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Sheriff Trainee Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Lincoln County

Deputy Sheriff - Patrol Officer

Troy, MO · On-site

$24.24/hr

... trainee progress and prepare evaluations; serve as acting field supervisor as assigned. * When ... Must successfully complete all components of the Deputy Sheriff's Testing * CERTIFICATES, LICENSES ...

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Sheriff Trainee information

See Missouri salary details

$23.9K

$40.8K

$59.6K

How much do sheriff trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for sheriff trainee in Missouri is $40,832.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,000.00 and $47,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sheriff trainee?

Sheriff Trainees are entry-level law enforcement personnel who are in the process of completing training to become full-fledged deputies in a sheriff's department. They typically attend an accredited law enforcement academy, where they receive instruction in criminal law, patrol procedures, firearms, and physical fitness. Upon successful completion of the academy and any required probationary period, Sheriff Trainees are usually promoted to the position of Deputy Sheriff. This role is designed to prepare individuals for a career in law enforcement by providing hands-on experience and foundational knowledge.

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

To thrive as a Sheriff Trainee, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, and a clean background, with successful completion of written, physical, and psychological exams. Familiarity with law enforcement tools such as firearms, radios, and report-writing systems, and sometimes completion of a law enforcement academy, are typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, integrity, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help candidates excel in this role. These skills and qualities are essential because they ensure the trainee can effectively protect the community, uphold the law, and maintain public trust during challenging situations.

What are some common challenges faced by sheriff trainees during their training period?

Sheriff Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to the rigorous physical and academic demands of the training academy, learning to work effectively within a structured, hierarchical environment, and balancing the need for quick decision-making under pressure. Trainees must also develop strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with the public and fellow officers. Overcoming these challenges requires dedication, resilience, and a willingness to accept feedback and continuously improve.

What is the difference between Sheriff Trainee vs Deputy Sheriff?

AspectSheriff TraineeDeputy Sheriff
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, basic law enforcement trainingHigh school diploma or GED, law enforcement academy completion, certification
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised patrols, classroom instructionActive patrol, law enforcement duties, court appearances
Employer & Industry UsageSheriff's office during training periodSheriff's office as fully sworn officer

Sheriff Trainee is an entry-level position focused on training and education, while Deputy Sheriff is a fully sworn officer responsible for law enforcement duties. Trainees are supervised and gaining experience, whereas Deputies perform active patrols and enforce laws independently.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sheriff jobs in Missouri?

The most popular types of Sheriff jobs in Missouri are:

What cities in Missouri are hiring for Sheriff Trainee jobs?

Cities in Missouri with the most Sheriff Trainee job openings:

Sheriff Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sheriff Trainee job openings in Missouri as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,832 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Deputy Sheriff - Patrol Officer

