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.
Premier medical, dental, and vision benefits for Deputy and family members
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
Uniform allowance
Additional bilingual pay
Wide range of special assignments
On-site gym
State of the art indoor/outdoor shooting range
Rotating day team schedules which guarantees 2 weekends off per month
Promotional opportunities
12-Hour shift schedules
Tuition reimbursement
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
Aspiring Deputy Sheriff Trainee?
Here’s what you need to know before getting started.
Becoming a Deputy Sheriff Trainee is a competitive, multi-step process that requires preparation, commitment, and time. It is not a quick or automatic hire. Applicants should be prepared for a thorough evaluation process designed to identify candidates who are ready for the demands of law enforcement.
Step 1: Application Submission
All applicants must submit an online employment application to be considered. In addition to the standard application, applicants are required to:
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Complete all supplemental questions, and
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Upload copies of required test scores or qualifying documentation
Applications that are incomplete or missing required attachments will not be accepted.
Step 2: Written Examination Requirement
Applicants must meet the written examination requirement before moving forward in the process. One of the following options is required, and 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:
1) POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB)
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Must be completed in 2.5 hours or less
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Minimum passing T-Score of 46
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Schedule at: https://theacademy.ca.gov/tests/
2) Basic Police Academy Certification
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Must meet California POST requirements
3) Education Requirement
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Possession of an associate’s degree or higher from an accredited U.S. college or university
Already POST-certified through a Basic Police Academy?
You may meet the written examination requirement and are eligible to proceed.
Important Notes
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PELLETB scores or equivalent results from other agencies or training organizations may be accepted if they meet California POST standards.
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Meeting minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement in the selection 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 departmental needs. Timeframes may vary.
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Application Review & Eligibility Screening: Several weeks
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Written Examination Verification: Varies based on applicant documentation
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Physical Ability Test (if applicable): 1–2 months after initial review
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Oral Interview(s): Conducted in scheduled panels
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Background Investigation: Several months
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Psychological & Medical Evaluations: Following successful background completion
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Final Review & Conditional Job Offer: Upon successful completion of all prior steps
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Academy Assignment: Based on available academy start dates
Each phase must be successfully completed before an applicant may advance to the next step.
What to Expect
This process is lengthy, comprehensive, and highly competitive. It is intentionally designed to assess a candidate’s integrity, decision-making, physical readiness, and long-term suitability for a career in law enforcement.
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’re prepared to commit to a challenging and rewarding process, follow the steps above to begin your pursuit of a career as a Deputy Sheriff Trainee.
Deputy sheriff Lateral
Pay Range: $119,350 - $149,198 (Not including benefits)
Expedited Hiring Process for Laterals
Premier medical, dental, and vision benefits for Deputy and family members
Rotating day shift team schedules which guarantees 2 weekends off per month
Educational Incentives - 2.5% for Basic POST Certificate, additional 5% for Advanced POST Certificate, bilingual pay
No WSTB or written requirement
Option to front load 80 hours of sick leave; 40 hours vacation time
SamCERA honors Tier 1-5 of CalPERS contracts.
​​The San Mateo County Employees’ Retirement Association (SamCERA) is proud to offer reciprocity, an option for those who have served in positions with different retirement plans in California, such as CalPERS. Learn more on the SamCERA website or talk to a member of our team about your career move today!
