Sheriff's Correctional Deputy (County Classification - Cadet)

Salary : $82,056.00 - $104,707.20 Annually
Location : San Luis Obispo, CA
Job Type: Permanent - Hourly
Job Number: 0526PM-000375-01
Department: Sheriff-Coroner
Division: Sheriff-Coroner
Opening Date: 05/13/2026
Closing Date: 6/3/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


About the Position
The Sheriff's Office is seeking self-motivated, dedicated team players to fill the position of Correctional Deputy. In this role, you will be responsible for performing the full range of duties related to the custody, supervision, and counseling of incarcerated persons. Successful candidates will be hired as Sheriff's Cadet during an initial training period and to attend required courses in order to become a Correctional Deputy.


Sheriff's Correctional Deputies work in the County Jail which houses all persons arrested in San Luis Obispo County who are either sentenced or awaiting trial. Under general supervision incumbents are responsible for the intake, custody, welfare, healthcare, programs, services, transportation, and release of incarcerated persons in the custody of the Sheriff; investigate crimes that arise from custodial assignments; and perform other related work as required.


The physical agility component of this recruitment is scheduled on Friday , June 12, 2026

Click here, to learn more about the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office division and units.
, to view the full job description for Cadet.
, to view the full job description for Sheriff's Correctional Deputy.
This recruitme nt may be used to fill future permanent, substitute, limited term, and temporary positions, both full-time and part-time.

The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will possess formal education in corrections or law enforcement and possess a knowledge of Custody division programs, policies and procedures. Candidates must be honest, possess integrity, and be able to take direction, as well as work independently when required. The ability to effectively interact with a diverse population including, but not limited to, incarcerated persons, arresting officers, probation staff, and administrative support staff is key. A strong work ethic and excellent communication and observation skills are desired. The ability to adapt to various environments, think quick on your feet, and multi-task is a must.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:
A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes:

Graduation from high school or possession of a general education development test certificate indicating high school graduation level or its equivalent as determined by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. Proof of minimum educational requirement may be required.

Licenses and Certificates:
A valid driver's license is required at the time of application. A valid California driver's license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.

Within 6 months of appointment to Correctional Deputy must obtain and keep valid both First Aid and CPR training. Within 12 months of appointment as a Correctional Deputy must satisfactorily complete the Standards & Training for Correction (STC), Adult Corrections Officer Core Course. Thereafter, the STC annual required training must be met.

How to Apply


Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. Apply for this position at governmentjobs.com/careers/slocountyca. Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.

An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.

Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.

If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at Confidential inquiries are welcomed.

For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at


The Recruitment Process:

• A mandatory physical agility test will be the first step in the recruitment process for all who meet minimum qualifications.
• Physical agility examination scheduled on Friday, June 12, 2026
• Candidates who pass the physical agility test will be invited to participate in a panel interview.
• Finalists will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process.

The Physical Agility Test consists of four (4) events as follows:

• 550 Yard Run
• Push-Ups
• Sit-Ups
• Pull-Ups

All events are scored individually, however, points are cumulative for these exercises. If you are less successful in one event, you can make up points in other events by completing more repetitions. More information is listed below in regard to each event and scoring.

Event 1 - 550 Yard Run: 165 seconds or less target time.

Event 2 - Push-Ups: Two (2) minute max time limit for as many as you can do with proper form. During the exercise you can only rest in "plank" position; plank must have proper form; knees cannot touch the ground.

Event 3 - Sit-Ups: Two (2) minute max time limit for as many as you can do with proper form. During the exercise, arms must be behind the head or crossed over the chest; candidate can rest in up position.

Event 4 - Pull-Ups: Must attempt at least one (1) unassisted rep starting in "hang" position; candidate can rest in "hang" position. Note: If you attempt the pull-up and are not able to complete it, you do have that ability to make up those points with the push-ups and sit-ups.

Since one of the events involves running, you can prepare for the test by practicing both short sprints and longer runs.

The other three events involve upper body and core strength. It is possible to condition yourself for these by doing similar total body exercises.


As mentioned above, scores are cumulative for all events. The scoring system below can be used to determine different exercise combinations that will yield a passing score for the physical agility exam. Candidates must attain a cumulative score of 30 in order to pass. Please note that the scores reflected below will be used for this recruitment, however, are subject to change at any time. Please do not refer to this chart for future recruitments. Scores will be reposted with each recruitment to be sure candidates are receiving the most up to date information available.

