose, CA

Featured Employers

Hayward Area Recreation and Park District

Clark County Water Reclamation District

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