Deputy Sheriff Cadet

Wake County; Raleigh (NC); Hybrid; USD 56,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Job summary

Wake County Sheriff's Office is seeking motivated individuals for a Deputy Sheriff Cadet role in Raleigh, NC. This non-certified cadet position trains toward sworn Deputy Sheriff status, with early mentorship and a clear pathway to the Basic Law Enforcement Training Academy in Summer 2027.

You’ll work various shifts (including 12-hour rotates), perform essential policing duties, and be part of a community-focused public safety team. Competitive starting pay and advancement incentives apply.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 20 years old.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license and safe driving record.
• No felony conviction; no disqualifying misdemeanors in recent years.
• Extensive background investigation including fitness, reading test, medical, drug screen and psych exam.

Responsibilities

• Provide general law enforcement services for the Sheriff’s Office.
• Serve and protect the public, maintain peace, and safeguard lives and property.
• Provide security for the courts and transport inmates; respond to calls and investigate complaints.
• Perform traffic enforcement, pursue suspects, and execute civil and criminal process as required.

Skills

Physical fitness

Reading test

Judgment under pressure

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

What You’ll Be Doing

Do you have the heart to serve and the courage to lead? If you answered 'YES', take your first step toward a rewarding career in public safety as a Deputy Sheriff Cadet. At the Wake County Sheriff's Office, we’re looking for motivated, service-minded individuals ready to grow into tomorrow’s leaders in law enforcement. As a Cadet, you’ll receive the training, mentorship and support needed to become a fully sworn Deputy Sheriff. This is not just a job-it’s your gateway to a purpose-driven life of service, community and honor.

This position is for a non-certified candidate for Deputy Sheriff - Cadet. If hired, the Cadet will attend the Wake County Sheriff's Office Basic Law Enforcement Training Academy in the Summer of 2027.

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for the general law enforcement services required by the Office of the Sheriff
• Serve the public, keep the peace as well as protect the lives, rights and property of all those within the County of Wake
• Provide security for the courts, transport inmates, answer calls from the public, investigate complaints and criminal activity, perform traffic enforcement, develop suspects, arrest perpetrators, serve civil and criminal process as well as other papers as required by the courts, and any other special assignments upon request
• A Deputy Sheriff is expected to be of good moral character, possess sound judgment, make decisions in both normal and emergency situations and use discretion while carrying out the details of each task
• The applicant must be willing to work various schedules, including a 12-hour rotating shift with holidays and weekends

Deputy Sheriff Salary:

• Hourly rate for Deputy Sheriff - Cadet is $27.26 per hour ($56,700 annually)
• After completion of the Basic Law Enforcement Training Academy and state certification is obtained, the Deputy Sheriff may receive additional pay incentives, with pay up to $72,904 annually

Notes:

• Deputy applicants must demonstrate a minimum level of physical ability and fitness by completing the Police Officer Physical Agility Test (POPAT) "lite". The test consists of running 40 meters, climbing up and down stairs, completing pushups, and simulating rolling/moving an adult-sized object. The purpose of this physical test is to simulate and measure an officer’s physical ability to respond to a critical incident and apprehend or potentially control a prisoner/suspect.
• Following submission of this application, you will receive an email to schedule a reading and physical fitness assessment
• If you have any questions please contact the Wake County Sheriff’s Office Recruiting Division at [phone]

About Our Team

With a wide array of services, Wake County Government is at the heart of a rapidly growing and diverse area offering residents, employees and visitors exciting opportunities to live, work, grow, and play. Wake County Government employs approximately 4500 employees and approximately 1000 are employed by the Sheriff’s Office. With over 850 square miles of area and 1 million residents, Wake County Deputies are the primary law enforcement agency for those in the unincorporated areas of the county. Wake County Deputies also provide specialized services throughout the county such as Civil Process Service, School Resource Officers, Criminal Investigations, Narcotics Enforcement, K-9 Services and a Tactical Response Team. For more information about Wake County Government, visit www.wake.gov and the Wake County Sheriff’s Office at www.joinwakesheriff.org.

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

• Must be at least 20 years old
• Must be a citizen of the United States
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Must have a valid driver’s license and safe driving record
• Must not have been charged or convicted of a felony
• Must not have been charged with a serious misdemeanor (Class B) within the past 5 years AND not have 4 or more total misdemeanor charges
• Candidates must undergo an extensive background investigation including, but not limited to, physical fitness assessment, reading test, medical exam, drug screen and psychological exam
• Must meet all the applicable standards with the North Carolina Sheriffs' Training and Standards Commission as well as the policies of the Wake County Sheriff’s Office
• Must be willing to relocate within 30 miles from the Wake County line

• Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

• Must be at least 20 years old
• Must be a citizen of the United States
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Must have a valid driver’s license and safe driving record
• Must not have been charged or convicted of a felony
• Must not have been charged with a serious misdemeanor (Class B) within the past 5 years AND not have 4 or more total misdemeanor charges
• Candidates must undergo an extensive background investigation including, but not limited to, physical fitness assessment, reading test, medical exam, drug screen and psychological exam
• Must meet all the applicable standards with the North Carolina Sheriffs' Training and Standards Commission as well as the policies of the Wake County Sheriff’s Office
• Must be willing to relocate within 30 miles from the Wake County line

How Will We Know You're 'The One'?

• Physical ability to meet and cope with all demands of law enforcement
• Ability to learn and maintain a working knowledge of modern law enforcement practices and procedures
• Ability to obtain a working knowledge of federal, state and local laws
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with other employees, officials and the general public
• Ability to qualify and re-qualify with all mandated weapons in accordance with state laws as well as the policies and procedures of the Office of the Sheriff
• Ability to follow directions, learn policies and procedures as well as act independently, using sound judgment in both normal and emergency situations
• Ability to obtain and maintain full law enforcement certification

About This Position

Location: Public Safety CenterRaleigh, NC 27601

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: Days, nights, weekends and holidays

Hiring Range: 27.26 - 35.05

Market Range: 25.96 - 44.14

Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on1/31/2027

What Makes Wake Great

Consistently ranked high among the best places to live and work in America, Wake County is the proud home to NC State University, Research Triangle Park, and the two-time Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes, winners in 2006 and 2026. In addition to being Wake County’s seat of government, Raleigh is also the center of state government, with the Capitol Building, legislature and many state government offices located in Raleigh. With an estimated population of just over 1.2 million residents, Wake County is North Carolina’s most populous county. Entertainment, recreation, and art and culture abound with the North Carolina Museum of Art, JC Raulston Arboretum, and the Neuse River Trail all in the heart of Wake County. Wake County uses the Council/Manager form of government. Currently, the seven members of the Board of Commissioners are elected by district on a partisan basis and serve four-year terms. Starting in fall 2026, the Wake County Board will have seven commissioners elected by voters in their districts and two at-large commissioners elected by the whole County. The County is regarded as a fiscally responsible and well‑managed government, enjoying a AAA bond rating. The County’s FY2027 General Fund budget is approximately $2.28 billion, and the County has more than 5,000 full time employees. Wake County Government came in at #2 on the Healthiest Employers list for 2024. This year, US News & World Report ranked Raleigh #5 on its list of Best Places to Live, and the Milken Institute ranked Raleigh #1 on its 2025 list of Best-Performing Cities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants fornemployment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Background Check Statement

Position may require a background check that may include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Emergency Service Worker Statement

In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected.Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, duringand after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.