Cadet to Deputy Sheriff (Certified)

Salary : $42,577.60 - $54,995.20 Annually
Location : Pensacola, FL
Job Type: Full-Time Shift
Job Number: 00725
Division: Administration Division
Department: Professional Standards
Opening Date: 07/08/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


General Description


This job advertisement serves the purpose of hiring for both Cadet (non-certified) and Deputy Sheriff (certified) positions. Based on proven qualifications, your application, and answers to questions within the application, you will be placed in the classification and pay that is appropriate.
STARTING SALARY: Cadet I: $20.47/hour ($42,580 annual)
Cadet II: $23.02/hour ($47,880 annual)
Recruit: $24.26/hour ($50,460 annual)
Deputy Sheriff: $26.44/hour ($55,000 annual)
**At the Sheriff's discretion, a full-time certified Deputy Sheriff with prior law enforcement experience with an agency with more than 100 sworn personnel is considered a lateral hire and may be awarded one step in the ECSO Step Plan for each two (2) years of previous experience. For example, the starting salary for a lateral hire with twenty (20) years of full-time experience with an agency with more than 100 sworn personnel may be placed at Step 10 in the ECSO Step Plan.**

CADET I/II:
Under general supervision, the purpose of the Cadet position is to prepare a non-certified applicant (Cadet) for a career in law enforcement. While in the Cadet I/Cadet II status, the applicant participates and engages in formal and in-house training. The work activities are specifically designed and chosen to train and indoctrinate the individual in the field of law enforcement.

The selected applicant agrees to perform work as assigned by the Administration OIC or their designee.

The overall premise of the Cadet I or Cadet II position is to advance to be selected to attend the Law Enforcement Academy, when eligible (at the ECSO's discretion, minimum age of 21). Applicants at this stage would advance to the level of Recruit at a starting salary of $24.26/hour ($50,460 annual). If selected to attend the Law Enforcement Academy, applicant will be employed full-time while attending the law enforcement academy. The Escambia County Sheriff's Office will provide the needed training, equipment, and the state exam fee with the condition that the applicant sign a 2-year contract to work as a full-time Deputy Sheriff for the Escambia County Sheriff's Office, beginning once the applicant passes the State Officer Certification Exam.


DEPUTY SHERIFF:
This class is assigned to perform crime prevention and investigation activities.

THIS POSITION REQUIRES THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF A FLORIDA BASIC LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMY (OR EQUIVALENCY OF TRAINING PROGRAM) AND PASSING OF THE FLORIDA STATE OFFICER CERTFICATION EXAM.

IF NOT ALREADY, THIS POSITION WILL REQUIRE CERTIFICATION IN LAW ENFORCEMENT BY THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT.
Examples of Duties

CADET I/II:

• Enforce parking regulations and violations, including issuing parking citations. (Cadets must complete a training course for Parking Enforcement Specialist as approved by the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission).
• Assist the Investigations Division with collection and processing of evidence.
• Provide clerical assistance, as needed, within the Sheriff's Office.
• Provide manpower assistance to the Sheriff's Office Training Unit.
• Attend regular training classes in law enforcement.
• Attend various functions representing the Escambia County Sheriff's Office
• Complete other duties as assigned.

In addition to the above, if applicant is selected to attend the Law Enforcement Academy:

• Attend classes, lectures, demonstrations, and exercises
• Trains on-the-job by performing routine work assignments in the functional area for which training is prescribed.
• Perform other duties of similar nature or level in classroom setting

DEPUTY SHERIFF:

