Job Information SANTA CRUZ COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE 5200 SOQUEL AVENUE SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA 95062 831-454-7695 https://shf.santacruzcountyca.gov/ Updated: January 12, 2026 DEPUTY SHERIFF TRAINEE Salary: $8,218 – 11,570 / Month *Hiring Incentive: $15,000 upon completion of the Sheriff’s Office Field Training Program and completion of the probationary period at the Deputy Sheriff level, which is one year (2080 county service hours) Bilingual (English/Spanish) Candidates Encouraged to Apply This is a continuous recruitment. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Deputy Sheriff Trainee is a non-sworn trainee level classification in the Sheriff’s Office with no peace officer powers. Incumbents in this class attend an approved Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) police academy to be trained to perform law enforcement service. Upon successful completion of the basic academy, incumbents are expected to promote to Deputy Sheriff. Deputy Sheriffs perform law enforcement, crime prevention and crime detection activities; serve civil papers; coroner functions; act as bailiff and perform other duties as required. Incumbents rotate through various assignments and work rotating shift schedules, including nights, weekends and holidays. Job Requirements: • Graduation from a high school by an association recognized by the US Department of Education, a satisfactory score on a GED test or a California High School Proficiency Examination certificate. A two or four-year college degree accredited by an association recognized by the US Department of Education may be substituted for the high school requirements. • Ability to pass an extensive background investigation • Possession of a valid Class C California Driver License at time of appointment. • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States in accordance with Section 1031 of the Government Code • Must be at least 21 years of age at completion of academy Special Working Conditions: Exposure to variable temperatures and weather conditions; confined workspaces; heights; two-way radio noise; strong, unpleasant odors; infections which might cause chronic disease or death; dust and pollens; chemical irritants; possibility of experiencing bodily injury and/or burns; contact with a diverse population. SELECTION PROCESS Candidates must submit an application through the County of Santa Cruz website found here: www.santacruzcountyjobs.com Candidates who meet minimum qualifications and possess a valid T-Score of 46 or higher -OR- Completed the National Testing Network (NTN) Frontline Law Enforcement Written Examination (Passing scores accepted for this exam are Video-65% or higher; Reading-70% or higher; and Writing-70% or higher) will be invited to participate in a physical ability test. WE ACCEPT T-SCORES FROM OTHER AGENCIES INCLUDING THE POST WORK SAMPLE TEST BATTERY (WSTB). Physical Ability Test Part 1: Run 220 yards in 1 minute or less Part 2: Drag 165-pound dummy 60 feet in 1 minute or less. Candidates will be allowed two one-minute attempts to pass each part of the physical ability test. MUST PASS ALL components of the examination to be placed on the eligible list. Background Investigation: An extensive background investigation including a polygraph examination, drug screen, and Personal History Statement which includes work, legal, driving, financial and drug possession histories will be conducted. *Hiring Incentive of $15,000 upon completion of the Sheriff’s Office Field Training Program and completion of the probationary period at the Deputy Sheriff level, which is one year (2080 county service hours). Employees who separate prior to the completion of three years (6,240 county service hours) must reimburse the total amount of the incentive pay received. To view full benefits, learn more about background disqualifiers and learn more about the position, visit the County of Santa Cruz website: www.santacruzcountyjobs.com