Lincoln County

Troy, MO • On-site

$24.24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Job Summary
Under general supervision, performs a wide variety of duties involved the enforcement of laws and the prevention of crimes; controls traffic flow and enforces state and local traffic regulations; issues citations; participates in and conducts a variety of criminal investigations; makes arrests; provides support and assistance to special crime prevention and law enforcement programs; and performs a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of law enforcement services and activities.
Principal Accountabilities
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices. Applicants must be prepared to demonstrate the ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Patrol designated areas of the County in car, by foot, or other means to preserve law and order, discover and prevent the commission of crimes, and enforce traffic and other laws and ordinances; protect real and personal property by providing security checks of residential, business, and public premises; maintain awareness of and remains alert for wanted suspects, known criminals, stolen vehicles, missing persons, traffic violators, and crimes in progress; issue warnings and citations.
  • Respond to calls for the protection of life and property, the enforcement of laws and ordinances, general public service calls, and complaints including those involving automobile accidents, traffic hazards, misdemeanor and felony incidents, domestic disturbances, property control, civil complaints, and related incidents; investigate complaints and takes appropriate action, which may include the use of deadly or nondeadly force; use sound judgment under adverse, stressful conditions.
  • Conduct investigations at scenes of incidents to which they are summoned or incidents observed; determine what, if any, crime has been committed; identify, collect, preserve, process, and book evidence; locate and interview victims and witnesses; identify and interrogate suspects.
  • Work in partnership with the District Attorney’s Office to obtain and file criminal complaints on arrested
  • Prepare and serve search and arrest warrants; apprehend and arrest offenders for crimes committed under federal, state, and local laws and codes; control and mitigate people under the influence of drugs or alcohol or other potentially hostile situations.
  • Serve as liaison and public relations officer to the public; establish and preserve good relationships with the public; answer questions from the public concerning local and state laws, procedures, and activities of the department; make presentations before a variety of public groups to promote crime prevention activities and to enhance public understanding of Police activities.
  • Contact and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of offenders and the investigation of offenses; may respond to requests for assistance from agencies outside the County for mutual aid in the suppression of civil disturbances, apprehension of criminals, or other related requests.
  • Participate in continuous training to enhance law enforcement skills including firearms proficiency, defensive driving, apprehension and arrest techniques, investigative, and general law enforcement.
  • Performa a variety of administrative and other types of duties in support of law enforcement services, programs, and activities; attend meetings; maintain and calibrate specialized equipment including preliminary alcohol screening devices.
  • Initiate and complete reports, legal documents, and other required paperwork; prepare a variety of reports including those on activities, operations, arrests made, and unusual incidents observed; prepare investigative reports and case information.
  • Testify in courts and at hearings; prepare and present case evidence; respond to mandatory court calls during irregular hours.
  • Direct traffic at fires, special events, and other emergency situations; provide traffic and crowd control at events; provide security at any county functions.
  • Enforce parking regulations; issue citations; towing of vehicles that are in violation of
  • Sign off on citations and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  • Participate in special assignments including Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT), Equestrian Unit, Canine Unit, and related assignments; provide guidance and training to Explorers.
  • When assigned as a Field Training Officer, train new recruits and lateral police officers; document trainee progress and prepare evaluations; serve as acting field supervisor as assigned.
  • When assigned as School Resource Officer, serve as law enforcement officer, law related counselor, and law related instructor at assigned school; create a positive role model for students; serve as liaison between students and law enforcement; investigate crimes that occur within the school and on school property; provide information and assistance to school staff and administration, parents, and students regarding law enforcement and community problems; make group presentations; attend committee meetings; maintain program statistics and reports.
  • When assigned to traffic, patrol assigned areas on a police vehicle; perform a full range of traffic enforcement duties; observe, monitor, and control routine and unusual traffic conditions; assist and advise motorist; use radar to detect speed; issue citations and warnings; investigate traffic accidents.

Knowledge, Skills, amp; Abilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondences. Ability to speak effectively before groups of citizens and/or employees of this organization.
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Supervisory Responsibilities
There are no supervisory responsibilities in this position.
Travel
Travel requirements will vary with the assignment.
Experience amp; Education
  • Prefer minimum one (1) year experience in Corrections, Law Enforcement, or other related
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
  • Possess a valid Missouri Motor Vehicle Operator's
  • Must successfully complete all components of the Deputy Sheriff’s Testing
  • CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS - Valid Missouri Motor Vehicle Operator's License; birth certificate (minimum age of 21 years), Missouri P.O.S.T. Class A certification or out of state equivalent or the ability to obtain Missouri P.O.S.T. Class A certification by Missouri P.O.S.T. guidelines. Maintain qualifications in accordance with Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office policy and Missouri P.O.S.T. guidelines.
  • Possess a valid Missouri driver’s license

Physical Requirements/Working Environment
PHYSICAL DEMANDS - The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl or run. Must have the ability to lift and drag a minimum of 100 pounds. Deputy is required to wear a duty rig which weighs on average between 20-25 pounds and is preferred to wear a bullet proof vest weighing on average 5 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and depth perception.
WORK ENVIRONMENT - The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
Benefits
  • 14 paid holidays
  • Receive 8 hours vacation and 4 hours personal time per month
  • Potential for overtime or comp time
  • CERF Retirement
  • Paid health/dental/vision insurance for employees
  • Option health/dental/vision insurance available for family/dependents at employee's expense
  • Required uniforms and equipment provided.
  • Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • County provided Life and AD amp;D insurance
  • Optional additional voluntary life insurance

Disclaimer
The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

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