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Entry Level Sheriff Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Deputy Sheriff I

San Andreas, CA ยท On-site

$38.68 - $47.54/hr

The class of Deputy Sheriff I is the entry level classification in the deputy series. Incumbents are considered to be in a training capacity for one year; successful completion of the training period ...

Deputy Sheriff I

Eureka, CA ยท On-site

$28.19 - $36.17/hr

This is the entry-level sworn classification in the Deputy Sheriff series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine law enforcement duties. As experience is gained ...

Job Purpose Employees hired into the entry level, non-sworn Deputy Sheriff Cadet (trainee) position will be assigned to attend a California P.O.S.T. certified basic police training academy or a ...

Deputy Sheriff I

Alturas, CA ยท On-site

$45K - $66K/yr

Deputy Sheriff I is an entry-level position in sworn law enforcement work. Incumbents learn and perform patrol, investigation, crime prevention, and the remainder of peace officer work. After ...

Deputy Sheriff I

Alturas, CA ยท On-site

$45K - $66K/yr

Deputy Sheriff I is an entry-level position in sworn law enforcement work. Incumbents learn and perform patrol, investigation, crime prevention, and the remainder of peace officer work. After ...

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS Deputy Sheriff Trainee is an entry-level class into the County law enforcement series. Incumbents must complete the basic POST Academy to successfully complete probation as a ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Sheriff information

See California salary details

$83.4K

$111.4K

$154K

How much do entry level sheriff jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level sheriff in California is $111,399.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,700.00 and $119,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level sheriff do?

An entry level sheriff is responsible for maintaining law and order within a county, enforcing local and state laws, and providing security in courts. Typical duties include patrolling assigned areas, responding to emergency calls, serving legal documents, and assisting with investigations. Entry level sheriffs may also transport prisoners, conduct traffic stops, and participate in community outreach programs. This position often serves as a starting point for a career in law enforcement, with opportunities for advancement based on experience and performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level sheriff, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Sheriff, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, law enforcement academy training, and a solid understanding of criminal law and public safety procedures. Familiarity with police databases, radio communication systems, and incident reporting software is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, integrity, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help you effectively interact with the community and handle stressful situations. These skills are crucial for ensuring public safety, upholding the law, and building trust within the community.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level sheriffs during their first year on the job?

Entry-level sheriffs often encounter challenges adjusting to shift work, handling high-pressure situations, and building trust within the communities they serve. They must quickly learn to balance enforcing the law with demonstrating empathy and professionalism, especially when dealing with sensitive or confrontational incidents. Additionally, adapting to the structured chain of command and collaborating effectively with more experienced colleagues can be a learning curve, but support and ongoing training are typically provided to help new sheriffs succeed.

What is the difference between Entry Level Sheriff vs Entry Level Deputy?

AspectEntry Level SheriffEntry Level Deputy
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, basic law enforcement trainingHigh school diploma or GED, basic law enforcement training
Work EnvironmentCounty or city law enforcement agencies, rural or urban areasCounty or city law enforcement agencies, rural or urban areas
Employer & Industry UsageCounty sheriff's offices, law enforcement agenciesPolice departments, sheriff's offices, law enforcement agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Sheriffs and Entry Level Deputies often share similar qualifications, work environments, and employer types. Both roles typically require basic law enforcement training and serve in county or city agencies. The main difference lies in terminology and jurisdiction, with sheriffs often overseeing county-wide law enforcement and deputies working under sheriff offices. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers identify the right entry point in law enforcement careers.

How long would it take to become an entry level sheriff?

Becoming an entry-level sheriff typically requires completing a police academy training program, which usually lasts several months, and gaining relevant law enforcement experience, often through prior roles such as a deputy or correctional officer. The total time can range from 1 to 3 years depending on the individual's background and the specific department's requirements.

How to become an entry level sheriff?

To become an entry-level sheriff, candidates typically need to meet minimum age and education requirements, pass a background check, complete law enforcement training at a certified academy, and obtain relevant certifications such as a peace officer license. Prior experience in law enforcement or related fields can be beneficial, and candidates must often pass physical and written exams. Once qualified, applicants can apply for sheriff's office positions and undergo on-the-job training.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sheriff jobs in California?

