Deputy Sheriff Trainee (Open)
Salary
$119,350.40 - $126,817.60 Annually
Location
County of San Mateo, CA
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
H061R
Department
Sheriffs Office
Opening Date
03/27/2026
Bargaining Unit
61
Description
The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to protecting our community and providing exceptional service to all residents and visitors. We strive to build strong partnerships with the communities we serve while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
We are seeking motivated individuals who are committed to public service and ready to begin a rewarding career in law enforcement.
Position Overview
As a Deputy Sheriff Trainee, you will begin your journey toward becoming a sworn peace officer with the support, mentorship, and training provided by the Sheriff's Office. Under close supervision, trainees attend a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified police academy, where they develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to serve as a deputy sheriff while working toward earning the POST Basic Certificate.
Following successful completion of the academy, field training program, and jail training program you will perform a variety of law enforcement duties under the guidance of Sheriff's Office staff.
Assignments may include:
Ideal Candidate
The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office is seeking individuals who demonstrate strong character, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to public service. The ideal candidate possesses the integrity, judgment, and work ethic necessary to succeed in a challenging and rewarding law enforcement career.
Ideal candidates will possess the following characteristics:
TO AVOID DELAYS IN PROCESSING YOUR APPLICATION, PLEASE READ THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS JOB POSTING IN ITS ENTIRETY PRIOR TO SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT APPLYING
The required tests for Deputy Sheriff Trainee applicants must be completed before submitting an online application. The following describes the required application materials:
Step 1: Application Submission: All applicants are required to submit an online application to be considered. Responses to the supplemental questions and copies of required test scores must be submitted in addition to the regular employment application form. Applications submitted without the required attachments will be rejected.
Step 2: Written Examination: Applicants for the Deputy Sheriff Trainee have three options for meeting the written examination requirement:
1) POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB): This exam must be completed in less than 2.5 hours, be passed with a minimum T-Score of 48 and be dated within twelve (12) months of the date of application. The areas covered by the PELLETB test include spelling, vocabulary, clarity, reading and CLOZE (use contextual clues to complete a passage that contains missing words). To schedule for the exam, visit the South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Consortiums website at: The Academy - Pre-Employment Testing and Training.
OR
2) Possession of a Basic Police Academy certification meeting POST requirements dated within one year of application.
OR
3) Possession of an associate's degree or higher from an accredited U.S. college or university.
Step 3: Physical Agility Examination - Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB): This exam must be passed with a minimum score of 384 and be dated within twelve (12) months of the date of application. This exam evaluates the physical abilities to perform essential law enforcement tasks. Applicants can submit scores from the WSTB through The Academy. The Academy offers optional practice sessions. To schedule for the exam, visit the South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Consortiums website at: The Academy - Pre-Employment Testing and Training.
The events for the WSTB typically include:
NOTE: PELLETB test and WSTB results from other training organizations or law enforcement agencies will be accepted so long as they meet California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) requirements.
Qualifications
Education: A high school graduate or passing the General Education Development (GED) test or other high school equivalency test approved by CDE, or completion of at least 60 college units from an accredited or approved institution.
Skill/Ability to: Work collaboratively with others to solve problems; read and comprehend legal documents, law enforcement manuals, and court decisions; read standard street and highway maps; follow instructions; function effectively under stress; demonstrate leadership and control in volatile, rapidly changing environments; maintain impartiality, transparency and make accurate observations; perform repeated strenuous physical exertion; write complete and accurate reports and correspondence.; communicate clearly and respectfully with all types of people, both orally and in writing; lead by personal example by interacting professionally and compassionately with community members; meet State of California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) medical, physical, and psychological standards for law enforcement.
Licensure/Certification:
Deputy Sheriff Trainee: Eligibility for State of California P.O.S.T. law enforcement academy and field officer training OR successful graduation from State of California P.O.S.T. law enforcement academy and eligibility for field officer training.
Other Requirements:
Application/Examination
Open. Anyone may apply. Responses to the supplemental questions and copies of required test scores must be submitted in addition to the regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire.
The examination/selection process will consist of the steps detailed below:
Step 1: Application Submission: All applicants are required to submit an online application to be considered. Responses to the supplemental questions and copies of required test scores (PELLETB and WSTB) must be submitted in addition to the regular employment application form. Applications submitted without the required attachments will be rejected.
Step 2: Written/ Physical Agility Examination: Applicants for the Deputy Sheriff Trainee have three options for meeting the written examination requirement - (1) submittal of a valid and passing T-Score on the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) exam dated within the last 12 months prior to the date of application OR (2) possession of a Basic Police Academy certification meeting POST requirements dated within one year of application will be accepted in lieu of PELLETB scores OR (3) possession of an associate's degree or higher from an accredited U.S. college or university AND submittal of a valid and passing Physical Agiity Test WSTB score dated within the last 12 months prior to the date of application.
