Deputy Sheriff Trainee (Open)

County of San Mateo; Redwood City (CA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness and professional development

Job summary

County of San Mateo is seeking a Deputy Sheriff Trainee to begin a sworn peace officer career with POST-certified training and mentorship. You will attend a POST academy, then enter field, jail, and academy training programs under supervision, preparing for independent law enforcement duties.

The role emphasizes integrity, public service, strong communication, physical fitness, and accountability while supporting community safety across San Mateo County.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED or 60 college units.
• Must meet POST medical, psychological, and background standards.
• Ability to work collaboratively, read legal documents, and write clear reports.

Responsibilities

• Patrolling assigned areas to enforce laws and protect public safety.
• Responding to emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
• Conducting criminal investigations.
• Ensuring the care and transportation of incarcerated persons.
• Serving as a court bailiff or civil deputy.
• Engaging with the community to prevent crime and build trust.

Skills

Integrity and Ethical Judgment

Commitment to Public Service

Strong Communication Skills

Emotional Intelligence

Teamwork and Collaboration

Adaptability and Resilience

Accountability and Initiative

Cultural Awareness and Community Eng

Physical Fitness and Readiness

Education

High school diploma or GED

60 college units

Associate’s degree or higher

Job description

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

• 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.

Ideal Candidate Characteristics

• 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.

Qualifications

Education: A high school graduate or passing the General Education Development (GED) test or other high school equivalency test approved by CDE, or completion of at least 60 college units from an accredited or approved institution.

Skill/Ability to: Work collaboratively with others to solve problems; read and comprehend legal documents, law enforcement manuals, and court decisions; read standard street and highway maps; follow instructions; function effectively under stress; demonstrate leadership and control in volatile, rapidly changing environments; maintain impartiality, transparency and make accurate observations; perform repeated strenuous physical exertion; write complete and accurate reports and correspondence.; communicate clearly and respectfully with all types of people, both orally and in writing; lead by personal example by interacting professionally and compassionately with community members; meet State of California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) medical, physical, and psychological standards for law enforcement.

Licensure/Certification

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

Other Requirements

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

About The County

San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.

Benefits

We invite you to explore our Benefits-at-a-Glance page for a snapshot of the comprehensive and competitive benefits available to eligible employees of the County of San Mateo. From health and wellness to financial security, our benefits are designed to support you at every stage of your career. (Please note that benefits are subject to change.)

In addition to core benefits, the County is proud to offer a variety of wellness and professional development programs to help you grow both personally and professionally. Most of these enriching opportunities are available during work hours and come at no cost to you.

As a County employee, you’ll also be covered by the federal Social Security system, earning valuable retirement benefits based on your salary and years of service.