• Responds to calls for service or complaints from citizens.
• Patrols an assigned area to enforce local, State, and Federal laws, including applicable traffic laws and related traffic control activities.
• Participates in investigating crimes, which includes collecting and preserving evidence, interviewing witnesses and suspects, and securing crime scenes.
• Prepares detailed and accurate reports, records, statistics, and/or logs on daily activities.
• Renders emergency assistance at accidents and/or catastrophic situations.
• Serves civil and criminal warrants and/or other legal processes utilizing established rules of civil process; apprehends criminals and makes arrests.
• Transports suspects and/or applicable individuals to appropriate facilities and/or locations.
• Attends court to testify in trials and/or participates in depositions.
• Employees may be assigned to various units (Investigations, Forfeitures, Training, Court Security, etc.) that will require unit specific job duties.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Typical Qualifications
All applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered minimally qualified for the job:

• Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent G.E.D.
• Be a United States Citizen.
• Possess a valid driver's license at the time of application and meet the driving history requirements.
• Must have had no illegal drug use within the past six months.
• Must pass a physical abilities test, CVSA, background investigation, drug screen, medical evaluation, physical and psychological examination

To be qualified at the level of Cadet II, applicant must meet at least ONE (1) of the below criteria (proof will be required):

• Associate's degree or higher, or
• Military veteran with an HONORABLE discharge or a current member of any reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces or the Florida National Guard with a minimum of two (2) years of experience, or
• Certified Corrections officer with a minimum of two (2) years of experience, or
• Out-of-state Law Enforcement officer with a minimum of two (2) years of experience

To be qualified for DEPUTY SHERIFF, applicant must meet the below criteria (proof will be required):
Completion of a Florida basic training program for Law Enforcement approved by the CJSTC and passed the Florida state officer certification examination.

Physical Ability Test (PAT) requirements:
You will be required to take and pass a Physical Ability Test (P.A.T.) at the beginning of the pre-employment process in order to proceed. The P.A.T. will be conducted generally on the second Tuesday of every month or on a pre-selected date as determined by agency administration. An applicant may be allowed three (3) attempts within a calendar year to successfully complete this testing if extended additional invitations are sent.

A Physician's Clearance Form (will be provided, if invited) clearing an applicant for participation will be required.


The P.A.T. is conducted in a time-dependent, continuous flow manner. The P.A.T. determines the participants level of physical condition and aerobic capacity. This course must be completed in under 6 minutes and 4 seconds (6:04). The tasks associated with this test measure specific physical abilities which include:

-Exiting a vehicle/opening a trunk
-Running 220 yards
-Completing an obstacle course
-Dragging a 150-pound dummy
-Completing the obstacle course a second time
-Running 220 yards
-Dry firing a weapon six (6) time with each hand
-Placing items in and closing trunk/entering a vehicle

The link below will provide a detailed overview of the essential functions and steps incorporated in a standardized PAT test taken with our agency and will help you understand how to prepare for this assessment
Licensing Requirements (for Deputy Sheriff):
CJSTC certification
FDLE certification

Knowledge (position requirements at entry for Deputy Sheriff):
Basic investigative techniques and procedures
Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, codes, and/or statutes
Rules of civil process and related statutes
CPR
Firearms operations
Recordkeeping procedures

Skills (position requirements at entry for Deputy Sheriff):
Charging suspects with violations
Interviewing witnesses and suspects
Tracking chain of custody related to evidence
Maintaining records and logs
Serving civil processes
Utilizing firearms
Preparing and maintaining activity reports, logs, and related documentation
Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction

Supplemental Information

Physical Requirements:
Positions in this class typically require: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

Very Heavy Work:
Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, work space restrictions, intense noises and travel.

NOTE:
The above job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.
Health Coverage with HRA:
PPO - 2 plans*
HDHP-High Deductible Health Plan-1
Cost per month:


Plan 1-PPO Plan 2-PPO Plan 3-HDHP
Employee $133.46 $40.00 $12.66
Emply & Spouse $553.30 $233.32 $185.80
Emply & Child(ren) $540.06 $240.00 $175.08
Family $786.34 $293.34 $227.20

*Flexible Spending Plan with pre-tax medical, dental, vision, and dependent care costs

3rd Plan Option is a High Deductible Health Plan:
$1600 Deductible needs to be met, then 20% is owed for any services
HSA with HDHP
County Employee Wellness Clinic

