Deputy Sheriff Trainee - Shift

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

Job summary

Kern County Sheriff's Office is actively seeking Deputy Sheriff Trainee applicants. This continuous recruitment may close anytime. The process includes exams (Written and PAT), background evaluation, polygraph, medical and psychological screening, and a commitment to shift work after training.

Applicants must meet basic requirements and expect a thorough review before appointment. Benefit details are posted with the recruitment information; applicants should monitor updates for potential

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Valid California driver’s license at appointment; may need Class II license.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Skills

Oral and written instructions

Ability to work under pressure

Important distances or driving

Education

High School Diploma/GED

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

Group #

Application Submission End Date

Application Review Date

Written Exam (In-person)

1 October 27, 2026 October 28, 2026 November 6, 2026

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.

YouTube PAT Demo: Deputy Trainee Requirement- Physical Ability Test (PAT) Demo

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.

• An Applicant Preparation Guide may be accessed here.
• A link to the physical fitness pre-academy fitness guide may be accessed here.

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 Section1031 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

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. Candidates determined to be unsuitable on this evaluation, or who have previously been found unsuitable, are encouraged to wait a minimum of twelve months before they may reapply for this classification. Additionally, those found unsatisfactory as a result of the background evaluation will be removed from eligibility in accordance with Civil Service Rule 608.00.

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

sKern County employees provide opportunities that are purposeful to our community. Every employee and every action contributes to the improvement and strengthening of our county.

Growth Mindset

We always encourage our employees to grow and develop. Kern County has a culture of innovation that allows employees to explore creative and more efficient ways to accomplish their work. We provide access to training and continued professional development in an effort to ensure that our employees have opportunities for career growth.

Following an offer of employment, you will be required to submit to post offer medical, psychological, and drug screening tests at county expense.

Admittance to each phase of the examination will require a government issued photograph identification. Applicants who are unable to present proper identification must make arrangements with the Human Resources Division prior to the test date.

Upon completion of the trainee courses and promotion to Deputy Sheriff, incumbents will be REQUIRED to work shift work including weekends and holidays as assigned by the Sheriff's Office.

This examination will establish a 12-month eligible list from which appointments will be made at the Sheriff's Office.

This position works within the Kern County Sheriff's