The San Joaquin Sheriff’s Office is seeking highly motivated individuals who are interested in a career as a law enforcement officer. The Deputy Sheriff Trainee will receive intensive academic instruction and rigorous physical training in law enforcement at a California Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Certified Academy and will receive other assignments on a training basis to learn departmental policies and procedures.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Click here to view the Sheriff's Office Candidate FAQ to learn more about the hiring process.
Candidates must pass the physical agility test and written exam to move forward in the recruitment process for this position. Click the link to view a video demonstration of the physical agility test:
PAT Video.
Candidates may provide POST PELLETB T-scores from other agencies in lieu of taking the written examination. A T-Score of 42 or higher is qualifying with San Joaquin County.
T-Scores must be on official agency letterhead in PDF format and have been within the last 12 months. You may attach your T-score letters to your application or e-mail them to
[email protected]. Please note, San Joaquin County WILL NOT waive the physical agility exam in lieu of another physical agility exam from another law enforcement agencies and/or basic training academies.
If you retest within 30 days either with the same or a different department/agency, your test results will be invalidated. you must wait at least 30 calendar days prior to retaking the test (e.g., you will be eligible to retest on the 31st day after you have taken your last PELLETB exam.)
For more information regarding the Entry-Level Test Battery exam please visit LE Entry-Level Test Battery Applicant FAQs.
Study guide/material may be found at the CA POST website:
PELLETB Preparation Guide
If you have failed either the Physical Agility Test or the Written Exam and are still interested in participating in the process, please reach out to Melissa Lopez at
[email protected] so you can continue to receive notices for upcoming exam dates.
UPCOMING TESTING SCHEDULE (dates are subject to change)
Apply by: Thursday, October 29, 2026, by 5 p.m.
PAT/Written Exam: 8am - 2pm, Friday, November 6, 2026
(Please note, only candidates that successfully complete the agility test will be invited to the written exam)
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Apply by: Thursday, December 31, 2026, by 5 p.m.
PAT/Written Exam: 8am - 2pm, Friday, January 8, 2027
(Please note, only candidates that successfully complete the agility test will be invited to the written exam)
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Apply by: Thursday, March 4, 2027, by 5 p.m.
PAT/Written Exam: 8am - 2pm, Friday, March 12, 2027
(Please note, only candidates that successfully complete the agility test will be invited to the written exam)
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Apply by: Thursday, May 6, 2027 by 5 p.m.
PAT/Written Exam: 8am - 2pm, Friday, May 14, 2027
(Please note, only candidates that successfully complete the agility test will be invited to the written exam)
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Apply by: Thursday, July 1, 2027, by 5 p.m.
PAT/Written Exam: 8am - 2pm, Friday, July 9, 2027
(Please note, only candidates that successfully complete the agility test will be invited to the written exam)
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Apply by: Thursday, September 2, 2027, by 5 p.m.
PAT/Written Exam: 8am - 2pm, Friday, September 10, 2027
(Please note, only candidates that successfully complete the agility test will be invited to the written exam)
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. A completed application must be postmarked or received online by the final filing deadline.
NOTE: All correspondences relating to this recruitment will be delivered via e-mail. The e-mail account used will be the one provided on your employment application during time of submittal. Please be sure to check your e-mail often for updates. If you do not have an e-mail account on file, Human Resources will send you correspondences via US Mail.
Under immediate supervision, receives intensive academic instruction in law enforcement at a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Certified Basic Academy; receives other assignments on a training basis to learn departmental policies and procedures; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.
This is the trainee level class in the Deputy Sheriff series. Incumbents in this class are assigned to attend a POST Certified Basic Academy and may perform non-enforcement duties. Emphasis is placed on community-based policing, familiarization between law enforcement and the community, and collaborative problem solving. Upon successful completion of the Academy, trainees will be sworn in as Peace Officers and are eligible to move to the entry-level class of Deputy Sheriff I – Academy Certified upon graduation from the Academy and reaching 21 years of age.