Employee Assistance Program - no cost to employee or family members

Dental coverage-Free for Employee Only Coverage

Vision coverage available

Long-Term Disability Policy available

Florida Retirement System Pension Plan - 3% cost to employee; 8 years vested

Florida Retirement System Investment Plan - 3% cost to employee; 1 year vested

$50,000 Life Insurance Policy - no cost to employee; additional life insurance coverage available

Deferred Compensation Plan with Nationwide

8 hours vacation leave per month (increases over time)


10 hours sick leave per month

13 Paid Holidays


Educational Incentive Pay - 2% for each 5 years of continuous service

Direct Deposit

Sick Leave Pool

College Tuition Reimbursement Program (A-100%, B-90%, C-80%)

Uniforms and Equipment furnished

No state income tax in Florida

Take Home Vehicle (based upon assignment)
01


I understand that answers to the below questions, in addition to proof of qualifications, will determine which classification I am placed in upon hire.

• Yes
• No

02


Are you 18-20 years of age?

• Yes
• No

03


Are you at least 21 years of age?

• Yes
• No

04


For placement purposes, if you are under the age of 21, when do you turn 21 (month and year)? If you are 21 years of age or older, please indicate "N/A."
05


Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent? NOTE: All education must be listed in the "Education" section of your application. NOTE: Your application will be rated ineligible if your relevant education is not listed in the correct sections as listed above.

• Yes
• No

06


Have you completed a Law Enforcement Academy in the state of Florida (or Equivalency of Training program) AND passed the Florida State Officer Certification Exam?NOTE: The Corrections Academy and State Exam is different than Law Enforcement. Corrections certification DOES NOT certify you in Law Enforcement.NOTE: Certification in another state DOES NOT certify you in the state of Florida until you complete the LE Academy (or EOT) and State Exam.

• Yes
• No
• No, I am certified in another state
• I have completed an LE Academy in the state of Florida (or Equivalency of Training program), but I have not taken and passed the State Officer Certification Exam.
• I am currently attending a Law Enforcement Academy (or Equivalency of Training program) in the state of Florida

07


If you are currently attending a Florida Law Enforcement Academy (or Equivalency of Training program), please list your anticipated graduation date. Please mark "N/A" if this does not apply.
08


To meet the requirements of the level of Cadet II, applicant must meet at least ONE of the below qualifications. Please mark all that apply. NOTE: Any qualifications MUST be listed in the appropriate sections of your application ("See Resume" will not suffice)NOTE: Proof of qualifications will be required. NOTE: Qualified for Deputy Sheriff means that you have taken/completed/passed the FLORIDA Law Enforcement Academy AND taken/passed the Law Enforcement State Office Exam in the state of Florida. This is different/separate from Corrections AND out of state experience/certification.

• Associate's degree or higher
• Military Veteran with an HONORABLE discharge OR a current member of any reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces or the Florida National Guard with a minimum of two (2) years of experience
• Certified Corrections officer with a minimum of two (2) years of experience
• Out-of-State Law Enforcement officer with a minimum of two (2) years of experience
• None of the above
• I am qualified for Deputy Sheriff

09


If you have obtained a college degree, please list the discipline of your degree.
10


Do you have a valid Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

11


Have you ever been denied issuance of a driver's license or have you ever had a license suspended or revoked? If yes, provide brief details. If no, enter "NA."
12


This position requires a physical ability test. Would you be able to take this test or examination with or without accommodation?

• Yes
• No

13


If you need a physical accommodation to participate in the physical ability test, indicate what accommodation you would require. If no accommodation is needed, indicate N/A
14


Have you ever been fingerprinted for any reason (arrest, job application, military, etc.)? If yes, provide brief details. If no, enter "NA."
15


I understand, if hired in a Cadet position and selected to attend the ECSO LE Training Academy, that I must sign a 2-year employment contract with the Escambia County Sheriff's Office? NOTE: The contract will be signed at the beginning of the ECSO LE Training Academy, but the 2-year commitment will not begin until completion of the Academy and passing of the Florida State Officer Certification Exam. NOTE: If an applicant does not complete the Academy nor pass the exam, fees incurred will reimbursed back to the ECSO by the employee.