** 30 Point Minimum Passing Score ** Push-Up Sit-Up Pull-Up 1-4 = 3>10 = 01 = 65-7 = 411-17 = 12-4 = 78-10 = 518-22 = 25-7 = 811-13 = 623-27 = 37+ = 914-16 = 728-32 = 4
17+ = 933-38 = 6

39-44= 8

45+ = 9
550-YARD RUN
Conversion of Time to Points
Time (Seconds) PointsTime (Seconds)Points53to55.850126.5to129.32555.9to58.749129.4to132.32458.8to61.748132.4to135.22361.8to64.647135.3to138.12264.7to67.646138.2to141.12167.7to70.545141.2to1442070.6to73.544144.1to1471973.6to76.443147.1to149.91876.5to79.342150to152.81779.4to82.341152.9to155.81682.4to85.240155.9to158.71585.3to88.239158.8to161.71488.3to91.138161.8to164.61391.2to9437164.7to167.51294.1to9736167.6to170.51197.1to99.935170.6to173.410100to102.934173.5to176.49103to105.833176.5to179.38105.9to108.732179.4to182.27108.8to111.731182.3to185.26111.8to114.630185.3to188.15114.7to117.629188.2to191.14117.7to120.528191.2to1943120.6to123.427194.1to196.92123.5to126.426197to199.91
Supplemental Information:

Hours:

• This position is scheduled to work three 12-hour shifts in a week and one 8-hour shift every other week. The shifts are scheduled as either 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. or 7 p.m. - 7 a.m.
• Limited 40 hour workweek assignments, Monday-Friday, 8 hour shifts.

Working Conditions :
Perhaps obvious, but this position does require you to work in the jail. Working inside a jail can be considered a "difficult" or "challenging" environment for some. In many situations, inmates in which you have close contact with have poor personal hygiene, may be violent, mentally ill, and/or use vulgar language, among other things. The work environment can be loud, overcrowded, have offensive odors, and be physically demanding.

Click here to watch a video tour of the jail

Background Investigation :

To accept a position with the Sheriff's Office, you must successfully complete a Sheriff's Background Investigation. Below is a partial list of offenses or issues that may disqualify you from successful completion. Please review the below list:

• Any felony conviction
• Recent misdemeanor conviction, or any two misdemeanor convictions as an adult
• Poor employment history
• Any sale, manufacture, or cultivation of illegal drugs
• Recent use of illegal substances such as opiates, hallucinogens, injectables, cocaine, methamphetamine, or similar substance
• Poor driving record such as numerous hazardous traffic violations or chargeable accidents
• Recent conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, or any two convictions for this offense as an adult
• Any act of domestic violence, as defined by law
• Any crime committed against a child
• Behavior or derogatory remarks constituting discrimination or bias toward others based on their race, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other protected class
• Any material misstatement of fact or intentional omission of information during the application or background process

Other Conditions of Employment:
Age and Citizenship: All applicants must meet the age and citizenship requirements of California Government Code 1031. Written proof of the foregoing is required.
Character: Good moral character as determined by a thorough background investigation. No convictions by any State, the Federal Government, or a foreign government of a crime, which could have been punishable by imprisonment in a Federal Penitentiary or a State prison.


Reasonable Accommodation Notice
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Please call View phone number on click.appcast.io for assistance or e-mail View email address on click.appcast.io for more information.

Veteran's Preference Points
If you are applying for employment with the County of San Luis Obispo and you served in the United States Armed Forces, you may be eligible for veteran's preference points as part of the recruitment process. Some dependents and survivors of eligible veterans may also be eligible for preference points. for more information and to learn how to apply for this benefit. Please note that Veteran's credits must be on file with the County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Office prior to the recruitment closing date indicated on the job announcement.

Equal Employment Opportunity
The County is an equal opportunity employer. Objectives are directed toward assuring equal opportunity in selection / promotion, pay, and job assignments. Recruitment and selection procedures have been established to ensure non-discrimination on the basis of political or religious opinions or affiliations, age, sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors. In addition, the County complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act in hiring and retaining employees. For more information contact the Human Resources Department at View phone number on click.appcast.io.
Make a Difference
Employees of the County of San Luis Obispo are public servants who impact the lives of our community every day. From supporting efforts to reduce homelessness, keeping our drinking water clean, or serving the families in need in the community, County employees make a difference.
Compensation and Benefits
Your annual salary is supplemented by a generous benefit package.