- Attends the assigned POST Certified Basic Academy and successfully meet all academic and physical requirements.
- Receives training in the use of a variety of law enforcement equipment, physical fitness techniques, arrest control techniques, and other required trainings.
- Learns the principles and techniques of community-based policing and of interviewing victims, witnesses, and suspects; learns how to determine appropriate courses of action when faced with potentially violent situations.
- Develops and maintains positive relations with the public to resolve issues, gain compliance, and build trust; exchanges crime related and general information with other law enforcement agencies.
- Learns and may assist in operating electronic communication equipment to transmit and receive messages from electronic communication equipped vehicles and other stations.
- Learns to prepare a variety of reports and correspondence to meet department policy and protocol.
- May assist Deputy Sheriffs on routine calls in a learning capacity.
- May assist with supervision of inmates in a variety of activities at the detention facility.
Basic English grammar, composition, spelling and punctuation; basic mathematics; effective problem solving techniques; learns guidelines pertaining to police confidentiality; basic vehicle laws and regulations; basic public relations principles; basic computer and modern office automation technology; professional ethics.
Learn principles and methods of law enforcement and community-based policing; follow directions accurately and precisely; learn to operate and care for a variety of specialized law enforcement equipment, including firearms, restraints and tactical equipment; understand and follow written and oral instructions; prepare written reports; apply pertinent codes and regulations; perform basic arithmetic calculations; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; operate electronic communication equipment; establish and maintain effective working relationships; exercise sound judgment at all times including stressful and emergency situations; use independent judgment and adopt quick, effective and responsible course of action; learn principles of conflict de-escalation; be honest, fair, equitable, and tactful in both pleasant and unpleasant situations; work effectively and collaboratively with inmates, fellow officers, public officials, general public, and others; relate to a wide variety of socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds; foster and develop collaborative partnerships with community members and organizations to proactively solve problems; perform duties while wearing required safety equipment; safely operate emergency response vehicles; function as a liaison between San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office and local law enforcement agencies; work different shifts, weekends, holidays and extended schedules; operate basic computer hardware and software.
Mobility–frequent operation of a data entry device; repetitive motion; sitting, standing, walking for extended periods of time; driving; frequent running, pushing, pulling, bending, squatting, climbing, crawling; drag 5 to 165 lbs; Lifting–frequently 5 to 75 lbs; occasional lifting/turning of heavy objects or people; Visual–constant good overall vision, reading/close-up work; color perception and use eye/hand coordination; frequent use of depth perception and field/peripheral vision; Dexterity–frequent reaching; grasping; repetitive motion; writing; Hearing/Talking–frequent hearing of normal speech, hearing/talking on the telephone/radio, talking in person; ability to hear faint sounds; Emotional/Psychological–constant decision making, concentration, and public contact; public speaking; dealing with emergency situations; frequent working alone; occasional exposure to trauma, grief, and death, hazardous materials; Special Requirements–wear assigned safety equipment; work different shifts, weekends, holidays and extended schedules; Environmental–frequent exposure to noise and varied weather conditions.
San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
San Joaquin County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and is committed to providing equal employment to all without regard to age, ancestry, color, creed, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation or belief, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. For more information go to Equal Employment Opportunity Division (sjgov.org).
Accommodations for those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):
San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Employees hired into this classification are members of a bargaining unit which is represented by SEIU Local 1021.
Health Insurance: San Joaquin County provides employees with a choice of three health plans: a Kaiser Plan, a Select Plan, and a Premier Plan. Employees pay a portion of the cost of the premium. Dependent coverage is also available.
Dental Insurance: The County provides employees with a choice of two dental plans: Delta Dental and United Health Care-Select Managed Care Direct Compensation Plan. There is no cost for employee only coverage in either plan; dependent coverage is available at the employee’s expense.
Vision Insurance: The County provides vision coverage through Vision Service Plan (VSP). There is no cost for employee only coverage; dependent coverage is available at the employee’s expense.
For more detailed information on the County’s benefits program, visit our website at www.sjgov.org under Human Resources/Employee Benefits.
