Deputy Sheriff Cadet (Entry Level) - Registry

Pinal County; Florence (AZ); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Pinal County is recruiting Deputy Cadets for an entry/trainee position under close supervision. The role involves learning and performing responsibilities of an Arizona peace officer, including engaging with diverse populations, enforcing laws, and assisting the public.

This is an Entry/Trainee position with structured training and testing, under a supervised program. Tentative testing dates are Tuesday, September 22nd 2026 and Saturday, January 16th 2027, with deadlines Aug 31st 2026 and Dec

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must be a United States citizen and at least 21 years old.
• One (1) year of satisfactory work experience.
• Valid Arizona driver’s license.
• Must pass a thorough background investigation.
• Within one year of hire, must complete POST Academy requirements and be certified.

Responsibilities

• Attends and completes the Deputy Sheriff Academy as part of training.
• Learn police methods, traffic and criminal laws.
• Participate in training and testing processes including physical agility, written exams, and background checks.
• Perform essential duties under supervision and progressively assume responsibilities as training progresses.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Summary

This is a training position that is under close supervision. Incumbents performs tasks through formal and informal training programs to learn and perform responsibilities of an Arizona peace officer which include interacting with a diverse population, exercising problem solving skills, maintaining public order, preventing crime, enforcing laws and ordinances, conducting investigations, making arrests, issuing summonses/citations and warnings, and assisting the public. This is an Entry/Trainee position, which works under close supervision.

Description

This is a training position that is under close supervision. Incumbents performs tasks through formal and informal training programs to learn and perform responsibilities of an Arizona peace officer which include interacting with a diverse population, exercising problem solving skills, maintaining public order, preventing crime, enforcing laws and ordinances, conducting investigations, making arrests, issuing summonses/citations and warnings, and assisting the public. This is an Entry/Trainee position, which works under close supervision.

Tentative testing dates*:

• Tuesday, September 22nd 2026* (must submit application by Aug 31st 2026)
• Saturday, January 16th 2027* (must submit application by Dec 23rd 2026)

Eligible applicants will begin employment prior to Academy start date.

• ALL TESTING DATES ARE TENTATIVE AND A SUBJECT TO CHANGE. EVERY APPLICANT MUST APPEAR IN PERSON TO TEST.

Notice To Applicants

• This is a registry intended to collect applications for future vacancies containing one or more positions. Eligible applicants might be placed into a registry until a vacant position becomes available.
• This announcement may be closed as soon as a sufficient number of qualified applicants have applied.
• Per PCSO Policy 703 – After FTO, employees may take home county-owned vehicles only with prior approval from their Bureau Chief. The employee must live within a 10-mile limit from the Pinal County Border.
• This position is a non-exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not a covered position under the Pinal County Merit System Rules. Incumbents in this position serve at the pleasure of their respective Appointing Authority. The employment relationship is "at-will" and employment may be terminated at any time, for any reason, with or without cause.

Deputy Cadet Hiring Process - after submitting an online application

• AZPOST Personal History Form - If all minimum requirements are met, selected eligible applicants will be contacted via email and invited to complete an AZPOST Personal History Form. You will be given a specific deadline to complete this step.
• Schedule Testing Date - If all criteria are met, selected eligible applicants will be invited to the one-day-testing event via email.
• Testing Day - The testing day consists of a physical agility test, a written/multiple choice test, oral board/interview and a preliminary background interview.

You will need to bring the following documents with you on testing day:

• Arizona Driver License (or any other state current driver license)
• DD 214 Copy Member 4 if discharged from Military or Selective Service Registration (Original Document); or DD 256.
• Physical Agility Assessment - All applicants must participate and pass a Physical Agility Test which consists of:
• Maximum Push Up - 25 or more (no time limit)
• One minute Sit Up - 29 or more (one minute time limit)
• 300 Meter Run - 68 seconds or better
• 1.5 Mile Run - 15:20 minutes or better

https://www.pinal.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7482/Cooper-Agility-Consent-Form-PDF

• Written/Multiple Choice Test is used to measure math, comprehension, grammar, and handwriting skills. You must complete this test with a passing grade to advance further in the testing process (there will be no study guides available for release).
• 30 to 60 minutes duration (depending on test type)
• Passing criteria – 70% minimum passing score
• Oral board interview:
• 30 minutes duration
• Passing criteria – 70% minimum passing score
• Each test in the battery must be passed to advance further in the testing process*.
• Preliminary Background Review - You will meet with a Background Investigator and answer a short questionnaire.
• ESOPH Background Portal, Only if selected to continue in the process, qualified applicants will be sent a link to complete an online background portal (answer questions , upload any documents required and photos). You have 14 days to complete the portal.
• Background Review - Once your background information has been reviewed and all required criteria have been met, you will be scheduled for a background interview with the investigator.

