Deputy Sheriff Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $93,974.40 - $134,076.60 Annually
Location : throughout Ventura County, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 0995SHF-26AA (DC)
Department: Sheriff
Opening Date: 01/01/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
Starting Salary:
Deputy Sheriff Trainee - approximately $45.18 per hour
Upon successful academy completion, incumbent is eligible for promotion to Deputy Sheriff with a salary of approximately $47.44 per hour / $98,675.20 annually.
Mission
We, the members of the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, are committed to safeguarding the lives and property of residents of Ventura County and respond to public concerns in a manner which is fair, unbiased, lawful and promotes neighborhoods free from crime.
The Ventura County Sheriff's Office is looking to hire honest, dependable and diverse problem solvers. Our approach empowers each employee to have a voice in a collaborative, adaptive work environment. We think creatively and strategically together as a team. If you are committed to excellence, high quality service, leadership development and a great place to work, you belong at Ventura County Sheriff's Office.
The Position
Under immediate supervision, support and instruction, the Deputy Sheriff Trainee undergoes Academy training in preparation for appointment as a Deputy Sheriff.
About The Ventura County Criminal Justice Training Center (Academy):
Attendance is paid time and is a non-residential academy which means you go home at the end of each day. A pre-academy orientation is provided to ensure you can maximize your experiences. Support and training is provided during the Academy in areas including, but not limited to, leadership, professionalism and ethics, criminal law, laws of evidence, vehicle operations, arrest and control, firearms, patrol procedures, traffic enforcement/investigation, criminal investigation, custody operations, community policing and problem solving, cultural diversity, oral/written communications, first aid and physical fitness.
Upon successful completion of the Academy, Deputy Sheriff Trainees may be promoted to Deputy Sheriff. Under general supervision, a newly appointed Deputy Sheriff will be assigned to custody and will perform a wide variety of custody and related duties including providing secure and humane detention for incarcerated individuals. After a period of time, a Deputy Sheriff will rotate to patrol and will perform a wide variety of patrol and related duties including building strong community partnerships; the prevention of crime; the protection of life and property; the enforcement of laws and ordinances; conducting investigations; assisting in the preparation of cases and testifying in court; and providing assistance to the public.
The Successful Candidate
The successful candidate demonstrates the:

• Ability to enforce laws;
• Ability to protect lives and property;
• Ability to take effective courses of action in emergencies;
• Ability to communicate with diverse community members;
• Ability to organize and work cooperatively with diverse communities;
• Ability to empathize with people of different cultures, backgrounds, experiences, and sociodemographic characteristics.

BENEFITS/INCENTIVES
Ventura County offers an excellent benefit package that helps support healthy peace officers and effective work-life balance.

• 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
• WorkLife 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:

Deputy Sheriff Trainees and Deputy Sheriffs are represented by the Ventura County Deputy Sheriff's Association (VCDSA) and are eligible for overtime compensation.
For more information about us and the application process, please visit our website:
Examples Of Duties
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;
• Prepares investigative reports;
• Issues citations and makes arrests;
• Takes descriptions of wanted persons and stolen property;
• Intervenes in public and private disputes to protect the public and maintain order;
• Investigates crimes committed by and against juveniles;
• 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.

Typical Qualifications
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 high school, OR
• Passing the General Education Development (GED) Test, OR
• Passing the California High School Proficiency Examination, OR
• Having attained a two-year, four-year or advanced degree from an accredited college or university.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Candidates must:

• be at least twenty-one (21) years of age at time of appointment as a Deputy Sheriff;
• be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law; and
• possess and maintain a valid California driver license and POST certificate.

NOTE: An adult felony conviction is disqualifying. Any illegal activity including illegal drug use/possession or prescription drug abuse may be disqualifying.
Supplemental Information:

• Applicants must be willing to work at any station throughout the County and must be able to work any shift including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Incumbents may be required to work under adverse conditions and must be prepared to successfully respond to unexpected and occasionally life-threatening events.
• Incumbents must have strength, endurance, and physical agility to restrain rebellious and/or violent offenders.
• According to the Ventura County Sheriff Office's non-smoking policy, all employees who attain the rank of Deputy Sheriff or a higher classification must refrain from smoking while employed by the department.
• Incumbents with any body art (tattoo(s), brands, etc.), will be required to wear uniform clothing that covers the artwork while on duty. For example, wearing a long sleeve shirt to cover a full arm tattoo.
• In addition, all deputies must be willing and capable of wearing specialized protective equipment, such as gas masks, bio-hazard suits, radioactive protective gear and other hazardous material protective equipment that may be developed. By wearing said gear, deputies will be subjected to future health screenings, including submission of medical information

