Deputy Sheriff

Stanford University; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 84,033 - 107,452; Full time

Job summary

Stanford University Department of Public Safety deputy sheriffs provide general law enforcement and public safety services to the university community, under the SDSA contract. Under supervision, deputies perform patrol, investigations, traffic enforcement, and emergency response.

Responsibilities include enforcing laws, preparing evidence, community outreach, and responding to emergencies with on‑call hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications

• Completion of a basic CA police academy or CA waiver.
• Legal eligibility to work in California.
• Age 21 years or older; vision 20/100 (correctable to 20/30) and normal hearing.
• High school diploma or GED; 45 college semester units or 60 quarter units.

Responsibilities

• Promote and model the department’s Core Values and collaborate with colleagues to accomplish objectives.
• Investigate crimes, apply laws, and make arrests and issue citations.
• Respond to emergencies, manage traffic, and conduct crowd control during events.
• Assist with training, outreach, and public presentations.

Skills

Law enforcement

Investigations

Emergency response

Public safety

Communication

Education

Basic CA police academy

Job description

This position is represented by the Stanford Deputy Sheriff’s Association (SDSA) and is governed by the collective bargaining agreement between Stanford University and the SDSA. It provides all aspects of general law enforcement and public safety services to the university community.

Job Purpose

Under general supervision, a Stanford University Department of Public Safety deputy sheriff performs law enforcement, investigative, and public safety duties, including emergency response, patrol, crime investigation, traffic enforcement, community outreach, and other related responsibilities as assigned.

Job Responsibilities

Leadership

• Promote and model the department’s Core Values, ROOTS philosophies, and performance standards.
• Motivate and inspire others to adopt these values.
• Collaborate with colleagues to accomplish departmental objectives.
• Work ethically and collaboratively to achieve the public safety mission.

Law Enforcement

• Investigate crimes, apply federal, state, and local laws, and make arrests and issue citations.
• Use firearms and equipment responsibly; meet all required qualifications.
• Interact with the public courteously and maintain confidential information.
• Gather, analyze, and document evidence; interview victims, witnesses, and suspects.
• Conduct traffic enforcement and accident investigations.
• Assist in community outreach, crime prevention, and public presentations.
• Respond to emergencies, medical incidents, and critical situations with minimal notice.
• Wear required protective gear and manage heavy equipment as necessary.
• Work irregular, on‑call hours including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with training, orientation, and public presentations.
• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Ensure equal employment opportunities.
• Respond promptly to critical situations.
• Weekend, shift, and holiday work is required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Employment Standards

Successful candidates must possess the following qualifications or skills:

Knowledge Of

• Federal, state, and local laws and ordinances relevant to law enforcement.
• Investigative procedures and evidence preservation.
• Departmental, university, and MOA policies.
• Self‑defense, officer safety, and crowd control tactics.

Ability To

• Interpret and execute agency policies and procedures.
• Build community relations in a diverse population.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Work independently or in a team, maintaining strong interpersonal relationships.
• Carry out law enforcement functions: investigate crimes, apprehend offenders, issue citations, and manage crowds.
• Investigate complaints and violations of department or university policies.
• Demonstrate sound judgment, tact, and integrity.
• Handle fast‑paced work environments accurately and timely.
• Act appropriately in emergencies and stressful situations.
• Execute duties involving physical exertion, equipment handling, and vehicle operation.

Personal Characteristics

• Motivated and inspiring to others.
• Committed to high ethical standards and integrity.
• Conscientious, emotionally controlled, dependable, and proactive.
• Good moral character per P.O.S.T. standards.
• Able to manage personal danger effectively.
• Receptive to feedback and adaptable.
• Maintains effective observation, communication, and operational competencies.
• Possesses mental capacity for sound judgment under dangerous circumstances.

Minimum Requirements

• Completion of a basic CA police academy or CA waiver.
• Legal eligibility to work in California.
• Age 21 years or older.
• Vision 20/100 (correctable to 20/30) and normal hearing.
• High school diploma or GED.
• 45 college semester units or 60 quarter units from an accredited institution.
• No violation of Brady v. Maryland.
• Pass a physical demands test.
• Ability to use respirators and masks as required.
• Flexible scheduling to meet staffing needs.
• Willingness to work special events on days off or after regular shifts.
• Ready to respond to emergencies with short notice.
• Valid California Driver’s License with acceptable record.

Selection Process

• Online application submission at http://jobs.stanford.edu
• Stanford Application
• Written Examination
• Physical Agility Examination
• Oral Board Interview
• Background Investigator interview and Personal History Questionnaire
• Live Scan fingerprinting
• Interview with Director of Public Safety
• Polygraph Examination
• Background packet review by Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office
• Medical Examination with licensed physician
• Physical Demands Examination with licensed physical therapist
• Written psychological examination
• Interview with licensed psychologist
• Offer of employment
• Deputization by the Sheriff of Santa Clara County or designee

Field Training Program

• Incumbent deputies must complete a 16‑week field training program; failure to complete results in termination.

The expected pay range for this position is $61.02 (Step A) to $77.91 (Step 6) per hour, subject to the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

The following statements apply:

• Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.
• Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.