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DPS OFFICER CADET-SOUTHERN NEVADA

State of Nevada
Las Vegas, NV Full Time
POSTED ON 6/7/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/26/2026
***THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE DEPENDING ON THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED. APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE***

Job 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:

  • 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.
  • Written Exam
  • Polygraph
  • Extensive background investigation
  • Pre-employment drug screening per NAC 284.4066
  • Medical Exam
  • 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.

Essential Qualifications

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

Job Duties

DPS OFFICER CADET

  • 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.

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

Knowledge Of

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • 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.

The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages.

Please send direct Inquiries or correspondence to the recruiter listed on this announcement.

Benefits Include

  • Health Insurance: Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance programs for employees and their dependents/family are offered through the Public Employees’ Benefits Program (PEBP).
  • Vacation: Accrual of three weeks of annual leave each year.
  • Sick Leave: Accrual of three weeks of sick leave each year.
  • Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.
  • Retirement: Participation in the Nevada Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Employees do not contribute to Social Security but will contribute to PERS if their position is at 50% or more full-time equivalency. For more information on how PERS service may impact Social Security benefits, visit the SSA publication.
  • Deferred Compensation: The State offers a voluntary Deferred Compensation Program.
  • No Nevada state income tax.
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Eligible due to public sector employment.
  • Longevity Payments Eligibility: Employees who have received a performance rating of “standard” or better and have completed eight (8) or more years of continuous service are eligible for longevity pay.

Additional benefits may apply to employees covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), depending on their designated bargaining unit. For more information, visit the Labor Relations Unit (LRU).

For more details about your rights and responsibilities as a State of Nevada employee, please review the State of Nevada Employee Handbook (PDF).

  • State Holidays The holiday schedule for State employees is established by the Legislature.

The Following Are Legal Holidays

January 1.............................................. New Year's Day

Third Monday in January.................. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday

Third Monday in February................ Washington’s Birthday

Last Monday in May........................... Memorial Day

June 19................................................ Juneteenth Day

July 4.................................................... Independence Day

First Monday in September.............. Labor Day

Last Friday in October....................... Nevada Day

November 11........................................ Veterans' Day

Fourth Thursday in November........ Thanksgiving Day

Friday following the Fourth Thursday in November...................... Family Day

December 25........................................ Christmas Day

When January 1, June 19, July 4, November 11, or December 25 falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is the observed legal holiday. If these days fall on Sunday, the following Monday is the observed holiday. Eligibility for holiday pay is covered by the provisions of NAC 284.255

01

Do you have any of the following?

  • Graduation from high school or equivalent education.
  • None of the above.

02

Will you be 21 years of age or older within 3 months of application?

  • Yes
  • No

03

Age verification is required to enter the DPS Officer Cadet hiring process. Have you attached a government issued document listing your date of birth? Failure to do so will delay the processing of your application. Examples of acceptable docuements are a valid Drivers License, State issued ID, US Passport, and Birth Certificate.

  • Yes
  • No

04

Do any of the following apply to you?

  • Resigned in lieu of termination or been terminated from any civil service employment for substantiated misconduct involving dishonesty?
  • Failed a Department of Public Safety background check within the past eighteen months or twice in a lifetime?
  • Used a Scheduled I controlled substance, excluding marijuana, within three years of the date of application. This includes prescription drugs not prescribed to you. Note: Reference the US Controlled Substance Act for a list of Schedule I drugs.
  • Convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude. This is defined as conduct considered contrary to the community standards of honesty, justice, or good moral values. Conviction includes probation, community supervision, or deferred adjudication.
  • Convicted of a crime considered a felony in the state of Nevada.
  • Convicted of any offense involving the sale or manufacture of controlled substances to include marijuana.
  • Convicted of a DUI within the last five years or two DUIs in a lifetime.
  • Convicted of domestic violence or have a documented history of physical violence.
  • Yes
  • No

05

A valid driver's license is required at the time of appointment and as a condition of continuing employment. Can you meet this requirement?

  • Yes
  • No

06

This position may require statewide travel via vehicle, plane, or train; working on evenings, weekends, and holidays; conducting in-state or out of state extraditions; and call-out or call-back shifts. Can you meet this requirement?

  • Yes
  • No

07

Applicants must meet minimum standards for appointment as a peace officer as established in the Nevada Revised Statutes and Nevada Administrative Code. Can you meet this requirement?

  • Yes
  • No

08

Do you want to take the physical agility and written exams in Carson City or Las Vegas?

  • Carson City
  • Las Vegas
  • Required Question

Salary.com Estimation for DPS OFFICER CADET-SOUTHERN NEVADA in Las Vegas, NV
$40,969 to $55,501
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