Sheriff's Correctional Deputy Cadet - Unclassified

County of Santa Clara • San Jose, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Under immediate supervision, attends a California Correction Academy to obtain the required academic, technical, and physical skills necessary to perform as a Sheriff’s Correctional Deputy. Candidates must take and pass a written exam for corrections in addition to completing an employment application. We accept passing scores on the S.T.C. Adult Corrections Officer (ACO) exam or the National Testing Network (NTN) REACT examination for Corrections. Please be prepared to complete agility exercises on July 11, 2026. Our agility test is the third step to be considered for a position; information will be sent via email once applications and written exam scores are received. Successful completion of the agility test is required to advance to interviews and a background investigation. Note: Peace officers must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law. (Effective January 1, 2023, per Government Code Section 1031)

Requirements

• Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks
• Graduation from high school or equivalent
• Applicants who have passed their 20th birthday may apply but cannot be appointed until they have reached their 21st birthday
• Have never been convicted of a felony. Any felony conviction and/or a conviction outside of California that would be considered a felony in California is disqualifying.
• Misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying depending on the type, frequency, severity, and time of offense.
• Must be able to take and pass a thorough medical examination.
• Vision must not be less than 20/100, correctable to 20/20 with normal depth and color perception.
• Must successfully demonstrate and maintain physical fitness to perform the full scope and functions of the job.
• Must pass a complete background investigation, including fingerprints and a search of local, state, and national files for criminal history.
• Must possess the legal right to work in the United States.
• Candidates must meet all required employment standards prescribed in Government Code Section 1031, which include passing a psychological evaluation, polygraph examination, fingerprinting, background investigation, and medical examination.
• Possession of a valid California driver’s license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a 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 departmental policies, rules, laws, and ordinances pertaining to the detention of inmates
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public, and representatives of other agencies
• Ability to use computer systems and applications

Nice To Haves

• Passing scores on the S.T.C. Adult Corrections Officer (ACO) exam or the National Testing Network (NTN) REACT examination for Corrections

Responsibilities

• Attends Academy training classes for corrections
• Takes part of basic training program that includes academic classes, hands-on training, and physical conditioning
• Participates in basic training that complies with the standards set by the California Standards and Training for Corrections (S.T.C.)
• Participates in hands-on training that includes, but not limited to defensive tactics, role playing scenarios, and control techniques
• Partakes and completes defensive tactics training that includes ground control, baton training, control holds, and take downs
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required
• Performs other related duties, as required

Benefits

• As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help. A DSW is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered.

What This Job Offers

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