Deputy Sheriff Trainee/Deputy Sheriff

Starting Salary: Deputy Sheriff Trainee - approximately $45.18 per hour YOUR CALLING STARTS HERE – BECOME A VENTURA COUNTY DEPUTY SHERIFF. Get paid while you train, gain hands-on experience, and build a rewarding career dedicated to serving the citizens of Ventura County, with a structured path from custody to patrol and opportunities to grow into specialized assignments. DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES? Being a Deputy Sheriff is more than a job; it is a calling. It is an opportunity to serve others, give back to your community, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people you serve. You may be called upon to help someone on the worst day of their life. Being there when people need you most is one of the most meaningful and rewarding parts of this profession. The successful candidate must be willing and able to learn, grow, and develop the skills necessary to enforce the law, protect lives and property, respond effectively in emergencies, and communicate and work cooperatively and respectfully with diverse communities. The work is physically and emotionally demanding and requires individuals to be prepared to meet the high standards of the profession. Candidates must meet stringent California POST physical fitness standards, including requirements related to hearing, vision, color vision, and other physical qualifications. Candidates must also successfully complete a rigorous background investigation and selection process. Before applying, candidates should carefully review the medical, background, and other selection requirements outlined in this job announcement and determine whether they believe they can meet the established standards. If you are ready to answer the call, serve the citizens of Ventura County, and commit to the demands and responsibilities of this profession, your career starts here. THE POSTION: Under immediate supervision, support, and instruction, the Deputy Sheriff Trainee undergoes Academy training in preparation for appointment as a Deputy Sheriff. The Academy is a paid, non-residential program, meaning you return home at the end of each day. A pre-academy orientation is provided to help you prepare for the Academy experience. Training includes law enforcement fundamentals, vehicle operations, arrest and control, firearms, patrol procedures, criminal investigation, custody operations, community policing, cultural diversity, communications, first aid, and physical fitness. Upon successful completion of the Academy, the Deputy Sheriff Trainee may be promoted to Deputy Sheriff and assigned to custody. Newly appointed Deputy Sheriffs complete a three-week Deputy Supplemental Core Course followed by a four-week custody facility training course. Deputy Sheriffs then complete an initial multi-year assignment in custody before transitioning to patrol. Once selected for patrol, they complete a five-month Field Training Program at one of six patrol stations throughout Ventura County. BENEFITS & INCENTIVES: Ventura County offers an excellent benefit package that helps support the health, well being, and financial security of its employees. Biweekly contribution towards a flexible benefits program (including medical, dental, and vision insurance options) Up to 2.5% matching funds in a 401(k) plan Annual leave (depending upon years of service) 13 paid holidays (including a floating holiday) Wellness Program (including health club discounts; free health coaching, onsite wellness, and online health education) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and peer support Work Life Program (including Lactation Accommodation Policy, Child Care Discounts and Coastal Housing Partnership) Possible educational incentive of 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5% based on the completion of Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree or, if qualified, for POST certification; plus other premium/incentive/bonus payments Biweekly contributions towards a secure, lifetime retirement benefit ("pension") Possible bilingual incentive pay depending upon operational need and certification of skills, for those qualified Textbook and tuition program GI Bill on-the-job training program (for those eligible) For more details regarding the benefits offered by Ventura County click here: https://hr.ventura.org/benefits Deputy Sheriff Trainees and Deputy Sheriffs are represented by the Ventura County Deputy Sheriff's Association (VCDSA) and are eligible for overtime compensation. Duties may include, but are not limited to the following: Deputy Sheriff Trainee: The Deputy Sheriff Trainee undergoes Academy training in preparation for appointment as a Deputy Sheriff. Deputy Sheriff assigned to Custody: Acts as a jailer for inmates committed to the jail; Supervises housekeeping activities of the inmates; Escorts and transports inmates both to and from jail, courtrooms, and state institutions; Books, searches and releases inmates; Admits and logs visitors, assuring conformance with rules and regulations governing visiting privileges; Maintains records and prepares reports; and Performs other related duties as required. Deputy Sheriff assigned to Patrol: Receives and answers complaints of law violations in County areas and prepares reports as needed; Issues citations and makes arrests; Investigates crimes; Appears in court as a witness; Serves warrants and other legal documents; Uses intelligence-led policing strategies to address crime trends in the community; Facilitates community-based policing and problem-solving solutions; and Performs other related duties as required. These are entrance requirements to the examination process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list. EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE: To qualify for this classification an individual must possess some experience that demonstrates possession of and competency in the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities. Some examples of qualifying education are: Graduating from an accredited high school, OR Passing the General Educati