Sheriff's Detentions Deputy Trainee - Shift

Kern County Sheriff's Office; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 129,000 - 154,000; Full time

Job summary

Kern County Sheriff's Office in Bakersfield, CA is seeking a Sheriff's Detentions Deputy. The role requires meeting minimum qualifications and passing extensive background checks, medical and psychological evaluations.

Applicants must be 18+ and legally eligible to work in the United States. Salary for this position is listed as $2,840.68 to $3,394.88 bi-weekly, with related exams and a strong emphasis on safety, ethics, and adherence to department policies.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent.
• Possession of a valid California Class "C" Driver's License is required at the time of employment; specialized licenses may be required for some assignments.
• Authorized to work in the United States under federal law.
• Medical and psychological examinations may be required after a pre-employment offer.
• Character: honesty and trustworthiness; background investigation mandatory.
• Minimum age 18 at the filing deadline.
• Knowledge of grammar and spelling.
• Ability to give clear verbal instructions, follow oral instructions, and understand forms and reports.

Education

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

Job description

Revised 7/25/25, 8/7/25, 9/8/25, 12/15/25, 1/6/26, 2/17/26, 2/26/26, 4/22/26, 6/23/26, 8/10/26, 8/20/2026. This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time without notice. JOIN US FOR A SPECIAL RECRUITMENT EVENT ON: October 3, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. at Regional Training Center, 962 Norris Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93308. You will be given the opportunity to meet the hiring team, tour the facility, and take the written exam on this date (limited seating available). The written exam will be administered for applicants once seats are filled on October 3, 2026. If you wish to test, seating is first come, and we encourage you to arrive for check in at 7:30 a.m.

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

• Group 1: Application Submission End Date 08/31/2026, Application Review Date 09/01/2026, Written Exam (In-person) 09/09/2026
• Group 2: Application Submission End Date 09/14/2026, Application Review Date 09/15/2026, Written Exam (In-person) 09/23/2026
• Group 3: Application Submission End Date 09/28/2026, Application Review Date 09/29/2026, Written Exam (In-person) 10/07/2026
• Group 4: Application Submission End Date 10/12/2026, Application Review Date 10/13/2026, Written Exam (In-person) 10/21/2026

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

Examinations: Written Exam (Pass/Fail)

Will be conducted for the purpose of assessing the applicant's knowledge of grammar and spelling; ability to understand and follow written instructions; understand forms and reports, work attitudes and other relevant subjects. Applicants must attain at least a 70% score to pass the written examination.

An Applicant Preparation Guide may be accessed here.

A link to the physical fitness pre-academy fitness guide may be accessed here.

Minimum Qualifications / Employment Standards:

• High School Diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent.
• Possession of a valid California Class "C" Driver's License is required at the time of employment. Specialized licenses are required for some assignments.
• 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.
• Medical Examination: Candidates must pass a rigid post-employment offer, pre-placement examination given by the County Physician. It may include, but not be limited to, spine and chest x-rays, blood chemistry and electrocardiograph tests, hearing and vision test, functional capacity examination and psychological examination.
• Character: Applicants must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. Felony law convictions will be disqualifying and except for a limited number of minor traffic offenses, misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying. Candidates must pass a thorough background investigation.
• Minimum Age: Applicants must be 18 years of age at the time of filing deadline.
• Knowledge of: grammar and spelling.
• Ability to: give clear verbal instructions/directions, testify, and other oral communication; understand and follow oral instructions from others; understand facility forms, reports, manuals and laws pertaining to corrections; accurately observe, recall, and report behavior; maintain discipline without causing unnecessary tension; work with others and interact with diverse individuals and groups; have tolerance for the stress of working in a potentially dangerous environment; have tolerance of highly structured, regimented work environment; maintain self-control when confronted with verbal harassment or threats; stay calm and respond with composure in emergencies; work under close supervision; obey authority; perform repetitive tasks effectively or tolerate long periods of inactivity.

Full Job Description For: Sheriff's Detentions Deputy

Please ensure all applicable materials are attached to your application. If you are unable to attach application materials to your application, you may email them to Tiffany Nacke at [e-mail] or call 661-868-3157.

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 Sheriff's Detentions Deputy 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.

Sheriff's Detentions Deputy: Salary Range - $2,840.68 - $3,394.88/bi-weekly.

Incumbents promoted to Sheriff's Detentions Deputy must fulfill all requirements for the position.

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.

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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.

All Kern County employees are designated "Disaster Service Workers" through state and local laws (CA Government Code Sec.3100-3109 and Ordinance Code Title 2-Administration, Ch. 2.66 Emergency Services). As Disaster Service Workers, all County employees are expected to remain at work, or to report for work as soon as practicable, following a significant emergency or disaster.

Following an offer of employment, you will be r