Deputy Sheriff

Company:

County of San Diego

Location:

San Diego, CA

Posted:

January 03, 2026

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Description:

Salary: $78,790.40 Annually

Location : County of San Diego, CA

Job Type: Regular - Full time

Job Number: 26574701

Department: Sheriff

Division: Human Resource Services

Opening Date: 01/01/2026

Job Summary

Are you seeking an exciting and challenging career in law enforcement?

The County of San Diego has immediate vacancies for Deputy Sheriff's Cadet.

FUTURE SALARY INCREASES

** June 2026 - 4.97% increase to base pay (3.5% Across-the-Board + 1.47% Market Adjustment)

** June 2027 - 4.47% increase to base pay (3% Across-the- Board + 1.47% Market Adjustment)

Cadets who successfully complete the 26-week Academy will be promoted to the Deputy Sheriff-Detention/Court Services classification. Additional pay incentives and premiums are available for those who are eligible:

Intermediate POST - 5%

Advanced POST - 13.5%

Visit or contact for additional information on wage incentives.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

Newly hired Cadets attend and successfully complete a comprehensive 26-week training academy, which includes classroom study and examinations in Jail Procedures, Classification of Incarcerated Persons, Progressive Physical Training (for more information regarding the Physical Agilities Test, please click here), Defensive Tactics, Security Maintenance, Supervision of Inmates, Assaultive Behavior, Emergency Procedures, Firearms Training, Courtroom Procedures, Criminal and Civil Proceedings, and related subjects. Upon graduation, Cadets will be promoted to Deputy Sheriff-Detentions/Court Services. Click here to learn more about the position

***This hard-to-recruit position qualifies for the Employee Referral Reward Program. If a current County of San Diego employee referred you to apply for this position, please indicate the employee's name on your job application in the space provided. ***

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS AT TIME OF APPLICATION:

Education, training, and/or experience that demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed above. Required education and experience:

Must be 18 years of age at time of application AND

Obtain a U.S. High school diploma or G.E.D., or a degree from a two-year or four-year accredited U.S. college or university. Applicants must attach a copy of their transcript or diploma to their application. Degrees must be accredited by a U.S. state or local government educational agency using local or state government-approved accreditation, or an organization holds membership in AdvancED or Cognia. Positions in this classification must meet employment guidelines and standards established by:

The Commission for Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) in which Peace Officers as defined in Section 830 of the California Penal Code and the provisions of Sections 1029 and 1031 of the California Government Code. Additionally, candidates must have the ability to carry, possess, receive, and own a firearm throughout employment, pursuant to Penal Code section 832.15, subdivision (a).

Applicants are encouraged to apply for both recruitments (Deputy Sheriff's Cadet and Deputy Sheriff Cadet-Detentions/Court Services) because there will be an unknown number of vacancies in each position every year. The hiring/testing/background process is the same for both recruitments.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:

As part of the County of San Diego's pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position.

Illegal drug use and possession is prohibited in any form by Sheriff's Office employees.

REQUIREMENTS AT THE TIME OF THE SELECTION INTERVIEW AND BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION PROCESSES:

Effective oral and written communication skills in English

Vision: correctable to at least 20/30; glasses/hard lenses minimum 20/100 uncorrected - no minimum uncorrected visual acuity for soft lenses (subject to State of California P.O.S.T. requirements)

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Complete the online application form and provide correct and complete responses to the Supplemental Questions. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application form will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.

HIRING PROCESS ASSISTANCE: If you would like the Sheriff's Office to contact you and assist you in the process, please with your Last Name, First Name, contact phone number, and subject line "Sheriff's Sworn Applicant". *Emailing your contact information is completely voluntary and not a condition of this application or any employment with the County of San Diego.

WRITTEN EXAMINATION PROCESS: If you meet the minimum qualifications for Deputy Sheriff's Cadet, you will be invited to take a written examination. This exam will include either the Sheriff's Aptitude Assessment and Basic Readiness Exam (SAABRE) or the California Peace Officers Standards Training (POST) Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLET-B). Both tests assess English comprehension consisting of questions pertaining to vocabulary, spelling, and reading comprehension. The specific exam administered will be at the sole discretion of the Sheriff's Office.

