Deputy Sheriff

Marathon County Public Library; United States; On-site; USD 44,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Marathon County Sheriff's Office is seeking applicants for Deputy Sheriff with a regular 4-on/2-off schedule. The role involves patrol, investigations, and court appearances with an emphasis on protecting life and property in Marathon County, Wisconsin.

Applicants may apply for lateral entry consideration for prior service credits. Candidates must meet education and citizenship requirements and may qualify for advanced placement under a lateral entry agreement.

Qualifications

• Two-year associate degree or 60 credits required.
• Must be US citizen and 18+ years old.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Wisconsin sworn law enforcement certification preferred.
• Live within 15-minute response time if living outside county.
• No felony convictions or domestic violence disqualifiers.

Responsibilities

• Patrols assigned area by automobile to deter crime and enforce laws.
• Responds to calls for service and provides public assistance.
• Makes arrests and transports prisoners for booking; prepares reports.
• Operate intoximeter equipment per state standards and policies.
• Investigates accidents, deaths, felonies or misdemeanors; maintains records.
• Testifies in court as required; participates in required trainings.

Skills

Law enforcement

Geography knowledge

First aid

Investigation techniques

Firearms handling

Court testimony

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree or 60 credits

Job description

Job Posting End Date: 11-07-2026 Worker Sub-Type: Regular Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

POSITION SUMMARY:

Marathon County Sheriff's Office is pleased to announce an OPEN recruitment for Deputy Sheriffs. While we are currently accepting applications on an ongoing basis, it does not necessarily mean that there are presently open positions; however, there is anticipation for an opening in early 2027. Those applicants selected to participate in the next hiring assessment will be notified accordingly. Experienced law enforcement candidates are encouraged to apply and review the Lateral Entry Program agreement that allows for up to five (5) years of prior full-time service to be considered in the placement within the Deputy Sheriff pay scale and used for Paid Time Off (PTO) accruals. Marathon County Deputy Sheriffs perform various law enforcement duties providing protection of life and property and the enforcement of federal, state and county laws and ordinances. The regular work schedule is a cycle of 4 consecutive days of work with 2 consecutive days off including weekends and holidays. The regular work day is 8 hours, 25 minutes. Officers will be assigned to one of three shifts. Deputies serve an 12 month probationary period.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

• Patrols an assigned area in an automobile for the purposes of preventing and discovering crimes, and enforcing all applicable laws, ordinances, and traffic regulations.
• Responds to calls for service as dispatched; provides necessary assistance to the public; takes appropriate enforcement action when necessary.
• Makes arrests after observing law violations; transports prisoners to the County Jail for booking; prepares reports on action taken for record keeping purposes and for use in courtroom presentations as necessary.
• May be required to operate intoximeter equipment in accordance with State standards and departmental policies.
• Investigates accidents, sudden deaths, suicides, and any felonies or misdemeanors which may occur in the officer's area of responsibility.
• Enters comments into department computers; dictates reports as required.
• Utilizes various law enforcement software to complete required forms and reports.
• Serves a variety of criminal and civil processes and arrest warrants.
• Testifies in court as needed.
• May maintain order and provide security services in courtrooms and other areas of the Courthouse.
• Attends training classes and programs as required.
• Required to maintain certifications in CPR, intoximeter, radar, DAAT, EVOC, PBT, and qualify semi-annually with department issued firearms.
• Develops solutions to work issues that add value for our customers.
• Maintains regular and predictable attendance.
• Positions in this classification are subject to emergency call in.
• May have occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
• Refer to the Marathon County Sheriff’s Department Exposure Control Plan for more specific information.
• Performs related work as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED plus: A two-year associate degree from a Wisconsin technical college system district or its accredited equivalent from another state or a minimum of 60-accredited credits.
• An applicant for law enforcement employment who has not met this standard at the time of initial law enforcement employment must meet the standard by the end of their fifth year of employment.
• Preference will be given to candidates with current State of Wisconsin Sworn Law Enforcement Officer certification.
• Possess a valid driver's license and driving record that meets Sheriff's Office standards.
• Minimum of 18 years of age.
• United States citizen.
• Applicants must not have been convicted of any federal felony or of any offense which if committed in Wisconsin could be punished as a felony unless the applicant has been granted an absolute and unconditional pardon.
• Applicants must not have been convicted of any misdemeanor crime of domestic violence unless the applicant has been granted an absolute and unconditional pardon.
• Must be of good character to withstand an extensive background investigation.
• Marathon County Deputies living outside of the county, MUST live within a 15-minute response time to county line.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of approved principles and practices of law enforcement work and of applicable laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of the geography and demography of assigned area.
• Knowledge of departmental rules and regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of first aid methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of investigative techniques and practice.
• Ability to observe situations analytically and objectively, and to report and record them clearly and accurately.
• Skill in the use and care of firearms and in the safe and efficient operation of motor vehicles, as well as other departmental equipment.
• Skill to deal courteously, yet firmly and effectively, with the public in police situations, of both an adversary and non-adversary nature.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in emergency situations, to act quickly and calmly in applying appropriate techniques.
• Ability to learn thoroughly a wide variety of rules and police procedures.
• Ability to learn various law enforcement computer systems and utilize knowledge in performing required job duties.
• Skill in the use of computer software programs, functions, and operations.
• Understands the County's and department's mission, core values, plans, and priorities for the future.
• Ability to contribute to a positive work culture that fosters excellent customer service and teamwork.

