Deputy Sheriff - Sponsorship (2027 Summer/Fall Semester)

Walton County Sheriff's Office; DeFuniak Springs (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Special Risk Retirement

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Annual Leave

Sick Leave

Deferred Compensation

Tuition Assistance

Employee Assistance Program

24-hour Gym access

Agency Wellness and Fitness Program

Job summary

The Walton County Sheriff's Office is actively seeking qualified individuals to join the team in Florida. The agency offers academy sponsorship for candidates early in their law enforcement careers.

Applicants must complete the employment application, pass the hiring process, and meet all selection criteria before a conditional job offer is extended. Required qualifications include being at least 21 by certification, US citizenship, a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver’s license

Qualifications

• Be at least 21 years of age by time of certification.
• Be a United States Citizen.
• 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

Skills

Citizenship (US)

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Position Summary

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
• Be a United States Citizen
• 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

Job Benefits

• 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
• Panel Interview
• 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
• In House Academy: June 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.