Police Training Instructor

Do you want to be a part of the team that makes the City of Palm Beach Gardens the signature place to live, learn, work and play? We provide world class services, parks, community centers, athletic fields, golf, tennis and pickleball, and public safety. This can only happen when the best, brightest, talented, and committed individuals work for our City. We encourage like-minded individuals to apply to join our culture of excellence as part of our team! Come join our family!

Summary

This position is responsible for providing instruction to Police Department members in general subject areas and high liability subject areas in accordance with all legal, accreditation, internal and other mandates and standards; maintaining appropriate records and files relating to that training; and performing other duties related to the training function of the Police Department.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: This position will be supervised by the Training Manager.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None

Essential Function Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and provide instruction that meets or exceeds all required standards in high-liability subject areas (e.g., firearms, defensive tactics, driving, use of force).
• Develop and provide instruction in general subject areas (e.g., legal updates, ethics, communication, community policing).
• Incorporate adult learning principles and evidence-based training methods into instructional design.
• Prepare and maintain accurate and complete training documentation, including lesson plans, presentations, handouts, and evaluations.
• Ensure proper documentation of course attendance, test results, and certification where applicable.
• Maintain organized and up-to-date training records, including both course files and individual employee training histories, in compliance with agency policy and accreditation standards.
• Assist in the scheduling, planning, and coordination of all internal and external training programs.
• Coordinate logistics for outside instructors and vendors, including venue setup, equipment needs, and communication.
• Assist with the coordination and hosting of external training courses, seminars, and workshops.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of training programs through feedback, testing, and observation.
• Identify training deficiencies or gaps and make recommendations for improvements or additional instruction.
• Stay current on law enforcement training trends, legal changes, and industry best practices to ensure curriculum relevance and compliance.
• Implement and monitor safety protocols in all training environments, particularly during high-risk practical exercises.
• Ensure that risk management strategies are incorporated into training scenarios and activities.
• Participate in the orientation and onboarding of new hires, including providing initial training and familiarization with department policies, procedures, and expectations.
• Assist in field training program support or development, as needed.
• Serve as a resource and mentor to other departmental instructors.
• Provide guidance and support to officers preparing to become certified instructors.
• Attend and participate in training conferences, instructor development programs, and continuing education as required or approved.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• As assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required, and
• College degree desired, and
• Current FDLE or federal equivalent certification as a general topics instructor required, and
• Current FDLE or federal equivalent certification as a high liability instructor in firearms and at least one other high liability area required, and
• Minimum of five years of police training experience required, and
• Experience as an instructor at a police academy or teaching advanced police training courses desired, or
• Any related combination of training, education and experience

Special Qualifications/Preferences

• Must possess a valid State of Florida driver’s license with clean driving record

Eligibility: Coverage in the City’s group insurance plans begins the first of the month following thirty (30) days of employment.

Health Insurance: Choice of three (3) plans provided through Florida Blue. Employee contributions are required toward the cost of this insurance on a bi-weekly basis as follows

On-Site Employee Health and Wellness Center: Available for use by employees, spouses and dependents enrolled on the City’s Health Plan. No-copays for doctor’s visits, labs, physicals, or prescription drugs dispensed at the Center

Dental Insurance: PPO plan offered through Humana, provided at no cost

Life Insurance: Two (2) times annual salary up to a maximum of $100,000 provided at no cost

Short Term Disability: Non-probationary employees eligible for 60% of salary up to 26 weeks, provided at no cost.

Long Term Disability: 60% of salary up to $5,000 monthly, provided at no cost

Employee Assistance Program: Six (6) visits per calendar year, per issue, provided at no cost.

Wellness Program: Voluntary wellness initiatives that promote and reward health awareness.

Pension Plan: Provided through the Florida Retirement System (FRS). Choice between the Investment Plan with a one (1) year vesting schedule, and the Pension Plan with an eight (8) year vesting schedule. Mandatory 3% pre-tax contribution.

Holidays: Eleven (11) days per calendar year. One (1) Floating Holiday per calendar year.

Personal Leave: Sixteen (16) hours accrued monthly used for vacation, illness, or personal time away from work. Personal Leave is tiered based on years of service and increases overtime.

Optional Voluntary Benefits: Employee Rental Assistance Program, Vision Care Insurance Plan, Supplemental Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, AFLAC Group Policies, 457 Deferred Comp Plan, Roth IRA, Recreation Program Discounts, Day Care Discounts, Free EV Charging Station, Flexible Schedules, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer under the U.S. Department of Education’s PSLF Program.