Job Description

Posting number: 26-00004

Department: Sheriff's Office

Division: 221 - Sheriff

Job classification: Deputy Sheriff I

Posting type: Open

Categories: Public Safety, Law Enforcement

Summary

Under general supervision, performs a wide variety of peace officer duties involving the protection of life and property, enforcement of laws and ordinances, criminal investigation, crime prevention and suppression, case preparation and testimony, and providing information and assistance to the public; performs related work as assigned.

Deputy Sheriff I

When you work for the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, you aren’t just another employee, you are family. Our family is growing and we want YOU to join! We are looking for people who like to stay busy, can multi task and have excellent communication skills while still being able to understand and maintain confidentiality standards.

Why work for the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office:

• Opportunities for growth and career advancement
• Numerous specialty positions
• Overtime availability, hazard pay, uniform allowance, and benefits
• PERS retirement
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Paid leave

Please Note:

• This recruitment is open until filled. Human Resources reserves the right to close this recruitment at any time. Applications will be screened on a weekly basis.
• The successful candidate for this position will be required to undergo a detailed background investigation.
• Evening, night and weekend work may be required.

DEFINITION

Under immediate or general supervision, performs a wide variety of peace officer duties involving the protection of life and property, enforcement of laws and ordinances, criminal investigation, crime prevention and suppression, case preparation and testimony, and providing information and assistance to the public; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives immediate (Deputy Sheriff I) to general (Deputy Sheriff II) supervision from assigned Sheriff’s Sergeant or higher ranking sworn personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Deputy Sheriff I: This is the entry-level sworn classification in the Deputy Sheriff series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine law enforcement duties. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of positions at the II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Positions in the Deputy Sheriff class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the II level are typically filled by advancement from the I level after the completion of field training and gaining the knowledge, skill, and experience which meet the qualifications for, and after demonstrating the ability to perform the work of, the higher-level classification.

Examples of duties

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignment of different positions.

• Patrols assigned areas to ensure the security of life and property, observes situations, and deters crime by providing high visibility.
• Responds to suspicious activities and answers calls for service.
• Enforces state and local laws and ordinances; issues verbal warnings and citations; pursues and apprehends suspects and requests assistance as required.
• Investigates juvenile and adult criminal activity and incidents as the assigned detective.
• Coordinates crime scene control and investigation, including interviews and interrogations, identification of witnesses, and overseeing the collection and preservation of physical evidence.
• Restores order, protects life and property, and maintains the peace at public gatherings and in conflict situations.
• Prepares and documents cases, completes reports and forms, and prepares and maintains other logs and records.
• Transports criminals to the courts, hospitals, and various other locations.
• Serves civil papers to County residents; researches and locates person to be served.
• Serves as a coordinator or team member in such special projects as drug enforcement, livestock investigations, and boating regulation enforcement.
• Provides traffic and crowd control as necessary; participates in special details and assignments, including K-9 and Search and Rescue; may serve as field training officer.
• Retrieves, identifies, and returns found property and/or evidence to owners.
• Provides emergency aid and assistance to incapacitated persons, and requests additional response.
• Provides information, directions, and other services and assistance to the public.
• Coordinates with and serves as back up to other local law enforcement agencies.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Some duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed in a learning capacity for entry-level (I Level) positions.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, policies, procedures, and terminology used in law enforcement, crime prevention, and investigation.
• Basic functions of law enforcement agencies.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, and standards affecting Sheriff’s Office operations.
• Rules of evidence pertaining to search and seizure and the identification, marking, preservation, and presentation of evidence.
• Modern procedures and methods employed in crime detection and investigation.
• Operation and maintenance of equipment used in law enforcement.
• Locations and characteristics of the various neighborhoods.
• Basic mathematical principles.
• Principles and procedures of recordkeeping.
• Techniques for dealing with people of all socio-economic level under hostile and emergency situations.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language to effectively perform the work.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Observe and accurately recall places, names, descriptive characteristics, and facts of incidents.
• Work under stressful or dangerous conditions, often involving considerable personal risk or risk to others.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Safely use and care for firearms and other issued agency equipment.
• Testify in court.
• Appraise situations and people accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Keep abreast of trends, technology, and requirements in law enforcement supervision and operations.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Minimum Qualifications:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade

and

Deputy Sheriff I: Meets minimum requirements in accordance with the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Testing (POST).

Licenses and Certifications:

• Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license prior to hire date per California DMV regulations.
• Must possess a Basic Certificate issued by the California State Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T) within twelve (12) months of appointment as a Deputy Sheriff I.
• Must possess and maintain firearms qualification.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work primarily in a patrol and field environment and to maintain P.O.S.T. physical standards; to respond to emergency situations and apprehend suspects; to frequently walk, run, stand on uneven terrain, and climb and descend structures to access crime scenes and to identify problems or hazards; to frequently bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work; and to work in a secondary office or station environment, and use standard office equipment, including a computer.
• Strength and stamina to apprehend, lift, carry, push, and pull victims, suspects and equipment as determined within P.O.S.T physical standards, which may include the use of proper equipment.
• Vision and manual dexterity to operate vehicles including emergency response vehicles in all conditions, often at a high rate of speed in emergency situations; to maintain firearms qualification and to read printed materials and a computer screen.
• Finger and manual dexterity is needed to operate police services equipment and firearms, and to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard.
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone or radio.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• The principal duties of this class are performed in a field environment with exposure to criminal offenders, mentally ill individuals, and persons potentially infected with communicable diseases.
• Outdoor conditions with exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, moving vehicles, and hazardous physical substances and fumes.
• Also includes an office or station environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be willing to work during emergencies and on evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Some departments may require pre-employment screening measures before an offer of employment can be made (i.e. background screening, physical examination, etc.).

Supplemental information

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County’s automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca.

Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer.

It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.

Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to fill out the application?

• You should allow 30 – 45 minutes to fill out your application.

Can I change my application after submitting it?

• No. Once an application has been submitted, it is final. Applicants may submit a new application with updated information during the filing period if they wish. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will not be considered.

How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?

• You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process. Important updates will be sent to the email address listed in your governmentjobs.com account at the time of notification. To ensure you don't miss any critical information, we recommend keeping your email address current and regularly checking both your inbox and junk mail folders throughout the process. You can also log into your governmentjobs.com account at any time to check your application status. If you have any questions about your application's progress, please contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at 707-476-2349 or personnel@co.humboldt.ca.us.

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?

• Yes, you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position.

If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at (707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.