Deputy Sheriff

Salary : $64,997.09 - $116,726.27 Annually
Location : JENNINGS BUILDING, 4110 CHAIN BRIDGE RD, FAIRFAX (FJ16), VA
Job Type: FT Hourly W BN
Job Number: 26-00017
Department: Sheriff
Opening Date: 12/27/2025
Closing Date: 12/25/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Pay Grade: C18
Posting Type: Open to General Public


Job Announcement
$15,000 Sign-On BONUS*


The Fairfax County Sheriff's Office is looking for individuals who want to contribute to the outstanding quality of life that Fairfax County residents enjoy.

The opportunity to wear the star exists now!

About the Agency

The Fairfax County Sheriff's Office is committed to providing world-class public safety with honor, courage, and dedication to service. The Fairfax County Sheriff's Office is one of the largest sheriff's offices in Virginia, with over 500 professional men and women, serving one of the most diverse counties in the nation.

We offer a variety of law enforcement opportunities in areas that include:


Court Services

Civil Process

Corrections

Emergency Response Team

Law Enforcement Training

Inmate Transport

Community Programs

Motor Unit

Honor Guard

Crisis Negotiation Team

Bike Team

Crisis Intervention Team

Sheriff's Intelligence Unit

Peer Support Team
Crime Prevention Unit
The Deputy Sheriff typically works a 12.5-hour shift inside the Adult Detention Center. The shift options are (shift hours are subject to change):

• Day Shift: 6:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Night Shift: 6:30 p.m. - 7:00 a.m.
• Workdays alternating weekly (1st week, Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday; 2nd week Wednesday, Thursday)
• All shifts work approximately 15 days per month to equal 87.5 hours per two-week pay period, to include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• While working in the Adult Detention Center deputies may receive additional pay, such as night and evening differential, foreign language stipend, field training instructor stipend, holiday pay, and/or annual step increases as allowed by the county budget.
• Incumbents are considered emergency essential services personnel requiring that they report on their scheduled day, or may be called back to work, should a manmade or natural disaster or emergency arise.

Academy Training hours are primarily Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

*Salary will be determined within pay grade based upon relevant qualifications such as: Prior law enforcement experience (in-state and out-of-state recognized), college degree, military experience, and foreign language proficiency.

*This position includes a signing bonus for fully qualified new county employees in the amount of $15,000.

Illustrative Duties
(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position description.)

• Supervises inmate activities, prevents escapes, and maintains order, discipline and security;
• Takes appropriate action in emergency situations in accordance with established riot, hostage, fire, and disaster plans;
• Executes and returns civil and criminal process, Department of Motor Vehicle suspension orders; court orders, levies and evictions;
• Serves warrants and makes arrests;
• Gives testimony in court on actions taken during arrests and investigations in criminal matters;
• Secures the courtrooms to which assigned from disruption and violence;
• Escorts prisoners to and from courts and the Adult Detention Center;
• Provides on-the-job training for newer deputies;
• Processes inmates in and out of the Adult Detention Center;
• Oversees inmates in a specific area of the Adult Detention Center;
• Directs or escorts all inmates in an assigned area;
• Keeps a continual count of inmates in an assigned area;
• Oversees the handling and security of inmate property;
• Investigates complaints from inmates or the public concerning missing, misplaced, or mishandled inmate property;
• Transports, by vehicle, inmates, and other individuals in custody;
• Performs instructor duties at the Criminal Justice Academy;
• Prepares and conducts roll call training;
• Ensures accurate and current files are maintained on all supply transactions and office equipment repair;
• Performs routine law enforcement duties as required (e.g., traffic enforcement, accident response and investigation, criminal investigations, etc.)
• Maintains complete and accurate records and prepares clear and concise reports.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities


(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

• Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and practices of the functional area to which assigned;
• Knowledge of federal, state, and county laws and ordinances affecting assigned duties;
• Knowledge of standard operating procedures and guidelines as well as riot, hostage, fire and disaster plans;
• Knowledge of the agency's information technology system (e.g. PC's);
• Demonstrated skill in the use of firearms, defensive tactics and non-lethal weapons;
• Ability to operate vehicles, emergency equipment, radio and CAD;
• Ability to affect a physical arrest;
• Ability to maintain a level of physical fitness appropriate to assignment;
• Ability to work a shift work schedule which includes evenings, weekends, and holidays;
• Ability to work effectively under stress;
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with fellow staff members, inmates, and other departments and agencies;
• Ability to effectively handle situations requiring tact, diplomacy, fairness and good judgment;
• Ability to make accurate observations and remember names, faces and details;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: high school diploma or a GED issued by a state department of education.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED: Possession of a valid motor vehicle driver's license at the time of appointment.
The following must be obtained from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services within one year of appointment:

