LATERAL / POST Certified Police Officer

Salary: $41.02 - $55.91 Hourly
Location : Police Department, 911 10th Street, Golden, CO
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2025-00095
Department: Police Department
Opening Date: 04/21/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt

The Golden Police Department is seeking qualified officers dedicated to excellent service to our community. If you are committed to technical excellence, high quality service delivery, leadership development and looking for a fun place to work; this may be the opportunity for you.

The full salary range is $85,321 - $116,292. Lateral pay is negotiable and commensurate with years of experience and qualifications:
No experience: $85,321

2-3 years of experience: $91,395.20 - $101,331 depending on qualifications/relevant experience

4-5+ years of experience: $104,873 - $116,292 depending on qualifications/relevant experience
The Golden Police Department is currently operating under a 32-hour workweek pilot program. Learn more about the details of this exciting pilot program at The Best for Golden
We offer a competitive salary coupled with an excellent benefits package.
You must be at least 21 years of age, have documented 60 semester/90 quarter college credits from an accredited college or university, and possess a valid driver's license with clean driving record. Colorado POST certification required by date of hire.

Qualified applicants must submit a completed online application including supplemental questions, professional cover letter and resume. You will need this to answer supplemental questions in the application.
JOB DESCRIPTION
To perform law enforcement, investigations and crime prevention work by enforcing state and local laws and regulations; to perform a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of the department. Shift work, possible voluntary and/or mandatory overtime, holidays and weekend work required.

JOB SUMMARY

Patrol a designated area of the city in a radio-equipped car, bicycle, motorcycle or on foot as assigned to preserve law and order; discover and prevent the commission of crimes; enforce traffic and other laws and ordinances.

Engage in problem solving activities.

Answer calls and complaints involving traffic collisions, robberies, assaults, fires, and related misdemeanors and felonies; respond to alarms; investigate complaints; apprehend suspects; search, inspect, transport and take custody of prisoners.

Respond to general public service calls including robbery and theft complaints, domestic/civil disturbances, civil complaints, property control and related incidents; may participate in surveillance of area.

Secure crime scenes; administer first aid; conduct preliminary and/or follow-up investigations by questioning witnesses and gathering evidence; make arrests of criminal suspects; prepare detailed reports.

Maintain surveillance over suspected criminals; identify areas of potential crimes or unsafe conditions; report conditions and take corrective action.

Appear in court to present evidence; testify on behalf of the City of Golden or the state; serve warrants and subpoenas.

Prepare a variety of reports summarizing and describing crime scenes, interrogations, investigations activities and findings.

Conduct investigations of serious injury and fatality traffic accidents; conduct traffic accident analyses and general traffic surveys.

Enforce traffic laws and ordinances; issue warnings and citations.

Familiarize self with district and persons living in area.

Disperse unruly crowds at public gatherings.

Inspect public establishments requiring licenses to ensure compliance with rules and regulations.

Other duties may be assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Designated officers may act as sergeants in their absence.

QUALIFICATIONS
High school diploma or G.E.D. and 60 semester or 90 quarter hours from an accredited college or university. Must be 21 years of age by date of hire. Strong interpersonal skills with ability to deal with diverse population in a variety of situations. Strong oral and written communication skills. Colorado POST certification from an academy required by date of hire.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Peace Officer Certification (POST) required by date of hire.
Possession of or ability to obtain First Aid and CPR certification.
Must have a valid driver's license and good driving record.
Ability to obtain Colorado Crime Information Center certification.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. for a full job description and list of duties.

City of Golden is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Regular Full-Time (RFT) employees of the City of Golden currently receive numerous benefits as part of their total compensation package. These benefits are in addition to mandated benefits such as: workers' compensation, unemployment insurance, and social security. Some benefits are provided at no cost to the employee while others require employee cost sharing or contributions. Employees are eligible to enroll in most benefits upon hire.

The City of Golden's benefit package can comprise an average of 35% of total compensation.

Employer Paid Benefits Include:
Term Life Insurance
Short Term Disability
Long Term Disability
Employee Assistance Program

Cost Sharing Benefits Include:
Medical Coverage
Dental Coverage
401(a) Retirement Plan

Full-time employees can also take advantage of:
Wellness Benefits
Flexible Spending Account
Dependent Care Account
457 Deferred Compensation Plan
Vision Coverage
Tuition Program
Supplemental Life Insurance

Full-Time employees receive the following leave options:
128 Hours of Annual Leave (accrued each pay period)
96 Hours of Sick Leave (accrued each pay period)
12 Paid Company Holidays

For more detailed information please refer to the section of our website.
01

Will you be 21 years of age or older by time of hire?

