Deputy Sheriff Cadet

Wake County Government • Raleigh, NC

25d • Onsite

About The Position

The Deputy Sheriff Cadet is a non-certified candidate for Deputy Sheriff who will receive training, mentorship, and support to become a fully sworn Deputy Sheriff. If hired, the Cadet will attend the Wake County Sheriff's Office Basic Law Enforcement Training Academy in the summer of 2027. The position provides general law enforcement services for the Office of the Sheriff, serving the public and protecting the lives, rights, and property of people in Wake County.

The role is based at the Public Safety Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. Employees must be willing to work various schedules, including 12-hour rotating shifts, days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Cadets must be willing to relocate within 30 miles of the Wake County line. The position may require emergency preparedness and response duties, including temporary assignments that differ from normal duties, hours, or work location.

The hourly rate for a Deputy Sheriff Cadet is $27.26 ($56,700 annually). After completing the academy and obtaining state certification, a Deputy Sheriff may receive additional pay incentives, with pay up to $72,904 annually. The listed hiring range is $27.26–$35.05 per hour.

Requirements

• Be at least 20 years old.
• Be a citizen of the United States.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Have a valid driver's license and a safe driving record.
• Must not have been charged with or convicted of a felony.
• Must not have been charged with a serious misdemeanor (Class B) within the past five years and must not have four or more total misdemeanor charges.
• Undergo an extensive background investigation, including a physical fitness assessment, reading test, medical exam, drug screen, and psychological exam.
• Meet applicable standards of the North Carolina Sheriffs' Training and Standards Commission and Wake County Sheriff's Office policies.
• Be willing to relocate within 30 miles of the Wake County line.
• Demonstrate the minimum physical ability and fitness required by completing the Police Officer Physical Agility Test (POPAT) lite, which includes running 40 meters, climbing stairs, completing pushups, and simulating moving an adult-sized object.
• Have the physical ability to meet and cope with the demands of law enforcement.
• Be able to learn and maintain working knowledge of modern law enforcement practices and procedures, and federal, state, and local laws.
• Be able to establish and maintain effective relationships with employees, officials, and the general public.
• Be able to qualify and re-qualify with mandated weapons in accordance with state laws and Sheriff's Office policies and procedures.
• Be able to follow directions, learn policies and procedures, and act independently using sound judgment in normal and emergency situations.
• Be able to obtain and maintain full law enforcement certification.
• Be willing to work various schedules, including 12-hour rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Provide general law enforcement services required by the Office of the Sheriff.
• Serve the public, keep the peace, and protect the lives, rights, and property of people in Wake County.
• Provide security for the courts and transport inmates.
• Answer calls from the public, investigate complaints and criminal activity, and perform traffic enforcement.
• Develop suspects and arrest perpetrators.
• Serve civil and criminal process and other papers as required by the courts.
• Carry out other special assignments upon request.
• Use sound judgment and discretion when making decisions in normal and emergency situations.
• Participate in emergency preparedness and response operations, exercises, and training when required.

What This Job Offers

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