Deputy Sheriff Jobs
Deputy Sheriff jobs are open across county sheriff's offices, corrections facilities, and regional law enforcement agencies, from entry-level patrol deputy to senior investigator and supervisor, with specializations in patrol, corrections, and criminal investigations. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find Deputy Sheriff JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 11+ Deputy Sheriff jobs
CAREER DESCRIPTION
DEPUTY SHERIFF TRAINEE
EXAM DATE: Saturday, January 23, 2027
This recruitment will establish an open eligible list that will be used to fill current and future Deputy Sheriff Trainee positions. The eligible list established may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications.
DEADLINE TO APPLY
This recruitment will be open for a minimum of five (5) business days and will remain open on a continuous basis until 11:59 P.M. (PST) on the day the Department's needs are met.
The Sheriff's Department is the fifth largest sheriff's department in the nation, offering a rewarding career with the opportunity to serve Orange County in diverse assignments including land, air, and sea-based patrol, specialty investigative units, community engagement assignments, and unique collateral duty options. The Sheriff's Department prides itself on embracing a policing model that employs intelligence-led policing strategies and a community-focused approach to providing law enforcement services. We believe engaged communities make for safe communities. Accordingly, the Department also offers extensive training and outreach opportunities for personnel to build and strengthen relationships in the communities they serve through community-based policing, familiarization between law enforcement and community residents, and collaborative problem solving. This is more than a job; it is an opportunity to build a career of which you can be proud.
Click here for more information on the Orange County Sheriff's Department.
THE OPPORTUNITY
A Deputy Sheriff Trainee will be required to attend and satisfactorily complete the 28-week P.O.S.T. Certified Orange County Sheriff's Regional Training Academy. Upon successful completion of the academy, the Deputy Sheriff Trainee will be promoted to the position of Deputy Sheriff I.
OCSD Deputy Sheriff Trainee Mentoring Program
The Mentoring Program is a voluntary, but highly recommended academy preparation program. This program is open to candidates who are currently in the background process with the Orange County Sheriff's Department and receive a referral from their background investigator. Any County of Orange employee who voluntarily participates shall do so off duty; no County employee may participate during their scheduled working hours. The Mentoring Program is designed to introduce candidates to academy protocol, memory work and physical training. Mentoring staff may evaluate and record participant performance and this information may be used for individual assessments and selection by the Professional Standards Division; meaning, an individual's performance / behavior at mentoring sessions may be evaluated prior to being selected for hire as a Deputy Sheriff Trainee.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Ability to:
- Read, understand, interpret and apply departmental policies, rules, laws and ordinances pertaining to law enforcement work.
- Write clear and comprehensive reports.
- Establish and maintain effective relationships with others.
- Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
- Learn to use and maintain firearms in a safe and proficient manner.
Education and Experience:
Graduation from high school or attainment of a satisfactory score on a General Education Development G.E.D. test or passage of the California High School Proficiency Test or have attained a two-year or four-year degree from an accredited college or university.
License/Certification:
Possession of a valid California Driver License by date of appointment.
Special Requirements:
- Be legally authorized to work in United States under federal law.
- At least 20 ½ years at time of application and at least 21 years of age by date of appointment to Deputy Sheriff Trainee.
- Not have been convicted of a felony and not to be otherwise subject to disqualification under California Government Code Section 1029.
- Found to be free from any physical, emotional or mental condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, which might adversely affect exercise of peace officer powers, as determined by a licensed examining authority in accordance with California Government Code Section 1031.
- Pass a background investigation conducted in compliance with California Government Code 1031, to the satisfaction of the Sheriff-Coroner Department.
TESTING PROCESS
Written Exam (Pass/Fail): Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to the written exam via email. The written exam consists of job-related, multiple-choice questions. Applicants who pass the written exam will be referred to the pre-investigative interview the same day.
Study Guides are available online:
- Learning Express Police Officer Exam (California Edition)
- Norman Hall's Police Exam (California Edition)
Pre-Investigative Interview Questionnaire (Refer/Non-Refer): Candidates must print out and complete the Pre-Investigative Interview Questionnaire prior to exam date. The questionnaire will be collected and reviewed by Backgrounds Unit staff members upon arrival to the exam. You may be referred to a follow-up pre-investigative interview with a Background Investigator immediately following the written exam.
