Deputy Sheriff Cadet - Unclassified

County of Santa Clara • San Jose, CA

8d

About The Position

Under immediate supervision, the Deputy Sheriff Cadet attends a Law Enforcement Academy to obtain the academic, technical, and physical skills needed to perform as a Deputy Sheriff. The academy prepares cadets to join Deputy Sheriffs who, under supervision, perform active law enforcement duties to protect life and property, investigate crimes, apprehend law violators, serve civil process issued by courts, and perform other technical law enforcement tasks.

The recruitment process requires candidates to meet employment standards, submit an application and written examination score, pass a physical agility test and complete pre-background paperwork, interview with a backgrounds deputy, complete a full background check, and accept an academy offer. The agility test is scheduled for December 12, 2026, at 8 a.m. Candidates may submit a California PELLET B written exam T-score or an NTN law enforcement exam score. Scores should accompany the application, or be submitted to the recruiter by December 7, 2026. Applications will not advance without a passing written exam score.

Peace officers must be legally authorized to work in the United States. County employees, including extra-help employees, are designated Disaster Service Workers and must complete assigned related training and return to work as ordered in an emergency.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and 38 semester units or 57 quarter units of college; alternatively, two years of full-time active-duty military service with honorable discharge or two years of full-time experience as a peace officer within a correctional facility may substitute for the college units.
• Applicants may apply after passing their 20th birthday but cannot be appointed until they have reached their 21st birthday.
• Must never have been convicted of a felony; felony convictions and out-of-state convictions that would be felonies in California are disqualifying.
• Must be able to pass a thorough medical examination and meet applicable P.O.S.T. or departmental medical standards.
• Vision must be at least 20/100, correctable to 20/20, with normal depth and color perception.
• Must successfully demonstrate and maintain the physical fitness needed to perform the full scope and functions of the job.
• Must pass a complete background investigation, including fingerprinting and searches of local, state, and national criminal history files.
• Must have the legal right to work in the United States.
• Must meet Government Code Section 1031 employment standards, including passing a psychological evaluation, polygraph examination, fingerprinting, background investigation, and medical examination.
• Must possess a valid California driver’s license before appointment and be able to qualify for and maintain County driver authorization.
• Knowledge of common computer systems and applications.
• Knowledge of English usage, style, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• Ability to learn, understand, retain, and interpret police knowledge, procedures, and departmental policies.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, the public, and representatives of other agencies at all levels.
• Ability to use computer systems and applications.
• Ability to perform a wide variety of physical tasks requiring strength, coordination, endurance, and agility.
• Ability to conform to uniform standards.
• Must submit a passing California PELLET B written exam T-score or NTN law enforcement exam score; the score is due with the application or to the recruiter by December 7, 2026.
• Must pass the physical agility test and complete pre-background paperwork to advance to interviews and an academy.

Responsibilities

• Attend law enforcement academy training classes.
• Take part in a basic training program that includes academic classes, hands-on training, and physical conditioning.
• Participate in basic training that complies with California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) standards.
• Participate in hands-on training, including weapons training, defensive tactics, role-playing scenarios, patrol procedures, emergency vehicle operations, and arrest and control techniques.
• Complete defensive tactics training, including ground control, baton training, control holds, and takedowns.
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required.
• Perform other related duties, as required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED