Deputy Sheriff Trainee/Deputy Sheriff

County of Ventura; Ventura (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan

Paid holidays

Wellness program

Pension

Job summary

County of Ventura is hiring a Deputy Sheriff Trainee. You will train at the Academy while being paid, gaining hands-on experience and a clear path from custody to patrol with room for advancement.

The role demands physical fitness, integrity, and strong communication. You must pass a rigorous background check and meet California POST standards to serve the community of Ventura County.

Qualifications

• Must meet California POST fitness standards.
• Must be 21 years or older at appointment.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Undergo Academy training for Deputy Sheriff appointment.
• Perform custody duties including jailer responsibilities.
• Assist patrol duties including responding to incidents and investigations.

Skills

Learn California codes

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Job description

Starting Salary:

Deputy Sheriff Trainee - approximately $45.18 per hour

Description

YOUR CALLING STARTS HERE – BECOME A VENTURA COUNTY DEPUTY SHERIFF. Get paid while you train, gain hands‑on experience, and build a rewarding career dedicated to serving the citizens of Ventura County, with a structured path from custody to patrol and opportunities to grow into specialized assignments.

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES? Being a Deputy Sheriff is more than a job; it is a calling. It is an opportunity to serve others, give back to your community, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people you serve. You may be called upon to help someone on the worst day of their life. Being there when people need you most is one of the most meaningful and rewarding parts of this profession.

The successful candidate must be willing and able to learn, grow, and develop the skills necessary to enforce the law, protect lives and property, respond effectively in emergencies, and communicate and work cooperatively and respectfully with diverse communities. The work is physically and emotionally demanding and requires individuals to be prepared to meet the high standards of the profession. Candidates must meet stringent California POST physical fitness standards, including requirements related to hearing, vision, color vision, and other physical qualifications. Candidates must also successfully complete a rigorous background investigation and selection process.

Before applying, candidates should carefully review the medical, background, and other selection requirements outlined in this job announcement and determine whether they believe they can meet the established standards. If you are ready to answer the call, serve the citizens of Ventura County, and commit to the demands and responsibilities of this profession, your career starts here.

Examples Of Duties

Deputy Sheriff Trainee

• The Deputy Sheriff Trainee undergoes Academy training in preparation for appointment as a Deputy Sheriff.

Deputy Sheriff Assigned To Custody

• Acts as a jailer for inmates committed to the jail.
• Supervises housekeeping activities of the inmates.
• Escorts and transports inmates both to and from jail, courtrooms, and state institutions.
• Books, searches and releases inmates.
• Admits and logs visitors, assuring conformance with rules and regulations governing visiting privileges.
• Maintains records and prepares reports; and
• Performs other related duties as required.

Deputy Sheriff Assigned To Patrol

• Receives and answers complaints of law violations in County areas and prepares reports as needed.
• Issues citations and makes arrests.
• Investigates crimes.
• Appears in court as a witness.
• Serves warrants and other legal documents.
• Uses intelligence‑led policing strategies to address crime trends in the community.
• Facilitates community‑based policing and problem‑solving solutions; and
• Performs other related duties as required.

Typical Qualifications

These are entrance requirements to the examination process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.

Education, Training, And Experience

To qualify for this classification an individual must possess some experience that demonstrates possession of and competency in the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Necessary Special Requirements

• Be at least twenty‑one (21) years of age at time of appointment as a Deputy Sheriff.
• Be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.
• Possess and maintain a valid California driver license and POST certificate.

NOTE: An adult felony conviction is disqualifying. Any illegal activity including illegal drug use/possession or prescription drug abuse may be disqualifying.

Supplemental Information

• Must be willing to work at any of the six (6) stations or additional Sheriff's Office locations throughout the County and must be able to work any shift including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• May be required to work under adverse conditions and must be prepared to successfully respond to unexpected and occasionally life‑threatening events.
• Must have strength, endurance, and physical agility to restrain rebellious and/or violent offenders.
• Deputies with any body art (tattoo(s), brands, etc.), will be required to wear uniform clothing or skin tone patch that covers the artwork while on duty (or have it removed at the Deputy Sheriff Trainee's expense).
• Must be willing and capable of wearing specialized protective equipment, such as gas masks, bio‑hazard suits, radioactive protective gear and other hazardous material protective equipment that may be developed. By wearing said gear, deputies will be subjected to future health screenings, including submission of medical information.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Some ability to: learn the various California codes, County ordinances, and departmental rules and regulations pertaining to the specific responsibilities of a Deputy Sheriff; learn the methods used in law enforcement, the rules of evidence, laws of arrest, security, and civil procedures; understand written and oral directions; take effective courses of action in emergencies; prepare comprehensive reports and correspondence; and establish and maintain effective relations with others.

Benefits & Incentives

• Biweekly contribution towards a flexible benefits program (including medical, dental, and vision insurance options)
• Up to 2.5% matching funds in a 401(k) plan
• Annual leave (depending upon years of service)
• 13 paid holidays (including a floating holiday)
• Wellness Program (including health club discounts; free health coaching, onsite wellness, and online health education)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and peer support
• Work Life Program (including Lactation Accommodation Policy, Child Care Discounts and Coastal Housing Partnership)
• Possible educational incentive of 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5% based on the completion of Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree or, if qualified, for POST certification; plus other premium/incentive/bonus payments
• Biweekly contributions towards a secure, lifetime retirement benefit ("pension")
• Possible bilingual incentive pay depending upon operational need and certification of skills, for those qualified
• Textbook and tuition program
• GI Bill on‑the‑job training program (for those eligible)
• For more details regarding the benefits offered by Ventura County click here: https://hr.ventura.org/benefits

Deputy Sheriff Trainees and Deputy Sheriffs are represented by the Ventura County Deputy Sheriff's Association (VCDSA) and are eligible for overtime compensation.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Your Benefits As a County Of Ventura Employee

VCDSA

• Benefits website or you may call [phone].
• Retirement FAQ's
• Memorandum of Agreement

Union Codes: DSD, DSE, DGS, DSS