Deputy Sheriff - Sponsorship (2027 Summer/Fall Semester)

Publicsafetyapp; DeFuniak Springs (FL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental Vision, Life and Disb.

Annual Leave and Sick Leave

Deferred Compensation Plans

Tuition Assistance Program

Employee Assistance Program

24-hour gym access

Agency Wellness and Fitness Program

Job summary

Walton County Sheriff's Office invites applicants for the Deputy Sheriff - Sponsorship position for the 2027 Summer/Fall Semester. The role offers a $53,100 salary with an increase upon certification, plus comprehensive benefits and academy sponsorship.

Applicants must meet qualifications including age, education, license, and background check. The process features testing, polygraph, and multiple verifications, with a deliberate hiring timeline leading to the academy in 2027.

Qualifications

• Be at least 21 years of age by time of certification.
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Possess a valid driver’s license with a good driving history.
• Have a good moral character and be drug-free, in accordance with agency policy.
• Pass a background investigation which includes items on the disqualification list.
• Special Risk Retirement plan under the Florida State Retirement System.
• Health, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability Insurance.
• Annual Leave and Sick Leave.
• Deferred Compensation Plans are available.
• Tuition Assistance Program.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• 24-hour gym access.
• Agency Wellness and Fitness Program.

Skills

Be at least 21

Good moral character

Drug-free

Valid driver’s license

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Walton County Sheriff's Office - Deputy Sheriff - Sponsorship (2027 Summer/Fall Semester)

Job Title: Walton County Sheriff's Office - Deputy Sheriff - Sponsorship (2027 Summer/Fall Semester)

Salary: $53,100 (Increase Upon Certification)

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office is always seeking motivated and forward-thinking individuals to join our team. Part of that mission involves finding and developing relationships with candidates who share our common goal to provide excellent service to our community.

We do offer academy sponsorship for those in the beginning stages of their law enforcement careers. In order to qualify for sponsorship, candidates must complete this application for employment. Once your application has been processed, you must successfully complete our hiring process, be granted selection and finally, receive a conditional job offer.

Qualifications

• Be at least 21 years of age by time of certification
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
• Possess a valid driver’s license with a good driving history
• Have a good moral character and be drug-free, in accordance with agency policy
• Pass a background investigation which includes all items described on the agency’s automatic disqualification list, including but not limited to: no felony convictions, no misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement, no convictions or injunctions for domestic violence, no dishonorable discharge from any branch of the of the United States Armed Forces, etc
• Special Risk Retirement plan under the Florida State Retirement System
• Health, Dental Vision, Life and Disability Insurance
• Annual Leave and Sick Leave
• Deferred Compensation Plans are available
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• 24-hour gym access
• Agency Wellness and Fitness Program

Hiring Process

Failure to complete required application correctly and submit required documents will cause a delay in the application process, causing applications to potentially be placed in an "on-hold" status.

Applicants will be required to successfully complete:

• Physical Abilities Testing
• Polygraph Examination
• Background investigation which includes, but is not limited to: criminal history, driving history, credit check, previous employment verification.
• Applicants who are selected to fill the positions will be required to complete an FDLE physical, drug screen (including nicotine panel), and psychological evaluation.

Tentative Hiring Timeline:

• Accepting Applications: October 2, 2026 - April 2, 2027
• Process Applications: October 2, 2026 - April 2, 2027
• Last Day for Job Offers: April 30, 2027
• Start Date: May 17, 2027
• Law Enforcement Academy: July 2027

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

Veterans are encouraged to apply.Pursuant to applicable state and federal law, preference and priority shall be given to certain service members and veterans (including spouses and family members of such service members and veterans), and certain service members may be eligible for a waiver of post-secondary educational requirements as provided in Chapter 295, Florida Statutes.

Jobs close at 11:59 PM (Eastern) on the deadline date specified, or when the position capacity has been met, or unless otherwise specified in the announcement. If the deadline date is not specified in the announcement, the agency has sole discretion on setting the deadline and jobs may close without notice. It is the applicant's responsibility to thoroughly read and understand the deadline requirements and capacity limits as outlined by the agency.

Applicants are responsible for checking their email and logging into their PublicSafetyApp account to monitor for updates.