Step 3: Application Appraisal (weight: 100%): Applicants who meet the qualifications for the position will be placed on the eligible list for a period of six months.
Oral Interview: After placement on the eligible list, qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an in-person panel interview with the Sheriff's Office Professional Standards Bureau.
Apply immediately. This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and may close at any time. Selections may be made at any time within the process and the final filing date will be posted five days in advance on this job announcement.
About the County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.
The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.
The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.
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Analyst: Lealoa Numera (03272026) (Deputy Trainee - H061)
We invite you to explore our Benefits-at-a-Glance page for a snapshot of the comprehensive and competitive benefits available to eligible employees of the County of San Mateo. From health and wellness to financial security, our benefits are designed to support you at every stage of your career. (Please note that benefits are subject to change.)
In addition to core benefits, the County is proud to offer a variety of wellness and professional development programs to help you grow both personally and professionally. Most of these enriching opportunities are available during work hours and come at no cost to you.
As a County employee, you'll also be covered by the federal Social Security system, earning valuable retirement benefits based on your salary and years of service.
01
IMPORTANT: Applicants for this position are required to submit responses to the following supplemental questions. Your responses will give us additional information about your background and experience related to this position and will be used in the selection process. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for your responses.
02
The Deputy Sheriff Trainee position (per Government Code 1031.4) requires that you must be at least 21 years of age at time of appointment. Are you at least 20 years of age at the time of application?
03
The Deputy Sheriff Trainee position requires applicants to have either graduated from high school, have passed the General Education Development (GED) test, possess other high school equivalency test approved by the California Department of Education, or completion of at least 60 college units from an accredited or approved institution. Do you meet this requirement? (Note: If "YES", you will be required to submit proof of educational requirement prior to employment). (A "NO" answer will disqualify you from this recruitment).
04
You must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Do you meet this requirement? (If "YES", you will be required to submit proof of your legal authorization to work in the Unites States prior to employment.)
05
A Non-Tobacco Use Policy applies to all employees hired by the County as a Deputy Sheriff Trainee after October 1, 2004. Are you currently a County employee who was hired by the County prior to October 1, 2004?
06
If hired for the Deputy Sheriff Trainee position, you will be required to sign a "Statement of Acceptance" evidencing an agreement to refrain from using tobacco products at any time upon obtaining this position. Any such employee who violates the agreement shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. If hired, will you be able to sign this policy and refrain from using tobacco products at any time?
07
You must be fingerprinted for purposes of search of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal records. Do you agree to provide fingerprints for this position?
08
To be considered for employment for a Deputy Sheriff Trainee position, you must not have been convicted of any felony in the State of California, any other state or in any federal jurisdiction. Have you ever been convicted of a felony?
09
Do you possess a valid California drivers license?
10
If you do not possess a California drivers license, please explain fully.
11
Do you possess a POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) T-Score of 48 or higher received within the past 12 months? If yes, you must attach proof of a documented valid T-Score at the time of application.
12
If you answered yes to question #11 you must attach copies of your PELLETB written exam T-score results at time of application. Academy graduates may submit their Basic Police Academy certification dated within one year of application in lieu of a PELLETB T-score.
Failure to submit the required exam scores will result in your application being rejected.
Have you attached the required PELLETB T-score or qualifying Basic Police Academy certification?
13
If you do not possess a valid PELLETB exam score but you possess an associates degree or higher from an accredited U.S. college or university, you must attach a copy of your transcript or diploma to your application. Have you attached the required copy of your transcript or diploma to your application?
14
Candidates must possess a valid Physical Agility WSTB score of 384 or higher received in the past 12 months and a successful completion of the 1.5-mile run under 14 minutes. Failure to submit the required exam scores will result in your application being rejected. Have you attached the required WSTB score to this application?
15
What is your current level of experience?
16
How did you learn about the Deputy Sheriff Trainee position?
17
Did you learn about this position at a community event via a San Mateo County Sheriffs Office recruitment booth and/or staff? If yes, please list the name, date and location of the event. If no, please indicate "N/A."
18
The County has an Employee Referral Program whereby current employees are recognized monetarily for referring successful applicants for employment into "hard-to-fill" positions. Were you referred to this position by a current County of San Mateo employee? Please provide the name of employee. (Must be provided at the time of application.)
Required Question
Employer County of San Mateo
Address County of San Mateo Human Resources Department
500 County Center, 4th Floor
Redwood City, California, 94063-1663
Phone (650) 363-4343
Website https://jobs.smcgov.org