Deputy Sheriff II - Lateral

County of Sonoma; Santa Rosa (CA); On-site; USD 126,641 - 154,784; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

County-paid health premium contributions

Paid parental leave

Salary advancement

Job summary

County of Sonoma is looking for a full-time Deputy Sheriff II. This position offers a starting salary up to $67.42 per hour, totaling up to $140,713 annually, along with generous benefits like wellness programs and premium pay for specialty assignments.

Ideal candidates should have strong interpersonal skills and experience as law enforcement officers, with the ability to handle emergencies effectively. Applicants are encouraged to apply if they possess English-Spanish bilingual skills.

Qualifications

• One year of recent, full-time paid experience as a law enforcement officer.
• Strong communication skills in writing and speech.
• Clean driving record with a valid California driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Patrol assigned areas and serve warrants.
• Make arrests and assist in preliminary investigations.
• Work all shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving skills

Ability to make quick decisions

Ability to handle stressful situations

Education

High-school graduation or GED

POST Basic Certificate

Job description

Position Information

A full‑time Deputy Sheriff II position in Sonoma County. Starting salary up to $67.42 per hour ($140,713 per year) with generous benefits such as wellness programs, professional development funds, and premium pay for specialty assignments.

Applicants with English‑Spanish bilingual skills and out‑of‑state law‑enforcement officers are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

• Salary advancement – Increase after 1,040 hours (or 6 months full‑time) for good performance; ongoing annual increases until the top of the salary range.
• Additional premiums – For specialty assignments and POST Intermediate and Advanced Certificates, up to 10% of base salary.
• Bilingual premium pay – $0.90 per hour (or $0.45 per hour for basic bilingual) on top of base hourly rate.
• Paid time off – Competitive vacation and sick leave, 12 paid holidays, and an extra 8 floating holiday hours annually.
• County‑paid health premium contributions – 100% premium contribution for most employee‑only and employee + family health plans.
• Staff development and wellness pay – Annual benefit allowance up to $750 and training opportunities.
• Post‑retirement health reimbursement arrangement – County contributes to post‑retirement health insurance.
• Retirement – Pension fully integrated with Social Security.
• Paid parental leave – Up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County service.
• Student loan debt relief – Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Responsibilities

Deputy Sheriffs patrol their assigned areas, serve warrants, make arrests, and assist in preliminary investigations. Patrol shifts are either a 4‑day, 10‑hour schedule or a 3‑day, 12‑hour schedule.

Deputies may be assigned to work areas such as patrol, civil bureau, personnel, coroner, investigations, prisoner transport, helicopter, marine unit, and court security. They must work all shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and may also be assigned to specialty work such as explosive ordinance detail, SWAT, tactical response, hostage negotiation, training, dog handling, helicopter observation, internal affairs, background investigations, or investigative detective roles. Specialty assignments are awarded on a "most qualified" basis and carry premium pay.

Ideal Candidates

Strong interpersonal and problem‑solving skills are essential. Candidates should be able to work independently, make appropriate decisions in emergencies, and handle stressful situations.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience: One year of recent, full‑time paid experience as a law‑enforcement officer with a city, county, state, or federal agency.

Education: High‑school graduation or an acceptable GED.

Special qualifications: Possession of a POST Basic Certificate. Experience in patrol duties is highly desirable.

License: Valid California driver’s license with a clean driving record.

Background: No felony convictions in any state or federal jurisdiction, and not under current formal probation supervision.

Citizenship: Permanent‑resident aliens must obtain U.S. citizenship at least one year before applying, or risk disqualification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Working knowledge of: Laws, ordinances, and regulations enforced by the department; modern investigative procedures and general police practices; court procedures; firearm use and maintenance; criminal behavior patterns; current literature on criminal investigation and patrol practices.

Knowledge of: First‑aid methods and their application; geography and topography of Sonoma County.

Ability to: Enforce the law firmly, tactfully, and impartially; deal courteously with the public; make quick, effective decisions during emergencies; understand and follow written and oral directions; communicate effectively in writing and speech.

Selection Procedure

• Application and supplemental questionnaire appraisal (100% weight) evaluates satisfaction of minimum qualifications and relevance of education, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities.
• Examination of qualifications determines placement on an employment list and referral for selection interviews.
• Out‑of‑state applicants must first obtain a California POST Basic Course Waiver (BCW) based on meeting the required training hours.
• The background process includes verification of work history, education, court reports, public‑record searches, polygraph, drug tests, and medical and physical examinations.
• Completion of the supplemental questionnaire is required.

Contact

Visit the Personnel Bureau website or contact the recruiting team at 707.565.2779 or Sheriff‑Recruitment@sonoma‑county.org.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The County of Sonoma is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Recruitment, hiring, and all other employment decisions are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need. Our workforce reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.