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Deputy Sheriff Recruit

County of Humboldt
Eureka, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 11/27/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 1/27/2026

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 December 16, 2025 in Eureka, CA.

  • This recruitment is open until filled. Human Resources reserves the right to close this recruitment at any time. Applications will be screened on a weekly basis.

  • 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. 

DEFINITION
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.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County’s automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca

Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer. 

It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected. 

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement.  Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.  

Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible. 


SELECTION PROCEDURE

The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable.  Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to fill out the application?

  • You should allow 30 – 45 minutes to fill out your application. 

Can I change my application after submitting it?

  • No. Once an application has been submitted, it is final. Applicants may submit a new application with updated information during the filing period if they wish. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will not be considered.

How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?

  • You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process. Important updates will be sent to the email address listed in your governmentjobs.com account at the time of notification. To ensure you don't miss any critical information, we recommend keeping your email address current and regularly checking both your inbox and junk mail folders throughout the process. You can also log into your governmentjobs.com account at any time to check your application status. If you have any questions about your application's progress, please contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at 707-476-2349 or personnel@co.humboldt.ca.us.

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?

  • Yes, you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam.


OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position. 

If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.


REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at (707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made.  


EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances. 


MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.


OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.


LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.


PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.


EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States.  For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.


DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.


THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT.  THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.

Salary : $26 - $33

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