• Yes
• No

02

Which best describes your level of education?

• High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
• 60 semester or 90 quarter hours from an accredited institution - verifiable by transcript
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher
• None of the above

03

Which best describes your level of certification?

• Current Colorado POST Certification
• Expired Colorado POST Certification
• Out-of-state POST Certification
• Currently in a Police Academy, expected graduation by October 2025
• Currently in a Police Academy or enrolled in a future academy, not graduating by October 2025
• Legally able to obtain POST Certification but have not attended a Police Academy
• Unable to obtain POST Certification

04

Do you have prior law enforcement experience?

• Yes
• No

05

How many years of experience do you have in law enforcement?

• None
• Currently in Police Academy, no working law enforcement experience
• Less than 3 years
• 3-5 years
• More than 5 years

06

The salary ranges for this position are structured as follows. No experience: $85,3212-3 years of experience: $91,395.20 - $101,331 depending on qualifications/relevant experience 4-5+ years of experience: $104,873 - $116,292 depending on qualifications/relevant experienceAre you comfortable with these pay ranges?

• Yes
• No

07

Have you ever been convicted of a felony?

• Yes
• No

08

Please review the document regarding Misdemeanors Which Will Affect Certification that is linked in the job posting. Have you been convicted of any of the misdemeanors on this list?

• Yes
• No

09

Have you had your driver's license suspended or revoked in the last two years?

• Yes
• No

10

Have you been convicted of a DUI, DUID, DWAI or any hit and run accident within the past two years?

• Yes
• No

11

The Golden Police Department is a 24-hr operation. Police Officers are required to work shift schedules (late afternoon, graveyards and days). They are also required to work holidays and weekends. This may mean time away from family and/or personal obligations that occur during your scheduled working hours.If you have worked such 24-hr shift schedules please explain.
12

If not, what are your thoughts on this type of schedule?
13

Shifts are bid annually based on seniority. As always, the department reserves the right to alter any schedule, including vacations, to accommodate business and staffing needs.Do you have any questions or concerns about how shifts and vacations are scheduled?
14

As a Police Officer, you may be assigned mandatory overtime. You will also be required to appear in court, attend required training time and extend your assigned shift if required.Do you have any questions or concerns regarding this?
Required Question

Salary: $41.02 - $55.91 Hourly
Location : Police Department, 911 10th Street, Golden, CO
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2025-00095
Department: Police Department
Opening Date: 04/21/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt

The Golden Police Department is seeking qualified officers dedicated to excellent service to our community. If you are committed to technical excellence, high quality service delivery, leadership development and looking for a fun place to work; this may be the opportunity for you.

The full salary range is $85,321 - $116,292. Lateral pay is negotiable and commensurate with years of experience and qualifications:
No experience: $85,321

2-3 years of experience: $91,395.20 - $101,331 depending on qualifications/relevant experience

4-5+ years of experience: $104,873 - $116,292 depending on qualifications/relevant experience
The Golden Police Department is currently operating under a 32-hour workweek pilot program. Learn more about the details of this exciting pilot program at The Best for Golden
We offer a competitive salary coupled with an excellent benefits package.
You must be at least 21 years of age, have documented 60 semester/90 quarter college credits from an accredited college or university, and possess a valid driver's license with clean driving record. Colorado POST certification required by date of hire.

Qualified applicants must submit a completed online application including supplemental questions, professional cover letter and resume. You will need this to answer supplemental questions in the application.
JOB DESCRIPTION
To perform law enforcement, investigations and crime prevention work by enforcing state and local laws and regulations; to perform a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of the department. Shift work, possible voluntary and/or mandatory overtime, holidays and weekend work required.

JOB SUMMARY

Patrol a designated area of the city in a radio-equipped car, bicycle, motorcycle or on foot as assigned to preserve law and order; discover and prevent the commission of crimes; enforce traffic and other laws and ordinances.

Engage in problem solving activities.

Answer calls and complaints involving traffic collisions, robberies, assaults, fires, and related misdemeanors and felonies; respond to alarms; investigate complaints; apprehend suspects; search, inspect, transport and take custody of prisoners.

Respond to general public service calls including robbery and theft complaints, domestic/civil disturbances, civil complaints, property control and related incidents; may participate in surveillance of area.

Secure crime scenes; administer first aid; conduct preliminary and/or follow-up investigations by questioning witnesses and gathering evidence; make arrests of criminal suspects; prepare detailed reports.

Maintain surveillance over suspected criminals; identify areas of potential crimes or unsafe conditions; report conditions and take corrective action.

