Job Description

Posting number: 5250-26

Department: Sheriff's Office

Job classification: DEPUTY SHERIFF TRAINEE

Posting type: Open

Categories: Law Enforcement

Summary

THE POSITION

The Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office is recruiting to fill positions for Deputy Sheriff Trainee (Operations). Trainees will be required to pass an extensive background investigation and successfully complete a POST Certified Basic Law Enforcement Academy.

The Deputy Sheriff Trainee (Operations) will attend the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified basic law enforcement academy. This individual will perform routine law enforcement and crime prevention duties. This position is subject to overtime, standby, shift, and callback assignments. Performs related duties as assigned.

Trainees are expected to attend class regularly, maintain an acceptable grade point average, display class leadership, and conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the rules, regulations, policies and general orders of the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office. Trainees will also perform other general non-law enforcement duties as assigned by the Department.

Deputy Sheriff Trainees selected will be required to attend the Basic POST Academy at the Stanislaus County Regional Training Center. Stanislaus County will pay for the cost of the Basic POST Academy. At the completion of the academy and successful graduation, trainees may be eligible to promote into a full-time position with the department as a Deputy Sheriff.

The County furnishes the trainee a service pistol, holster, gun belt, handcuffs, handcuff case, and academy uniforms.

Deputy Sheriff Trainees may also be considered for the Adult Detention core academy. The completion of the academy and successful graduation, trainees may be eligible to promote into a full-time position with the department as a Deputy Sheriff Custodial.

Questions? We're Here to Help!

If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, the recruitment process, or need assistance with your application, please contact the Sheriff's Recruitment Team at (209) 525-7004.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Application Deadline: Continuous but may close at any time.

Apply by Date: September 28, 2026, by 5 p.m.

Physical Examination: October 13, 2026

Written Examination: October 13, 2026

Oral Examination: TBD

Application Deadline: Continuous but may close at any time.

Apply by Date: October 27, 2026, by 5 p.m.

Physical Examination: November 10, 2026

Written Examination: November 10, 2026

Oral Examination: TBD

Application Deadline: Continuous but may close at any time.

Apply by Date: December 1, 2026, by 5 p.m.

Physical Examination: December 15, 2026

Written Examination: December 15, 2026

Oral Examination: TBD

To learn more about the Sheriff's Office, visit https://www.scsdonline.com/.

Examples of duties

While attending the Basic POST Academy the Deputy Sheriff Trainee will complete State mandated training requirements learning to fulfill the duties of a Deputy Sheriff Trainee, which includes the following typical tasks:

• Patrol assigned areas for the protection of life and property;
• Serve legal papers such as subpoenas, summonses, complaints, and writs of attachment, execution and restitution;
• Collect fees due the County and serve warrants and make arrests;
• Conduct coroner's investigations and secure property;
• Investigate accidents and administer first aid;
• Receive and answer complaints;
• Prepare reports and keep routine records;
• Assist in the investigation of violations and/or offenses committed by or against juveniles;
• Interrogate persons suspected of crimes and prepare evidence for court presentation;
• Appear in court as a witness or arresting officer, transport prisoners, work in a custodial facility or in the courts; and
• Perform identification and photographic work, and administrative or special assignments.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE

• Principles and practices of law enforcement and community regulations; and
• Criminal law with particular reference to apprehension, arrest, search and seizures.

SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Secure information from witnesses and suspects;
• Read and understand policies, instructions, laws and ordinances pertaining to law enforcement activities;
• Write clear and comprehensive reports;
• Demonstrate physical endurance, agility and strength;
• Understand written and oral instructions;
• Make independent decisions;
• Work with and control sensitive, confidential information; and
• Operate a motor vehicle.

We recognize your time is valuable, please only apply if you meet the following required qualifications.

EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE

• Graduation from high school or passage of high school level General Education Development (GED) test; AND
• Physical/manipulative abilities required by the department; AND
• Mental/cognitive abilities required by the department; AND
• Possess a valid First Aid and CPR Certificate within six (6) months from the date of appointment; AND
• Possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License; AND
• Not less than 21 years of age at time of appointment.