The most popular types of Sheriff jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Sheriff jobs in California?

For Entry Level Sheriff jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Sheriff jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Sheriff jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Sheriff jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Sheriff job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Sheriff job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,399 per year, or $53.6 per hour.

Deputy Sheriff I

County of Calaveras, CA

San Andreas, CA โ€ข On-site

$38.68 - $47.54/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Salary: $38.68 - $47.54 Hourly
Location : Sheriff's Office - 1045 Jeff Tuttle Drive, San Andreas, CA
Job Type: Full Time Regular - Benefited
Job Number: 2019-00001
Department: Sheriff's Office
Division: Sheriff
Opening Date: 07/11/2019
Position Description
Recruitment/Retention Incentive
$4,000 upon completion of 1st year
$3,000 upon completion of 2nd year
$3,000 upon completion of 3rd year
Relocation Incentive
$2,000 upon hire if relocating to Calaveras County from outside a 50 mile radius.
DEFINITION:
Under supervision, to serve in a training capacity as a field law enforcement officer; guard and supervise prisoners in the courts or medical facility; and do related work as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
The class of Deputy Sheriff I is the entry level classification in the deputy series. Incumbents are considered to be in a training capacity for one year; successful completion of the training period may result in advancement to the class of Deputy Sheriff II.
Example of Duties
  • In a trainee capacity, learns and performs, under supervision, all aspects of law enforcement work, such as patrolling assigned areas, answering calls for protection of life and property, conducting preliminary investigations, interrogating witnesses, gathering evidence, taking statements, making arrests, investigating accidents, directing traffic, serving warrants and civil papers, booking and guarding prisoners, and performing desk, jailer and bailiff duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications
Ability to:
Observe accurately and remember names, faces, numbers, incidents, and places; demonstrate an aptitude for law enforcement work; learn, understand, and interpret laws and regulations; learn standard broadcasting procedures of police radio systems; make independent decisions and adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action; write clear and comprehensive reports; understand and carry out oral and written directions; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with fellow employees and the general public; meet standards of adequate physical stature, endurance, and agility.
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
Equivalent to graduation from high school and successful completion of an approval law enforcement academy.
Special Requirements
Possession of an appropriate California driver's license issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles maybe required; must possess a Certificate of Completion from an academy certified by the Commission on the Peace Officer Standards and Training no more than three years old at the time of application and appointment to the department OR have passed an equivalency examination conducted by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training within three years of application and appointment to the department.
9 Deputy Sheriff's Association (DSA)
For available Health/Dental/Vision insurance please visit the County
Please note that Extra-hire positions that are benefitted, are only offered our CORE medical plan and are not offered dental or vision.
NEW* Assist-To-Own program to help Couny employees purchase a home.
Program Highlights:
  • Down Payment Assistance, up to 5.5% of the Total Mortgage Loan.
  • Available with purchase of a primary residence.
  • Variety of Mortgage Loan options (FHA, VA, USDA and Conventional Mortgage Loans).
  • No first-time homebuyer requirement to qualify.
  • Flexible guidelines: Minimum FICO 640; Maximum DTI 50%.
  • Flexible income limits, up to moderate income levels; no income limits for FHA and VA.
For more information, vists
DSA Uniform Allowance:
$1075.04 per calendar year Payments will be made monthly on the second pay check.
Extra-Hire:
Extra-hire employees are not eligible for step advances, vacation, seniority rights, holiday pay or other certain employee benefits. They are entitled to 24 hours of sick leave per year and eligilbe for the county's CORE Medical plan but not eligible for dental or vision insurance.
Merit: After the completion of thirteen (13) completed pay periods of full time satisfactory service in the first step of the salary range, upon recommendation of the department head and unless appointed at a higher step, the probationary employee shall be advanced to the second step in the salary range for his/her classification, but shall not be deemed to be a permanent employee until satisfactory completion of twenty-six (26) complete pay periods. If an employee is appointed at a higher than entry level step than his/her first merit increase shall be after twenty-six (26) complete pay periods of satisfactory service. It shall be the responsibility of department heads, prior to the completion of the initial twenty-five (25) complete pay periods, to report service that is less than satisfactory..
Probation Period: New employees remain in a probationary status for one year. For the classification of Deputy Sheriff I, after the completion of (26) twenty-six probationary pay periods the employee shall be advanced to the Deputy Sheriff II classification.
DSA/SAFETY Longevity Incentives @ 2.5% for each of the following:
  • 5.5 years
  • 10 years
  • 15 years
  • 20 years