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Some ability to: learn the various California codes, County ordinances, and departmental rules and regulations pertaining to the specific responsibilities of a Deputy Sheriff; learn the methods used in law enforcement, the rules of evidence, laws of arrest, security, and civil procedures; understand written and oral directions; take effective courses of action in emergencies; prepare comprehensive reports and correspondence; and establish and maintain effective relations with others.
Recruitment Process
FINAL FILING DATE: This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time; therefore, apply as soon as possible if you are interested in it. Your application must be received by County of Ventura Human Resources, 800 South Victoria Avenue, L1970, Ventura, CA 93009 by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.
To apply on-line, please refer to our web site at If you prefer to fill out a paper application form, please call (805) 654-5129 for application materials and submit them to County of Ventura Human Resources, 800 South Victoria Avenue, L-1970, Ventura, CA 93009.
Note to Applicants: It is essential that you complete all sections of your application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and accurately to demonstrate your qualifications. A resume and/or other related documents may be attached to supplement the information in your application and supplemental questionnaire; however, it/they may not be submitted in lieu of the application.
Please thoroughly read the Recruitment Process of this job announcement. Additionally, it is important that you frequently check your email and/or applicant portal throughout this process, as this is the way we will be notifying applicants of their status and providing information regarding the next step in the recruitment and selection process.
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE - qualifying: All applicants are required to complete and submit the questionnaire for this examination AT THE TIME OF FILING. The supplemental questionnaire may be used throughout the exam process to assist in determining each applicant's qualifications and acceptability for the position. Failure to complete and submit the questionnaire may result in the application being removed from consideration.
APPLICATION EVALUATION - qualifying: All applications will be reviewed to determine whether or not the stated requirements are met. Those individuals meeting the stated requirements will be invited to continue to the next step in the screening and selection process.
WRITTEN EXAMINATION - Pass/Fail: A job related, written examination will be conducted to evaluate and compare participating candidates' knowledge, skills, and abilities in relation to those factors which have been determined to be essential for successful performance of the job. Applicants must take and pass one of the following written exam testing options:
Option 1: On-Line
The Ventura County Sheriff's Office offers proctored, on-line, internet based testing services through the National Testing Network (NTN). To register with NTN and schedule a test, go to select "Find Jobs", then select Law Enforcement Jobs and sign up for Ventura County Sheriff's Office. You may test anytime you wish after submitting a Ventura County employment application through this job announcement. You must pass all three sections in order to continue to the next step of the screening and selection process. The passing scores are Video: 60.00, Writing 70.00 and Reading 70.00.
It is highly recommended that candidates review the frequently asked questions (FAQs) located on the NTN website including the Virtual Testing FAQs before scheduling an exam to verify your computer system can support the test environment.
Option 2:
Applicants may submit their PELLETB results that have been issued by another agency. The results must show a minimum t-score of 42.0 to be accepted and are valid for one year from the date the test was taken. Applicants must submit a copy of the letter from the testing agency on agency letterhead. Acceptance of the other agency's t-score is subject to verification with the testing agency. Please provide your documentation in a PDF to Denise Carrizosa by email to or by uploading a copy with your employment application.
PRACTICAL (PHYSICAL AGILITY) EXAMINATION - Pass/Fail: A job-related physical agility examination will be administered. The physical agility exam may include, but is not limited to, the following events: one-mile run, weight drag, obstacle course, and fence climb.
Upon passing a written and the practical (physical agility) exam, applicants will be placed on the eligible list for a period of one year and will be contacted regarding the on-line submission of a Pre-Investigative Questionnaire (PIQ).
SELECTION INTERVIEWS: Applicants submitting complete and appropriate PIQs will be invited to a selection interview for further continuation in the process.
PERSONAL HISTORY STATEMENT (PHS) REVIEW - Pass/Fail: Top applicants will be invited to meet with a Sheriff's Investigator who will conduct a PHS Review Interview.
Assuming sufficient vacancies, a selected number of applicants wi