NOTE: No felony convictions. Must be of good moral character and must not have been convicted of a crime for which the punishment could have been imprisonment in a Federal penitentiary or State prison.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to read or see objects under ambient, limited or artificial lighting and at a reasonable distance with sufficient clarity to permit their recording or accurate description, i.e., persons, vehicles, license numbers, addresses, street signs, items of property, written messages, printed material, etc.;
• Ability to hear normal speech and other audible events, even in combination with other environmental noise, i.e., gunshots, cries for help, glass breaking, alarm bells ringing, tires squealing, etc.;
• Ability to sit and stand for long periods of time;
• Walk, run, jump, kneel, crouch, reach, twist, stoop, squat, crawl, and climb;
• Carry the average weight of a person (approximately 165 pounds);
• Take physical charge of a person who may resist arrest;
• Work indoors and outdoors, including extreme heat and cold;
• Tolerate extreme noise and vibrations; and
• Work in a confined working space.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Pass County-paid pre-employment drug screening *if applicable* and job -related background investigation.
• Perform job duties in a manner assuring a safe working environment for oneself and others.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, supervisors, and members of diverse cultural origin, ancestry, political affiliations, sex, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, age (over 40), pregnancy related condition, medical condition (cancer related). Physical (including AIDS) or mental disability.
• Maintain confidential information according to the legal standards and/or County regulations as required.
• Meet minimum standards required for peace officers as set forth in Government Code 1031.
• Must possess or be eligible to possess a Proof of Eligibility (POE) or certificate (Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced) from California Peace Officer Standards and Training under SB 2. Ineligibility or decertification from POST will automatically disqualify candidate from holding a peace officer classification.

LICENSE

• Applicants must possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License and remain free from repeated preventable accidents.

Supplemental information

EXAMINATION PROCESS

Most County recruitments consists of the steps detailed below and are governed by Merit Principles. The examination process ensures that all applicants are given the same opportunity to gain employment within Stanislaus County.

• Application Review and Screening: Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on.
• Physical Agility: A timed physical agility exam will be administered. The physical agility exam may include, but is not limited to, the following events: Push-Ups, Sit-Ups, Obstacle Course, Solid Fence Climb, and 1-mile run.
• Written Examination*: A timed written examination using the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB). The exam will contain sections in Spelling; Vocabulary, Clarity, Reading Comprehension.
• T-Score of 42 or above.
• Sample test: https://post.ca.gov/portals/0/post_docs/publications/Applicant_Preparation_Guide_for-the-POST_Entry-Level-Law-Enforcement-Test-Battery.pdf

*Candidates may request a waiver of the Pellet B test by attaching a transcript or diploma to show possession of an associate's degree or higher from an accredited college or university (accreditation must be from an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Department of Education of the United States of America).

• Oral Examination: An oral examination will be administered during this recruitment. The oral panel consists of at least three panel members from the Sheriff's Office, community and/or local law enforcement. A minimum score of 70% must be obtained in order to continue in the process.
• Eligible Lists: Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification. Eligible lists are effective for six months, but may be extended up to eighteen months. As part of the selection process, candidates will be expected to pass a(n):
• In-depth background investigation including completion and review of a Personal History Statement;
• Computer Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA) or polygraph examination;
• Psychological examination.

GENERAL INFORMATION

CLASSIFICATION INFORMATION

Deputy Sheriff Trainee's are classified as extra-help / part-time employees, working 40 hours per week until training is completed. Upon successful completion of the Basic POST academy and an intense background investigation, the trainee will be eligible for transition into a full-time, classified position as a Deputy Sheriff-Coroner.

The Job Task Analysis provides information detailing the physical and functional demands of the classification. For the complete job task analysis, visit the Risk Management website at http://www.stancounty.com/riskmgmt/ under the "Disability" tab.

Note: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, part-time and full-time vacancies throughout Stanislaus County.

Incumbents may also be subject to overtime, standby, callback, weekend, holiday and shift assignments. Position performs related duties as assigned. Part-time County employees are automatically enrolled into the 401a program.

Part-time extra-help is a provisional classification where permanent status may not be obtained. This position is subject to overtime, standby, shift, and callback assignments and will perform related duties as assigned. This position is non-benefited except for participation in a 401a program with Nationwide.

RECRUITMENT ACCOMMODATIONS

Arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities and religious convictions. Applicants requiring testing accommodations are required to complete and submit the Testing Accommodations Request Form prior to the test administration date. Special arrangements for religious convictions should be included in the "Additional Information" section of the application form.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Pass County-paid pre-employment job-related background investigation.
• Perform job duties in a manner assuring a safe working environment for oneself and others.
• Maintain confidential information according to the legal standards and/or County regulations as required.
• Some positions may be required to possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License and meet County insurability requirements.

APPLICATION AND/OR EXAMINATION APPEAL RIGHTS

Application and/or examination results may be appealed by applicants presenting facts alleging irregularity, fraud and/or error in application screening or in exam scoring. Appeals must be in writing and submitted to the Chief Executive Officer within seven (7) days after the examination results are emailed.

DISCLAIMER

Stanislaus County reserves the right to revise the examination plan described in this flyer to better meet the needs of County service. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The information contained in the bulletin is information which sets forth a general summary of benefits for this respective position. This information is not legally binding. The benefits and other information regarding this position may be found in the Stanislaus County Code, the Stanislaus County Personnel Policies manual, or in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding(s), and such information prevails over information contained in this flyer. Questions regarding this bulletin may be directed to the Stanislaus County Chief Executive Office/Human Relations.