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Kern County Sheriff Department Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kern County

Sheriff's Dispatcher I

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$4.6K - $5.5K/mo

This position works within the Kern County Sheriff's Office. For more information about the department, please view their website here. This examination will establish an eligible list from which ...

Kern County

Deputy Coroner

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

This position works within the Kern County Sheriff's Office. For more information about the department, please view their website here. Kern County Sheriff's Office will seek and retain qualified ...

Kern County, CA

Deputy Coroner

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$5.9K - $7.0K/mo

This position works within the Kern County Sheriff's Office. For more information about the department, please view their website here Kern County Sheriff's Office will seek and retain qualified ...

Kern County, CA

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 Department information

See salary details

$84.5K

$112.9K

$156K

How much do kern county sheriff department jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for kern county sheriff department 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 does the Kern County Sheriff Department do?

The Kern County Sheriff Department is responsible for law enforcement and public safety in Kern County, California. Its duties include patrolling communities, investigating crimes, operating the county jail, and providing court security. The department also manages emergency response services and works closely with other agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. They serve both incorporated and unincorporated areas of the county, helping maintain order and protect property and lives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Kern County Sheriff's deputy?

To thrive as a Kern County Sheriff's Deputy, you need law enforcement training, a high school diploma or equivalent, and successful completion of a police academy. Familiarity with criminal justice systems, report-writing software, and equipment like radios and firearms is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and the ability to remain calm under pressure distinguish outstanding deputies. These skills ensure effective public safety, accurate incident response, and positive community relations in demanding situations.

What are some common challenges faced by deputies in the Kern County Sheriff Department and how are they addressed?

Deputies in the Kern County Sheriff Department often face challenges such as high-stress situations, rotating shifts, and exposure to potentially dangerous incidents. To address these, the department provides comprehensive training, peer support programs, and access to mental health resources. Additionally, teamwork and strong communication are emphasized to ensure deputies can rely on one another and safely manage their responsibilities. Continuous professional development and mentorship opportunities also help deputies adapt and grow within the department.

What is the difference between Kern County Sheriff Department vs Kern County Police Officer?

AspectKern County Sheriff DepartmentKern County Police Officer
CertificationsPOST certification, academy trainingPOST certification, academy training
Work EnvironmentCountywide law enforcement, rural and unincorporated areasCity-based law enforcement within specific municipalities
EmployerKern County governmentCity government
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The Kern County Sheriff Department and Kern County Police Officer roles both require POST certification and involve law enforcement duties. However, the Sheriff Department covers countywide areas, including rural and unincorporated regions, while Police Officers typically serve within specific cities. The Sheriff Department is a county agency, whereas Police Officers work for city governments. Understanding these differences helps applicants choose the right career path based on work environment and jurisdiction.

What cities are hiring for Kern County Sheriff Department jobs?

Cities with the most Kern County Sheriff Department job openings:

What states have the most Kern County Sheriff Department jobs?

States with the most job openings for Kern County Sheriff Department jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Kern County Sheriff Department jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Kern County Sheriff Department jobs are:

Kern County Sheriff Department jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kern County Sheriff Department job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote 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 7 days ago

Kern County rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

278th of 854 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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