*Police Officer - Notice of Civil Service Entrance Examination

JOB SUMMARY

The City of San Marcos will conduct a Civil Service Examination to establish an eligibility list for hiring Police Officers. This eligibility list will be in effect for a period of one year from test date or until the list has been exhausted, whichever occurs first.

DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR THE EXAMINATION IS AUGUST 16, 2024.

Test Date: FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2024
Time: Doors open at 8:00 AM. NO ADMITTANCE AFTER 9:00 AM. Test starts at 9:00 AM.
Place: San Marcos Police Department, 2300 I-35 S, San Marcos, Texas 78666
Starting Salary:
Candidates who are not TCOLE certified - Cadet $55,995 Annually
TCOLE Sworn Officer $63,694 Annually (paid bi-weekly)
Lateral Entry Program : Testing is not required if TCOLE certified. Eligible experienced TCOLE certified candidate may earn up to $83,461 Annually.

Hiring Incentive:
Certified TCOLE Officers hired from this list will be eligible for a $5,000 hiring incentive with $2,500 at hire and $2,500 upon successful completion of training.

Physical Fitness Assessment:
Candidates should be prepared to take the Physical Fitness Assessment:
Date: August 23, 2024Time: 1:00 PM
Place: San Marcos Police Department, 2300 I-35 S , San Marcos, Texas 78666

Row test details can be found at SMPD Jobs .

Applicants not passing the Physical Fitness Assessment may retest on Tuesday, August 27th from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM or Thursday, August 29th from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM.

TEST INFORMATION
1. Applicants must have applied online by August 16th and present a valid picture identification (i.e. driver’s license, ID card, etc.) to be admitted into the test site. Roll call will begin promptly at 9:00 AM. Applicants not in attendance for roll call will not be permitted to take the test.

2. The Personal History Statement will be due on September 6, 2024. Please begin collecting the needed documents and information ASAP. If you wait until the 6th, it will be difficult to collect everything you need.

3. Personal items will not be allowed in the testing room (i.e. hats, purses, briefcases, cell phones, food, drinks, etc.). No one will be permitted to leave the building after the test has started until their test has been turned in.

4. Scoring:

• A score of 70, or more, is passing.
• Applicants who pass and meet the criteria for the additional points , receive a maximum of 8 points to increase their final score.
• An eligibility list will be established by listing applicants in order of final score. In the event of a tie in final score, the order will be determined by the date of receipt of application with the earliest date and time taking priority.

5. The Eligibility List will be posted on the City’s webpage by 5:00 PM on Tuesday, August 27, 2024.

6. Applicants may order the “Police Aptitude and Character Test (PACT) Candidate Orientation Guide” by clicking the following link: https://www.fpsi.com/product/pact-orientation-guide/ . The PACT Candidate Orientation Guide is a helpful tool to prepare for the exam and can be downloaded as a .PDF file and saved or printed. Payments can be submitted via a PayPal account or on FPSI’s site using a credit/debit card. Once payment is submitted, the download link will be located on the order details-checkout status page. Applicants must pay close attention to ALL instructions on both FPSI and PayPal’s websites to access the instant download successfully!

If you have additional questions, call 512.393.8066 or 512.393.8000 for a Human Resources representative to assist you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DECISION MAKING

Essential Functions

• Participates in crime prevention activities, the arrest, apprehension and prosecution of offenders, recovery of stolen and missing property, assistance to the sick and injured, enforcement of non-criminal regulations, and delivery of services not available elsewhere in the community. Prepares and maintains work schedules; monitors and ensures appropriate levels of staff coverage.
• Effectively manages time and prioritizes efforts. Utilizes discretion in selecting which of several options is the best solution to the problem at hand. Handles situations appropriately through effective communication, mediation, and interpersonal skills. Interacts with citizens and co-workers for input and feedback to meet specific goals and objectives. Follows protocol established by the Department.
• Prepares organized, detailed, and concise written documents and reports by hand and computer using proper grammar and spelling. Uses the computer to search databases and perform research.
• Miscellaneous: Performs functions and specialized skills based on assignment such as attending shift briefings, training on and off site. Appearing in court for testimony, attending meetings, working on projects, giving presentations and lectures.

