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Sheriff Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Merced County, CA

Sheriff Sergeant

Merced, CA · On-site

$99K - $120K/yr

Sheriff - Operations Opening Date: 08/31/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Bargaining Unit: 30 Sergeants Examples of Duties Per minimum qualifications, to be considered for this recruitment, an ...

Placer County California

Deputy Sheriff - II

Auburn, CA · On-site

$49.52 - $60.41/hr

Deputy Sheriff - Trainee #2026-16300-01 Deputy Sheriff - I #2026-16321-01 Deputy Sheriff - II #2026-16322-01 Qualified applicants will undergo an extensive background investigation to determine if ...

Humboldt County, CA

Deputy Sheriff II

Eureka, CA · On-site

$31.15 - $39.97/hr

Sheriff's Office Division: 221 - Sheriff Opening Date: 07/07/2026 Closing Date: Continuous DEFINITION Deputy Sheriff II When you work for the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, you aren't just another ...

County of Alameda

Deputy Sheriff's Recruit

Dublin, CA · On-site

$50.15/hr

The Sheriff's Office has a current budget of approximately $600 million and has over 1600 authorized positions, including in excess of 1000 sworn personnel. The agency's Chief Executive Officer is ...

Alameda County

Deputy Sheriff's Recruit

Dublin, CA · On-site

$80 - $110/hr

The Sheriff's Office has a current budget of approximately $600 million and has over 1600 authorized positions, including in excess of 1000 sworn personnel. The agency's Chief Executive Officer is ...

County of Humboldt

Deputy Sheriff II

Eureka, CA · On-site

$31.15 - $39.97/hr

DEFINITION Deputy Sheriff II When you work for the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, you aren't just another employee, you are family. Our family is growing and we want YOU to join. We are looking ...

Humboldt County, CA

Deputy Sheriff I

Eureka, CA · On-site

$28.19 - $36.17/hr

Sheriff's Office Division: 221 - Sheriff Opening Date: 07/07/2026 Closing Date: Continuous DEFINITION Deputy Sheriff I When you work for the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, you aren't just another ...

Stanford University

Deputy Sheriff Cadet

Stanford, CA · On-site

This position is represented by the Stanford Deputy Sheriff's Association (SDSA) and the collective bargaining agreement between the university and the SDSA governs the terms and conditions of ...

Merced County

Sheriff Sergeant

Merced, CA · On-site

$99K - $120K/yr

Must be able to perform all of the duties of a Deputy Sheriff or a Correctional Officer. Supervise and assist deputies, custody staff and civilian personnel assigned throughout the agency and in ...

County of Humboldt

Deputy Sheriff I

Eureka, CA · On-site

$28.19 - $36.17/hr

DEFINITION Deputy Sheriff I When you work for the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, you aren't just another employee, you are family. Our family is growing and we want YOU to join. We are looking for ...

MODOC COUNTY

Deputy Sheriff I

Alturas, CA · On-site

$45K - $66K/yr

Deputy Sheriff I FLSA DESIGNATION: Non-Exempt RANGE/STEP A-I: 237 (Step-A: $3,760 - Step-I: $5,555) JOB SUMMARY: Performs a wide variety of peace officer duties involving the protection of life and ...

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All JobsSheriff JobsSheriff Jobs in California

Sheriff information

See California salary details

$83.4K

$111.4K

$154K

How much do sheriff jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for sheriff in California is $111,399.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,700.00 and $119,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sheriff?

Sheriffs are elected or appointed law enforcement officials who are responsible for maintaining peace and enforcing the law within a county or jurisdiction. Their duties often include managing the county jail, serving legal documents, providing courtroom security, and patrolling rural areas. In many locations, sheriffs also oversee a team of deputies and support staff. The exact responsibilities of sheriffs can vary by state and county, but they play a vital role in the local justice system.

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

To thrive as a Sheriff, you need comprehensive knowledge of law enforcement practices, criminal justice procedures, and typically a combination of law enforcement experience and formal training, often with state certification. Familiarity with police databases, incident reporting systems, and evidence management technology is crucial. Strong leadership, decision-making, and interpersonal skills help a Sheriff effectively manage personnel and engage with the community. These abilities ensure public safety, uphold the law, and maintain trust in local law enforcement operations.