• Yes
• No

16


Do you claim Veteran's Preference?

• Yes
• No

17


If you are claiming Veteran's Preference, which of the below qualifies you for Veteran's Preference?

• Disabled Veteran that has served on active duty in any branch of the Armed Forces and who presently has an existing service-connected disability which is compensable under public laws administered by the DVA or are receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension by reason of public laws administered by the DVA and the Dept. of Defense
• The spouse of a Veteran who has a total and permanent service-connected disability and who, because of this disability, cannot qualify for employment
• The spouse of a Veteran who is missing in action, captured in the line of duty by hostile force, or detained or interned in the line of duty by a foreign government or power
• A Veteran of any war who has served at least one (1) day during a war time period. Must have Honorable Discharge. Active Duty for Training shall not be allowed for eligibility.
• A Veteran who has been awarded a campaign or expeditionary medal
• The unremarried widow(er) of a Veteran who died of a service-connected disability
• The mother, father, legal guardian, or unremarried widow(er) if a service member who died as a result of military service under combat-related conditions as verified by the U.S. Dept. of Defense
• A Veteran who has served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released therefrom under Honorable conditions only or who later received an upgraded discharge under Honorable conditions. Active Duty for Training shall not be allowed for eligibility
• A current member of any reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces or the Florida National Guard
• N/A

18


I understand that if claiming Veteran's Preference, I must submit ALL the appropriate/supporting documentation to confirm my qualifications for Veteran's Preference in order to be awarded the appropriate Veteran's Preference. NOTE: Supporting documentation can be submitted via email to View email address on click.appcast.io; via fax at View phone number on click.appcast.io; or in person at the Escambia County Sheriff's Office Administration building located at 1700 West Leonard St., Pensacola, FL..NOTE: Supporting documentation must be submitted in order to receive the appropriate Veteran's Preference. If the supporting documentation is not submitted, Veteran's Preference will not be awarded. NOTE: For any questions regarding what documentation is required, please email View email address on click.appcast.io

• Yes
• No
• N/A

19


I understand that the start of the ECSO pre-employment process is the Physical Ability Test. These tests generally will be held the second Tuesday of every month, or on a pre-selected date as determined by agency administration. If I am selected to attend the P.A.T., I will be notified via email, on average, two weeks prior to the assessment.NOTE: There may, occasionally, be interim PATs held. You will still be notified, on average, two (2) weeks prior if you are invited to attend.NOTE: Please be sure to check ALL of your email folders, to include Spam/Junk in case the email is filtered out.

• Yes
• No

20


I understand that I may have up to three (3) attempts within a calendar year to participate and pass the P.A.T.. If I do not pass on the first attempt, the agency reserves the right to determine if any additional future invitations will be extended to me.

• Yes
• No

21


I understand that my application will remain current and on file for a period of four (4) months, and I may be selected at any time during that period for the pre-employment process.

• Yes
• No

22


I understand that if I am not selected within four (4) months of submitting my application, I will be notified via email that it has expired, and I will need to reapply if I am still interested.

• Yes
• No

23


I understand that my application must list any employment held within the previous ten (10) years, at a minimum, in order for my application to be considered complete.I have listed any and all employment held within the previous ten (10) years.

• Yes
• No

24


I understand that I must list three (3) PERSONAL references. These references cannot be family nor previous/current supervisors. These references must have name and phone number at a minimum for contact information.I have listed three (3) personal references in my application.

• Yes
• No

25


Do you know an employee of the ECSO who can give a reference on you? Please list the employee's name or type "N/A".
26


Are you currently a permanent ECSO employee?

• Yes
• No

Required Question