The Minneapolis Park Police Department is seeking Police Cadet candidates to attend and successfully complete a program in law enforcement at a department-authorized institution for the purpose of meeting the academic and technical skills requirements of the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Board. The Academy is tentatively scheduled to begin January 2027. Upon successful completion of all required training, the Police Cadet, Parks will transition into the position of Police Officer, Parks. No police or law enforcement experience is required to apply. This is a full-time, benefited position.
JOIN OUR CREW, WE NEED YOU:
Join the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and make a difference in your community!
We are seeking employees who love nature, people, and fun. Apply today and enjoy learning new skills, meeting new friends, and serving the community, all while working in our beautiful park system. Whether you are interested in recreation, environmental education, maintenance, or customer service, we have a job for you!
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of one of the premier park systems in the United States. Our picturesque lakes, neighborhood parks, recreation centers, and diversified programming make the park system an important component of what makes Minneapolis a great place to live, play, and work!
Performs under the general supervision of the Police Sergeant, Parks and is responsible for, but not limited to, the following duties:
Essential Duties:
-
Attend and complete an accelerated course in law enforcement at a department authorized institution to meet the academic objectives required to take the P.O.S.T. licensing examination.
-
When hired Police Cadet, Parks will attend training until they meet minimum P.O.S.T Board academic and skills requirements. Once they pass P.O.S.T. licensing exam, they will be promoted to Police Officer, Parks, and will continue their pre-service academy training. Cadets and Officers are expected to follow Minneapolis Police Academy rules and standards.
-
Police Cadet, Parks must commit to four (4) years of employment with the Minneapolis Park Police Department following their promotion to Police Officer, Parks or pay back, on a pro-rated basis, the costs of tuition paid by the department for the academic training and/or skills course. (Dismissed cadets will be forgiven any costs outstanding at date of termination.)
-
Failure to successfully complete Minnesota P.O.S.T. Board licensing examination at the end of the training program may result in termination.
-
Upon successful completion of all required training, Police Cadet, Parks will transition into the position of Police Officer, Parks and must continue to meet all requirements as outlined in the Police Officer, Parks job description. The Police Officer, Parks position pays $40.22 per hour.
Minimum Qualifications
Training and Experience (position requirements at entry)
-
Bachelor's degree or Associate's degree from an accredited college or university by December 31, 2026. A copy of diploma or college transcript with applicant's name shown as proof of graduation is required and must be submitted with the online application or received to Human Resources no later than December 31, 2026, at 4:00pm. Applicants must have and maintain a grade point average of 2.0 or better.
-
Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible to work in the United States under federal requirements with no felony convictions as required by Minnesota state law for applicants for Police Officer.
-
Must be 18 years of age at the time of application.
-
Must not be P.O.S.T. eligible/licensed nor have completed skills.
-
Applicants cannot be, nor ever have been, licensed as a police officer in another state.
-
Must pass background investigations to include meeting department standards regarding acceptable employment history, driving history and criminal history.
-
Must continue employment with the Minneapolis Park Police Department for a period of four (4) years following hire as Police Officer, Parks or pay back, on a pro-rated basis, the cost of tuition paid by the department for the academic training and/or skills course.
Licensing Requirements (position requirements at entry)
-
Must possess and continue to maintain a valid Minnesota driver's license with good driving record at time of hiring and during course of employment.
-
Must pass requisite First Responder training (first aid certification) that is provided and must retain First Responder certification during course of employment.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, driving, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.
Inherent to police work is exerting physical control over combative individuals. Police officers are expected to wear a prescribed uniform including duty belt and body armor.
The ability to safely operate a motor vehicle as incumbents are subject to local travel to and from work locations. Operating office equipment requiring continuous or repetitive hand/arm movements. The ability to remain in a sitting or standing position for extended periods of time.
Physical ability to run and chase suspects, to wrestle and subdue suspects, to jump and crawl over and under objects, and to lift and drag heavy objects.
