What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sheriff's Detentions Deputy Trainee - Shift position at Kern County?
Position Information
Revised 7/25/25, 8/7/25, 9/8/25, 12/15/25
Join Us For a Special Hiring Event On
January 10, 2026, from 730 a.m. - 10 a.m . at Regional Training Center, 962 Norris Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93308 .
You will be given the opportunity to meet the hiring team, have your application pre-screened on site and take the written exam on this date (limited seating available).
The written exam will be administered for applicants at 10:00 a.m. on January 10, 2026. If you wish to test, seating is first come, and we encourage you to arrive prior to 8 a.m.
Group #
Application Submission End Date
Application Review Date
Written Exam (In-person)
1
11/11/2025 11/12/2025
11/19/2025
2
11/19/2025 11/20/2025 12/3/2025
3
12/8/2025 12/9/2025 12/17/2025
4
1/5/2026 1/6/2026 1/14/2026
This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time without notice .
Examinations: Written Exam (Pass/Fail): Will be conducted for the purpose of assessing the applicant's knowledge of grammar and spelling; ability to understand and follow written instructions; understand forms and reports, work attitudes and other relevant subjects. Applicants must attain at least a 70% score to pass the written examination. An Applicant Preparation Guide may be accessed here.
A link to the physical fitness pre-academy fitness guide may be accessed here.
Minimum Qualifications / Employment Standards
Physical and psychological requirements: Applicants must be found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, that might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer.
Medical Examination:Candidates must pass a rigid post-employment offer, pre-placement examination given by the County Physician. It may include, but not be limited to, spine and chest x-rays, blood chemistry and electrocardiograph tests, hearing and vision test, functional capacity examination and psychological examination.
Character: Applicants must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. Felony law convictions will be disqualifying and except for a limited number of minor traffic offenses, misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying. Candidates must pass a thorough background investigation.
Minimum Age:Applicants must be 18 years of age at the time of filing deadline.
Knowledge of: grammar and spelling.
Ability to: give clear verbal instructions/directions, testify, and other oral communication; understand and follow oral instructions from others; understand facility forms, reports, manuals and laws pertaining to corrections; accurately observe, recall, and report behavior; maintain discipline without causing unnecessary tension; work with others and interact with diverse individuals and groups; have tolerance for the stress of working in a potentially dangerous environment; have tolerance of highly structured, regimented work environment; maintain self-control when confronted with verbal harassment or threats; stay calm and respond with composure in emergencies; work under close supervision; obey authority; perform repetitive tasks effectively or tolerate long periods of inactivity.
Full Job Description For: Sheriff's Detentions Deputy
Background / Pre-employment Polygraph Examination / Psychological Evaluation: The background evaluation will include a pre-employment polygraph examination and psychological evaluation and will assess overall suitability for employment only as a Kern County Deputy Sheriff Trainee. This evaluation may not indicate present suitability for other law enforcement positions or future suitability as a Kern County Sheriff's Detentions Deputy Trainee. Candidates must be found satisfactory in all respects on the Background Evaluation. Candidates determined to be unsuitable on this evaluation, or who have previously been found unsuitable, are encouraged to wait a minimum of twelve months before they may reapply for this classification.
Sheriff's Detentions Deputy: Salary Range - $2,756.94 - $3,294.80/bi-weekly. Incumbents promoted to Sheriff's Detentions Deputy must fulfill all requirements for the position.
About Kern County
Kern County employees provide opportunities that are purposeful to our community. Every employee and every action contributes to the improvement and strengthening of our county.
To learn more about Kern County, click here or follow us:
Growth Mindset
We always encourage our employees to grow and develop. Kern County has a culture of innovation that allows employees to explore creative and more efficient ways to accomplish their work. We provide access to training and continued professional development in an effort to ensure that our employees have opportunities for career growth.
Additional Information
All Kern County employees are designated "Disaster Service Workers" through state and local laws (CA Government Code Sec.3100-3109 and Ordinance Code Title 2-Administration, Ch. 2.66 Emergency Services). As Disaster Service Workers, all County employees are expected to remain at work, or to report for work as soon as practicable, following a significant emergency or disaster.
