Salary : $119,350.40 - $126,817.60 Annually
Location : County of San Mateo, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: H061R
Department: Sheriff's Office
Opening Date: 03/27/2026
Bargaining Unit: 61
Position Overview As a Deputy Sheriff Trainee, you will begin your journey toward becoming a sworn peace officer with the support, mentorship, and training provided by the Sheriff's Office. Under close supervision, trainees attend a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified police academy, where they develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to serve as a deputy sheriff while working toward earning the POST Basic Certificate.
Following successful completion of the academy, field training program, and jail training program you will perform a variety of law enforcement duties under the guidance of Sheriff's Office staff.
Assignments may include:
- Patrolling assigned areas to enforce laws and maintain public safety.
- Responding to emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
- Conducting criminal investigations.
- Ensuring the care of and transportation of incarcerated persons.
- Serving as a court bailiff or civil deputy.
- Performing crime prevention and community engagement activities.
Ideal Candidate The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office is seeking individuals who demonstrate strong character, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to public service. The ideal candidate possesses the integrity, judgment, and work ethic necessary to succeed in a challenging and rewarding law enforcement career.
Ideal candidates will possess the following characteristics:
- Integrity and Ethical Judgment - Demonstrates honesty, accountability, and sound decision-making while maintaining the highest ethical standards.
- Commitment to Public Service - Shows a genuine desire to serve others and improve the safety and well-being of the community.
- Strong Communication Skills - Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing and interacts professionally with community members, coworkers, and partner agencies.
- Emotional Intelligence and Sound Judgment - Remains calm and composed in stressful or rapidly evolving situations.
- Teamwork and Collaboration - Works effectively with others and contributes positively to a professional team environment.
- Adaptability and Resilience - Able to adjust to changing circumstances and overcome challenges while maintaining a positive attitude.
- Accountability and Initiative - Demonstrates responsibility, reliability, and self-motivation while pursuing professional development.
- Cultural Awareness and Community Engagement - Values and respects the diverse communities served by San Mateo County.
- Physical Fitness and Readiness - Maintains the physical fitness necessary to successfully complete POST academy training and perform the physical demands of law enforcement duties.
- Possession of an associate's degree or higher.
TO AVOID DELAYS IN PROCESSING YOUR APPLICATION, PLEASE READ THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS JOB POSTING IN ITS ENTIRETY PRIOR TO SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION.IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT APPLYINGThe required tests for Deputy Sheriff Trainee applicants
must be completed
before submitting an online application. The following describes the required application materials:
Step 1: Application Submission: All applicants are
required to submit an online application to be considered. Responses to the supplemental questions and copies of required test scores must be submitted in addition to the regular employment application form. Applications submitted without the required attachments will be rejected.
Step 2: Written Examination: Applicants for the Deputy Sheriff Trainee have three options for meeting the written examination requirement:
1) POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB): This exam must be completed in less than 2.5 hours, be passed with a
minimum T-Score of 48 and be dated within twelve (12) months of the date of applicationThe areas covered by the PELLETB test include spelling, vocabulary, clarity, reading and CLOZE (use contextual clues to complete a passage that contains missing words). To schedule for the exam, visit the South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Consortium's website at:
OR2) Possession of a Basic Police Academy certification meeting POST requirements dated within one year of application.
OR3) Possession of an associate's degree or higher from an accredited U.S. college or university. Step 3: Physical Agility Examination - Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB): This exam must be passed with a
minimum score of 384 and be dated within twelve (12) months of the date of application. This exam evaluates the physical abilities to perform essential law enforcement tasks. Applicants can submit scores from the WSTB through The Academy. The Academy offers optional practice sessions. To schedule for the exam, visit the South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Consortium's website at:
The events for the WSTB typically include:
- 99-yard obstacle course
- 32-foot body drag (165 lbs.)
- 6-foot chain link fence climb
- 6-foot solid wall climb
- 500-yard sprint
- 1.5-mile run - This is a pass/fail test held independently of the WSTB scoring, and it must be completed in 14 minutes or less.
NOTE: PELLETB test and WSTB results from other training organizations or law enforcement agencies will be accepted so long as they meet California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) requirements.
Qualifications Education: A high school graduate or passing the General Education Development (GED) test or other high school equivalency test approved by CDE, or completion of at least 60 college units from an accredited or approved institution.