Vision no less than 20/100 in either eye without correction and correctable to 20/40 in both eyes. Ability to distinguish between red, yellow and green.
Standard hearing average threshold without correction of not less than 40-decibel loss on the average of 500, 1000, 2000 and 3000 Hertz frequencies in the better ear.
Must pass both medical and psychological examinations prior to hire including drug and alcohol screening prior to hire.
Must maintain physical fitness levels according to standards set by Minneapolis Police Department as a term and condition of continued employment.
Other Qualifications
Knowledge of (position requirements at entry)
-
Customer service principles and practices.
-
Computers and Microsoft applications.
-
Knowledge and understanding of MPRB services, programs and mission.
Skills and Ability to (position requirements at entry)
-
Successfully complete all academic and technical skills required for Minnesota P.O.S.T. licensing.
-
Follow Academy rules and standards.
-
Exercise discretion and good judgment at all times in all situations, including stressful times.
-
Relate to and work effectively with people from diverse cultural, economic and ethnic backgrounds.
-
Provide written and verbal communication that is easily understood and direct in its content.
-
Listen effectively to thoroughly understand the intended message.
-
Understand and follow work rules, policies, and procedures related to Park Police and MPRB safety protocols.
-
Provide outstanding customer service to a diverse customer base.
-
Work in a team environment and adapt to changing conditions and situations.
-
Maintain confidentiality in work-related matters.
-
Establish and maintain effective, respectful and productive working relationships.
-
Maintain composure and professionalism in chaotic and stressful situations.
SELECTION PROCESS:
Applicants must submit an online application at www.minneapolisparks.org/jobs by 4:30pm on September 4, 2026. Applicants must submit a copy of their college diploma and/or transcript by 4:30pm on December 31, 2026, or the application will be considered incomplete and may be rejected from the process. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted at the time of application, but a certified copy will be required by December 31, 2026. The college documentation can be submitted online with the application or submitted directly to MPRB Human Resources by fax at 612-314-8703 or by email to
[email protected]. Late and/or incomplete applications and/or documents will not be accepted.
The examination will consist of an evaluation of training and experience based on application materials and supplemental questions (10%) and an oral examination (90%). Minimum passing score for each testing component and as a final overall score is 70.00. Human Resources reserves the right to limit the number of people invited to testing events. References, including verification of employment and work performance, may be considered. Eligible list will expire in three (3) months.
Rating of training and experience based on application materials and supplemental questions: 10%
Because the rating of training and experience is based on application materials and answers to supplemental questions, applicants are encouraged to be complete and thorough in their answers. Applicants may choose to attach a cover letter or resume to their application; however, it is not a substitute for the completed application and supplemental questions.
Oral Examination (panel interview): 90%
The oral exams will be conducted virtually. Interview dates will be sent out minimally one week prior to oral exams. There is no make-up day for the oral exams.
Background Investigation, Finalist Interview, and Medical Examinations:
Selected candidates will then be contacted by the Minneapolis Park Police to schedule a background investigation and/or finalist interview.
Candidates must pass a thorough background investigation to meet department standards regarding acceptable employment history, honesty, credit, driving, and conviction records. Any violation of Minnesota POST licensing rules will result in the rejection of a police applicant. A candidate who receives a conditional offer of employment must also be deemed medically and psychologically fit by the MPRB's health providers. Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment physical, including drug and alcohol screen and work performance test, and psychological examination.
A candidate receiving a final job offer will receive an invitation to attend the Minneapolis Cadet Academy tentatively scheduled for January 2027.
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board – a great place to play, work, and make a difference in the lives of others.
View the Police Officer, Parks job description
View the Police Officer's Federation of Minneapolis collective bargaining agreement (Download PDF reader)
The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board an Equal Opportunity Employer and a tobacco free workplace and park system.
Service Department: Park Safety and Security
Accountable To: Police Sergeant, Parks
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Union Status: Non-represented
MPR123