What does a sheriff do?

Sheriffs are elected or appointed law enforcement officers at the county level. They often have the same training and authority as police officers and may work alongside the local police department. Their exact job duties vary by state and county.

Sheriffs handle a variety of law enforcement tasks on a daily basis. They supervise their staff, creating schedules and delegating assignments. Sheriffs deliver and serve documents including court orders, eviction notices, and divorce papers to community members. Sheriffs may also take and respond to emergency calls in certain counties. Like other police officers, sheriffs patrol the area, work traffic detail, and may investigate car accidents. A sheriff also has the authority to investigate, arrest, process, and detain criminals. In some counties, the sheriff manages the local jail and communicates with regional courts regarding inmates.

What are some common challenges faced by sheriffs and how can new hires prepare for them?

Sheriffs often face challenges such as managing high-stress situations, balancing administrative duties with fieldwork, and ensuring effective communication within their teams. New hires can prepare by developing strong conflict resolution skills, staying physically and mentally fit, and familiarizing themselves with local laws and departmental protocols. Building relationships with both the community and team members is also crucial for success and career growth in this role.

What is the difference between Sheriff vs Deputy Sheriff?

AspectSheriffDeputy Sheriff
CredentialsTypically requires law enforcement training, certification, and election or appointment as sheriffRequires law enforcement training and certification; appointed or hired by sheriff
Work EnvironmentOversees county law enforcement, manages sheriff's office, and enforces lawsWorks under the sheriff, performs patrols, investigations, and law enforcement duties
Employer & IndustryCounty government, law enforcement agencies

In summary, a sheriff is an elected official responsible for overseeing county law enforcement, while a deputy sheriff is a sworn officer working under the sheriff's command. Both roles require law enforcement credentials, but the sheriff holds a leadership and administrative position, whereas the deputy sheriff performs operational duties.

More about Sheriff jobs

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

The most popular types of Sheriff jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Sheriff jobs in California?

For Sheriff jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sheriff jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Sheriff jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Sheriff jobs?

Cities in California with the most Sheriff job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Sheriff jobs in CA?

For Sheriff jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Sheriff jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sheriff job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,399 per year, or $53.6 per hour.

Sheriff Sergeant

Merced County, CA

Merced, CA • On-site

$99K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Salary : $99,361.60 - $120,827.20 Annually
Location : Merced County Sheriffs Department 2584 W. Sandy Mush Rd. or 700 W 22nd St., CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2600587
Department: Sheriff - Operations
Opening Date: 08/31/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Bargaining Unit: 30 Sergeants
Examples of Duties
Per minimum qualifications, to be considered for this recruitment, an application and current BASIC certificate issued by the State Peace Officers Training Commission must be submitted.
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Must be able to perform all of the duties of a Deputy Sheriff or a Correctional Officer.
  • Supervise and assist deputies, custody staff and civilian personnel assigned throughout the agency and in various areas of the County. Ensure proper use of departmental equipment.
  • Supervise the receiving and assignment of prisoners and the maintenance of departmental records and communication activities.
  • Supervise the photographing of crime scenes and materials offered as evidence in criminal proceedings and the interchange of identification information with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the State Division of Criminal Identification and Investigation.
  • Supervise response to critical incidents.
  • Locate suspects, search and seize criminal evidence and make arrests, interrogate suspects, prepare evidence and comprehensive reports of investigations and arrests.
  • Perform assigned shift supervisory responsibilities, conduct administrative investigations, maintain confidentiality, follow Captain and administration direction and department rules and regulations, train new staff, supervise community volunteers.
  • Evaluate employee performance.

If assigned to Sheriff- Operations, duties may also include:
  • Coordinate and cooperate with responding personnel regarding death certificate and release of body and/or organs, securing personal effects and belongings of the deceased, making notifications to the next of kin and completing required reports.
  • Function as a specialty team supervisor or undercover officer conducting in-depth investigations for the detection and prevention of the sale of narcotics and the arrest of drug offenders.
  • Serve as an undercover agent for vice and narcotic investigations and conduct internal investigations.
  • Serve as supervisor over animal services which includes all animal services staff and the shelter.
  • Serve as supervisor over patrol operations and associated calls for service including 9-1-1 calls.