Physical Agility Test (Pass/Fail): Applicants must be dressed in physical training attire to participate. The physical agility test consists of three components.
- 30 Push-Ups: Complete 30 push-ups within 2 minutes.
- 30 Sit-Ups: Complete 30 sit-ups within 2 minutes.
- 1.5 Mile Run: Complete one and a half (1.5) miles on a flat surface within 14 minutes.
Structured Oral Interview (Refer/Non-Refer): Candidates will be interviewed and rated by a panel comprised of subject matter experts and civilian personnel. Each candidate's rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the candidate's qualifications for the position. Those who score high enough on the structured oral interview will be scheduled for a background interview with a Background Investigator.
APPLICANTS THAT DO NOT SUCCESSFULLY PASS THE STRUCTURED ORAL INTERVIEW MUST REAPPLY TO THE RECRUITMENT AND UNDERGO ALL TESTING COMPONENTS TO BE CONSIDERED.
Background Investigation: Includes employment history, personal references, criminal history, credit history, a polygraph examination, medical examination, drug urinalysis test, and a written and oral psychological examination.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Sheriff Human Resources will screen all application materials to identify qualified applicants. After screening, qualified applicants will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition.
Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer)
Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applicants that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.
Structured Oral Interview | SOI
The Structured Oral Interview is a timed assessment. Applicants will provide answers to job-related questions. Only the most qualified candidates will be placed on the eligible list.
Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.
Eligible List
Once the assessment has been completed, Sheriff Human Resources will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.
Veterans Employment Preference
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings.
Please click here to review the policy.
HOW TO APPLYApplications and supplemental information will be accepted on-line only at www.ocgov.com. Your application and supplemental information should demonstrate your professional experience and education related to the specific qualifications/duties listed in this bulletin, including the areas in which you have developed expertise. Please be sure to print a copy of this job bulletin for your records. Please note that email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process.
Please click here for tips to complete your application.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
EMAIL NOTIFICATION
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply. Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Mary Felix at mfelix@ocsheriff.gov or call our Recruiting line at 714 834-5811.
EEO INFORMATION
Please note that Extra Help employees are not eligible for the benefits listed.
Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information
CAREER DESCRIPTION
DEPUTY SHERIFF TRAINEE
EXAM DATE: Saturday, January 23, 2027
This recruitment will establish an open eligible list that will be used to fill current and future Deputy Sheriff Trainee positions. The eligible list established may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications.
DEADLINE TO APPLY
This recruitment will be open for a minimum of five (5) business days and will remain open on a continuous basis until 11:59 P.M. (PST) on the day the Department's needs are met.
The Sheriff's Department is the fifth largest sheriff's department in the nation, offering a rewarding career with the opportunity to serve Orange County in diverse assignments including land, air, and sea-based patrol, specialty investigative units, community engagement assignments, and unique collateral duty options. The Sheriff's Department prides itself on embracing a policing model that employs intelligence-led policing strategies and a community-focused approach to providing law enforcement services. We believe engaged communities make for safe communities. Accordingly, the Department also offers extensive training and outreach opportunities for personnel to build and strengthen relationships in the communities they serve through community-based policing, familiarization between law enforcement and community residents, and collaborative problem solving. This is more than a job; it is an opportunity to build a career of which you can be proud.
Click here for more information on the Orange County Sheriff's Department.
THE OPPORTUNITY
A Deputy Sheriff Trainee will be required to attend and satisfactorily complete the 28-week P.O.S.T. Certified Orange County Sheriff's Regional Training Academy. Upon successful completion of the academy, the Deputy Sheriff Trainee will be promoted to the position of Deputy Sheriff I.
