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Entry Level Sheriff Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Candidates who attain a passing score of 70% or greater on the entry-level exam will be placed on the Sheriff's Office list. The Sheriff's Office will contact candidates on the list and will invite ...

Candidates who attain a passing score of 70% or greater on the entry-level exam will be placed on the Sheriff's Office list. The Sheriff's Office will contact candidates on the list and will invite ...

The Weld County Sheriff's Office offers multiple additional assignments to include: Detective/Investigations Drug Task Force Canine Team (K9) SWAT Team (Special Weapons and Tactics) STRIKE Team (High ...

Entry Level Sheriff information

See Colorado salary details

$88.9K

$118.7K

$164K

How much do entry level sheriff jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level sheriff in Colorado is $118,693.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,000.00 and $127,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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 most commonly searched types of Sheriff jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Sheriff jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Sheriff jobs in Colorado? For Entry Level Sheriff jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Sheriff job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $118,693 per year, or $57.1 per hour.
Sheriff's Office Academy Recruit

Sheriff's Office Academy Recruit

Adams County

Brighton, CO

$74K/yr

Other

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

What Success Looks Like In This Job Mission: To be a reliable and proactive agency that protects and serves the community equally. Vision: To provide a trusted and respected service to our community through strong leadership, professionalism, and innovation. Values: Dependability, Collaboration, Compassion, Unity This is a non-certified Sheriff Recruit position which involves participation in a formal law enforcement training program involving both classroom and practical instruction in subjects such as criminal law, civil law, evidence collection and investigation, patrol activities, administration of justice, community relations, report writing, first aid/CPR, firearms, arrest control tactics and driving.

This program is approved by the Colorado Peace Officer and Standards Training Board. Throughout the Academy program, Recruits will also participate in regular physical training; knowledge, skills and abilities will be assessed through multiple choice and true/false tests, role playing exercises and performance tests. Upon successful completion of Academy training, Recruits will take the Colorado P.O.S.T

test and upon successful completion, will be Colorado P.O.S.T. Certified. Apply soon as we have limited openings and spots fill up quickly

SPECIAL NOTE: For all applicants, this is a reminder of the original job posting where it stated: "Applicants may be excluded from further consideration at any point in the hiring process. By Sheriff's Office policy, the reasons why an applicant is not selected for hire will not be discussed with the applicant. There is no flexibility with this policy.

If an applicant receives notice of elimination from the hiring process, it simply means the applicant's qualifications do not fit the Office's needs at this time. This determination does not preclude the applicant. Examples of Duties for Success -Adhere to policy, procedures, and post orders.

-Attend all scheduled academy training sessions. -Prepare written reports, -Participate in physical training programs, field activities in various environmental conditions. -Engage in formal inspections.

-Upon successful completion of academy training, Recruits will take the Colorado P.O.S.T. test and upon successfully passing the test, receive Conditional Peace Officer Authority from Colorado P.O.S.T. -Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications for Success Must possess a High School Diploma or GED Must be at least 21 years of age prior to June 2027 Must have a Valid driver's license Must meet criteria established by P.O.S.T. if you are a Non-United States Citizens. Please follow this link for more information: (DACA recipients who meet Colorado P.O.S.T

eligibility are encouraged to apply). More Qualifications for Success A testing and background process will be utilized to select the most qualified candidates. TESTING PROCESS [IMPORTANT] Written Exam (flexible): The Adams County Sheriff's Office offers testing services for the Academy Cadet position through National Testing Network (NTN).

To register with NTN and schedule a test, go to www.nationaltestingnetwork.com, select 'Find Jobs', then select Law Enforcement Jobs and sign up for the Adams County Sheriff's Office. When you visit the www.nationaltestingnetwork.com website: Law Enforcement Jobs / Select Adams County Colorado Academy Recruit Complete the NTN registration process and schedule your test. Review all information related to the Adams County Sheriff's Office Academy Cadet position, including minimum requirements, salary, and benefits

Review detailed information about the testing process. Review the Frequently Asked Questions and take an online practice test (if desired). If you would like to purchase a practice test you can access it at the following links.

Each are owned by outside companies and have various reviews. Ergo (NTN) Practice Test Police Test Info Practice Test Upon completion of your scheduled exam, scores are automatically forwarded to the Adams County Sheriff's Office. Candidates who attain a passing score of 70% or greater on the entry-level exam will be placed on the Sheriff's Office list.

The Sheriff's Office will contact candidates on the list and will invite them to participate in further stages of the selection process. National Testing Network is a service provided to conduct entry-level testing in a standardized, professional environment. National Testing Network does not replace the responsibility and decision-making in the testing process for the Sheriff's Office.

All candidate results are provided to the Adams County Sheriff's Office where the final decisions are made. Physical Ability Course (PAC) The PAC is a timed course wherein you will complete 9 obstacles. This phase is pass/fail.

Candidates must complete the course in 2 Minutes or less to continue in the selection process. Participation in the PAC testing is mandatory. Physical Fitness Test Battery (mandatory participation) The physical fitness assessment is a series of four tests to include: cadence push-ups, sit-ups, a 1 1/2 mile run, and a flexibility test.

This portion requires mandatory participation but is not pass/fail. Oral Board Interview The oral board interview will take approximately 30 minutes. Candidates must obtain a 70% or greater in the oral board to continue.

Opportunity to obtain extra points in the areas of education and military service. Candidates that pass the testing phase will move on to backgrounds. The Background process may include any/all of the following (all steps must be passed successfully): Two-phase psychological evaluation Integrity Interview CVSA exam Physical exam 2026 Employee Benefits Guide.pdf Adams County and the 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office complies with Colorado's Job Application Fairness Act ("JAFA")

JAFA prohibits employers from asking individuals to disclose their age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation on an initial employment application. However, additional application materials such as certifications and transcripts containing this information may be required for certain positions; if such additional materials are requested, applicants may redact information that identifies the applicant's age, date of birth, or dates or attendance or graduation.