If assigned to Sheriff- Corrections, duties may also include:
  • Determine and apply internal disciplinary procedures for inmates.
  • Supervise incarcerated persons engaged in recreational and work activities; administer first aid.
  • Review and maintain records; inmates' finances, personal property, inmate sentence calculations, daily activity logs, materials and supplies; write and review reports of activities and incidents.
  • Receive and classify incarcerated persons.
  • Maintain a secure facility and maintain control of incarcerated persons while providing for their health and welfare within the limitations of the law and the Sheriff/Coroner directives.

Minimum Qualifications
Sergeant Assigned to Operations
Experience:
Four (4) years of experience as a sworn peace officer in a public law enforcement agency.
Certificate:
Possession of a Basic certificate issued by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) and successful completion of a Field Training Program with a POST participating agency. Must successfully complete POST Supervisory Training within one (1) year of appointment.
Sergeant Assigned to Corrections
Experience:
Four (4) years of experience as a sworn peace officer in a public law enforcement agency.
Certificate: Possession of a Basic certificate issued by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) or certificate of completion of a Basic Jail Operations Course approved by Standards and Training for Corrections (STC) and an 832 PC course. Must successfully complete POST or STC Supervisory Training within one (1) year of appointment.
Sergeant Assigned to Operations or Corrections
License:
Possess a valid California driver's license at time of appointment and maintain.
Special Requirement:
Must be certified as a peace officer under the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) or be eligible for appointment and certification and maintain eligibility as a peace officer with POST. If not currently appointed as a peace officer with the Merced County Sheriff's Office, applicant must successfully complete Merced County Sheriff's Office background process, including required psychological and physical examination prior to appointment.
IDENTIFIED SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITIONS IN THIS CLASSIFICATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO PRE-EMPLOYMENT, POST-ACCIDENT, REASONABLE SUSPICION, RANDOM AND RETURN-TO-DUTY DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE COUNTY OF MERCED DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING POLICY
Essential Functions
  • Respond appropriately to situations.
  • Perform in-the-line-of-duty firearm responsibilities.
  • Physically restrain subjects and prisoners.
  • Enforce California laws.
  • Follow orders and directions of Lieutenants and Sheriff Administrative Staff.
  • Maintain strength, endurance and agility.
  • Maintain consistent and regular attendance and punctuality.
  • Perform job duties under stressful conditions.
  • Analyze data, complete comprehensive reports, perform quality control of subordinates' work, interpret directions, procedures and regulations, and develop appropriate responses.
  • Effectively and appropriately supervise and lead line staff.
  • Communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone.
  • Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
  • Complete multiple priority projects with conflicting deadlines.
  • Effectively lead, train and supervise the activities of assigned staff in a professional manner.
  • Apply modern law enforcement methods and procedures, including patrol, crime prevention, traffic control, investigation, and identification techniques.
  • Review and maintain records, inmates' finances, personal property, inmate sentence calculations, custody daily activity logs, materials and supplies.
  • Process police records and reports.
  • Represent the County, Sheriff and department with the community.
  • Conduct activities on uneven surfaces under various environmental conditions.
  • Lift and move with help objects weighing over 100 pounds.
  • Perform required supervisory and staff procedures, duties and responsibilities.
  • Resolve conflicts and respond appropriately to complaints.
  • Operate a personal computer and other office equipment.
  • Regular attendance is an essential function.
  • Perform critical incident assessments.
  • Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision and color perception.
  • Frequently lift, carry, reach, push, pull, twist and manipulate large and small objects.
  • Kneel, bend, twist, squat, balance and crawl.
  • Frequent use of hand-eye coordination; normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping.
  • Frequent use of data entry device including repetitive hand and arm motion.

Knowledge of:
  • Criminal law with particular reference to the apprehension, arrest and custody of persons committing misdemeanors and felonies, including the rules of evidence pertaining to the search, seizure and presentation of evidence in all types of cases.
  • The Penal Code of the State of California.
  • Some positions in this class may require specialized knowledge of fingerprint classification, identification and filing.
  • Death scene procedures, duties and responsibilities.
  • Procedures for receiving, caring for and releasing incarcerated adults.
  • Rules and regulations of the Sheriff's Detention Facilities.