Decision Making
Use of organizational skills and judgement to handle a variety of duties at once, determine those of most pressing nature, effectively manage time, and set priorities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Salary is dependent upon qualifications)

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma/graduate; or 12 semester hours credit from an accredited college or university and has passed a general educational development (GED) test indicating high school graduation level (Applicants with a GED must submit a certificate by the issuing agency (i.e.: Texas Education Agency))
• Valid Texas Driver's License with acceptable driving record required.
• Age: Must be at least 20 years plus 6 months of age at the time of the entrance examination and not more than 50 years of age at the time of hire.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Core Competencies

• Must be able to read and comprehend legal, administrative, and training literature, policies, procedures, training manuals, maps, incident and offense reports, court documents, subpoenas, intelligence reports, court documents, citations, memos, reports, forms, narratives, and diagrams.
• Must be able to write technical reports including details and observations of incidents, accidents, and offenses. Other documentation such as citations, forms, diagrams, memos, letters, general correspondence, affidavits, search warrants, and proposals. Clear sentence structure, accurate grammar, and spelling required for all documents.
• Must comprehend basic math including, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, weights and measures, and percent calculation with regard to accident reconstruction.
• Must be able to reason and quickly analyze complex information in emergency or dangerous situations and make decisions of a life and death nature; Ability to mediate to resolve conflict; maintain self-discipline during stressful conditions; maintain concentration, and flexibility at scenes involving multiple suspects/situations. Ability to weigh options and select the best course of action.
• Must be able to communicate with individuals who may be irrational, irate, hysterical, aggressive, non-communicative, passive, injured, physically or mentally ill. Makes attempt to verbally calm others, explain laws, legal procedures and legal rights and processes to victims, suspects and citizens. Ability to interview and interrogate. Communicates with other officers, civilians, court officials, and other agencies. Effectively communicates with persons of diverse backgrounds and various conditions. Promotes a team-oriented work environment.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Works indoors and outdoors. Exposed to various climate conditions including extreme heat, cold, humidity, dust and precipitation for extended periods of time. May work outside for long periods of time on calls for service, at crime scenes, in follow-up investigations, and conducting or participating in training exercises. May be exposed to climate fluctuation from controlled/non-controlled (in/out of vehicle or building ) and exposed to hazardous substances.

Physical requirements include lifting up to 75 pounds occasionally. Subject to sitting, walking, lifting, carrying, handling, fine dexterity, vision, hearing talking foot controls, standing, pushing, pulling, reaching, smelling, running, kneeling, crouching, crawling, twisting, bending, climbing and balancing.

Working conditions involve ability to drive sit for extended periods of time, patrol, participate in physical training exercises, walking frequently on asphalt and all types of surfaces and terrain, moving objects and equipment, restraining suspects, interacting with the general public, issuing citations, testifying in court, pull victims from accident scenes, perform traffic control, occasional exposure to variable and/or extreme weather conditions and infectious diseases.

Safety Sensitive Position.

Work Hours
40 hour work week, OT

FLSA Status
Non-Exempt

The City of San Marcos offers its employees a broad range of benefits to enhance their personal and occupational lives. We are committed to a total rewards strategy that provides employees with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance.

View Our Benefits Guide.

BENEFITS
Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage

• United Healthcare
  • Choice Plus PPO Plan
  • Prescription Drug Plan
  • Wellness Initiatives
  • Virtual Doctor Visits 24/7
  • Dental Plan

Davis Vision Insurance

• Base Vision Plan
• Premium Vision Plan
• Laser Vision Correction discounts

Retirement

• Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS)
• Mission Square Retirement Corporation - optional 457-deferred compensation plan & Roth IRA

ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Hiring Incentive
• Education Pay
• On-Call Pay
• Bilingual Pay
• Assignment Pay
• Premium Pay
• Uniforms & Equipment Provided
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• City paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Life, AD&D and Long Term Disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Vacation
• Sick Leave
• Holidays
• Longevity Pay
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Activity Center Membership
• Direct Deposit

Closing Date/Time: 8/16/2024 11:59 PM Central

San Marcos, Texas United States View Map