Deputy Sheriff - Sponsorship (2027 Summer/Fall Semester)

Position Summary The Walton County Sheriff’s Office is always seeking motivated and forward-thinking individuals to join our team. Part of that mission involves finding and developing relationships with candidates who share our common goal to provide excellent service to our community. We do offer academy sponsorship for those in the beginning stages of their law enforcement careers. In order to qualify for sponsorship, candidates must complete this application for employment. Once your application has been processed, you must successfully complete our hiring process, be granted selection and finally, receive a conditional job offer. Qualifications Be at least 21 years of age by time of certification Be a United States Citizen Possess a high school diploma or equivalent Possess a valid driver’s license with a good driving history Have a good moral character and be drug-free, in accordance with agency policy Pass a background investigation which includes all items described on the agency’s automatic disqualification list, including but not limited to: no felony convictions, no misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement, no convictions or injunctions for domestic violence, no dishonorable discharge from any branch of the of the United States Armed Forces, etc Job Benefits Special Risk Retirement plan under the Florida State Retirement System Health, Dental Vision, Life and Disability Insurance Annual Leave and Sick Leave Deferred Compensation Plans are available Tuition Assistance Program Employee Assistance Program 24-hour gym access Agency Wellness and Fitness Program Hiring Process Failure to complete required application correctly and submit required documents will cause a delay in the application process, causing applications to potentially be placed in an "on-hold" status. Applicants will be required to successfully complete: Physical Abilities Testing Panel Interview Polygraph Examination Background investigation which includes, but is not limited to: criminal history, driving history, credit check, previous employment verification. Applicants who are selected to fill the positions will be required to complete an FDLE physical, drug screen (including nicotine panel), and psychological evaluation. Tentative Hiring Timeline: Accepting Applications: October 2, 2026 - April 2, 2027 Process Applications: October 2, 2026 - April 2, 2027 Last Day for Job Offers: April 30, 2027 Start Date: May 17, 2027 In House Academy: June 2027 Law Enforcement Academy: July 2027 The Walton County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Walton County Sheriff's Office will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Veterans are encouraged to apply. Pursuant to applicable state and federal law, preference and priority shall be given to certain service members and veterans (including spouses and family members of such service members and veterans), and certain service members may be eligible for a waiver of post-secondary educational requirements as provided in Chapter 295, Florida Statutes.