Please Note: If you have recently taken the California POST Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLET-B) with any agency, you must wait at least thirty (30) days before you can take this test with the San Diego County Sheriff's Office. If applicants fail to wait at least 30 days from their last examination date and proceed with taking two tests in a 30-day window period, California POST will invalidate the second test score administration. If your score is invalidated, you will not be placed on the eligible list for the Deputy Sheriff's Cadet with the San Diego County. For additional information on the State of California POST written examination and regulations, please go to

EXCEPTION FOR WRITTEN TEST:

1. If you possess POST PELLETB written exam results from another agency AND received a total T-Score of 42 or higher AND the letter is dated within 6 months prior to your application date; you must submit these results via email to

2. If you possess an associate's degree or higher from an accredited U.S. college or university. You must attach a copy of your transcript or diploma to your application.

BACKGROUND ORIENTATION AND INVESTIGATION PROCESS: If successful in the written exam process, candidates will be required to complete the following: a comprehensive background investigation, a Computer Voice Stress Analysis Exam, an employment interview with Sheriff's sworn management, a psychological examination, a physical abilities test, a physical assessment, and a complete medical examination.

Please Note:All phases of evaluation for this recruitment, including exam, background orientation, and investigation process, may require candidates to appear in person. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis. The County of San Diego now participates in E-Verify. CLICK HERE for additional information.

As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.Veteran's Preference Policy The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego.Military Skills Translator Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help!

The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district.

The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.

Click here to see the Non-Management Cadet Benefits Summary

Do you possess a United States high school diploma or GED certificate?

Yes

Are you at least 20.5 years of age as of the date of this online application for Deputy Sheriff Cadet?

Yes

WRITTEN TEST EXCEPTION: Applicants that possess an associate's degree or higher from an accredited U.S. college or university may waive the written exam. Note: A copy of your conferred transcript or diploma must be attached to your application for verification.Do you understand this?

Yes I understand and have attached my diploma or transcripts.

I am not using education to qualify.

Do you possess a two-year or a four-year degree from an accredited United States college or university?

Yes

Candidates that meet the minimum qualifications and pass the performance exam for Deputy Sheriff Cadet, you will be subject to a thorough background investigation which includes psychological, truth verification or other examination or test. This background investigation includes job dimensions established by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T) to determine a candidate's suitability as a peace officer.Do you understand this information?

Yes

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?Note: The County of San Diego does not sponsor employment.

Yes

Are you willing to designate California as your principal residence throughout employment as a law enforcement officer?

Yes

Do you possess the ability to read, write, and verbally communicate in English in a fluent, clear, and understandable manner?

Yes

Do you possess a valid California driver's license OR, if you currently reside in a state other than California, are you willing and able to obtain a valid California driver's license?

Yes

The following are working conditions associated with this role. Select which of the following working conditions you are willing to comply with throughout employment as a law enforcement officer? (Check all that apply)

Will work shifts during irregular business hours including evenings, early morning hours, weekends, and holidays

Will work on a full-time basis as a Sheriff sworn position

Will work overtime hours (defined as an excess of eight hours per day)

Will wear a uniform and comply with the grooming and appearance policies, procedures, and standards of the San Diego County Sheriff's Office (Examples: hair neat, clean and well-groomed; beards not allowed; mustaches trimmed and neat; and jewelry minimally observable

I cannot adhere to one or more of the listed working conditions

Will be responsible for own reliable transportation to and from work

Will accept assignments to work at any location within the County of San Diego; and travel within and outside of the County region when on assignments

Will enforce all laws without hesitation

Will be willing and able, as a law enforcement officer, to use deadly force, via the use of a handgun or other weapon, to protect themselves and/or other persons, if justifiable by existing laws and departmental policies and procedures

I cannot adhere to one or more of the listed working conditions

Please enter the last four digits of your social security number in the space below. This is used only for applicant identification purposes and will be kept confidential.

A valid Police Officer Standard Training (POST) certificate and ability to carry a firearm are required and must be maintained throughout your employment as a Deputy Sheriff with the San Diego Sheriff's Department. Are you willing to accept these terms?

Yes

How did you FIRST become aware of this opportunity that led you to come to the governmentjobs.com/SD County website and apply? Help us use advertising dollars wisely.

Print Advertising

Indeed

Google/YouTube

Social Media

Referral - County Employee

Referral - Deputy Sheriff

Referral - Other Law Enforcement

Recruiting Vehicle

College / High School Presentation

Career Fair

Military Related

Gym/ DMV TV

Radio / TV Advertisements

Community Event

Sporting Event

Other

For the above question, please share the specific job board, referral, or person so we can recognize them.

Were you referred by a County employee to apply for this position?Note: County employees may be eligible to earn cash awards for any candidates they refer to hard-to-recruit positions that are then hired.

Yes

If you responded "Yes" to "Referral - County Employee", in the space provided please list the name of the referring County employee. Write "n/a" if not applicable.

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Deputy Sheriff

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