Following an offer of employment,you will be required to submit to post offer medical, psychological, and drug screening tests at county expense.
Admittance to each phase of the examinationwill require a government issued photograph identification. Applicants who are unable to present proper identification must make arrangements with the Human Resources Division prior to the test date.
Upon completion of the trainee core courses and promotion to Sheriff's Detentions Deputy,incumbents will be REQUIRED to work shift work including weekends and holidays as assigned by the Sheriff's Office.
This examination will establish a 12-month eligible list from which appointments will be made at the Sheriff's Department.
This position works within the Kern County Sheriff's Office. For more information about the department, please view their website here .
Kern County Sheriff’s Office will seek and retain qualified individuals who maintain a high moral character, are ethical in all facets of life, and are trustworthy and professional when serving our community. To learn more about the 7 pillars of the ideal candidate please click here .
Kern County is an ADA compliant and an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Supplemental
Summary Of Benefits For Detentions Deputy
Recruitment Bonus: The County will provide all employees hired on or after November 9, 2021, in a permanent capacity as a Detentions Deputy with the Sheriff's Office a $15,000 non- pensionable recruitment and retention bonus. The bonus shall be payable in full upon appointment by the Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator subject to completion of a 5-year term of service as a Detentions Deputy rank or higher, including in any continuing capacity as a sworn peace officer with the County of Kern. Appointees who do not complete the agreed upon term of service shall be subject to repayment of the bonus with the following amortization schedule:
Vacation: 13 days and accrual rate increases yearly
Holidays: 12 paid holidays a year & 3 days of Paid Winter Recess Leave
Sick Leave: Up to 12 Paid Sick Days Per Year
Additional Benefits
Shift Differential: The County will pay shift differential pay of 7.5% of base pay for any time worked between 9:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
Uniform Allowance: $1,300 annually. Paid bi-weekly at approximately $50 per paycheck. Safety equipment provided
Sheriff's Emergency Response Team (SERT) Special Assignment Pay: Employees assigned to SERT shall receive a biweekly "special assignment pay" of five percent (5%) of their biweekly base salary.
Detention Training Officer Pay: While assigned as a Detention Training Officer, employees shall receive assignment pay equal to 5% of their base salary.
Life Insurance: The County will provide life insurance coverage for covered employees in the amount of $20,000 per employee.
Bilingual Pay: $25 bi-weekly for qualified employees & The Bilingual Pay Program will include the payment of $50 per pay period for those positions, which require written bilingual skills to perform a critical part of the employee's job.
Health Benefits
County contributes 80% of cost for all health plans.
EAP – No Cost
Retirement Benefits
All above provisions are based on the Kern County Detention Officers Association (KCDOA). This is a summary of benefits. It does not confer any rights upon any employee. Please refer to the unit MOU for more information.
Revised 7/25/25, 8/7/25, 9/8/25, 12/15/25
Join Us For a Special Hiring Event On
January 10, 2026, from 730 a.m. - 10 a.m . at Regional Training Center, 962 Norris Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93308 .
You will be given the opportunity to meet the hiring team, have your application pre-screened on site and take the written exam on this date (limited seating available).
The written exam will be administered for applicants at 10:00 a.m. on January 10, 2026. If you wish to test, seating is first come, and we encourage you to arrive prior to 8 a.m.
- $15,000 Recruitment Bonus - More information below*
Group #
Application Submission End Date
Application Review Date
Written Exam (In-person)
1
11/11/2025 11/12/2025
11/19/2025
2
11/19/2025 11/20/2025 12/3/2025
3
12/8/2025 12/9/2025 12/17/2025
4
1/5/2026 1/6/2026 1/14/2026
This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time without notice .
Examinations: Written Exam (Pass/Fail): Will be conducted for the purpose of assessing the applicant's knowledge of grammar and spelling; ability to understand and follow written instructions; understand forms and reports, work attitudes and other relevant subjects. Applicants must attain at least a 70% score to pass the written examination. An Applicant Preparation Guide may be accessed here.
A link to the physical fitness pre-academy fitness guide may be accessed here.