• Certification as a Law Enforcement Officer;
• Certification as a Jailor;
• Certification in Court Security/Civil Process;
• Certification in firearms proficiency.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be a U.S. citizen;
• Must be twenty-one years old or within 180 days of 21st birthday at the time of application;
• Must successfully complete a criminal background investigation, polygraph examination, and a psychological examination;
• Must have never committed, been involved in, or been convicted of a felony offense; must not have been convicted of or pled guilty or no contest to a felony or any offense that would be a felony in the Commonwealth of Virginia or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, misdemeanor sex offense or domestic assault;
• Must be able to obtain a Class "A" medical rating in the assigned medical group before the appointment;
• Must be a non-smoker at the time of appointment and be willing to sign a Condition of Employment Agreement to refrain from smoking, both on and off duty.
• Must be able to work a shift work schedule which includes evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Duties performed with or without reasonable accommodation. Skills in the use of firearms, defensive tactics & non-lethal weapons; ability to operate vehicles, emergency equipment, radio, and CAD; ability to maintain a level of physical fitness appropriate to the assignment; ability to work effectively under stress; ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Applicant must successfully complete a background investigation to include a polygraph, psychological and medical exam, and shall serve an initial probationary period of twelve months commencing upon graduation from the appropriate training academy.

Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including .) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY View phone number on click.appcast.io.. EEO/AA/TTY.
Merit Positions

Fairfax County is proud to offer employees an attractive and comprehensive benefits program, including the following:

• Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance Coverage
• Group Term Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• LiveWell Program
• Flexible Spending Programs
• Paid Leave (annual, sick, parental, volunteer activity, and more!)
• Paid Holidays
• Deferred Compensation
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employees' Child Care Center
• Continuous Learning Opportunities

Please click for a summary of our benefits.

NOTE: Fairfax County Government is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. For more information about the PSLF program:


For additional details please visit the
Non-Merit Positions

1. Non-Merit Benefit Eligible: scheduled to work a minimum 1,040 hours and no more than a maximum of 1,560 hours in a calendar year.
   • Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance Coverage
   • Flexible Spending Program
   • Deferred Compensation
2. Temporary: scheduled to work a maximum of 900 hours in a calendar year.
   • No benefits

01


This questionnaire is the first step in the background process for all positions in the Sheriff's Office. You must answer every question. All information given on this application will be investigated, and any inaccurate information, untruthful, or misleading answers(s) will be cause for disqualification. The submission of your application acknowledges that you understand the above statement and the information you supplied is accurate and complete to the best of your knowledge. Do you agree?

• Yes
• No

02


Are you a U.S. citizen?

• Yes
• No

03


If you are not a United States citizen, have you applied for United States citizenship?

• Yes, I have applied for United States citizenship
• No, I have not applied for United States citizenship
• Not applicable to me

04


Are you at least 20 years old? Note: Individuals applying for a Deputy Sheriff I position must be 21 years old upon completion of the Criminal Justice Academy.

• Yes
• No

05


What is the highest level of education that you have completed?

• Less than 12th grade
• High school diploma or GED
• Some college
• Associate's degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Doctorate degree

06


Have you applied to the Fairfax County Sheriff's Office before?

• Yes
• No

07


If you responded Yes to applying to the Fairfax County Sheriff's Office before, provide the date(s) and position(s) applied for.If this is not applicable to you, type N/A.
08


Have you ever served in the military? Check the selection(s) that applies to you.

• I am/was actively serving the military
• I have never served in the military

09


What was your military discharge type?

• Honorable
• General
• Dishonorable
• Other than honorable
• Not applicable

10


If you answered Yes to serving in the military, provide your highest rank, years of service, and branch. If you received a military discharge type other than honorable, provide an explanation.If this is not applicable to you, type N/A.
11


What is your Expiration Term of Service (ETS)?If this is not applicable to you, type N/A.

• Yes
• No

12


Have you had previous sworn law enforcement and/ or corrections officer experience?

• Yes
• No

13


If you answered Yes to the previous law enforcement and/or corrections officer experience question, provide jurisdiction, service dates, and rank. If this is not applicable to you, type N/A.
14


Are you currently certified as a law enforcement officer by Virginia's Department of Criminal Justice Services or any other similar oversight agency in another state?

• Currently certified in Virginia
• Currently certified in another state
• Previously certified in Virginia
• Previously certified in another state
• I have never been a certified law enforcement officer

15


Have you ever been de-certified as a law enforcement officer in any state?

• Yes
• No

16


Do you speak, read, or write in a language other than English?

