DEPUTY SHERIFF RECRUIT

Fresno County; California (MO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Fresno County's Sheriff's Office invites applications for the Deputy Sheriff Recruit role. Applicants will enter a Basic Peace Officers Academy and undergo physical fitness training, while learning firearms care, self-defense, first aid, and arrest laws.

Enrollees must be 20+, hold a valid driver's license, and be ready for overtime and varied shifts. Selected candidates will join a process that may lead to permanent Deputy Sheriff I–II positions, with strict training completion and background

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a Basic Police Academy certified by CA DOJ POST.
• Must be at least 20 years old and possess a valid driver's license (Class C or B as required).

Skills

Overtime willingness

Shift flexibility

Education

Basic Police Academy enrollment

Job description

INTERVIEWS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 21, 2026

The Fresno County Sheriff's Office is accepting applications for the position of Deputy Sheriff Recruit. Incumbents attend a Basic Peace Officers Academy for instruction on law enforcement procedures combined with rigorous physical fitness training; study topics such as the care and use of firearms, weaponless defense, first aid, laws of arrest and evidence, law enforcement techniques and procedures; maintain at least the minimum level of proficiency in all areas of training; and perform non-sworn duties as required.

Applicants must be willing to work overtime, if necessary, and shifts as assigned, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Note: The eligible list established from this recruitment will be used to fill current and future vacancies as they occur.

Fresno County is working together for a quality of life for all. Our mission is to provide excellent public services to our diverse community.

Education

Currently enrolled or accepted in a Basic Police Academy certified by the State of California, Department of Justice, the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.

A copy of your enrollment verification or acceptance email/letter with your full name included must be attached to your application.

Age

At least twenty (20) years of age.

License

Possession of a valid class "C" driver's license, or equivalent. Possession of a valid class "B" driver's license, or equivalent, may be required.

Notes

• Incumbents enrolled in a Basic Police Academy, who fail to successfully complete or maintain minimum levels of proficiency at all levels of training, will be terminated. Additionally, permanent status may not be obtained in this classification. Incumbents must transition to Deputy Sheriff I – Court Services or Deputy Sheriff II within three (3) months of completing a Basic Police Academy or separate from County service.
• Under California Penal Code Section 830.1, the Deputy Sheriff I – Court Services and the Deputy Sheriff II classifications are defined as Peace Officers. Therefore, to transition to either of these classifications, candidates must be able to meet all pre‑employment as well as ongoing peace officer status requirements pursuant to federal, state, and local legislation.

As a condition of employment, candidates must undergo and pass a polygraph or Computer Voice Stress Analysis examination and a thorough background investigation (background materials for failed candidates are retained for three years). Background investigations include employment/credit histories, arrest/criminal records, drug/alcohol use, and personal conduct. This list is neither inclusive nor exclusive; other relevant areas may be investigated and verified. Candidates must pass a medical and psychological exam prior to transitioning to the permanent Deputy Sheriff II classification.

SELECTION PROCESS

Pursuant to Fresno County Personnel Rule 4 - Selection Process, applicants may be required to complete an examination process and successful candidates will be placed on an employment list effective for a minimum of 3 months and certified in final rank order as vacancies occur.

• Tentative Interview Date: October 21, 2026

• The eligible list for this recruitment may be extended up to 12 months, and may be used to fill both extra-help and permanently allocated positions.
• Individuals selected for extra-help appointment may be transitioned to a permanently allocated position at a later date as authorized by the Fresno County Personnel Rules.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

Positions in this classification are in Medical Group V - Safety Officer (Sworn) (Personnel Rule 8). This group includes law enforcement positions which are covered by the Safety Officer provisions of the County's retirement plan. The same physical fitness requirements exist as for Group IV. However, positions in Group V are exposed more frequently to hostile environments in which heavy physical demands such as running, jumping, and climbing occur. Also, positions in Group V more frequently are involved in situations in which the incumbent must be able to handle specific physical actions individually without immediate assistance.

The County of Fresno is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application, examination, or selection process may contact Human Resources at [phone] at least five days prior to the scheduled date or deadline.

Eligible candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The County of Fresno is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of Fresno County to provide employment opportunity for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, or denial of medical family care leave, or any other non-job-related factor.

Analyst: Mitchell Norvise