Deputy Sheriff Trainee - Shift

Kern County; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Recruitment Bonus

Job summary

County of Kern is hiring Deputy Sheriff Trainees to join the Kern County Sheriff's Office. The process includes a Written Exam (PELLETB) and a Physical Ability Test (PAT), with a detailed pre-employment evaluation process including background and psychological screening.

Successful candidates must meet strict medical and fitness standards and be willing to work varied shifts after promotion. Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid CA driver’s license, and be legally

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.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.
• Applicants must be found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition that might adversely affect duties as a peace officer.

Responsibilities

• The Deputy Sheriff Trainee works within Kern County Sheriff's Office and progresses through trainee courses.
• Pre-employment examinations include written tests, physical ability tests, and background evaluations.
• After appointment, incumbents may be required to work shift work including weekends and holidays.

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).

• Group #1: Application Submission End Date: October 27, 2026
• Application Review Date: October 28, 2026
• Written Exam (In-person): 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 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 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. 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

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 or follow us:

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 Office. For more information about the department, please view their website here.

Kern County Sheriff’s Office will seek and retain qualified individuals who maintain a high moral character, are ethical in all facets of life, and are trustworthy and professional when serving our community. To learn more about the 7 pillars of the ideal candidate please click here.

For more information regarding Kern County’s recruitment process, please see our FAQ page.

Kern County is an ADA compliant and an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Kern County Human Resources Division Deputy Sheriff Trainee Physical Ability Test

Purpose of test:

The Physical Ability Test has been established as a bona fide occupational qualification through research and testing. It will test the applicant’s ability to demonstrate the minimum physical standards necessary for field service as a Deputy Sheriff.

Apparel:

Clothing should be worn which will allow you maximum freedom of movement, yet provide protection against abrasions, especially the legs. Barefoot candidates or those wearing other than standard tennis shoes will not be permitted to take the test. Dressing rooms will not be available. Participants must be dressed in exercise apparel prior to arriving at the test location. Do not bring valuables to the test locations. Spectators (friends, relatives, etc.) will not be allowed.

Physical Condition:

People who are not in good physical condition should not participate in the test. You will be requested to sign a Waiver of Civil Liability which releases the County of Kern and the Kern County Sheriff's Office from liability for any injury which may result from your participation in the Physical Ability Test.

Composition of Test:

The Physical Ability Test measures those physical attributes necessary in the field performance of police work. Successful completion of every component is required. If you fail on your first attempt, you will be afforded a second opportunity to satisfactorily complete the test. Failure to successfully complete any one of the required components on the second attempt will fail you for the entire test.

99 Yard Obstacle Course

Situation: You have discovered a burglary in process and must pursue a fleeing suspect.

Requirement: You must run a 99-yard obstacle course consisting of several sharp turns, a number of curb-height obstacles, and a 34-inch-high obstacle that must be vaulted by placing both hands on top of the barrier. Each candidate will be allowed 26 seconds to complete the event.

Body Drag

Situation: You have observed a person lying unconscious next to a storage tank. As you approach, you detect the odor of lethal gas. The victim (simulator) weighs 165 pounds.

Requirement: You will have 12 seconds to move yourself and the victim to a place of safety outside the danger zone. The distance is 30 feet. Time starts when the victim’s feet cross the starting line and ends when the feet cross the finish line.

Chain Link Fence

Situation: You are responding to a foot pursuit of a fleeing suspect through a residential neighborhood. The suspect leaps over a 6-foot chain link fence to escape. You must act quickly to maintain visual contact and continue the pursuit.

Requirement: Run 5 yards to a 6-foot chain link fence, climb over fence, and continue running for 25 yards. Candidates cannot use the side support rails to get over the fence. Each candidate will be allowed 14 seconds to complete the event.

440 Yard Distance Run

Situation: Your partner has stopped two known felons, has been attacked, and is wrestling with the suspects. They are 220 yards away. You run to the scene and as you approach, the attackers flee. Upon arrival, your partner yells that these individuals are armed and to call immediately for assistance. You then run back to radio for help.

Requirement: Get to the scene as quickly as possible to assist your partner and then back to the start as quickly as possible to radio for assistance. Each candidate will be allowed 102 seconds to complete this event.

Summary of Benefits for Deputy Sheriff

• Recruitment Bonus: The County will provide all employees hired on or after November 9, 2021, in a permanent capacity as a Deputy Sheriff with the Sheriff's Office a $15