In general, temporary employees are not eligible for County-sponsored benefits and may have limited benefit options available to them. For more information on benefit eligibility, please e-mail .

For additional information regarding the benefits listed that may be available to you, visit the associated


Some benefits include:
- Medical (PPO, EPO, HDHP), Dental (HMO, PPO) and Vision Insurance
- Health enhancing programs such as Hinge Health, GIThrive and Carrum Health for medical enrollees.
- Cafeteria (County contribution to pay for insurance premiums)
- Free visits to the employee health clinic
- Mental Health resources/benefits including Headspace
- Voluntary insurance plans (life insurance, disability, critical illness and many more)
- A lifelong retirement benefit through the San Luis Obispo County Pension Trust
- Optional deferred compensation plan
- Tax savings accounts (medical and dependent care)
- Paid personal, sick and vacation days
- 12 paid holidays
- Employee Assistance Program
- Education and Wellness Allowance
- Post Employment Health Plan
- Family Friendly workplace policies
- Flexible work schedule options
- Rideshare commuter benefits
- Pet Insurance
The County of San Luis Obispo has been recognized as a Diamond Level Family Friendly Workplace by San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce. We support our employees through: childcare assistance, flexible scheduling practices, paid and unpaid leave, comprehensive health benefits, flexible spending accounts, and employee assistance programs.


Pension Benefit and Employee Contribution Rates:
The County's pension is a defined benefit plan that provides a guaranteed monthly pension payment for life based on your time in service, wages, and other factors. The County is the primary contributor to the pension fund, but the health of the pension fund also depends on mandatory employee contributions. Employees are required to pay a percentage of their base pay towards the pension fund, ranging from 5% to 19%. This amount is deducted from your paycheck pre-tax every pay period. To find out how much will be deducted from your paycheck should you be hired for this position, please contact Pension Trust at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Healthcare Benefits and Cafeteria Contributions:
The County offers comprehensive medical coverage to you and your family, along with two dental plan options and vision coverage. All permanent employees receive a monthly employer contribution (or 'cafeteria' contribution) to help them pay for their portion of the medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums. The amount of the cafeteria contribution varies by Bargaining Unit (BU) and the extent to which employees enroll their dependents. If the cafeteria amount is greater than your selected premiums, the remainder of the cafeteria is paid out to you in your paycheck as taxable income. If the cafeteria amount is less than your monthly premiums, you pay the remainder of the premiums with pre-tax wages.


To estimate your out-of-pocket costs (or cashback from extra cafeteria),


Learning and Development
The County prioritizes your learning, personal and professional development, and career growth. Employees have access to over 1500 on-demand courses, instructor led courses, and job-specific trainings.


Employees can take courses to upskill to make themselves more competitive for promotional opportunities and further their career growth. Examples of courses include:

- Emotional Intelligence
- Supervisor/Manager academies
- Microsoft Suite courses
- Defensive Driving
- Financial management
- Retirement preparedness
- Teambuilding
- Written Communication
- Conflict Management
- Clifton StrengthsFinder and DISC
- Job specific conferences/trainings

Student Loan Forgiveness
Did you know that if you are employed by a government agency you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
County employees also have access to GotZoom, a program that offers tools and support to navigate your federal student loans.


Homebuyer assistance program
Employees have access to the "Assist-to-Own" program sponsored by to get a loan for the down payment.
01


Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)?

• Yes
• No

02


The posting for this recruitment contains information regarding a mandatory physical agility examination on Friday, June 12, 2026. Have you reviewed this information and are able to attend the physically agility exam on the date listed?

• Yes
• No

03


Appointment to the Correctional Deputy position requires that you work in the jail. Working inside a jail can be considered a "difficult" or "challenging" environment for some. In many situations, inmates in which you have close contact with have poor personal hygiene, may be violent, mentally ill, and/or use vulgar language, among other things. The work environment can be loud, overcrowded, have offensive odors, and be physically demanding. Are you willing to work in the environment as described?

• Yes
• No

04


In order to prepare for the recruitment process, candidates are required to watch the video tour of the jail linked in the Working Conditions section of the job posting. To watch the video, you may also copy and paste the following link into your browser: you watched the video tour of the jail?

• Yes
• No

05


Have you ever failed a background investigation with the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office?

• Yes
• No

Required Question