Deputy Sheriff Trainee - Shift

Kern County; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Recruitment Bonus

Benefits package

Job summary

Kern County is recruiting a Deputy Sheriff Trainee in California. The role requires meeting the minimum qualifications and passing health and background checks. A $15,000 recruitment bonus is offered, with comprehensive training and progression toward Deputy status.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, a valid California driver’s license, and be legally authorized to work in the United States. Extensive pre-employment testing and evaluations are required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
• Possession of a valid California driver’s license at the time of appointment.

Responsibilities

• Undergo pre-employment physical/psychological screenings and background checks.
• Perform duties as Deputy Sheriff Trainee and complete required field training.
• Attend recruitment events and collaborate with Kern County Human Resources.

Education

High School Diploma/G.E.D. or equivalent

Job description

This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time without notice. For any questions regarding this recruitment, you may email Nesrine Annan at [e-mail] or 661-868-3108.

*$15,000 Recruitment Bonus - More information below*

Written Exam Schedule 2026 (subject to change at any time without prior notice)

Examinations:
Written Exam (PELLETB) (Pass/Fail): May include knowledge of questions regarding spelling, vocabulary, sentence clarity, reading comprehension and other English language comprehension exercises.
Physical Ability Test (Pass/Fail): The Kern County Human Resources Division will schedule, notify and administer a Physical Ability Test. See below for a full description of the Physical Ability Test.
***NOTE: Participation in the written exam is not required if you possess a POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) Exam result that verifies a minimum T-score of 42 and is less than 2 (two) years old as of the date of this application. Attach to your application for review.***

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent.
• Possession of a valid California driver’s license at the time of appointment; may be required to obtain a Class II license.

In accordance with Government Code Section 1031 to be appointed as a peace officer in California, incumbents must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.

Physical and Psychological Requirements:
Applicants must be found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, that might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer.

Physical Examination:
A rigid medical examination by a county physician is required. Includes spine and chest x-rays, blood chemistry and electro cardiograph test. Weight must be proportionate to height and age.
Psychological Examination:
Emotional and mental conditions shall be evaluated by a psychologist that meets the applicable education and training requirements as set forth by the Commission of Peace Officer Standards and Training. Evaluation is designed for the conduct of pre-employment psychological screening of peace officers.
Vision:
20/100 uncorrected in each eye (corrected to 20/20) - no color deficiency. No permanent or progressive abnormalities.
Hearing:
No hearing deficiency.
Minimum Age:
20.5 years of age by the final filing date; must be 21 years of age upon appointment to Deputy Sheriff.
Character:
A thorough background investigation, including fingerprinting is required. Applicants must have a reputation for honesty, trustworthiness and be of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background investigation. Felony law violations will be disqualifying and except for a limited number of minor traffic offenses, misdemeanor offenses may be disqualifying.
Ability to:
understand and carry out oral and written instructions; ability to develop skill in use of firearms; ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies; ability to obtain and verify information through telephone contact and interview.
Background / Pre-employment Polygraph Examination / Psychological Evaluation:
The background evaluation will include a pre-employment polygraph examination and psychological evaluation and will assess overall suitability for employment only as a Kern County Deputy Sheriff Trainee. This evaluation may not indicate present suitability for other law enforcement positions or future suitability as a Kern County Deputy Sheriff Trainee. Candidates must be found satisfactory in all respects on the Background Evaluation.
Monthly PelletB Workshop Webinars (FREE) with Stevie Daniels: Register here for Zoom seminar.
Kern residents are able to receive free tutoring from Kern Literacy Council: 661-324-3213.
Full Job Description For: Deputy Sheriff Trainee.
Kern County employees provide opportunities that are purposeful to our community. Every employee and every action contributes to the improvement and strengthening of our county. To learn more about Kern County, click here.
Growth Mindset
We always encourage our employees to grow and develop. Kern County has a culture... etc.
Full Job Description continues with benefits and other details, including:
Recruitment Bonus, Personal Patrol Vehicle Program, Vacation, Holidays & Sick Leave, Overtime Pay, Standby Pay, Shift Differential, Uniform Allowance, Canine Handler, Swat Team, Field Training Officers, Bomb Detail, Education, Bilingual Pay, Health Benefits, Retirement Benefits, Deferred Compensation Program, and more. This summary of benefits does not confer any rights upon any employee. All above provisions are based on the Kern Law Enforcement Association (KLEA) and available upon completion of the academy and promotion to Deputy Sheriff classification. Please refer to the unit MOU for more details.