Deputy Sheriff (Road Patrol)

Salary : $54,967.43 Annually

Location : Justice Center Newton, NC

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 02217

Department: Sheriff

Opening Date: 09/19/2025

Closing Date: 10/17/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

Position Description

The Catawba County Sheriff's Office is currently recruiting for a strongly self-motivated Deputy Sheriff with outstanding communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills to join our team. In this position, as a sworn law enforcement officer, you will perform general duty law enforcement work to protect the lives, property, and rights of the citizens of Catawba County.

The Catawba County Sheriff's Office responds to approximately 115,000 calls for service each year and is comprised of 265 Deputies, Detention Officers, and Employees. The Sheriff's Office is responsible for responding to calls for service, court security, crime prevention, serving civil process and criminal papers, sex offender registrations, investigating crime, providing School Resource Officers at County High, Middle, and Elementary Schools, and CVCC, Narcotics, and the Detention Center that can house close to 600 inmates.

Additional Salary Information:

Shift differential of $2 an hour provided for night shift.

Deputies with advanced degrees will receive extra pay based on highest degree obtained: Associates ($0.25 per hour), Bachelors ($0.50 per hour), Masters ($0.75 per hour).

Deputies who possess a Law Enforcement Intermediate Certificate will receive an additional $0.25 per hour.

Deputies who possess a Law Enforcement Advanced Certificate will receive an additional $0.50 per hour.

A salary increase is given annually upon a successful performance review (dependent upon budget availability).

Bilingual extra duty pay is provided upon successful completion of testing (dependent upon budget availability).

Other Information:

Deputies work 12.25-hour shifts and get a three-day weekend off every other weekend (Fri-Sun), working 14 days out of a 28-day pay period.

Applicants must be available to work day and night shifts.

Pay is bi-weekly (every 14 days).

Excellent benefits are offered, including competitive pay, health insurance, dental insurance, and a 5% 401K match.

To be considered complete the online Catawba County application in entirety, including supplemental questions.

Responsibilities

Communicate effectively with the general public, react calmly and quickly in emergency situations

Answer assigned radio calls and produce detailed written reports of incidents as they occur

Conduct preliminary investigative work

Prepare cases, discuss pending cases with the prosecuting attorney, and appear as a witness before the Grand Jury, as well as in court

Have sound judgment, be able to make decisions quickly, and the ability to work in high-stress situations

Make arrests pursuant to authority described in the General Statutes of North Carolina

Additional Responsibilities:

Answer calls; interview and question witnesses and suspects; investigate crimes and disturbances, gather evidence, and cooperate with other governmental law enforcement officers and various agencies in completing investigations and making arrests

Conduct regular patrols and inspect troublesome zones in assigned area

Prepare and maintain accurate records and reports

Assist in transporting prisoners, patients needing mental health care, and inebriates to institutions for confinement or treatment

Serve a variety of legal papers such as warrants, subpoenas, court orders, child support, and orders for arrest and forfeitures, including transporting these prisoners to confinement facilities

Attend annual departmental in-service to stay abreast of law changes, modern law enforcement practices, and maintain skills in the use of defensive weapons

Qualifications

High school diploma or GED equivalent

Must be at least 20 years of age

Must be a US citizen

Valid driver's license

Must successfully pass a criminal background investigation

Meets eligibility requirements of Sheriff Deputy as determined by the NC Sheriff's Education and Training Standards Division

Additional Requirements

No Felony Convictions

Possesses a high level of professionalism and integrity

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills in order to resolve inquiries and complaints associated with customers served

Strong analytical skills to conduct criminal investigations

Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in written format, to complete reports

Sound knowledge of basic law enforcement practices

Ability to react to volatile situations quickly and with clear purpose

Ability to work collaboratively with other Sheriff's personnel and other agencies

Effective computer skills - must be able to obtain information and complete data entry

Must be able to stand, walk, and sit for long periods of time daily, lift/carry up to 50 pounds on a regular basis, and operate equipment (radios, firearms, chemical sprays, batons, handcuffs, flashlights, recorders, cameras, etc.) daily

Preferences:

Applicants who are bilingual in English/Spanish are encouraged to apply

Disqualifiers:

Any Felony Conviction

Any crime for which the conviction could have been a punishment of more than two years of incarceration

A misdemeanor conviction that either would prohibit certification or could result in suspension of certification by the North Carolina Sheriff's Training and Standards Commission, and or deemed to be inappropriate as determined by the Sheriff.

Any individual who has been respondent and/or defendant in an active domestic violence protective order (50B Order) issued by a judge or a court of competent jurisdiction.

Any individual convicted of any offense arising from domestic violence as defined by 18 U.S. code Section 921 (a).

Involvement in the unlawful sale of any controlled substances (illegal drugs), which led to an arrest and conviction.

Unless medically prescribed, use of any drug scheduled in the Controlled Substances Act of North Carolina (Schedule I-V) within the past ten (10) years immediately preceding the date of application.

Distribution, possession, or use of Marijuana or a derivative thereof within the twelve (12) months immediately preceding the date of application

Conviction in any jurisdiction of Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol within the seven (7) years immediately preceding the date of application.

Refusal to take the Blood or Breath Test as required by the implied consent law of any jurisdiction.