• Yes
• No

17


Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

18


How many traffic tickets/charges have you received within the last five years?

• None
• One
• Two
• Three
• Four
• Five
• Six or more

19


If you checked off any box, other than "None", in Question #18, list each traffic ticket/charge and an approximate year. The number of tickets listed should match the number checked in Question #18. If this is not applicable to you, type N/A.
20


Do any of the following situations apply to you? Check all that apply.

• My driver's license has been suspended, revoked, or restricted.
• I have been charged with reckless driving.
• I have been charged with driving under the influence.
• I have been charged with leaving the scene of an accident (hit & run).
• None of the above

21


If you answered Yes to any of the offenses in Question #20, provide specific details of each box checked, including the approximate month and year.
22


Have you ever been arrested regardless of the outcome of the incident?

• Yes
• No

23


Have you ever been charged with any criminal offense as a juvenile or adult, regardless of the disposition?

• Yes
• No

24


If you answered, Yes to ever being charged with any criminal offense as a juvenile or adult, were you charged as an adult or a juvenile? Select what applies to you.

• I was charged as an adult
• I was charged as a juvenile
• I was charged as a juvenile and an adult
• None of the above

25


If you answered Yes to any of the offenses in Question #24, provide specific details of each incident checked, including the approximate month and year.
26


Have you used or possessed marijuana/hashish THC-based products within the last 12 months?

• Yes
• No

27


If you answered Yes to using or possessing marijuana/hashish/THC/CBD-based products/gummies/ointments based within the last 12 months, provide the approximate month and year of last use. If this is not applicable to you, type N/A.
28


Have you , ever used or possessed the following? Check all that apply.

• Cocaine/crack
• Amphetamines/barbiturates (such as Adderall, Speed, Crystal Meth, bennies)
• Anabolic steroids
• Inhalants (such as whippits, glue, aerosols, paint)
• Synthetic/designer/club drugs/ MDMA (such as Ecstasy, Ice, Fantasy, Roofies, Rohypnol, GHB, GBH)
• Opiates (such as heroin, opium)
• Prescription drugs not prescribed to you
• Hallucinogenic drug (such as LSD, PCP, mushrooms, psilocybin)
• Spice, Salvia, Fentanyl
• Peyote (mescaline, buttons)
• Any other drug not included in this questionnaire
• Not applicable to me

29


If you answered Yes to using or possessing any drugs, provide the approximate month and year of last use for each box checked. If this is not applicable to you, type N/A.
30


Have you ever sold any of the following drugs for financial gain? Check all that apply.

• Marijuana/hashish
• Cocaine/crack
• Amphetamines/barbiturates (such as Adderall, Speed, Crystal Meth
• Anabolic steroids
• Inhalants (such as whippits, glue, aerosols)
• Synthetic/designer/club drugs/ MDMA (such as Ecstasy, Ice, Fantasy, Roofies, Rohypnol, GHB, GBH)
• Opiates (such as heroin, opium)
• Prescription drugs not prescribed to you
• Hallucinogenic drug (such as LSD, PCP, mushrooms, psilocybin)
• Spice, Salvia, Fentanyl
• Peyote (mescaline, buttons)
• Any other drug not included in this questionnaire
• Not applicable to me

31


If you answered Yes to selling any drugs, provide the approximate month and year of each box checked. If this is not applicable to you, type N/A.
32


Incumbents shall not use any tobacco products on or off duty starting at the time of appointment. The incumbent must be willing to sign a Condition of Employment Agreement acknowledging the prohibition of the use of tobacco products both on and off duty. Do you understand this requirement?

• Yes
• No

33


The Fairfax County Sheriff's Office has a policy that all employees are subject to random illegal drug use screening. If you are offered employment with this department, do you understand that you will be subject to random illegal drug use screening?

• Yes
• No

34


Are you capable and willing to work 12.5-hour shifts? This may include working days nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Yes
• No

35


Did the $15,000 sign-on bonus contribute to your decision to consider Fairfax County as an employer of choice?

• Yes
• No

36


Help us improve our outreach by sharing how you discovered this job opportunity. Please choose from the options in the drop-down menu below.

• Professional Career Fair
• Military Career Fair
• College/University Career Fair
• Facebook
• X
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Mall Advertisement
• fairfaxcounty.gov
• fcsocareers.org
• YouTube
• Friend/Family
• Other

37


If you selected "Other" for the job opportunity question, please provide the specific details in the box below.
38


Do you authorize a review of and full disclosure of all records or any part thereof, concerning yourself, by and to the Fairfax County Sheriff's Office, or its authorized agents, whether the said records are of a public, private or confidential nature?

• Yes
• No

Required Question