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Sheriff Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

County of San Benito

Deputy Sheriff Trainee

Hollister, CA · On-site

$64K - $86K/yr

This is a non-sworn trainee level classification in the Sheriff's Office and is distinguished from the next higher level of Deputy Sheriff by being a non-sworn position with no peace officer powers.

Yuba County, CA

DEPUTY SHERIFF/DEPUTY SHERIFF-LATERAL

CA · On-site

$79K - $87K/yr

Deputy Sheriff Trainee: MINIMUM: Equivalent to graduation from high school and currently enrolled in a California P.O.S.T. Basic or Modular Academy or enrolled in a California P.O.S.T. Basic or ...

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$25.5K

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$63.5K

How much do sheriff trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for sheriff trainee in the United States is $43,530.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,000.00 and $51,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Sheriff Trainees?

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 cities are hiring for Sheriff Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Sheriff Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Sheriff jobs? The most popular types of Sheriff jobs are:
What states have the most Sheriff Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Sheriff Trainee jobs include:
Sheriff Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sheriff Trainee job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 56% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,530 per year, or $20.9 per hour.
POST Deputy Sheriff Trainee

POST Deputy Sheriff Trainee

Jefferson County

Golden, CO

$33.74/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

This position is available only while completing training for state certification as a law enforcement officer by the Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission and/or during the completion of the initial field training program.
***This position will be assigned to either the Jefferson County Patrol Division or Detention Division as a Deputy Sheriff upon completion of training. Patrol positions will be assigned through a competitive, internal process.***
A $5,000 sign-on bonus will be issued to newly hired candidates who successfully complete the 2027-1 POST academy. Distribution will occur in the transition from Deputy Sheriff Trainee to Deputy Sheriff as outlined in the training agreement.***

Job Posting Closes at 11:59PM on:

11/01/26

Division:

Sheriff Support Services Division

Management Level:

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Benefit Eligibility:

This position is eligible for Standard Benefits which includes dental, medical, and vision insurance, paid time off and holidays, retirement matching, wellness programs, and tuition reimbursement.

Description:

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS 11/1/2026

Academy pay is $33.74 per hour

***A $5,000 sign-on bonus will be issued to newly hired candidates who successfully complete the 2027-1 POST academy. Distribution will occur in the transition from Deputy Sheriff Trainee to Deputy Sheriff as outlined in the training agreement.***

This Academy is scheduled to start in the beginning of January 2027

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Obtains a general knowledge of:

Modern law enforcement practices, procedures, and investigation techniques.

County and federal laws concerning civil and criminal processes.

Content and purpose of legal papers and the practices involved in serving them.

Principles and practices of criminal investigation.

Local laws, ordinances, and state statutes about the commitment, confinement, and release of prisoners.

Develops skill in the use of firearms and other law enforcement equipment.

Develops the ability to:

Apply interpretation of laws to specific situations.

Present court testimony effectively.

Exercise sound judgment in emergency and routine situations to adopt quick, effective, and reasonablecourses of action.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Performs other related work as required.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Sixty semester or ninety quarter hours from an accredited college/university preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be 21 years of age; must provide information for background investigation; submit to polygraph exam; criminal history check; medical exam and psychological exam required; required to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays; must have valid Colorado driver's license by hire date.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED

TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including computers, personal protection equipment, firearms, restraint devices, handcuffs, batons, radar units, first aid equipment, crime scene technician kits, blood kits, drug test kits, two-way radios, etc. Must be able to operate motor vehicles, including motorcycles, light pickup trucks and 4-wheel-drive vehicles. Must be able to exert up to 75 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 35 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 25 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Work may involve walking, standing, running and physical confrontation. Physical demand requirements are for Medium to Heavy Work.

Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or composite characteristics (whether similar or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.

Interpersonal Communication: Requires the ability to speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving instructions, assignments or directions from superiors.

Language Ability: Requires the ability to read a variety of reports, forms, records, logs, handbooks, laws, maps, manuals, permits, etc. Requires the ability to prepare reports, forms, lesson plans, etc., using prescribed formats. Requires the ability to speak to people with poise, voice control and confidence.

Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply rational systems to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists, and to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic or schedule form.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information; to explain procedures; and to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical and professional languages, including legal counseling, law enforcement terminology and emergency response codes.

Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas, add, subtract, multiply and divide.

Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.

Motor Coordination: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using law enforcement equipment.

Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as radios, firearms, etc. Must have high level of eye/hand/foot coordination to execute a forceful arrest.

Color Discrimination: Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.

Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress and when confronted with persons acting under stress and in emergency situations.

Physical Communication: Requires the ability to talk and hear (talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to communicate via telephone and two-way radio.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Ability to obtain general knowledge of the locations of streets, roads, highways and the geography and socioeconomic characteristics of the County.

Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.

Ability to exercise tact, courtesy and firmness in frequent public contact and the ability to exercise tact, courtesy, firmness and fairness with inmates, and other persons associates with the welfare of individual prisoners.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

100% Drug Free Workforce

Equal Opportunity Employer

Jefferson County is an equal opportunity employer, providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons. The County affirms the rights of all employees and applicants for employment to be protected from discrimination, intimidation, physical harm, and harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, hairstyle associated with racial identity, or any other status protected by Federal or State law.

Education:

Experience:

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Category:

Enforcement & Protective Services

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