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Kern County Sheriff Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Applicants must successfully complete a firearms course as prescribed by the Sheriff-Coroner within ... A rigid medical examination by the County Physician is required. Minimum Age: 21 years of age by ...

Applicants must successfully complete a firearms course as prescribed by the Sheriff-Coroner within ... A rigid medical examination by the County Physician is required. Minimum Age: 21 years of age by ...

Showing results 41-47

Kern County Sheriff information

See salary details

$84.5K

$112.9K

$156K

How much do kern county sheriff jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 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:

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

The top searched job categories for 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 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,878 per year, or $54.3 per hour.

Deputy Public Defender I/II/III/IV/V

Kern County, CA

Bakersfield, CA • On-site

$79K - $174K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Salary : $79,199.12 - $174,802.42 Annually
Location : 1315 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA
Job Type: Full time
Job Number: 9350
Department: PUBLIC DEFENDER
Opening Date: 04/16/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
Position Information
AMENDED 07/31/24; 11/19/24; 06/09/26
Salary (paid bi-weekly):
  • Level I: $3,046.12 - $3,640.40
  • Level II: $3,502.65 - $4,185.99
  • Level III: $4,047.76 - $4,837.45
  • Level IV: $5,015.96 - $5,994.54
  • Level V: $5,625.65 - $6,723.17

Examination:
Appraisal (Weight 100%): of training, education, experience, interest and personal fitness for the work based on any combination of the following: Investigation, oral exam and rating of application.
Applicants must attain at least a 70% score on each phase of the examination process.
Minimum Requirements/Employment Standards:
Applicant must be licensed by the California State Bar.
Level I: Applicant must be licensed by the California State Bar.
Level II: Applicants must be licensed by State Bar of California and have one (1) year of experience in the practice of law.
Level III: Applicants must be licensed by the California State Bar and have two (2) years of experience as a practicing attorney in criminal and/or civil law.
Level IV: Licensure by the California State Bar, and three (3) years of experience as a practicing attorney in criminal and/or civil law.
Level V: Licensure by the California State Bar, and seven (7) years of experience as a practicing attorney in criminal and/or civil law.
All applicants: must have the ability to travel to locations outside of the regular office to perform necessary legal services; have knowledge of the principles of law and their application, including criminal law; knowledge of trial procedure and the rules of evidence; knowledge of legal research methods; ability to present statements of fact, law and argument clearly and logically; ability to maintain effective working relationships with others; ability to evaluate people and to obtain information through interrogation.
Full Job Description For: Deputy Public Defender////
This position works within the Kern County Public Defender's Office. For more information about the department, please view their website here.
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 an immediate appointment 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.
This recruitment is eligible for the Employee Referral Award Program. For information on the Employee Referral Award Program, or to submit a referral form, please use the following link: Employee Referral Award Program.
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.
Kern County Employee Benefits
*As a regular or provisional employee of Kern County, working twenty (20) hours or more per week, you are presently eligible for the following benefits as described below:
: (Medical/Dental/Vision): Kern County offers five affordable medical options. Kern Legacy Health Plans are medical and prescription health plan options administered directly by the County of Kern. Kaiser Permanente is also an option. Employees may also choose from two dental plans; Liberty Dental PPO or HMO. The vision coverage is provided through Vision Service Plan (VSP).
: Kern County Employees' Retirement Association (KCERA). This Section 401 (a) defined benefit retirement plan requires employer and employee contribution and pays retired employees a pension based on salary, years of service, and age upon retirement.
: This section 457 plan allows employees to contribute on a pre-tax basis to a supplemental retirement account which is then paid out to them when they retire.
Note: Both Kern County and the employee contribute to Social Security and Medicare as follows:
  • The County of Kern withholds 6.2% for Social Security (FICA1) and 1.45% for Medicare (FICA2) from employee's payroll warrants
  • The County matches the employee's 6.2% for Social Security and 1.45% for Medicare
: EAP is available to help you take control of your life!
: Chimienti & Associates (Administrator) offers the following voluntary benefits and can be deducted on a pre-tax bases: Short Term Disability Coverage, Accident Plan, Cancer Plan and a Flexible Spending Account.
Paid Holiday Leave: 12 set days (per calendar year)
01
Do you have an active California State Bar license?
  • Yes
  • No

02
If your answer to number one was yes, please list your California State Bar license number.
03
Are you able to travel to locations outside of your assigned office location to perform necessary legal services?
  • Yes
  • No

04
I have one (1) year of experience in the practice of law.
  • Yes
  • No

05
I have two (2) years of experience as a practicing attorney in criminal and/or civil law.
  • Yes
  • No

06
I have three (3) years of experience as a practicing attorney in criminal and/or civil law.
  • Yes
  • No

07
I have seven (7) years of experience as a practicing attorney in criminal and/or civil law.
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question