Sheriff's Protective Services Officer

Salary : $74,193.60 - $89,573.12 Annually
Location : San Jose Metropolitan Area, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-U9Z-C
Department: Sheriff Services
Opening Date: 06/01/2026
Closing Date: 7/5/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 01


Description
Under supervision, to secure and protect property owned, operated, or administered by the County, and to direct and assist persons conducting business at County facilities.

NOTE: Candidates who meet the employment standards will be invited to take an online examination tentatively scheduled to open July 22 , 2026 Qualifying candidates will be notified via email with instructions for taking the examination.


Candidates who pass the online examination will be invited to take the physical agility test scheduled for the morning of August 22 , 2026.

Typical Tasks
The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

• Patrols assigned areas, remaining alert for security breaches and criminal and/or suspicious activity; documents and reports relevant observations to appropriate authorities; uses presence to deter criminal activity;

• Logs security events and other relevant information; obtains additional information, as necessary; prepares accurate and concise reports consistent with departmental policy;

• Warns violators or notifies proper authorities in connection with violations of County rules and regulations and suspected criminal violations;

• Makes rounds of designated areas and reports relevant observations;

• Maintains physical security of County buildings and property by checking and securing doors and windows, checking interior/exterior lighting and alarm systems and monitoring surveillance devices and multiple alarm systems;

• Provides information to persons conducting business at County facilities;

• Controls access to secured areas by confirming legitimacy of requested access and identity of requestor; issues badges and passes at access level authorized by management;

• Maintains vigilance for and reports fire threats, water leaks, electrical hazards, equipment failures, etc.;

• Assists Deputies and other peace officers, as directed, in the event of an emergency;

• Regulates the use of facilities and grounds by ensuring compliance with policies, procedures, and regulations;

• Responds to both routine and emergency security-related calls for service, complaints, or unusual conditions on County property; takes appropriate action within scope of authority;

• Directs traffic, enforces parking regulations, and issues County parking citations or warnings, as necessary;

• May create and maintain computer databases for tracking, retrieval of information, and maintenance of computer files;

• Maintains communication with dispatch center and other Officers via two-way radio;

• Testifies in legal proceedings;

• May conduct metal detector searches with a handheld wand or oversee metal detector operations at entry points;

• May provide first aid or emergency medical services, within scope of the provided training, to County employees or guests;

• Inventories, safeguards and returns patient valuables;

• Assists medical personnel in transporting and/or escorting psychiatric patients;

• Conducts property searches of 5150 patients pursuant to law;

• Applies behavioral restraints to patients as provided by departmental policies and procedures;

• Reports criminal activity and participates in a Private Person's Arrest in accordance with California laws and departmental policy, if necessary, pending other law enforcement assistance or actions;

• Uses reasonable force to protect self, staff, and general public, as allowed by departmental policies and procedures;

• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required*;

• Performs other related duties as required.

Employment Standards
Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:
Training and Experience Note: The required knowledge and abilities are attained through training and experience equivalent to completion of high school or equivalent

and
Two (2) years of full-time experience as a security guard and/or peace officer.
Completion of sixty (60) semester units (ninety (90) quarter units) of college may be substituted for the security or peace officer experience.
OR
Attended a Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office POST Basic Academy or Adult Corrections Academy within the last six months.
Special Requirements

• Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work. If driving, possession of a valid California driver's license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.

• *As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help. A DSW is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered.

• Must pass a comprehensive criminal history and background check, which includes a polygraph examination and contact of prior employers and personal references. Applicants will be fingerprinted for local, state and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record. In addition, a classifiable set of fingerprints shall be furnished to the Department of Justice and to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

• Successfully complete and receive the following required certifications and courses within nine (9) months of employment or vacate the position:
  • Introductory course of training prescribed by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) as described in Penal Code Section 832 (excluding the firearm portion).
  • Course approved by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) in the carrying and use of an impact weapon, Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray and handcuffs.
  • In-house Field Training Program.

