Position Overview
Deputy Sheriff Recruit is an entry‑level law enforcement position for Alameda County. Recruits attend the Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certified Basic Academy. Upon successful completion, they are sworn as Peace Officers and promoted to Deputy Sheriff I.
Responsibilities
Under close supervision, recruits receive intensive academic instruction in law enforcement combined with rigorous physical fitness training. They participate in the P.O.S.T. academy and complete required coursework and fitness assessments.
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
- Valid California State Motor Vehicle Operator’s License by the time of appointment to Deputy Sheriff I
- At least 21 years of age at the time of appointment to Deputy Sheriff I
- Legally authorized to work in the United States
Knowledge and Skills
- Read, understand, interpret, and apply complex policies, rules, laws, and ordinances pertaining to law enforcement work.
- Write clear, concise, comprehensive reports.
- Accurately observe and remember names, faces, numbers, and events.
- Establish and maintain effective working relations with others.
- Use good judgment in emergency or critical situations.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing.
- Perform routine clerical and record‑keeping duties.
Special Requirements
- Background investigation and psychological examination required. A felony conviction disqualifies applicants.
- Normal hearing in each ear.
- Both eyes must have far vision of at least 20/100 without glasses, correctable to 20/20 with glasses. Must be free from color blindness and permanent abnormality in either eye.
- Applicants must be in excellent physical condition with above‑average strength, endurance, and agility and must meet California P.O.S.T. approved safety member physical standards.
Examination Components
- Review of applications and supplemental questionnaires to verify possession of minimum requirements.
- Oral examination constitutes 100% of the applicant’s final examination score.
- Background investigation and psychological examination of all prospective recruits.
- Compliance with POST Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (P.E.L.L.E.T.B.) or National Testing Network (N.T.N.) Frontline Test, and Physical Abilities Test (PAT) as specified by the agency.
Benefits
For Your Health & Well‑Being
- Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
- Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
- Vision or Vision Reimbursement
- Share the Savings
- Basic Life Insurance
- Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
- Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
- County Allowance Credit
- Flexible Spending Accounts – Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
- Short‑Term Disability Insurance
- Long‑Term Disability Insurance
- Voluntary Benefits – Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Long‑Term Care, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
- Employee Assistance Program
For Your Financial Future
- Retirement Plan – Defined Benefit Pension Plan
- Deferred Compensation Plan – 457 Plan or Roth Plan
For Your Work/Life Balance
- 12 paid holidays
- Floating holidays
- Vacation and sick leave accrual
- Vacation purchase program
- Catastrophic Sick Leave
- Pet Insurance
- Commuter Benefits Program
- Guaranteed Ride Home
- Employee Wellness Program
- Employee Discount Program
- Child Care Resources
- First United Services Credit Union
Veterans’ Preference
Applicants entitled to veterans’ preference as provided in the Alameda County Civil Service Rules must present proof of honorable discharge or release (DD Form 214) concurrent with application but no later than the oral interview. Failure to present proof will result in forfeiture of the veteran’s preference.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Alameda County has a diverse workforce, representative of the communities we serve, and is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer. All aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance and business need. Alameda County does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non‑merit factors protected under federal, state and local law. Alameda County celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace environment.