Life Insurance: The County provides eligible employees with life insurance coverage as follows:
1 but less than 3 years of continuous service: $1,000
3 but less than 5 years of continuous service: $3,000
5 but less than 10 years of continuous service: $5,000
10 years of continuous service or more: $10,000
Employee may purchase additional term life insurance at the group rate.
125 Flexible Benefits Plan: This is a voluntary program that allows employees to use pre-tax dollars to pay for health-related expenses that are not paid by a medical, dental or vision plan (Health Flexible Spending Account $2550 annual limit with a $500 carry over); and dependent care costs (Dependent Care Assistance Plan $5000 annual limit).
Retirement Plan: Employees of the County are covered by the County Retirement Law of 1937. Please visit the San Joaquin County Employees’ Retirement Association (SJCERA) at www.sjcera.org for more information. NOTE: If you are receiving a retirement allowance from another California county covered by the County Employees’ Retirement Act of 1937 or from any governmental agency covered by the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS), you are advised to contact the Retirement Officer of the Retirement Plan from which you retired to determine what effect employment in San Joaquin County would have on your retirement allowance.
Deferred Compensation: The County maintains a deferred compensation plan under Section 457 of the IRS code. You may annually contribute $22,500 or 100% of your includible compensation, whichever is less. Individuals age 50 or older may contribute to their plan, up to $30,000. The Roth IRA (after tax) is also now available.
Vacation: Maximum earned vacation is 10 days each year up to 3 years; 15 days after 3 years; 20 days after 10 years; and 23 days after 20 years.
Holidays: Effective July 1, 2017, all civil service status employees earn 14 paid holidays each year. Please see the appopriate MOU for details regarding holidays, accruals, use, and cashability of accrued time.
Sick Leave: 12 working days of sick leave annually with unlimited accumulation. Sick leave incentive: An employee is eligible to receive eight hours administrative leave if the leave balance equals at least one- half of the cumulative amount that the employee is eligible to accrue. The employee must also be on payroll during the entire calendar year.
Bereavement Leave: 3 days of paid leave for the death of qualifying family member, 2 additional days of accrued leave for death of employee’s spouse, domestic partner, parent or child.
Merit Salary Increase: New employees will receive the starting salary, which is the first step of the salary range. After employees serve 52 weeks (2080 hours) on each step of the range, they are eligible for a merit increase to the next step.
Educational Reimbursement Program: Eligible employees may be reimbursed for career-related course work up to a maximum of $850 per fiscal year. Eligible employees enrolled in an approved four (4) year College or University academic program may be reimbursed up to $800 per semester for a maximum of $1600 per fiscal year.
Parking Supplemental Downtown Stockton: The County contributes up to $20 per pay period for employees who pay for parking and are assigned to work in the Downtown Core Area.
School Activities: Employees may take up to 40 hours per year, but not more than eight (8) hours per month, to participate in their children’s school activities.
Apply Online:
www.sjgov.org/department/hr
By mail or in person:
San Joaquin County Human Resources
44 N. San Joaquin Street Suite 330
Stockton, CA 95202
Office hours:
Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; excluding holidays.
Phone: (209) 468-3370
Job Line:
For current employment opportunities please call our 24-hour job line at (209) 468-3377.
When a final filing date is indicated, applications must be filed with the Human Resources Division before 5:00 p.m. or postmarked by the final filing date. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. Applications sent through county inter-office mail, which are not received by the final filing date, will not be accepted. (The County assumes no responsibility for mailed applications which are not received by the Human Resources Division).
San Joaquin County Substance Abuse Policy: San Joaquin County has adopted a Substance Abuse Policy in compliance with the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988. This policy is enforced by all San Joaquin County Departments and applies to all San Joaquin County employees.
Equal Opportunity Employer: San Joaquin County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and is committed to providing equal employment to all without regard to age, ancestry, color, creed, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation or belief, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. For more information go to www.sjgov.org/department/hr/eeo.
