Entry Level Deputy Sheriff

King County Sheriff's Office; Washington; On-site; USD 95,908 - 134,284; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Take-home car

Medical, dental & vision coverage

Comp time accrual

Job summary

King County Sheriff's Office in King County, WA is recruiting Deputy Sheriff to patrol assigned areas, respond to incidents, and enforce laws. You will handle investigations, prepare reports, and support community safety initiatives.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible status, fluent in English, and pass required exams and background checks. This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position with comprehensive benefits including paid premiums for medical, dental, and vision insurance.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen, LPR, or DACA recipient.
• Must read, speak and write English fluently.
• Must be at least 20.5 years old at application.
• Pass the GSI Law Enforcement written exam and the PAT within 30 days of applying.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Must meet all KCSO background standards as listed in Civil Service Rules.

Responsibilities

• Patrol designated county area and respond to calls for service.
• Interview victims and witnesses; secure and gather evidence.
• Complete all administrative tasks such as incident and arrest reports.
• Investigate family disputes and maltreatment of children.
• Respond to calls involving persons with social or behavioral problems.
• Be a resource to the community and participate in community activities.
• Testify in court and present facts and observations accurately and objectively.

Skills

Verbal communication

Problem solving

De-escalation

Integrity

Active listening

Empathy

Interpersonal skills

Conflict management

Writing

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Salary

$95,908.80 - $134,284.80 annually

Location

Multiple locations in King County, WA

Job Type

Full Time, 40 hrs/week

Job Number

2025MA23567

Department

KCSO - Sheriff's Office

Division

Patrol Operations

Opening Date

04/01/2025

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

Q1: KCPOG-Sheriff

Hours/Week

40 hours/week

Summary

Make a Difference as a KCSO Deputy! The King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) mission is to be a trusted partner in fighting crime and improving the quality of life for our residents and guests. Deputies serve many different communities, including unincorporated King County, 13 contract city police departments, and transit police agencies. Located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, with a commissioned staff of more than 700, we are among the largest sheriff's departments in the country. We are seeking individuals who share our values: Leadership, Integrity, Service and Teamwork!

Training & Benefits

• 100% employer paid premiums for medical, dental and vision for you and your dependents.
• Take-home car upon completion of training.
• Liberal accrual of compensation time.
• For more information about medical benefits, visit the Deputy Sheriff Benefits Group.

Who May Apply

This position is open to the public.

Hiring Process

STEP 1 – TEST VIA Public Safety Testing

• Pass the GSI Law Enforcement written exam.
• Pass the physical ability test (PAT).
• Complete the personal history statement (PHS).

STEP 2 – APPLY VIA GovernmentJobs.com

• Applications must be complete, detailed, and current within 6 months.
• PST scores must be available within 30 days of the date of application.
• The PHS is required and will be evaluated at the time of application.

STEP 3 – ORAL BOARD EXAM

• Candidates who meet all application requirements will be invited to self-schedule an oral board exam.
• Candidates who pass the oral board will advance to the background investigation.

STEP 4 – KCSO BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

• Candidates who pass the oral board will receive a link to complete the electronic statement of personal history (eSOPH) packet.
• A fully completed eSOPH must be submitted to move forward.
• A thorough background investigation is required, including a polygraph, medical and psychological exam.

STEP 5 – ENTRY DEPUTY ELIGIBLE REGISTER

• Candidates who pass steps 1–4 will be placed on the Entry Deputy Eligible Register.
• Deputy Sheriff vacancies will be filled from the Entry Deputy Eligibility Register in accordance with the Civil Service Rules.

Job Duties

• Patrol a designated area of the county and respond to calls of service.
• Interview victims and witnesses, secure and gather evidence.
• Complete all administrative tasks such as incident and arrest reports.
• Investigate family disputes, reports of maltreatment of children.
• Respond to calls of service involving persons with social or behavioral problems.
• Be a resource to the community and seek opportunities to participate in community activities.
• Testify in court and present facts and observations accurately and objectively.

Basic Requirements

• You must be a United States citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident or DACA recipient.
• You must be able to read, speak and write in English fluently.
• You must be at least 20.5 years of age at the time of application.
• Pass with a 70% or above on the GSI Law Enforcement Officer written exam and the physical test within 30 days of applying.
• You must have a high school degree or a GED.
• Verify that you do not meet any of the KCSO automatic disqualifying behavior requirements.
• You must meet all KCSO background standards as listed in section 10.14 of the Civil Service Rules.

Skills and Abilities

• Skilled in verbal communication with the ability to be clear and direct.
• Skilled in problem solving under stressful conditions.
• Ability to intervene effectively in high intensity situations, using de-escalation skills.
• Ability to act with integrity on and off duty.
• Skilled in empathic and active listening.
• Ability to relate to people and communities from diverse backgrounds with respect.
• Skilled in working with vulnerable populations, including those with chemical dependency and/or behavioral health challenges.
• Ability to manage conflicts and work effectively with others.
• Ability to represent the King County Sheriff’s Office through effective interpersonal relations with the public and business community.
• Ability to follow maps well and familiarize self in assigned patrol area.
• Ability to maintain physical fitness, self‑care, and manage stress.
• Ability to write clearly, using correct grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Basic computer skills required to complete administrative tasks.

Employment Details

Represented by the King County Police Officer Guild (KCPOG). Eligible for overtime. Deputies are scheduled for day, swing, or graveyard shifts. Shifts are determined based on need and assigned location. This position is an open and continuous recruitment.

Benefits

• Fully paid premiums for medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their dependents.
• Fully paid premiums for basic life insurance.
• Generous vacation and sick leave program.
• Membership in Washington State’s LEOFF retirement plan.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.