Job Description

Posting number: 2026.2-DPS Officer Cadet South

Department: DPS- Southern Nevada

Job classification: DPS OFFICER CADET

Posting type: Open Competitive

Categories: Public Safety, Law Enforcement

Summary

The Department of Public Safety seeks individuals who are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of others and have a strong commitment to integrity and professionalism. This recruitment will be used to establish an eligible list for current and future DPS Officer positions in Las Vegas, Boulder City, Indian Springs, Jean, Henderson, Laughlin, Mesquite, Pahrump, and Pioche. DPS Officer Cadets are trainees assigned to a Nevada P.O.S.T. academy to obtain the mandatory certification required to perform law enforcement duties as a DPS Officer. This is accomplished through classroom instruction and field exercises where academy staff review and evaluate cadet participation, coursework, assignments, and written performance evaluations. DPS Officer Cadets are promoted to a DPS Officer 1 after academy graduation.

DPS Officer Cadets and DPS Officer 1 s who either are unsuccessful in passing the Nevada P.O.S.T. academy or are unsuccessful in passing their probationary period, and had transferred from another State agency, may have restoration rights as per NAC 284.458 or NAC 284.460.

Examination Process: Candidates that meet the minimum education and experience requirements of the position will be invited to enter the examination process as follows:

1. A POST Category I physical fitness exam which consists of a vertical jump of 11.5 inches; Agility Run in 23.4 seconds; 24 sit-ups in 1 minute; 18 push-ups (not timed); a 300 meter run in 82 seconds; and a 1.5 mile run in 20 minutes and 20 seconds. **Please note Academy Standards are 14 inches vertical jump, 19.5 agility run, 30 sit ups, 23 push-ups, 68 seconds for 300 meter run, and 16.57 minutes for the 1.5-mile run.
2. Written Exam
3. Polygraph
4. Extensive background investigation
5. Pre-employment drug screening per NAC 284.4066
6. Medical Exam
7. Psychological Exam

*** Please see https://nevadastatepolice.com/ for more information about the hiring process to include FAQs.

This recruitment is for entry level candidates. Lateral candidates are encouraged to apply for our DPS Officer 2 postings; North or South. Please contact any one of the recruiters below if you have any questions or are interested in other geographical locations. Recruiters: Debra Mason at d.mason@dps.state.nv.us or Kari Holcomb at k.holcomb@dps.state.nv.us or Officer Luis Villanueva (702) 668 5383 or Officer Alain Narvaez (775) 431-0131.

Examples of duties

Twenty-one (21) years of age or older and graduation from high school or equivalent education.

Qualifications

DPS OFFICER CADET

1. Cadets are assigned to the Nevada Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) academy

where they are trained to perform law enforcement duties as well as other course work and physical training

intended to provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to function as a DPS Officer.

1. Receive instruction and scenario-based training in a classroom setting and in practical field exercises.
2. Cadets are evaluated on class participation, coursework, assignments, and written performance examinations.
3. Perform related duties as assigned.

Supplemental information

Knowledge of:

• Proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling; operation of computer equipment sufficient to enter, retrieve,

and access information.

Skill in:

• Interpersonal and communication, both verbal and written.
• Use and operation of office and job-related equipment and software.

Ability to:

• Calculate solutions to arithmetic and algebra problems for successful completion of the accident

investigation course; analyze information, problems, and objectives; think clearly and logically and apply

to problem situations; diagnose situations correctly, think and act quickly, and adopt an effective course

of action.

• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions and directions; establish and maintain effective

relationships with classmates, instructors, and academy staff.