Ability to:
  • Draw logical conclusions and make recommendations.
  • Effectively supervise, schedule and train subordinate employees.
  • Interpret and apply laws and regulations.
  • Analyze situations and adopt effective course of action during emergencies.
  • Prepare and review clear, concise and comprehensive written reports.
  • Use and care of firearms.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted during the course of work.
  • Perform timely notifications to next of kin with understanding and empathy.
  • Effectively supervise and perform the duties and responsibilities of assigned staff.

ALLOWANCES
UNIFORM ALLOWANCE
Sheriff Sergeant, Correctional Sergeant - of $450 in Pay Period 1 and Pay Period 14 each fiscal year
HOLIDAYS & LEAVES
VACATION
10 days the first 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 160 hours), 15 days in the second 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 240 hours), and 20 days after 10 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 320 hours).
SICK LEAVE
0.0625 hours sick leave for each paid regularly scheduled work hour. 16 days (130 hours per year) with unlimited accumulation. Optional annual buy back of a portion of accumulated sick leave hours upon meeting certain criteria.
HOLIDAYS
Twelve paid holidays annually plus one optional holiday.
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE
Five (5) regularly scheduled workdays.
INSURANCE
HEALTH INSURANCE
Medical Insurance - Merced County offers multiple Medical Plans and contributes towards employee and dependent premiums.
  • Anthem 500 EPO
  • Anthem 1500 EPO
  • Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) with Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) without Health Savings Account (HSA)
Dental Insurance - Delta Dental
  • County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)
Vision Insurance - VSP
  • County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)
DISABILITY INSURANCE
State Disability Insurance (SDI)
  • Merced County non-management employees are enrolled in the State Disability Insurance Program (SDI). Premiums for this insurance are paid by the employee. This insurance is administered solely by the State, who determines eligibility and payments. Benefit amounts are based on the quarter with the highest wages earned within the base period.

LIFE INSURANCE
County-paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
  • Represented Employees $10,000
Voluntary Term and Whole Life Insurance are available - premium paid by employee
RETIREMENT
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
The County offers a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan. Employees choose their investment funds and can make pre-tax or post-tax contributions to the plan up to the maximum allowable.
MERCED COUNTY EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION
The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 and other provisions of the California Government Code. MCERA members also pay into Social Security. The applicable benefit formula is dependent upon your hire date with an MCERA employer; your pension amount will be determined by your age, years of service and final compensation amount.
EXTRA HELP EMPLOYEES DO NOT QUALIFY FOR COUNTY BENEFITS.
EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
Anthem EAP services provide up to five face-to-face counseling sessions per incident and provides a toll-free "800" hotline available 24/7 for emergencies and crisis intervention. EAP services include counseling services, legal services, financial services and work-life resource services.
EMPLOYEE TICKETS, COUPONS, and DISCOUNTS
The County of Merced has partnered with Employee Savings Tickets to provide discounted coupons and tickets for all county employees to attractions throughout the state and out-of-state. The discounts and coupons are available for shopping, movies, sporting events, theme parks, zoos and aquariums and much more.
THIS BULLETIN IS NOT A CONTRACT AND DOES NOT CREATE CONTRACTUAL OR LEGAL RIGHTS ON BEHALF OF ANY EMPLOYEE. THIS BULLETIN IS SUBJECT OF BEING SUPPLEMENTED, MODIFIED, WITHDRAWN OR OTHERWISE CHANGED PENDING LABOR AGREEMENTS AND/OR AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICER OR AS THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DEEM NECESSARY.
For answers to specific questions regarding employee benefits, please call Human Resources at 209.385.7356.
01
Do you possess a current State Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Basic Certificate, OR have you completed a Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) Standards and Training for Corrections (STC) Basic Jail Operations Core Course and POST 832 PC course?
  • Yes
  • No

02
List any SPECIAL DUTY ASSIGNMENTS you have worked; also list approximate dates worked. I.E. Investigations, Dive Team, School Resource, SWAT/SERT, Classification, Transportation, K9 or any others. (Document all that apply)
03
Have you been a member of a Field Training Officer Program or Jail Training Officer Program? (List

Apply