You will need to bring the following original documents with you:

• Birth Certificate, Naturalization Certificate or Current Passport
• High School Diploma, GED, or transcript with graduation date or higher education certificates/diplomas
• Arizona Driver License (or another state current driver license)
• Social Security Card
• Credit Report: a complete credit report is required (Credit score alone is not acceptable).
• DD 214 Copy Member 4 if discharged from Military or Selective Service Registration (or DD 256).
• Vehicle Insurance Card
• 3 years Certified Driving History Record
• AZPOST Certificate (out-of-state POST certificate)
• Command Review - Once your background check is complete, our command staff will review it. Upon approval, you may be invited to complete a polygraph.
• Command Interview/Conditional Offer - Once you have passed polygraph, you will meet and talk with the Command Staff. If approved by the Command, you may be extended a conditional offer of employment. At this time, you will also be scheduled for psychological evaluation and medical exam.
• Medical Appointments - In order to proceed in the hiring process, you will need to successfully complete medical and psychological evaluations.
• AZPOST Audit - AZPOST Audit - Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (AZPOST) will conduct an audit on all candidates' background files to ensure minimum qualifications and standards for sworn peace officers are met.
• Official Offer - Once you have passed all steps successfully, you may be extended an official offer and be scheduled a date to attend New Hire Orientation.

Typical Classification Essential Duties

Work in this classification requires an individual to be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary classification functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this classification may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in this classification description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this description.

• Attends and obtains Certification by the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (AZPOST) academy to learn the principles, methods and techniques employed by the Deputy Sheriff class.
• Attends in and out door training sessions for preparation as a Deputy Sheriff.
• Learn federal, state, and local traffic and criminal laws.
• Learn proper work habits, appearance, and interpersonal skills.
• Learns to drive a motor vehicle under normal and emergency conditions safely.
• Learns to demonstrate command presence in conflict situations.
• Learns use of various firearms and first aid methods.
• Participate in a physical fitness program to develop the physical skills for the job.
• Learns to write clear, comprehensive and accurate reports, legibly and with correct grammar and spelling.
• Performs tasks employing patrol methods, community relations, courtroom procedures, finger-printing, report preparation, physical agility and strength formation, and other law enforcement related duties commensurate with attained skills.
• Performs other duties, including housekeeping duties as requested or assigned.
• Maintain absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, customer records, and restricted County information.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Requirements To Perform Work

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Must be a minimum of twenty-one (21) years of age, a United States Citizen, and demonstrate the ability to successfully complete written, psychological, polygraph, physical or stress test, pre-employment drug and alcohol screening and background examinations.
• One (1) year of satisfactory work experience.
• Valid Arizona State Driver's License.
• Must pass a thorough background investigation.
• Within one (1) year of hire, must complete the peace officer's basic course and be certified by the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board.

*MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS include: AZPOST Rules - Chapter 13 - Arizona Administrative Code - Public Safety Rules: https://apps.azsos.gov/public_services/title_13/13-04.pdf

Additional Information

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Must be able to successfully complete written, psychological, polygraph, physical or stress test, pre-employment drug and alcohol screening and background examinations.
• Must complete and pass a Deputy Sheriff Entry Examination with a score of 70% or higher.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check and verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications as applicable.

Abilities

• Ability to acquire knowledge of police methods, practices, and procedures.
• Ability to apply knowledge gained to specific situations
• Ability to acquire knowledge of County geography and related landmarks.
• Ability to work effectively with all segments of the public.
• Ability to use good judgment and make effective decisions under pressure.
• Ability to evaluate situations and adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action.
• Ability to work alternating work schedules, weekends, holidays and be subject to call-out.
• Ability to work various (12) hour shifts and be subject to mandatory overtime.
• Ability to prepare clear and comprehensive reports.

