Deputy Sheriff Trainee (Open)

Military, Veterans and Diverse Job Seekers; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

County Sheriff’s Office in California seeks a Deputy Sheriff Trainee with strong knowledge of laws and regulations and excellent communication skills. The role requires physical fitness, ethical conduct, and the ability to handle sensitive information calmly and professionally.

The position supports eligibility for POST academy and field training, with requirements including age and tobacco-use restrictions. This trainee role opens the path to full deputy status.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED or 60 college units as required by CA State Law.
• Knowledge of civil laws, codes, and court decisions; basics of law enforcement.
• Ability to read and comprehend legal documents, manuals, and reports.
• Strong writing and communication skills; work under stress with professionalism.

Skills

Knowledge of laws and regulations

Active listening

Written communication

Conflict de‑escalation

Critical thinking

Professional conduct

Confidentiality

Physical fitness

Self-defense knowledge

Cultural competency

Stress management

Education

High school diploma or GED

60 college units from accredited institution

Job description

About the job Deputy Sheriff Trainee (Open)

The ideal candidate will possess the following characteristics:

• Knowledge of laws and regulations as well as familiarity with the criminal justice system.
• Excellent communication skills including active listening, verbal and written communication, conflict resolution, and de-escalation techniques.
• Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Demonstrated track record of professionalism and ethical conduct.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and maintain trust
• Be physically fit and have knowledge of self-defense tactics.
• Demonstrate cultural competency and emotional resiliency.
• Ability to manage stress as well as cope with challenging situations. Has the ability to remain calm and composed in stressful or confrontational situations.

Qualifications

As required by California State Law candidates for Deputy Sheriff Trainee and Deputy Sheriff classifications must have the following 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 to apply.
Knowledge of: Civil laws, codes, ordinances and recent court decisions; principles and practices of law enforcement, criminal investigation and basic psychology, rules of evidence, laws of arrest and court procedure.
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 license or equivalent (both classifications).

Deputy Sheriff Trainee

Eligibility for State of California P.O.S.T. law enforcement academy and field officer training OR successful graduation from State of California P.O.S.T. law enforcement academy and eligibility for field officer training.

Other Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years of age per P.O.S.T and AB-89 Peace Officers: Minimum Qualifications.
• Refrain from using tobacco products at any time for employees hired by the County after October 1, 2004.