Vacation days:
0 - 3 complete years = 80 hours per year.
After 6 months you can take your first week.
3 - 10 complete years = 120 hours per year
10 years+ = 160 per year
Holidays: 14 paid holidays per year.
Life Insurance through ReliaStar: $50,000.00 County paid. After 65 years of age, pays out 65%, after 70 years of age ReliaStar pays out 32.5%.
Sick Leave: 12 days annual sick leave accrual with unlimited accumulation.
Sick leave is accrued at 3.69 hours for each full 80 hours of payroll period.
(DSA) 60 hours of sick leave can be used for immediate family, parent spouse, child or sibling.
Assignment Pay:
A 2.5% increase will be awarded to members assigned to special teams:
  • Hostage Negotiation Team
  • SWAT
  • Search and Rescue (SAR)
  • Bomb Team
  • Dive Team

K-9 Pay:
Handlers will be paid thirty (30) minutes per day, seven (7) days per week, at one and one-half (1 ยฝ ) times the regular rate of pay whether on or off duty, for the time caring for an assigned K-9 including, but not limited to, handling, training, walking, boarding, feeding, grooming, veterinary examinations, or otherwise caring for the dog.
DSA Education Incentives:
AA Degree........................................................3.0%
Advanced POST................................................5.0%
AA Degree and Advanced POST Certificate.....8.0%
BA/BS Degree....................................................5.5%
BA/BS and Advanced POST Certificate............10.0%
Masters Degree.................................................10.0%
POST Supervisory Certificate............................2.5%
CLASSIFICATIONS MAXIMUM PERCENT
1. Deputies 10%
2. DA Investigator I 10%
3. DA Investigator II (Non-Supervisory) 10%
4. DA Investigator II (Supervisory) 12.5%
5. Sergeants 12.5%
Bi-Lingual pay:
2.5% assignment increase.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Pre-Tax Flexible Spending: Medical Reimbursement - Max contribution of $2,500 annually
  • Pre-Tax Flexible Spending: Dependent Care Account - Max contribution of $5,000 annually

Section 125 Plan
Additional insurance is available through the Section 125 plan and may be purchased from an EBS representative during open enrollment or by appointment when they are on-site.
AFLAC
  • Heart & Stroke Insurance
  • Cancer Insurance
  • Accident Insurance
  • Universal Life Insurance
  • Short Term Disability Insurance

LEGALSHIELD
Retirement
CLASSIC MEMBERS CalPERS: 3% @ 50
PEPRA MEMBERS CalPERS: 2.7% @ 57
Extra-Hire's will be enrolled into Public Agency Retirement System (PARS) unless you are already a member of CalPERS.
Deferred Compensation
The County offers a 457(b) Government plan. Employees can contribute to this deferred compensation plan (Pre & Post tax options). The County currently utilizes VALIC,
01
The position of Deputy Sheriff I requires that you be a graduate from a P.O.S.T. accredited academy. Check the box that describes the highest level of P.O.S.T. certificate you possess.
  • P.O.S.T Basic
  • P.O.S.T. Supervisory
  • P.O.S.T. Intermediate
  • P.O.S.T. Advanced
  • Current enrollment in a California P.O.S.T. basic academy (must show proof of enrollment) .
  • Graduation from P.O.S.T. academy.
  • No California P.O.S.T. certificate or enrollment/graduation from the academy.

