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Sheriff Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Function The purpose of the class is to plan, organize, direct, and evaluate major operational or administrative functions within the Sheriff's Office. The class provides senior-level management and ...

Duties are performed under the general supervision of a Captain, Lieutenant, and/or Sergeant ... Serves in other capacities of the Sheriff's Office on an as needed basis, to include but not ...

Sheriff's Office Opening Date: 01/20/2026 Pay Grade: NELE - C Online applications are only accepted ... Responds to delegation of duties from Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, or Chief Deputy.

Undersheriff

Rochester, NY · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

Until Filled Salary: $130,926 - $165,686 annually Agency/Dept.: Sheriff's Office Description of ... Captain or higher within a New York law enforcement agency. The required experience must include ...

If applicants pass both the Captain's and Sheriff's interviews they will receive a conditional job offer pending the successful completion of a medical and psychological exam, and drug and alcohol ...

Responds to delegation of duties from Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, or Chief Deputy ... Must successfully complete and pass the Comal County Sheriff's Office Physical Readiness Testing ...

$46K/yr

Supervises Captains, Sheriff Training Coordinator, and Administrative Assistant III. INTERPERSONAL CONTACT: Interpersonal contact with internal co-workers, elected officials, management, etc.

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Sheriff Captain information

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How much do sheriff captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for sheriff captain in the United States is $18.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Does a sheriff outrank a captain?

In a sheriff's office, the sheriff is the highest-ranking official, overseeing the entire department, while a captain is a mid-level supervisor responsible for specific divisions or units. Typically, a sheriff outranks a captain, and the captain reports to the sheriff. The hierarchy may vary depending on the department's structure, but generally, the sheriff holds the top position.

What are some common challenges Sheriff Captains face in managing large departments, and how can they be addressed?

Sheriff Captains often encounter challenges such as balancing administrative duties with field operations, managing diverse teams, and ensuring effective communication across different units. Addressing these issues typically involves strong leadership, clear delegation of responsibilities, and fostering a culture of accountability. Additionally, leveraging technology for scheduling and reporting, as well as ongoing professional development, can help streamline operations and improve team cohesion.

Is a sheriff a higher rank than a cop?

A sheriff is typically a higher-ranking law enforcement official who oversees a county’s sheriff's office, while a police officer (cop) usually works for a city or municipal police department. Sheriffs often have broader administrative responsibilities and may be elected, whereas police officers are usually appointed or hired employees. The rank structure varies by jurisdiction, but generally, sheriffs hold a higher position with more authority and leadership responsibilities than patrol officers.

What is the difference between Sheriff Captain vs Deputy Sheriff?

AspectSheriff CaptainDeputy Sheriff
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, law enforcement experience, leadership trainingHigh school diploma or GED, law enforcement training, academy certification
Work EnvironmentCommand role overseeing deputies, administrative duties, strategic planningPatrol, investigations, community engagement, on-the-ground law enforcement
Employer & Industry UsageCounty sheriff's office, law enforcement agenciesCounty sheriff's office, law enforcement agencies

In summary, a Sheriff Captain typically holds a leadership position with administrative and supervisory responsibilities, overseeing deputies and operations. A Deputy Sheriff is more involved in direct law enforcement activities such as patrol and investigations. Both roles require law enforcement credentials and work within the sheriff's office, but their duties and levels of responsibility differ.

What are Sheriff Captains?

Sheriff Captains are high-ranking officers in a sheriff's department, typically responsible for overseeing specific divisions or units such as patrol, investigations, or corrections. They supervise lieutenants, sergeants, and deputies, ensuring that departmental policies and procedures are followed. Sheriff Captains also manage budgets, coordinate training, and serve as a key link between senior command staff and front-line personnel. Their role is vital in maintaining effective law enforcement operations within their jurisdiction.

What does a sheriff captain do?

A sheriff captain oversees law enforcement operations within a sheriff's office, managing personnel, coordinating patrols, and ensuring departmental policies are followed. They often supervise deputies, handle administrative duties, and may be involved in strategic planning and community relations.

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

To thrive as a Sheriff Captain, you need extensive law enforcement experience, a comprehensive understanding of criminal justice procedures, and typically a degree in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with law enforcement management systems, incident reporting software, and supervisory training certifications is often required. Strong leadership, decision-making, and effective communication are essential soft skills for managing personnel and community relations. These skills are vital to ensure operational efficiency, uphold public safety, and maintain trust within the community and the sheriff's department.
More about Sheriff Captain jobs
What cities are hiring for Sheriff Captain jobs? Cities with the most Sheriff Captain job openings:
Infographic showing various Sheriff Captain job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $39,466 per year, or $19 per hour.
Deputy Captain - Sheriff

$79K - $87K/yr

Other

Posted 22 days ago


City Of Hampton (Virginia) rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

439th of 668 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Function The purpose of the class is to plan, organize, direct, and evaluate major operational or administrative functions within the Sheriff's Office. The class provides senior-level management and oversight of correctional and law enforcement support activities to ensure safety, security, compliance with applicable laws and standards, and effective service delivery. Work is performed with considerable independence under general supervision and requires the regular exercise of judgment and discretion.

What You'll Do: Plan, direct, and evaluate correctional and law enforcement support divisions or specialized units Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, accreditation standards, and departmental policies Oversee inmate intake, classification, housing, release, and security operations Supervise, train, evaluate, and discipline sworn and civilian staff through subordinate supervisors Administer training, accreditation, firearms qualification, and employee development programs Conduct and oversee administrative and internal investigations Develop, review, and implement policies, procedures, and post orders Assist with budget preparation, procurement, and allocation of resources Serve in a command role during emergencies or critical incidents Build effective working relationships with internal teams and external agencies Minimum Requirements: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in criminal justice, public administration, psychology, sociology, or a related field. Considerable progressively responsible supervisory or management experience in corrections, law enforcement, or a related public safety field. Minimum of five (5) years of experience in law enforcement, corrections, or a related public safety field.

Must successfully pass a background check before any offer of employment or promotion. Must meet and maintain all training and certification requirements of the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). Must be certified as a Jail Manager.

Must qualify annually with firearms in accordance with DCJS standards.Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record. This position is safety sensitive and is subject to testing for alcohol and controlled substances in accordance with the City's current substance abuse policy. Additional Requirements: Click here to complete the required Authorization for Release of Information form

The incumbent may be designated as essential personnel during emergencies and may be required to work extended hours or non-standard schedules as directed. Click here for complete job description "Join the City of Hampton team. As a proud V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer and a designated Military Spouse-Friendly Employer, we are committed to supporting veterans and military spouses.

We offer a welcoming and inclusive workplace, recognizing the unique skills and experiences that military families bring. Come work for Hampton, a vibrant waterfront community celebrating and embracing 400 years of history and innovation, creating an even more dynamic future. We are located in the center of the Hampton Roads region and offer lots of waterfront fun, rich and diverse history, and a vibrant restaurant scene.

Hampton offers excellent benefits, career and professional development, tuition reimbursement, and other benefits."


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