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Sheriff Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Deputy Sheriff - Institutions

Salem, OR · On-site

$31.40 - $46.16/hr

The Marion County Sheriff's Office is seeking both trainee and certified applicants to join our Institutions team as a Deputy Sheriff. The Marion County Sheriff's Office is a full-service law ...

The Marion County Sheriff's Office is seeking both trainee and certified applicants to join our Institutions team as a Deputy Sheriff. The Marion County Sheriff's Office is a full-service law ...

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Sheriff Trainee information

See salary details

$25.5K

$43.5K

$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:

$55K - $61K/yr

Other

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Description STARTING SALARY LESS THAN 2 YRS EXPERIENCE - $26.74/HR ($55,619.20) 2 -3 YEARS EXPERIENCE - $28.08/HR ($58,406.40) 3 OR MORE YEARS EXPERIENCE - $29.49/HR ($61,339.20) **NEW EMPLOYEES HAVE THE OPTION TO SELECT THE HIGHER STARTING PAY (IF ELIGIBLE) OR UP TO THREE (3) YEARS CREDIT TOWARD CAREER PATH ENHANCEMENT** GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Responsible work of general public safety nature with primary emphasis on protection of life and property and enforcement of laws and regulations. Maybe assigned to special units within the division on as assignment basis. DEPUTY SHERIFF TRAINEES (DST) ARE REQUIRED TO WORK UNDER THE DIRECT SUPERVISION OF A FIELD TRAINING OFFICER

ONCE A DST HAS COMPLETED THE FULL FIELD TRAINING PROGRAM, THEY WILL BE PROMOTED TO A DEPUTY SHERIFF AND BE RELEASED TO WORK INDEPENDENTLY. DST ARE NOT PERMITTED TO WORK SIGNAL 15 OR OFF DUTY ASSIGNMENTS. DST WILL NOT HAVE A TAKE-HOME CAR UNTIL THEY HAVE COMPLETED FIELD TRAINING PROGRAM AND HAVE ATTAINED THE RANK OF DEPUTY SHERIFF.

Examples of Duties ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Essential functions are fundamental job duties. They do not include marginal tasks which are also performed but are incidental to the primary functions. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position, nor does every position allocated to the class necessarily perform every duty listed.

Personal characteristics required of all employees, such as honesty, industry, sobriety and the ability to get along with others, are presumed qualities and may not be listed specifically. Applies law during arrest and/or search; Patrols assigned area in a radio equipped vehicle preserving law and order to prevent and/or discover the commission of crimes; Answers a variety of calls and complaints involving robberies, domestic disturbances, auto accidents and other misdemeanors or felonies; Directs flow of traffic enforcing laws, arresting violators, enforcing traffic laws on county roads; Serves writs, warrants, summonses, civil papers and court orders; Patrols parks, buildings, installations and property to prevent damage by fire, theft and/or vandalism; Collects evidence relating to crime or accidents; Obtains witnesses and evidence testifying in court relative to arrests or citations issued; Locates and arrests persons wanted on warrants or court orders; Makes arrests and transports prisoners to and from confinement; Performs community interactions; May be assigned to special units within the division; Performs related duties as required. ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS: Must be able to meet physical standards as required by the department; operate a motor vehicle.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: Work inside and outside in all types of weather; stand, run, walk, stoop, crawl, bend, use of both arms and hands, both legs and feet; detect smells KNOWLEDGE OF: Communication equipment, firearm safety procedures; correct radio codes; first aid kit, flares; uniform traffic violations. ABILITY TO: Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior; analyze information or situations; solve problems; recall facts; describe persons, things or events; read and comprehend information; show courtesy; speak clearly; print legibly and prepare written reports; follow directions; apply mathematical skills; read a map; operate radio equipment and follow procedure; differentiate between voice transmissions; maintain personal fitness; demonstrate service weapon firing and safety procedures; operate a motor vehicle. SKILLS: Use and care of firearms; defensive driving.

Typical Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school or GED. Completion of minimum requirements as set out in Section 943.13, Florida Statutes. LICENSE: Applicant must have a valid Florida Driver's License at the date of hire and maintain said license while employed in this position

ADDITIONAL: Applicants must submit to and successfully pass a background investigation, Physical Abilities Test (P.A.T.), firearms qualification test, and a computer voice stress analyzer examination, psychological examination and physical and drug screening if selected for hire. Preference will be given to current Santa Rosa County Reserve Officers that have completed 250 hours of reserve training or mandatory Field Training Officer (F.T.O.) Training. Applicants must be able to successfully pass a complex vision exam in order to drive an agency vehicle

CERTIFICATION: Florida Police Standards