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Kern County Sheriff Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sheriff's Dispatcher I

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$4.6K - $5.5K/mo

Sheriff's Dispatcher I About Kern County Kern County employees provide opportunities that are ... Kern County has a culture of innovation that allows employees to explore creative and more ...

Sheriff's Dispatcher I

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$4.6K - $5.5K/mo

Kern County, CA Job Type: Shift - Full Time Job Number: 8351 Department: SHERIFF Opening Date: 12/08/2021 Closing Date: Continuous Position Information AMENDED: 1/18/22, 3/4/22, 7/19/22, 8/1/22, 9/20 ...

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Kern County Sheriff information

See salary details

$84.5K

$112.9K

$156K

How much do kern county sheriff jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for kern county sheriff in the United States is $112,878.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $121,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Kern County Sheriff?

A Kern County Sheriff is a law enforcement officer responsible for maintaining public safety, enforcing laws, and overseeing the county jail system. The Sheriff leads the Kern County Sheriff's Office (KCSO), which provides patrol services, criminal investigations, and various public safety programs. Deputies respond to emergencies, conduct investigations, and work to prevent crime. The Sheriff is an elected position responsible for ensuring the safety of residents and upholding the law across the county.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by a Kern County Sheriff on a daily basis?

As a Kern County Sheriff, you will encounter a variety of challenges ranging from managing large rural and urban territories to addressing diverse community needs and resource limitations. Daily responsibilities include overseeing patrol operations, coordinating with other law enforcement agencies, and handling emergency situations, all while ensuring the safety of both your staff and the public. Effective problem-solving and adaptability are crucial, as each day can bring new and unpredictable events. This dynamic environment offers opportunities for professional growth, the ability to make a tangible impact in the community, and to lead a highly dedicated team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Kern County Sheriff, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Kern County Sheriff, you need extensive law enforcement experience, a deep understanding of criminal justice procedures, and often a bachelor's degree alongside POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) certification. Familiarity with incident management systems, law enforcement databases, and department-specific technology is critical for overseeing operations. Strong leadership, critical decision-making, and effective communication skills are essential for managing personnel and coordinating with community stakeholders. These abilities ensure public safety, organizational effectiveness, and responsive service to the community.

What are the most commonly searched types of Kern County Sheriff jobs?

The most popular types of Kern County Sheriff jobs are:

Infographic showing various Kern County Sheriff job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $112,878 per year, or $54.3 per hour.

Sheriff's Lieutenant - Department Promotional

Kern County

Bakersfield, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Kern County rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

276th of 855 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Position Information This is a Department Promotional Examination and is open to eligible employees of the Kern County Sheriff's Office who have successfully completed their initial probationary period and received an overall rating of standard or better on the last employee performance report. Examination: Appraisal (Weight 100%): Will be conducted for the purpose of evaluating the applicant's training, education, experience, interest and personal fitness for the position. Appraisal can be based on any combination of the following: Investigation, oral exam and rating of the application.

Applicants must attain at least a 70% score on each phase of the examination process. Should an oral exam be necessary, the oral exam will be weighted 100%. Examination components for promotional testing will be administered during scheduled date(s)/time(s)/location without exception.

Minimum Qualifications / Employment Standards: Two (2) years of experience as a Kern County Sheriff's Sergeant AND eligible for a Supervisory Certificate awarded by the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission for the State of California or five (5) years as a Kern County Sheriff's Sergeant. For any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Brenda Guerra at guerrab@kerncounty.com or call at 661-868-3926. Full Job Description: Sheriff's Lieutenant All covered employees within this bargaining unit who have successfully achieved the P.O.S.T

Management Certificate shall be eligible for a special allowance pay equivalent to 5% of the employee's bi-weekly base salary. About Kern County Kern County employees provide opportunities that are purposeful to our community. Every employee and every action contributes to the improvement and strengthening of our county.

To learn more about Kern County, click here or follow us: Growth Mindset We always encourage our employees to grow and develop. Kern County has a culture of innovation that allows employees to explore creative and more efficient ways to accomplish their work. We provide access to training and continued professional development in an effort to ensure that our employees have opportunities for career growth.

Additional Information Admittance to the examination will require a valid government issued photograph identification. Applicants who are unable to present proper identification must make arrangements with the Human Resources Division prior to the test date. A background check may be conducted for this classification.

Following an offer of employment, you may be required to submit to post offer medical and drug screening tests at County expense. This examination will establish an eligible list from which immediate appointment(s) will be made. Other permanent and temporary appointments will be made as needed.

Successful candidates will remain on the eligible list for a period of twelve-months, unless specified otherwise by the Civil Service Commission. Kern County Sheriff's Office will seek and retain qualified individuals who maintain a high moral character, are ethical in all facets of life, and are trustworthy and professional when serving our community. The seven pillars of the ideal candidate include: Integrity & Honesty, Decision Making & Judgment, Social & Cultural Sensitivity, Stress Tolerance, Conscientiousness, Interpersonal Skills, and Communication Skills.

For more information regarding Kern County's recruitment process, please see our FAQ page. Kern County is an ADA compliant and an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.


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