OCSD Deputy Sheriff Trainee Mentoring Program
The Mentoring Program is a voluntary, but highly recommended academy preparation program. This program is open to candidates who are currently in the background process with the Orange County Sheriff's Department and receive a referral from their background investigator. Any County of Orange employee who voluntarily participates shall do so off duty; no County employee may participate during their scheduled working hours. The Mentoring Program is designed to introduce candidates to academy protocol, memory work and physical training. Mentoring staff may evaluate and record participant performance and this information may be used for individual assessments and selection by the Professional Standards Division; meaning, an individual's performance / behavior at mentoring sessions may be evaluated prior to being selected for hire as a Deputy Sheriff Trainee.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Ability to:
- Read, understand, interpret and apply departmental policies, rules, laws and ordinances pertaining to law enforcement work.
- Write clear and comprehensive reports.
- Establish and maintain effective relationships with others.
- Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
- Learn to use and maintain firearms in a safe and proficient manner.
Education and Experience:
Graduation from high school or attainment of a satisfactory score on a General Education Development G.E.D. test or passage of the California High School Proficiency Test or have attained a two-year or four-year degree from an accredited college or university.
License/Certification:
Possession of a valid California Driver License by date of appointment.
Special Requirements:
- Be legally authorized to work in United States under federal law.
- At least 20 ½ years at time of application and at least 21 years of age by date of appointment to Deputy Sheriff Trainee.
- Not have been convicted of a felony and not to be otherwise subject to disqualification under California Government Code Section 1029.
- Found to be free from any physical, emotional or mental condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, which might adversely affect exercise of peace officer powers, as determined by a licensed examining authority in accordance with California Government Code Section 1031.
- Pass a background investigation conducted in compliance with California Government Code 1031, to the satisfaction of the Sheriff-Coroner Department.
TESTING PROCESS
Written Exam (Pass/Fail): Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to the written exam via email. The written exam consists of job-related, multiple-choice questions. Applicants who pass the written exam will be referred to the pre-investigative interview the same day.
Study Guides are available online:
- Learning Express Police Officer Exam (California Edition)
- Norman Hall's Police Exam (California Edition)
Pre-Investigative Interview Questionnaire (Refer/Non-Refer): Candidates must print out and complete the Pre-Investigative Interview Questionnaire prior to exam date. The questionnaire will be collected and reviewed by Backgrounds Unit staff members upon arrival to the exam. You may be referred to a follow-up pre-investigative interview with a Background Investigator immediately following the written exam.
Physical Agility Test (Pass/Fail): Applicants must be dressed in physical training attire to participate. The physical agility test consists of three components.
- 30 Push-Ups: Complete 30 push-ups within 2 minutes.
- 30 Sit-Ups: Complete 30 sit-ups within 2 minutes.
- 1.5 Mile Run: Complete one and a half (1.5) miles on a flat surface within 14 minutes.
Structured Oral Interview (Refer/Non-Refer): Candidates will be interviewed and rated by a panel comprised of subject matter experts and civilian personnel. Each candidate's rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the candidate's qualifications for the position. Those who score high enough on the structured oral interview will be scheduled for a background interview with a Background Investigator.
APPLICANTS THAT DO NOT SUCCESSFULLY PASS THE STRUCTURED ORAL INTERVIEW MUST REAPPLY TO THE RECRUITMENT AND UNDERGO ALL TESTING COMPONENTS TO BE CONSIDERED.
Background Investigation: Includes employment history, personal references, criminal history, credit history, a polygraph examination, medical examination, drug urinalysis test, and a written and oral psychological examination.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Sheriff Human Resources will screen all application materials to identify qualified applicants. After screening, qualified applicants will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition.
Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer)
Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applicants that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.
Structured Oral Interview | SOI
The Structured Oral Interview is a timed assessment. Applicants will provide answers to job-related questions. Only the most qualified candidates will be placed on the eligible list.
Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.
Eligible List
Once the assessment has been completed, Sheriff Human Resources will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.
Veterans Employment Preference
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings.
Please click here to review the policy.
HOW TO APPLYApplications and supplemental information will be accepted on-line only at www.ocgov.com. Your application and supplemental information should demonstrate your professional experience and education related to the specific qualifications/duties listed in this bulletin, including the areas in which you have developed expertise. Please be sure to print a copy of this job bulletin for your records. Please note that email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process.