02
Candidates for positions within a law enforcement agency understand that they agency may operate 24 hours per day, seven days per week, 365 days per year. As such, incumbents may be required to work day, swing, graveyard or irregular shifts as well as on dates of personal significance (i.e. birthdays, holidays, etc.). Select the one box that best describes your understanding of the scheduling requirements for this position. โ€ข I understand that I may required to work irregular shifts, to include evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Yes
  • No

03
Candidates being considered for employment in the Sheriff's Department must undergo a pre-employment criminal history and background investigation. During the investigation, candidates will be evaluated in job dimensions which has determined are critical for successful performance in this position. The components include but are not limited to a drug screening, an exhaustive background investigation in accordance with California Government Code, Section 1029, and a Computerized Voice Stress Analyzer (CVSA) examination to verify statements made in the course of the investigation.Do you understand that you will be required to undergo the pre-employment criminal history and background investigation as described above.
  • Yes
  • No

04
Have you ever been convicted, or found not guilty by reason of insanity, of a felony offense, or for an offense that would be a felony if committed in California? Pursuant to CA Government Code, Section 1029, the conviction of a felony is grounds for disqualification from an appointment except if the individual has been granted a full and unconditional pardon for the felony.
  • Yes
  • No

05
LEGAL-FELONY OFFENSES: Have you ever been arrested, charged, or convicted of any of the following crimes? Select all that apply.)
  • Petty Theft
  • NSF Checks
  • Joy Riding
  • Hit & Run
  • Minor in possession of alcohol
  • Prostitution
  • Soliciting Prostitution
  • Voyeurism
  • Impersonating a law enforcement officer
  • Make annoying/prank phone calls
  • Drunk Driving
  • Vandalism
  • Drunk in Public
  • Illegal Gambling
  • Brandishing a Weapon
  • Possession or use of an altered ID or License
  • Defrauding and Inn-Keeper
  • Indecent Exposure
  • Possession of Stolen Property
  • Carrying a concealed or illegal weapon
  • Aggravated or felonious assault
  • NONE

06
LEGAL-MISDEMEANOR OFFENSES: have you ever been arrested, charged, or convicted of any of the following crimes? Select all that apply.
  • Petty Theft
  • NSF Checks
  • Joy Riding
  • Hit & Run
  • Minor in possession of alcohol
  • Prostitution
  • Soliciting Prostitution
  • Voyeurism
  • Impersonating a law enforcement officer
  • Make annoying/prank phone calls
  • Drunk Driving
  • Vandalism
  • Drunk in Public
  • Illegal Gambling
  • Brandishing a Weapon
  • Possession or use of an altered ID or License
  • Defrauding and Inn-Keeper
  • Indecent Exposure
  • Possession of Stolen Property
  • Carrying a concealed or illegal weapon
  • Assault or Battery (includes fighting)
  • Hunting or Fishing without a license
  • NONE

07
LEGAL-MISDEMEANOR OR FELONY OFFENSES: If you selected any box under misdemeanor or felony offenses please provide DATES, LOCATIONS, and PENAL CODES. If you need additional space please attach the information to the application.
08
SUBSTANCE USE: Have you used/smoked/ingested Marijuana, Hashish, Hash Oil within the last 3 years?
  • Yes
  • No

09
SUBSTANCE USE: Have you used/smoked/ingested Cocaine in the last 7 years?
  • Yes
  • No

10
SUBSTANCE USE: Have you used/smoked/ingested Barbiturates (downers) in the last 3 years?
  • Yes
  • No

11
SUBSTANCE USE: Have you used/smoked/ingested Amphetamines (speed/uppers) in the last 7 years?
  • Yes
  • No

12
SUBSTANCE USE: Have you used/smoked/ingested Heroin in the last 7 years?
  • Yes
  • No

13
SUBSTANCE USE: Have you ever used LSD, STP, PCP or Angel Dust?
  • Yes
  • No

14
SUBSTANCE USE: Have you ever used Psilocybin, Peyote, Mushrooms?
  • Yes
  • No

15
SUBSTANCE USE: Have you used/smoked/ingested Opium, Morphine, Base in the last 7 years?
  • Yes
  • No

16
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