Deputy Sheriff Trainee

County of San Mateo; California (MO); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A California law enforcement agency is seeking motivated individuals for the Deputy Sheriff Trainee role, aimed at becoming a sworn officer. This position includes training at a certified police academy, performing law enforcement duties, and engaging with the community. The ideal candidate should have a commitment to public service and possess strong integrity and communication skills. Successful applicants will undergo a rigorous selection and training process to ensure readiness for this rewarding career path.

Qualifications

• Demonstrates strong character and professionalism.
• Commits to public service and the safety of the community.
• Effectively communicates and interacts with community members.

Responsibilities

• Patrol assigned areas to enforce laws and maintain public safety.
• Respond to emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Conduct criminal investigations and engage with the community.

Skills

Integrity

Strong Communication Skills

Emotional Intelligence

Teamwork

Adaptability

Physical Fitness

Education

Possession of an associate's degree or higher

High school graduate or GED

Job description

Overview

The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to protecting our community and providing exceptional service to all residents and visitors. We strive to build strong partnerships with the communities we serve while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

We are seeking motivated individuals who are committed to public service and ready to begin a rewarding career in law enforcement.

Position Overview

As a Deputy Sheriff Trainee, you will begin your journey toward becoming a sworn peace officer with the support, mentorship, and training provided by the Sheriff’s Office. Under close supervision, trainees attend a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified police academy, where they develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to serve as a deputy sheriff while working toward earning the POST Basic Certificate.

Following successful completion of the academy, field training program, and jail training program you will perform a variety of law enforcement duties under the guidance of Sheriff’s Office staff.

Assignments may include:

• Patrolling assigned areas to enforce laws and maintain public safety.
• Responding to emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
• Conducting criminal investigations.
• Ensuring the care of and transportation of incarcerated persons.
• Serving as a court bailiff or civil deputy.
• Performing crime prevention and community engagement activities.

Ideal Candidate

The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office is seeking individuals who demonstrate strong character, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to public service. The ideal candidate possesses the integrity, judgment, and work ethic necessary to succeed in a challenging and rewarding law enforcement career.

• Integrity and Ethical Judgment – Demonstrates honesty, accountability, and sound decision-making while maintaining the highest ethical standards.
• Commitment to Public Service – Shows a genuine desire to serve others and improve the safety and well-being of the community.
• Strong Communication Skills – Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing and interacts professionally with community members, coworkers, and partner agencies.
• Emotional Intelligence and Sound Judgment – Remains calm and composed in stressful or rapidly evolving situations.
• Teamwork and Collaboration – Works effectively with others and contributes positively to a professional team environment.
• Adaptability and Resilience – Able to adjust to changing circumstances and overcome challenges while maintaining a positive attitude.
• Accountability and Initiative – Demonstrates responsibility, reliability, and self-motivation while pursuing professional development.
• Cultural Awareness and Community Engagement – Values and respects the diverse communities served by San Mateo County.
• Physical Fitness and Readiness – Maintains the physical fitness necessary to successfully complete POST academy training and perform the physical demands of law enforcement duties.
• Possession of an associate’s degree or higher.

Important Information About Applying

The required tests for Deputy Sheriff Trainee applicants must be completed before submitting an online application. The following describes the required application materials:

Step 1: Application Submission: All applicants are required to submit an online application to be considered. Responses to the supplemental questions and copies of required test scores must be submitted in addition to the regular employment application form. Applications submitted without the required attachments will be rejected.

Step 2: Written Examination: Applicants for the Deputy Sheriff Trainee have three options for meeting the written examination requirement:

• PELLETB with a minimum T-Score of 48, completed within 12 months of application, and other specified criteria.

OR

• Possession of a Basic Police Academy certification meeting POST requirements dated within one year of application.

OR

• Possession of an associate’s degree or higher from an accredited U.S. college or university.

Step 3: Physical Agility Examination – Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB): This exam must be passed with a minimum score of 384 and dated within twelve months of application. This assessment evaluates physical abilities to perform essential law enforcement tasks. The Academy offers optional practice sessions. To schedule the exam, visit the South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Consortium's website. The events for the WSTB typically include:

• 99-yard obstacle course
• 32-foot body drag (165 lbs.)
• 6-foot chain link fence climb
• 6-foot solid wall climb
• 500-yard sprint
• 1.5-mile run (pass/fail; must be completed in 14 minutes or less)

NOTE: PELLETB test and WSTB results from other training organizations or law enforcement agencies will be accepted if they meet POST requirements.

Qualifications

Education: A high school graduate or GED or higher, or completion of at least 60 college units from an accredited or approved institution.

Skill/Ability: Work collaboratively; read and comprehend legal documents, law enforcement manuals, and court decisions; read maps; follow instructions; perform under stress; demonstrate leadership and control; maintain impartiality and accurate observations; perform strenuous physical exertion; write reports; communicate clearly in writing and verbally; engage professionally with community members; meet POST medical, physical, and psychological standards.

Licensure/Certification:

• Possession of a Class C California driver's license or equivalent (both classifications).

Deputy Sheriff Trainee: Eligibility for State of California POST academy and field training OR successful graduation and eligibility for field training.

Other Requirements:

• Must be at least 21 years of age per POST and AB-89 minimum qualifications.
• Refrain from using tobacco products at any time for employees hired after October 1, 2004.
• Must meet California POST medical, psychological, and background standards.
• Pass a pre-employment polygraph test.

Application/Examination

Open. Anyone may apply. Responses to the supplemental questions and copies of required test scores must be submitted in addition to the regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

The examination/selection process will consist of the steps detailed below:

Step 1: Application Submission: All applicants are required to submit an online application to be considered. Responses to the supplemental questions and copies of required test scores (PELLETB and WSTB) must be submitted in addition to the regular employment application form. Applications submitted without the required attachments will be rejected.

Step 2: Written/ Physical Agility Examination: Applicants for the Deputy Sheriff Trainee have three options for meeting the written examination requirement – (1) submittal of a valid and passing T-Score on the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) exam dated within the last 12 months prior to the date of application OR (2) possession of a Basic Police Academy certification meeting POST requirements dated within one year of application will be accepted in lieu of PELLETB scores OR (3) possession of an associate’s degree or higher from an accredited U.S. college or university AND submittal of a valid and passing Physical Agility Test WSTB score dated within the last 12 months prior to the date of application.

Step 3: Application Appraisal (weight: 100%): Applicants who meet the qualifications for the position will be placed on the eligible list for six months.

Oral Interview: After placement on the eligible list, qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an in-person panel interview with the Sheriff’s Office Professional Standards Bureau.

Apply immediately. This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and may close at any time. Selections may be made at any time within the process and the final filing date will be posted five days in advance on this job announcement.

About The County

Note: The content above has been reformatted for clarity and accessibility while preserving the original information and context.