Skill/Ability to: Work collaboratively with others to solve problems; read and comprehend legal documents, law enforcement manuals, and court decisions; read standard street and highway maps; follow instructions; function effectively under stress; demonstrate leadership and control in volatile, rapidly changing environments; maintain impartiality, transparency and make accurate observations; perform repeated strenuous physical exertion; write complete and accurate reports and correspondence.; communicate clearly and respectfully with all types of people, both orally and in writing; lead by personal example by interacting professionally and compassionately with community members; meet State of California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) medical, physical, and psychological standards for law enforcement.
Licensure/Certification:- Possession of a Class C California driver's license or equivalent (both classifications).
Deputy Sheriff Trainee: Eligibility for State of California P.O.S.T. law enforcement academy and field officer training OR successful graduation from State of California P.O.S.T. law enforcement academy and eligibility for field officer training.
Other Requirements:- Must be at least 21 years of age per P.O.S.T and AB-89 Peace Officer minimum qualifications.
- Refrain from using tobacco products at any time for employees hired by the County after October 1, 2004.
- Must meet California POST medical, psychological, and background standards.
- Pass a pre-employment polygraph test.
Application/Examination Open. Anyone may apply. Responses to the supplemental questions and copies of required test scores must be submitted in addition to the regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire.
The examination/selection process will consist of the steps detailed below: Step 1: Application Submission: All applicants are required to submit an online application to be considered. Responses to the supplemental questions and copies of required test scores (PELLETB and WSTB) must be submitted in addition to the regular employment application form. Applications submitted without the required attachments will be rejected.
Step 2: Written/ Physical Agility Examination: Applicants for the Deputy Sheriff Trainee have three options for meeting the written examination requirement - (1) submittal of a valid and passing T-Score on the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) exam dated within the last 12 months prior to the date of application
OR(2)possession of a Basic Police Academy certification meeting POST requirements dated within one year of application will be accepted in lieu of PELLETB scores
OR(3)possession of an associate's degree or higher from an accredited U.S. college or university
AND submittal of a valid and passing Physical Agiity Test WSTB score dated within the last 12 months prior to the date of application.
Step 3: Application Appraisal (weight: 100%):Applicants who meet the qualifications for the position will be placed on the eligible list for a period of six months.
Oral Interview: After placement on the eligible list, qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an in-person panel interview with the Sheriff's Office Professional Standards Bureau.
Apply immediately. This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and may close at any time. Selections may be made at any time within the process and the final filing date will be posted five days in advance on this job announcement. Analyst: Lealoa Numera (03272026) (Deputy Trainee - H061)
We invite you to explore our page for a snapshot of the comprehensive and competitive benefits available to eligible employees of the County of San Mateo. From health and wellness to financial security, our benefits are designed to support you at every stage of your career. (Please note that benefits are subject to change.)
In addition to core benefits, the County is proud to offer a variety of wellness and professional development programs to help you grow both personally and professionally. Most of these enriching opportunities are available during work hours and come at no cost to you.
As a County employee, you'll also be covered by the federal Social Security system, earning valuable retirement benefits based on your salary and years of service.
01
IMPORTANT: Applicants for this position are required to submit responses to the following supplemental questions. Your responses will give us additional information about your background and experience related to this position and will be used in the selection process.
A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for your responses. - I have read the above and understand.
02
The Deputy Sheriff Trainee position (per Government Code 1031.4) requires that you must be at least 21 years of age at time of appointment. Are you at least 20 years of age at the time of application?
03
The Deputy Sheriff Trainee position requires applicants to have either graduated from high school, have passed the General Education Development (GED) test, possess other high school equivalency test approved by the California Department of Education, or completion of at least 60 college units from an accredited or approved institution. Do you meet this requirement? (Note: If "YES", you will be required to submit proof of educational requirement prior to employment). (A "NO" answer will disqualify you from this recruitment).
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You must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Do you meet this requirement? (If "YES", you will be required to submit proof of your legal authorization to work in the Unites States prior to employment.)
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A Non-Tobacco Use Policy applies to all employees hired by the County as a Deputy Sheriff Trainee after October 1, 2004. Are you currently a County employee who was hired by the County prior to October 1, 2004?
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If hired for the Deputy Sheriff Trainee position, you will be required to sign a "Statement of Acceptance" evidencing an agreement to refrain from using tobacco products at any time upon obtaining this position. Any such employee who violates the agreement shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
