Deputy Sheriff

Are you seeking an exciting and challenging career in law enforcement?

The County of San Diego has immediate vacancies for Deputy Sheriff's Cadet .

Future Salary Increases

June 2027 – 4.47% increase to base pay (3% Across-the-Board + 1.47% Market Adjustment)

Cadets who successfully complete the 26-week Academy will be promoted to the Deputy Sheriff classification. The base pay for a Deputy Sheriff is $43.04/hour upon graduation. Additional pay incentives and premiums are available for those who are eligible:

• Intermediate POST - 5%
• Advanced POST - 13.5%

Visit or contact View email address on click.appcast.io for additional information on wage incentives.

About The Position

Newly hired Cadets attend and successfully complete a comprehensive 26-week training academy, which includes classroom study and examinations in Jail Procedures, Classification of Incarcerated Persons, Progressive Physical Training (for more information regarding the Physical Agilities Test, please click here), Defensive Tactics, Security Maintenance, Supervision of Inmates, Assaultive Behavior, Emergency Procedures, Firearms Training, Courtroom Procedures, Criminal and Civil Proceedings, and related subjects. Upon graduation, Cadets will be promoted to Deputy Sheriff-Detentions/Court Services. Read the job classification to learn more about the position.

Minimum Requirements at Time of Application

Education, training, and/or experience that demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed above. Required education and experience:

1. Must be 20.5 years of age at time of application AND
2. Obtain a U.S. High school diploma or G.E.D., or a degree from a two-year or four-year accredited U.S. college or university.
   • Applicants must attach a copy of their conferred transcript or diploma to their application. Degrees must be accredited by a U.S. state or local government educational agency using local or state government-approved accreditation, or an organization holds membership in Cognia.

Positions in this classification must meet employment guidelines and standards established by The Commission for Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) in which Peace Officers as defined in Section 830 of the California Penal Code and the provisions of Sections 1029 and 1031 of the California Government Code. Additionally, candidates must have the ability to carry, possess, receive, and own a firearm throughout employment, pursuant to Penal Code section 832.15, subdivision (a).

Condition of Employment

As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening in accordance with the California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Medical Screening Manual prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations will be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position.

Illegal drug use and possession is prohibited in any form by Sheriff's Office employees.

Time of Selection

Requirements for Interview and Background Process

1. Effective oral and written communication skills in English
2. Vision: Correctable to at least 20/30. Applicants using eyeglasses or hard contact lenses must have uncorrected visual acuity of no worse than 20/100. There is no minimum uncorrected visual acuity requirement for individuals wearing soft contact lenses. All standards are subject to the requirements established by the State of California P.O.S.T.

Application Process

Complete the online application form and provide correct and complete responses to the supplemental questions. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application form will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.

Hiring Process Assistance

If you have any questions or would like assistance during the hiring process, you may request contact from the Sheriff's Office by emailing View email address on click.appcast.io. Please include your last name, first name, and a contact phone number, and use the subject line Sheriff’s Sworn Applicant. Providing your contact information is completely voluntary and is not a condition of this application or any employment with the County of San Diego.

Written Examination Process

If you meet the minimum qualifications for Deputy Sheriff's Cadet, you will be invited to take a written examination. This exam will include the Sheriff’s Aptitude Assessment and Basic Readiness Exam (SAABRE). The test assesses English comprehension consisting of questions pertaining to vocabulary, spelling, and reading comprehension. The specific exam administered will be at the sole discretion of the Sheriff’s Office.

Note: If you have recently taken the California POST Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLET-B) with any agency, you must wait at least thirty (30) days before you can take this test with the San Diego County Sheriff's Office. If applicants fail to wait at least 30 days from their last examination date and proceed with taking two tests in a 30-day window period, California POST will invalidate the second test score administration. If your score is invalidated, you will not be placed on the eligible list for the Deputy Sheriff’s Cadet with the San Diego County. For additional information on the State of California POST written examination and regulations, please go to

Exception for the Written Test

1. If you possess POST PELLETB written exam results from another agency AND received a total T-Score of 42 or higher AND the letter is dated within 6 months prior to your application date; you must submit these results via email to View email address on click.appcast.io.
2. If you possess an associate’s degree or higher from an accredited U.S. college or university. A copy of the conferred transcript or diploma must be attached to the application. If you do not attach a copy of your transcript or diploma, you will be required to take the SAABRE exam.

Background Orientation and Investigation Process

If successful in the written exam process, candidates will be required to complete the following: a comprehensive background investigation, a computer voice stress analysis exam, an employment interview with Sheriff's sworn management, a psychological examination, a physical abilities test, a physical assessment, and a full medical examination, including drug screening.

Note: All phases of evaluation for this recruitment, including exam, background orientation, and investigation process, will require candidates to appear in person. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis. The County of San Diego now participates in E-Verify.

Apply Today

Apply today for an opportunity to gain valuable skills necessary for a rewarding career in law enforcement!