Please click here for tips to complete your application.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
EMAIL NOTIFICATION
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply. Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Mary Felix at mfelix@ocsheriff.gov or call our Recruiting line at 714 834-5811.
EEO INFORMATION
Please note that Extra Help employees are not eligible for the benefits listed.
Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information
See All 11 Deputy Sheriff Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Deputy Sheriff JobsDeputy Sheriff Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in deputy sheriff jobs.
- Current or eligible Peace Officer Standards and Training certification for the hiring state
- High school diploma or GED required, with associate or bachelor's degree preferred by many counties
- Valid driver's license with a clean driving record acceptable for department vehicle use
- Successful completion of a background investigation, polygraph, and psychological evaluation
- Proficiency with standard law enforcement dispatch and records management systems
- Physical fitness meeting the department's agility and medical standards at time of hire
Tips for Your Deputy Sheriff Job Search
Tailor your resume to POST standards
Many sheriff's offices filter applications against Peace Officer Standards and Training requirements before a human reads them. List your POST certification, academy name, graduation date, and state of licensure near the top so reviewers confirm eligibility immediately.
Highlight specialized law enforcement credentials
Defensive tactics certifications, crisis intervention training, and K-9 or SWAT qualifications set applications apart in competitive counties. List each certification with its issuing agency and expiration date so hiring deputies can verify currency without a follow-up call.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists deputy sheriff openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target openings by county size and specialty
A large metropolitan county and a rural three-deputy office have fundamentally different duties, cultures, and promotion timelines. Search by county population and listed specialty so your application focuses on environments where your patrol, corrections, or investigations background actually aligns.
Prepare for the written and physical agility exam
Most sheriff's offices require a written civil service exam and a timed physical agility test before any interview. Research each county's posted standards, practice the specific run distances and obstacle formats they use, and confirm current passing scores directly from the department's recruitment page.
Follow up after the background investigation stage
Deputy sheriff hiring pipelines can stall for months at the background check phase without any communication to the candidate. A brief, professional check-in email to the recruiter every three to four weeks signals continued interest and sometimes surfaces a request for missing documents before your file is closed.
Deputy Sheriff Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most deputy sheriffs?
The most active employers for deputy sheriffs right now are Deschutes County, PINAL COUNTY, and County of Orange, and the most openings are in California, Oregon, and Ohio, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. County-level agencies account for the majority of postings, so filtering by state is the fastest way to narrow results to your area.
How many deputy sheriff jobs are remote?
About 0% of deputy sheriff openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting that most sworn patrol and corrections roles require a physical presence on shift. The sub-areas most likely to offer any remote component are administrative positions, background investigation units, and certain criminal analyst or support roles attached to a sheriff's office.
How do you become a deputy sheriff?
You meet the minimum age and education requirements set by the county, submit an application during an open recruitment cycle, pass a written civil service exam and physical agility test, clear a thorough background investigation and psychological evaluation, complete a state-certified law enforcement academy if not already POST-certified, and then finish a field training program before working independently as a sworn deputy.
Can you get hired as a deputy sheriff with no prior law enforcement experience?
Many sheriff's offices hire candidates with no prior sworn experience and put them through a full academy, so the barrier is meeting character and fitness standards rather than a résumé full of law enforcement jobs. Military service, corrections work, emergency medical technician experience, or a criminal justice degree all strengthen an entry-level application by demonstrating relevant discipline, physical readiness, and familiarity with high-stakes environments.
What does the deputy sheriff interview process look like?
The process typically moves through an application review, written exam, and physical agility test, followed by an oral board interview with a panel of senior officers who ask situational and behavioral questions. Candidates who pass advance to a polygraph, an extensive background investigation covering finances and personal history, a psychological evaluation, and a medical exam before a conditional offer is made.
Where can I find and apply to deputy sheriff jobs?
You can find and apply to deputy sheriff jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from sheriff's offices and law enforcement agencies across the United States. Search for roles that match your certification level and specialty, then apply directly to each listing that fits your background.
See All 11 Deputy Sheriff Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Deputy Sheriff Jobs