Knowledge of:

• Property, personnel and facility security measures;

• Fire and safety regulations;

• Basic security principles and techniques;

• Common computer systems and software applications;

• Report writing principles and techniques;

• Basic law enforcement principles and techniques;

• Rules, regulations, codes, and laws related to the work (part of the PC 832 training and enforcement of some legal detentions, arrests);

• Basic first aid and CPR;

• English usage, style, grammar, punctuation and spelling.

Ability to:

• Implement property, personnel and facility security measures;

• Understand fire and safety regulations;

• Apply basic security principles and techniques;

• Use common computer systems and software applications;

• Utilize report writing principles and techniques;

• Understand basic law enforcement principles and techniques;

• Follow rules, regulations, codes, and laws related to the work;

• Administer basic first aid and perform CPR;

• Read and understand material safety data sheets and other safety communications;

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures;

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public and representatives of other agencies.

Physical Requirements

• Wear personal protective equipment, including gas mask, ballistic vest, and hazardous materials decontamination suit, as appropriate;

• Perform physical tasks requiring strength and endurance.

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more


The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.

In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.

Retirement Benefits
The County offers robust retirement plans including a (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family's long-term financial well-being.

Health Flexible Spending Account
The empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.

Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
The enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the , an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.

Life and AD&D
The County offers life and disability benefits including , Insurance, These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.

Employee Wellness
The offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.

Education Reimbursement
A generous program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.

NOTE : Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.

Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.
01


Please answer the following questions. Completion of the following supplemental questions is REQUIRED and is an integral part of the evaluation process. Your answers should be as complete as possible. A response of "see resume" or "see application" will deem your application incomplete.
Include a detailed description of your work experience in the following format for EACH employer referenced, in each answer:
a) Employer name(s)
b) Job title(s)
c) Start/end dates of employment
d) Total hours worked per week
e) Description of task(s) performed
Do you understand the requirement to provide complete answers in order to determine relevant experience for each area in question?

• Yes
• No

02


What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• Less than High School or GED
• High School or GED equivalent
• College (1 to 29 semester / 1 to 44 quarter units)
• College (30 to 59 semester / 45 to 89 quarter units)
• College (60 to 89 semester / 90 to 134 quarter units)
• College (90 to 119 semester / 135 to 179 quarter units)
• College (120 or more semester / 180 or more quarter units)
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctoral Degree

03


How many years of experience do you possess working as a security guard and/or peace officer?

• None
• Less than one year
• One to less than two years
• Two to less than three years
• Three to less than four years
• Four to less than five years
• Five or more years

04


Please describe your experience as a security guard and/or peace officer.
Responses must include the following required information: Your job title(s), employer name(s), start/end date(s), hours worked per week and a detailed description of tasks performed. If none, type "N/A".


05


Have you attended a Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office POST Basic Academy or Adult Corrections Academy within the last six months?

• Yes
• No

06


If you answered "Yes" to question #5, when did you attend the academy (month and year)? If not, type "N/A".
07


I understand that I must pass an extensive background investigation if I am selected.

• Yes
• No

08


How did you find out about this job?

• Contacted by County Recruiter
• Contacted by a Recruitment Firm
• County Employee Referral
• County of Santa Clara Career Website
• County of Santa Clara Job Interests Email Notification
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• Virtual Job Fair
• In Person Job Fair
• In-Person Networking Professional Event
• Virtual Networking Event
• Community Event
• Glassdoor
• Governmentjobs.com
• Professional Association
• Search Engine (Google, Bing, online search, etc.)
• Hospital Website: SCVMC, O'Connor Hospital, St. Louise Regional Hospital Website
• Handshake
• Student Career Center
• County Text Message
• Other (Specify in the next question)

09


If you clicked "Other" for how you found out about this job, please specify here. If not, type N/A.
10


I certify that statements made in this questionnaire are true and complete.

• Yes
• No

Required Question