Job Details

Deputy Sheriff Recruit

When you work for the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, you aren't just another employee, you are family. Our family is growing and we want YOU to join! We are looking for people who like to stay busy, can multi task and have excellent communication skills while still being able to understand and maintain confidentiality standards. Why work for the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office:

• Opportunities for growth and career advancement
• Numerous specialty positions
• Overtime availability, hazard pay, uniform allowance, and benefits
• PERS retirement
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Paid leave

Please Note:

• The successful candidate for this position will be required to receive a passing score on the Peace Officer Standards and Training Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery exam (PELLETB). The County of Humboldt proctors PELLETB exams on a bimonthly basis. The next PELLETB exam is scheduled for May 28, 2026 in Eureka, CA.
• This recruitment is open until filled. Human Resources reserves the right to close this recruitment at any time.
• The successful candidate for this position will be required to undergo a detailed background investigation.
• Evening, night and weekend work may be required.

NOTE: This position is intended to prepare candidate for the position of Deputy Sheriff I. Incumbents in this position will attend a P.O.S.T. approved basic academy which will be paid in full by the Sheriff's Office. Incumbents may advance to Deputy Sheriff I after successfully completing the academy and meeting the entry level qualifications for Deputy Sheriff I. Prior to appointment candidates must successfully complete a background investigation, polygraph, physical health examination and a psychological evaluation.

Under close supervision, learn to perform a variety of basic peace officer duties involving the protection of life and property, enforcement of laws and ordinances, criminal investigation, crime prevention and suppression, case preparation and testimony, and providing information and assistance to the public; perform related work and training as assigned.

Deputy Sheriff Recruit is a trainee level class of this peace officer series intended to prepare candidates for the position of Deputy Sheriff I. Under close supervision, incumbents perform basic and routine law enforcement duties and observe the more skilled and complex work performed by Deputy Sheriff I/II, while concurrently attending a P.O.S.T. approved basic academy. Incumbents may advance to Deputy Sheriff I after successfully completing a P.O.S.T. approved basic academy and meeting the entry level qualifications for Deputy Sheriff I.

• Accompany Deputy Sheriff on patrol of assigned areas to ensure the security of life and property, observe situations and deter crime by providing high visibility.
• Accompany Deputy Sheriff in response to suspicious activities and answer emergency calls for service.
• Accompany Deputy Sheriff and observe enforcement of state and local laws and ordinances, issuance of verbal warnings and citations, and pursuit and apprehension of suspects; request assistance as required.
• Assist with coordination of crime scene control and investigation, including interviews and interrogations, identification of witnesses, and collection and preservation of physical evidence.
• Assist with restoring order, protecting life and property, and maintaining the peace at public gatherings and in conflict situations.
• Assist with the preparation and documentation of cases; complete reports and records; prepare and maintain other logs and records.
• Assist with the investigation of traffic accidents and provide traffic and crowd control as necessary.
• May retrieve, identify and return found property and/or evidence to owners.
• May transport criminals to the courts, hospitals and various other locations.
• May serve civil papers to County residents; research and locate person to be served.
• May provide emergency aid and assistance to incapacitated persons and request additional response.
• May provide information, directions, and other services and assistance to the public.
• May serve as back-up to other local law enforcement agencies

Knowledge of:

• Basic law enforcement terminology and concepts.
• Techniques for dealing with people of all socio-economic levels under hostile and emergency situations.
• Safety practices and precautions pertaining to the work.
• First aid methods and their applications.

Skill in:

• Reading, interpreting and applying complex laws, procedures and policies.
• Observing and accurately recalling places, names, descriptive characteristics and facts of incidents.
• Remaining calm and taking appropriate action in tense situations.
• Making rapid, sound independent judgments within legal and procedural guidelines.
• Preparing clear and concise reports, records and other written materials.
• Understanding and following oral and written directions.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Other Requirements: Must be willing to work evening, night, weekend and holiday shifts. Must possess a valid California driver's license. Desirable Education and Experience: A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is: Volunteer or paid experience in a law enforcement support area OR college level coursework in criminology or police science which will have provided the basic knowledge and skills.