Appear in court to present evidence; testify on behalf of the City of Golden or the state; serve warrants and subpoenas.

Prepare a variety of reports summarizing and describing crime scenes, interrogations, investigations activities and findings.

Conduct investigations of serious injury and fatality traffic accidents; conduct traffic accident analyses and general traffic surveys.

Enforce traffic laws and ordinances; issue warnings and citations.

Familiarize self with district and persons living in area.

Disperse unruly crowds at public gatherings.

Inspect public establishments requiring licenses to ensure compliance with rules and regulations.

Other duties may be assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Designated officers may act as sergeants in their absence.

QUALIFICATIONS
High school diploma or G.E.D. and 60 semester or 90 quarter hours from an accredited college or university. Must be 21 years of age by date of hire. Strong interpersonal skills with ability to deal with diverse population in a variety of situations. Strong oral and written communication skills. Colorado POST certification from an academy required by date of hire.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Peace Officer Certification (POST) required by date of hire.
Possession of or ability to obtain First Aid and CPR certification.
Must have a valid driver's license and good driving record.
Ability to obtain Colorado Crime Information Center certification.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. for a full job description and list of duties.

City of Golden is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Regular Full-Time (RFT) employees of the City of Golden currently receive numerous benefits as part of their total compensation package. These benefits are in addition to mandated benefits such as: workers' compensation, unemployment insurance, and social security. Some benefits are provided at no cost to the employee while others require employee cost sharing or contributions. Employees are eligible to enroll in most benefits upon hire.

The City of Golden's benefit package can comprise an average of 35% of total compensation.

Employer Paid Benefits Include:
Term Life Insurance
Short Term Disability
Long Term Disability
Employee Assistance Program

Cost Sharing Benefits Include:
Medical Coverage
Dental Coverage
401(a) Retirement Plan

Full-time employees can also take advantage of:
Wellness Benefits
Flexible Spending Account
Dependent Care Account
457 Deferred Compensation Plan
Vision Coverage
Tuition Program
Supplemental Life Insurance

Full-Time employees receive the following leave options:
128 Hours of Annual Leave (accrued each pay period)
96 Hours of Sick Leave (accrued each pay period)
12 Paid Company Holidays

For more detailed information please refer to the section of our website.
01

Will you be 21 years of age or older by time of hire?

• Yes
• No

02

Which best describes your level of education?

• High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
• 60 semester or 90 quarter hours from an accredited institution - verifiable by transcript
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher
• None of the above

03

Which best describes your level of certification?

• Current Colorado POST Certification
• Expired Colorado POST Certification
• Out-of-state POST Certification
• Currently in a Police Academy, expected graduation by October 2025
• Currently in a Police Academy or enrolled in a future academy, not graduating by October 2025
• Legally able to obtain POST Certification but have not attended a Police Academy
• Unable to obtain POST Certification

04

Do you have prior law enforcement experience?

• Yes
• No

05

How many years of experience do you have in law enforcement?

• None
• Currently in Police Academy, no working law enforcement experience
• Less than 3 years
• 3-5 years
• More than 5 years

06

The salary ranges for this position are structured as follows. No experience: $85,3212-3 years of experience: $91,395.20 - $101,331 depending on qualifications/relevant experience 4-5+ years of experience: $104,873 - $116,292 depending on qualifications/relevant experienceAre you comfortable with these pay ranges?

• Yes
• No

07

Have you ever been convicted of a felony?

• Yes
• No

08

Please review the document regarding Misdemeanors Which Will Affect Certification that is linked in the job posting. Have you been convicted of any of the misdemeanors on this list?

• Yes
• No

09

Have you had your driver's license suspended or revoked in the last two years?

• Yes
• No

10

Have you been convicted of a DUI, DUID, DWAI or any hit and run accident within the past two years?

• Yes
• No

11

The Golden Police Department is a 24-hr operation. Police Officers are required to work shift schedules (late afternoon, graveyards and days). They are also required to work holidays and weekends. This may mean time away from family and/or personal obligations that occur during your scheduled working hours.If you have worked such 24-hr shift schedules please explain.
12

If not, what are your thoughts on this type of schedule?
13

Shifts are bid annually based on seniority. As always, the department reserves the right to alter any schedule, including vacations, to accommodate business and staffing needs.Do you have any questions or concerns about how shifts and vacations are scheduled?
14

As a Police Officer, you may be assigned mandatory overtime. You will also be required to appear in court, attend required training time and extend your assigned shift if required.Do you have any questions or concerns regarding this?
Required Question

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