Conviction of Eluding Police, Hit and Run, Vehicle Speed Competition, or Death by Motor Vehicle.

The suspension or revocation of driving privileges in any jurisdiction within the past five (5) years for any reason other than failure to pay fines and costs.

More than two (2) moving violations within the twelve (12) months immediately preceding the date of application

Catawba County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Catawba County Benefits

As of 7/1/2024:

You will find that Catawba County has one of the best benefits packages around. Our Human Resources staff are dedicated to keeping in touch with trends in benefits on both a local and national level, listening to employees' suggestions regarding benefits, and continually reviewing to ensure our benefits package is of good quality and meets the needs of both our employees and our organization. Available benefits include:

Health Care

Health: For a small bi-weekly premium, employees may choose between a traditional (co-pay) health plan and a high deductible health plan coupled with a Health Savings Account (HSA). Coverage may also be purchased for spouse, child(ren), or family.

Dental Insurance: At no cost to full-time employees, the County covers preventive, routine, and non-routine care. Coverage for the same benefits may also be purchased for spouse, child(ren) and family. In addition, a $2,000 benefit toward orthodontia coverage is provided for children up to age 19.

Vision Care: Coverage is available, at group rates, for employee and dependents, with 2 plan options to choose from.

Supplemental critical care and accident insurance plans: These optional coverage plans are available at a nominal cost.

Flexible Spending Accounts: Pre-tax accounts which can be used to pay for qualified out-of-pocket medical, dental, vision expenses.

Employee Wellness

Employee Health Clinic (EHC): An employee medical clinic, available to all County employees, which operates 40 hours a week. Services provided include acute care, first aid, evaluation and care for workers' compensation injuries, pre-employment screenings, health education, and behavioral health referrals. Services offered both in person and through telehealth. Acute care available to employee's children ages 5-17 regardless of health insurance coverage and for employee's adult children (ages 18-26) or employee's spouse if covered on the county's health insurance.

Wellness: The County recognizes the importance of our health and well-being. We maintain a very proactive and effective Wellness Program, including reimbursement and discounts for gym membership, incentives for physical activity, on-site nutrition counseling, free exercise opportunities, wellness education and more.

Employee Assistance Program: Counseling services are available to all County employees and immediate family members in the home. Services are provided in a private and confidential setting (in-person or virtually). The County provides coverage for the first six visits.

Work Life Balance

Annual Leave: Full-time employees earn from 10-21 days annually based on years of service. Service credit from other NC and Local Governments in the retirement system may be transferred to the County.

Sick Leave: Full-time employees earn one day (8 hours) of sick leave per month. Sick leave from other NC and Local Governments in the retirement system may be transferred to the County.

Holiday Leave: Throughout the year, 11 days of paid leave are provided in recognition of holidays.

Flexible work schedules.

Time off for activities that support our local schools.

Continuing educational assistance.

Discount tickets to recreational venues.

Employee appreciation days/activities.

Tax-free flexible spending account to pay for dependent care.

Financial Security

Local Governmental Employees Retirement System: For employees assigned to work 20 hours per week or more in a benefitted position, participation in this program is automatic. Employees contribute 6% of their salary, which is tax deferred. After (5) years of creditable service, you become fully vested in the retirement system. Employees may also take advantage of individual and group retirement counseling through the Human Resources department.

401K: The County provides a 2% contribution plus an additional 1% match (up to 3% total contribution by the County). Our sworn law enforcement officers receive a flat 5% contribution to their 401k.

Other Tax Deferred Programs: Other tax-sheltering programs are available through IRS Code 125 (Cafeteria Plan), and a 457 supplemental retirement plan (Deferred Compensation).

Longevity Pay: After 5 years of creditable service, employees receive an annual longevity payment that is paid every year thereafter. This lump sum payment rewards employees for their length of service to Catawba County. The amount is based on years of service.

Life Insurance: Death benefit equal to one times employee's annual salary with a minimum coverage amount of $25,000. Optional supplemental life insurance coverage is also available for both employee and dependents through payroll deduction at group rates.

Short Term Disability: Available at no cost to employees, benefits are available after a 55-day waiting period.

Long Term Disability: Available through payroll deduction at group rates.

Eligibility for membership and financial services at State Employees Credit Union (SECU)/Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU).

01

Please explain why you are interested in this position and specifically in joining the Catawba County Sheriff's Office.

02

Applicants must be 20 years of age or older. Are you 20 years of age or older?

Yes

No

03

Applicants must be able to work day and night shifts (12.25 hour shifts), weekdays, weekends, and holidays. Are you able/willing to work either a day or night shift as well as weekends and holidays?

Yes

No

04

To be certified as a Deputy Sheriff for the N.C Sheriff's Standards Division, you must pass an extensive criminal background check. Have you ever been charged or convicted of any unlawful offense? If so, please explain fully here, including the type of offense and the date(s) of conviction.

05

Check the status below that corresponds with BLET (Basic Law Enforcement Training)?

I have completed BLET in North Carolina.

I am currently enrolled in BLET in North Carolina.

I have not completed or am not currently enrolled in BLET in North Carolina

06

If you are currently enrolled in BLET (Basic Law Enforcement Training), include what school and when you will be graduating.

Required Question