COMPENSATION:

Starting hourly rate Deputy I: $32.27 per hour (expected 2027 wage). Based on a Lateral Entry Agreement, an experienced, currently-employed full-time Wisconsin Law Enforcement Officer with a minimum of three (3) continuous years in that capacity could enter the pay scale with a maximum credit of five years of prior service, at the level of a Deputy Sheriff III, with an hourly rate of $36.25. This wage increase will take place immediately upon hire. Application deadline November 7th, 2026, at 11:59pm

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Very High Physical Requirements - Job requires intense physical labor or activity, often involving heavy lifting, strenuous physical tasks, or working in challenging conditions. This job demands peak physical fitness and the ability to perform physically d All physical requirements are described with the intent to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:

1. Candidates selected for consideration will be contacted via email. As soon as dates are selected for another round of the hiring assessment and interview with Sheriff Command Staff described below, selected candidates will be emailed.
2. Complete and pass a candidate hiring assessment - The assessment will be administered at the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office. It will consist of an oral interview, scenario/simulation and report-writing. Qualified applicants will be invited via e‑mail to take part in the assessment at a designated date and time.
3. Interview with Sheriff's Command Staff - Upon successful completion of the hiring assessment, the top candidates will be selected for interviews with members of the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office Senior Command Staff. This interview panel will consist of the Sheriff, Chief Deputy, Patrol Captain and other selected staff. Candidates will be invited via e‑mail to sign up for the interviews at a designated date and time. A written background assessment may also be completed at this time. Candidates will be notified within two (2) business days of their interview with the senior command staff of their status.
4. Candidates moving forward in the selection process will undergo an extensive background/criminal investigation: verification of education and certification, verification of employment record, background/criminal check and a driving record check.
5. Candidates offered employment will be required to submit to and pass the post‑offer assessments: physical and back exam, drug screen, fingerprinting, and a psychological assessment that are paid for by Marathon County.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Marathon County is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status.

Special Accommodations:

Marathon County will make arrangements to furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary and reasonable to afford an individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in the recruitment process. Please notify the Employee Resources Department office or phone [phone] to request special accommodations prior to the application deadline.

Notice to Applicants:

Wisconsin Statutes, Sections 19.36 (7), 64.09 (5), and 64.11 (7) require public employers to treat the following items as a public record: Each applicant’s application, records, recommendations, and qualifications except as provided in Section 19.36 (7), Wis. Stats. that allows the identity of an applicant to remain confidential if the applicant requests in writing that the County not provide access to this information. If you choose not to have this information become a public record, you must make such a request in writing to the Employee Resources Department. If you become a finalist for the position, your identity may be disclosed as required by law Marathon County was officially established in 1850 and is the largest of Wisconsin’s 72 counties today. Centrally located, Marathon County is easy to find, but with 1,584 square miles of natural beauty set in the Wisconsin River Valley, it is hard to leave. Marathon County has a population of 137,958 including the Wausau metropolitan area of 70,000. Marathon County offers a combination of big city amenities with the look and feel of the great north-woods, surrounded by hills, lakes, and rivers; complete with small town hospitality. Our community takes pride in its natural beauty, abundant recreation opportunities, quality education, healthcare, diversity, industry, and overall quality of life. Whether you enjoy fishing, boating, biking, swimming, hiking, cross country or downhill skiing, snowmobiling, ATVing, camping, or anything in between, Marathon County is the place to be! In fact, Wausau and Central Wisconsin was voted as The BEST Place in Wisconsin for Outdoor Activities by the readers of Wisconsin Trails magazine. In addition to four seasons of recreation, Marathon County also has a thriving arts community, events and festivals, an active nightlife scene, diverse dining options, and a convenient regional airport. Marathon County is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status Please contact us at 715-261-1457 OR 715-261-1451.