Deputy Sheriff Trainee/Deputy Sheriff

Ventura County • Ventura, CA

22h • Onsite

About The Position

This position offers a calling to serve the citizens of Ventura County as a Deputy Sheriff. The role involves a structured path from custody to patrol, with opportunities for specialization and growth. The successful candidate will be trained to enforce laws, protect lives and property, respond to emergencies, and work cooperatively with diverse communities. This is a physically and emotionally demanding profession requiring individuals to meet stringent California POST physical fitness standards and successfully complete a rigorous background investigation and selection process. The Deputy Sheriff Trainee undergoes paid Academy training, returning home daily, covering law enforcement fundamentals, vehicle operations, arrest and control, firearms, patrol procedures, criminal investigation, custody operations, community policing, cultural diversity, communications, first aid, and physical fitness. Upon completion, trainees are promoted to Deputy Sheriff and assigned to custody, followed by a four-week custody facility training course. After an initial multi-year assignment in custody, they transition to patrol and complete a five-month Field Training Program.

Requirements

• Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age at time of appointment as a Deputy Sheriff.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.
• Must possess and maintain a valid California driver license and POST certificate.
• An adult felony conviction is disqualifying.
• Any illegal activity including illegal drug use/possession or prescription drug abuse may be disqualifying.
• Must be willing to work at any of the six (6) stations or additional Sheriff's Office locations throughout the County.
• Must be able to work any shift including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be willing to work under adverse conditions and must be prepared to successfully respond to unexpected and occasionally life-threatening events.
• Must have strength, endurance, and physical agility to restrain rebellious and/or violent offenders.
• Graduating from an accredited high school, OR Passing the General Education Development (GED) Test, OR Passing the California High School Proficiency Examination, OR Having attained a two-year, four-year or advanced degree from an accredited college or university.
• Hearing must be within California POST standards as verified by a medical background.
• Applicants must pass a color vision test as verified by a medical background.
• Individuals must have uncorrected visual acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye, correctable to 20/20 in better eye and 20/40 on weaker eye.
• Weight and Body Fat: Applicants must be in excellent physical condition with weight proportionate to height (body fat <20% for males and <30% for females) as determined by an agility test and an examining physician.

Nice To Haves

• Possible educational incentive of 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5% based on the completion of Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree or, if qualified, for POST certification.
• Possible bilingual incentive pay depending upon operational need and certification of skills, for those qualified.

Responsibilities

• Under immediate supervision, support, and instruction, the Deputy Sheriff Trainee undergoes Academy training in preparation for appointment as a Deputy Sheriff.
• Acts as a jailer for inmates committed to the jail.
• Supervises housekeeping activities of the inmates.
• Escorts and transports inmates both to and from jail, courtrooms, and state institutions.
• Books, searches and releases inmates.
• Admits and logs visitors, assuring conformance with rules and regulations governing visiting privileges.
• Maintains records and prepares reports.
• Receives and answers complaints of law violations in County areas and prepares reports as needed.
• Issues citations and makes arrests.
• Investigates crimes.
• Appears in court as a witness.
• Serves warrants and other legal documents.
• Uses intelligence-led policing strategies to address crime trends in the community.
• Facilitates community-based policing and problem-solving solutions.

Benefits

• Biweekly contribution towards a flexible benefits program (including medical, dental, and vision insurance options)
• Up to 2.5% matching funds in a 401(k) plan
• Annual leave (depending upon years of service)
• 13 paid holidays (including a floating holiday)
• Wellness Program (including health club discounts; free health coaching, onsite wellness, and online health education)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and peer support
• Work Life Program (including Lactation Accommodation Policy, Child Care Discounts and Coastal Housing Partnership)
• Biweekly contributions towards a secure, lifetime retirement benefit ("pension")
• GI Bill on-the-job training program (for those eligible)

What This Job Offers

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