ADA COMPLIANCE

Pinal County Sheriff’s Office is an Equal Opportunity employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Physical Demands

• Essential and other important responsibilities and duties require maintaining physical condition necessary for adequate physical performance abilities including the ability to balance, climb, crawl, crouch, finger, feel, grasp, handle, reach, kneel, stoop, stand, ascend/descend stairs, perform repetitive motions and walk for prolonged periods.
• Must have adequate speech, hearing and eyesight, ability to perceive and distinguish colors or shades of colors, sounds, taste, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals demonstrate mental and physical acuity.
• Frequently sit for long periods of time to active engagement of a suspect.
• Occasionally exert substantial physical effort by pushing and pulling objects in excess of 100 pounds and the ability to lift, push or pull objects in excess of 50 pounds frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds constantly to move objects.
• The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information.
• Work involves crisis situations that require making major decisions involving people, resources, and property with possible exposure to physical and verbal abuse.
• Requires the ability to operate a motor vehicle daily.
• Must be able to wear protective gear daily.
• Must be able to see and respond to dangerous situations and take offensive and/or defensive action during physical confrontations.
• Must be available to work long, irregular schedules and on-call, including nights, overtime, evenings, weekends and holidays, as required by the needs of the agency.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed within a field environment out of a vehicle patrolling the that may require exposure to all weather conditions, in or near vehicle traffic, emergency situations with exposure to a variety of safety hazards, strong odors or fumes, disease/blood/bodily fluids, pathogenic substances, toxic agents, noise, explosives, vibrations and slippery or uneven surfaces When not engaged in emergency operations, may work under station or office conditions.
• Work involves crisis situations that require making major decisions involving people, resources, and property with possible exposure to physical and verbal abuse.
• May be required to use a respirator when performing duties requiring exposure to hazardous chemicals that may be biohazardous and carcinogenic.
• May have to lift and/or carry various objects or people in excess of 100 pounds.
• Must be able to wear personal protective gear most of the day.
• Must be available to work long, irregular schedules and on-call, including nights, overtime, evenings, weekends and holidays, as required by the needs of the agency.

THIS IS CONSIDERED A SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION.

This position may reasonably be expected to come into contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials in the performance of the work duties and is therefore subject to the vaccination and training provisions presented in the County Blood Borne Pathogen Exposure Control plan.

Benefits

Pinal County offers some of the best benefits in Arizona! We offer a wide range of employee benefits. You can Read more details about our organizations benefit program or you can review the list below:

• An Employer that Values Each Employee and Prioritizes a Work Experience that Provides Ample Time for Stress Reduction and Work Life Balance.
• Paid Vacation And Sick Leave
  • 15 Vacation Days Accrued Annually Starting Day One
  • After Three (3) Years of Service 18 Vacation Days Accrued Annually
  • After Five (5) Years of Service 20 Vacation Days Accrued Annually
• Ten Paid Holidays + One Paid Floating Holiday to Use as You Wish
• 13 Sick Leave Days Accrued Annually Starting Day One
• Paid Sabbaticals Every Five (5) Years
  • Two Week Sabbatical After Five Years of Continuous Service
  • Three Week Sabbatical After Ten Years of Continuous Service
  • Four Week Sabbatical After Fifteen Years of Continuous Service
  • Four Week Sabbaticals Every Five Years After Fifteen Years of Continuous Service
• Retirement Plans with Generous Employer Contributions - Guaranteed Lifetime Benefit!
• Top Tier Affordable Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
  • Insure your whole family on a PPO plan for as low as $57.94/mo.
  • Insure you and your children on a PPO plan for ZERO premium cost
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
  • Onsite Mammogram and Prostate Screening Events
  • Skin Cancer Screening Events Onsite
  • Biometrics and Health Screening Events Onsite
  • Financial Health and Retirement Planning Events Onsite & Online
  • Fitness Resources and Onsite Sessions Like Yoga and Tai Chi
  • Quarterly Well Challenges
  • Vaccination Clinics Onsite
  • Vision Exams and Optometry Events Onsite
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Telehealth
• Qualified Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program through the Dept of Education
• Employee Assistance Program with Ongoing Training & Development Options
• Civil Service Leave
• VanPool Options
• Short-Term Disability – Employer Paid
• Basic Life Insurance - Employer Paid
• Flexible Spending Accounts for Dependent Care and Medical Expenses
• Suite of Voluntary Benefits including additional Life, Accident, Critical Illness & Cancer Insurance