POST Deputy Sheriff Trainee

Jefferson County; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 46,838 - 55,104; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental insurance

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Retirement matching

Job summary

Jefferson County seeks a Deputy Sheriff Trainee to complete training for law enforcement certification. The position offers a competitive salary of $33.74 per hour with a $5,000 sign-on bonus upon joining after the POST academy starting January 2027.

This full-time role involves knowledge of law enforcement practices, completing background checks, and working various shifts. Benefits include medical, vision, dental insurance, and tuition reimbursement.

Qualifications

• Must be 21 years of age.
• Must complete background investigation and exams.
• Must possess a valid Colorado driver’s license by hire date.

Responsibilities

• Obtain knowledge of modern law enforcement practices.
• Develop skill in firearms and law enforcement equipment.
• Exercise judgment in emergency situations.

Skills

General knowledge of law enforcement practices

Ability to present court testimony

Ability to exercise sound judgment

Education

Sixty semester or ninety quarter hours from an accredited college/university

Job description

Job Overview

This position is available while completing training for state certification as a law enforcement officer by the Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission and/or during the completion of the initial field training program. Upon completion, the trainee will be assigned to either the Jefferson County Patrol Division or Detention Division as a Deputy Sheriff. This assignment will be made through a competitive, internal process.

A $5,000 sign‑on bonus will be issued to newly hired candidates who successfully complete the 2027‑1 POST academy. Distribution will occur in the transition from Deputy Sheriff Trainee to Deputy Sheriff as outlined in the training agreement. The academy will begin in January 2027. Academy pay is $33.74 per hour. Position is 40 hours/week.

Essential Job Functions

• Obtains a general knowledge of modern law enforcement practices, procedures, and investigation techniques.
• Obtains a general knowledge of county and federal laws concerning civil and criminal processes.
• Obtains a general knowledge of the content and purpose of legal papers and the practices involved in serving them.
• Obtains a general knowledge of principles and practices of criminal investigation.
• Obtains a general knowledge of local laws, ordinances, and state statutes about the commitment, confinement, and release of prisoners.
• Develops skill in the use of firearms and other law enforcement equipment.
• Develops the ability to apply the interpretation of laws to specific situations.
• Develops the ability to present court testimony effectively.
• Develops the ability to exercise sound judgment in emergency and routine situations to adopt quick, effective, and reasonable courses of action.

Additional Job Functions

Performs other related work as required.

Minimum Training and Experience

Sixty semester or ninety quarter hours from an accredited college/university preferred.

Special Requirements

• Must be 21 years of age.
• Must provide information for background investigation, complete a polygraph exam, criminal history check, medical exam, and psychological exam.
• Required to work rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays.
• Must possess a valid Colorado driver’s license by hire date.

Minimum Qualifications or Standards Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

• Physical requirements: must be able to operate a variety of equipment, motor vehicles, and exert force as specified. Physical demands are medium to heavy.
• Data conception, interpersonal communication, language ability, intelligence, verbal aptitude, numerical aptitude, form/spatial aptitude, motor coordination, manual dexterity, color discrimination, interpersonal temperament, and physical communication abilities as described.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to obtain general knowledge of the locations of streets, roads, highways and the geography and socioeconomic characteristics of the County.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.
• Ability to exercise tact, courtesy, and firmness in public contact, with inmates, and in interacting with other persons.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as needed.

Benefits

Eligible for standard benefits including dental, medical, vision insurance, paid time off, holidays, retirement matching, wellness programs, and tuition reimbursement.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Jefferson County is an equal opportunity employer, providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons. The County affirms the rights of all employees and applicants to be protected from discrimination, intimidation, physical harm, and harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, hairstyle associated with racial identity, or any other status protected by Federal or State law.

Application

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS 11/1/2026.