San Mateo County
SHERIFF'S OFFICE
A tradition of service since 1856
Deputy sheriff Trainee
Required Pre-testing information for Deputy Sheriff Trainee applicants must be completed before submitting an application.
More information below.
Pay Range: $119,350 - $126,817 (Not including benefits)
​Earn competitive pay and incentive bonuses, while building a rewarding law enforcement career that has real impact on your community. Provide for public safety, protecting people and property while promoting good community relations. Apply now to join our team.
DUTIES INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
Deputy Sheriff Trainee is the entry-level class of the Deputy Sheriff series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents receive Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Academy and/or field officer training in order to acquire a POST Basic Certificate. Incumbents perform a wide variety of peace officer tasks under close and direct supervision of experienced officers and are required to promote to the journey-level Deputy Sheriff classification after acquiring the education and experience required of the State of California POST Basic Certificate. At the higher journey level, Deputies facilitate community interaction and utilize collaborative problem-solving techniques; investigate crimes; patrol assigned areas; receive, supervise and transport inmates; act as bailiff or civil deputy; and perform all related duties in law enforcement and crime prevention as may be assigned under general supervision.
WHY JOIN THE SAN MATEO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE?
✅ Premier medical, dental, and vision benefits for you and your family
✅ Strong community support
✅ Paid vacation, sick, and personal leave
✅ 2.7% at 57 Public Employees’ Retirement Plan
✅ Educational incentives
• 2.5% for Intermediate POST Certificate
• Additional 5% for Advanced POST Certificate
✅ Annual uniform allowance
✅ Additional bilingual pay
✅ Tuition reimbursement
✅ On-site gym
✅ Rotating day team schedules (guaranteed two weekends off per month)
✅ 12-hour shift schedules
✅ Promotional opportunities
✅ Wide range of special assignments and specialty units
SPECIALTY UNITS & ASSIGNMENTS
✅ Motorcycle Unit
✅ Narcotics Task Force
✅ Northern California Regional Intelligence Center (NCRIC)
✅ Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT)
✅ Professional Standards Bureau
✅ SWAT Team
✅ Training Unit
✅ Siebel Firearms Range
✅ Vehicle Theft Task Force
✅ Bicycle Unit
✅ Bomb Unit
✅ Civil Bureau
✅ Cliff Rescue Unit
✅ Crisis Negotiation Unit
✅ Drone Unit
✅ Emergency Services Bureau
✅ Dive and Marine Units
✅ Gang Intelligence Unit
✅ Honor Guard
✅ Investigations Bureau
✅ K-9 Unit
Required Pre-testing information for Deputy Sheriff Trainee applicants must be completed before submitting an application. Applicants for the Deputy Sheriff Trainee position must pass the below Battery Tests within a year of the date of application
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Aspiring Deputy Sheriff Trainee?
Here’s What You Need to Know Before Getting Started​
Becoming a Deputy Sheriff Trainee is a competitive, multi-step hiring process that requires preparation, commitment, and time. This is not an immediate hire. Applicants should be prepared for a thorough evaluation designed to identify candidates ready for the responsibilities of a career in law enforcement.
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Step 1:Written Examination Requirement
Applicants must meet the written examination requirement before advancing in the hiring process.
Documentation must be submitted with the application.
All test scores must be dated within 12 months of the application date unless otherwise noted.
Applicants may qualify by meeting one of the following options:
Option 1: POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB)
• Must be completed in 2.5 hours or less
• Minimum passing T-Score of 48
Schedule the test at:
https://theacademy.ca.gov/tests/
Option 2: Basic Police Academy Certification
• Must meet California POST requirements
Option 3: Education Requirement
• Associate’s degree or higher from an accredited U.S. college or university
Already POST Certified?
Applicants who have completed a California POST Basic Police Academy may meet the written examination requirement and may proceed in the process.
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Step 2: Physical Agility Test
Applicants must complete a Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB) with a score of 384 and within 12 months of the application date. Apply to take the exam here. One of the parts of this physical agility test is the ability to run a 1.5 mile in under 14 minutes.
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Step 3: Submit Your Application
All applicants must submit an online employment application to be considered.
Applicants must also:
• Complete all supplemental questions
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Important Notes
• PELLETB scores from other agencies or training organizations may be accepted if they meet California POST standards
• Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement in the hiring process
Hiring Timeline (Estimated)
The Deputy Sheriff Trainee selection process typically spans several months to over one year, depending on applicant volume, background complexity, and department needs.
Typical hiring phases include:
• Application review and eligibility screening — several weeks
• Written examination verification — varies
• Physical ability test — 1–2 months after initial review
• Oral interview panel(s)
• Background investigation — several months
• Psychological and medical evaluations
• Final review and conditional job offer
• Academy assignment based on available start dates
Each phase must be successfully completed before advancing to the next step.
What to Expect
The hiring process is lengthy, comprehensive, and highly competitive. It is designed to evaluate a candidate’s:
• Integrity
• Decision-making ability
• Physical readiness
• Long-term suitability for a law enforcement career
Applicants seeking a fast or simplified hiring process should carefully consider whether this career path aligns with their expectations.
Ready to Begin the Journey?
If you are prepared to commit to a challenging and rewarding career path, follow the steps above to begin your pursuit of becoming a Deputy Sheriff Trainee.
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Deputy sheriff Lateral
Pay Range: $119,350 - $149,198
(Not including benefits)
Competitive Pay & Financial Benefits
✅ Educational incentives – 2.5% Basic POST Certificate + 5% Advanced POST Certificate
✅ Additional bilingual pay
✅ Annual uniform allowance
✅ Tuition reimbursement
Schedule & Work-Life Balance
✅ 12-hour shift schedules
✅ Rotating day team schedules – guaranteed 2 weekends off per month
✅ Option to front-load leave – 80 hours sick leave + 40 hours vacation time
Career Opportunities
✅ Expedited hiring process for lateral deputies
✅ Wide range of special assignments
✅ Promotional opportunities throughout the department
✅ No WSTB or written exam requirement for qualified laterals
Benefits & Retirement
✅ Premier medical, dental, and vision benefits for Deputy and family members
✅ SamCERA retirement system honoring Tier 1–5 CalPERS contracts
✅ Access to an on-site gym