Minimum Qualifications / Employment Standards
- High School Diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent.
- Possession of a valid California Class "C" Driver's License is required at the time of employment. Specialized licenses are required for some assignments.
Physical and psychological requirements: Applicants must be found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, that might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer.
Medical Examination:Candidates must pass a rigid post-employment offer, pre-placement examination given by the County Physician. It may include, but not be limited to, spine and chest x-rays, blood chemistry and electrocardiograph tests, hearing and vision test, functional capacity examination and psychological examination.
Character: Applicants must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. Felony law convictions will be disqualifying and except for a limited number of minor traffic offenses, misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying. Candidates must pass a thorough background investigation.
Minimum Age:Applicants must be 18 years of age at the time of filing deadline.
Knowledge of: grammar and spelling.
Ability to: give clear verbal instructions/directions, testify, and other oral communication; understand and follow oral instructions from others; understand facility forms, reports, manuals and laws pertaining to corrections; accurately observe, recall, and report behavior; maintain discipline without causing unnecessary tension; work with others and interact with diverse individuals and groups; have tolerance for the stress of working in a potentially dangerous environment; have tolerance of highly structured, regimented work environment; maintain self-control when confronted with verbal harassment or threats; stay calm and respond with composure in emergencies; work under close supervision; obey authority; perform repetitive tasks effectively or tolerate long periods of inactivity.
Full Job Description For: Sheriff's Detentions Deputy
Background / Pre-employment Polygraph Examination / Psychological Evaluation: The background evaluation will include a pre-employment polygraph examination and psychological evaluation and will assess overall suitability for employment only as a Kern County Deputy Sheriff Trainee. This evaluation may not indicate present suitability for other law enforcement positions or future suitability as a Kern County Sheriff's Detentions Deputy Trainee. Candidates must be found satisfactory in all respects on the Background Evaluation. Candidates determined to be unsuitable on this evaluation, or who have previously been found unsuitable, are encouraged to wait a minimum of twelve months before they may reapply for this classification.
Sheriff's Detentions Deputy: Salary Range - $2,756.94 - $3,294.80/bi-weekly. Incumbents promoted to Sheriff's Detentions Deputy must fulfill all requirements for the position.
About Kern County
Kern County employees provide opportunities that are purposeful to our community. Every employee and every action contributes to the improvement and strengthening of our county.
To learn more about Kern County, click here or follow us:
Growth Mindset
We always encourage our employees to grow and develop. Kern County has a culture of innovation that allows employees to explore creative and more efficient ways to accomplish their work. We provide access to training and continued professional development in an effort to ensure that our employees have opportunities for career growth.
Additional Information
All Kern County employees are designated "Disaster Service Workers" through state and local laws (CA Government Code Sec.3100-3109 and Ordinance Code Title 2-Administration, Ch. 2.66 Emergency Services). As Disaster Service Workers, all County employees are expected to remain at work, or to report for work as soon as practicable, following a significant emergency or disaster.
Following an offer of employment,you will be required to submit to post offer medical, psychological, and drug screening tests at county expense.
Admittance to each phase of the examinationwill require a government issued photograph identification. Applicants who are unable to present proper identification must make arrangements with the Human Resources Division prior to the test date.
Upon completion of the trainee core courses and promotion to Sheriff's Detentions Deputy,incumbents will be REQUIRED to work shift work including weekends and holidays as assigned by the Sheriff's Office.
This examination will establish a 12-month eligible list from which appointments will be made at the Sheriff's Department.
This position works within the Kern County Sheriff's Office. For more information about the department, please view their website here .
Kern County Sheriff’s Office will seek and retain qualified individuals who maintain a high moral character, are ethical in all facets of life, and are trustworthy and professional when serving our community. To learn more about the 7 pillars of the ideal candidate please click here .
Kern County is an ADA compliant and an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Supplemental
Summary Of Benefits For Detentions Deputy
Recruitment Bonus: The County will provide all employees hired on or after November 9, 2021, in a permanent capacity as a Detentions Deputy with the Sheriff's Office a $15,000 non- pensionable recruitment and retention bonus. The bonus shall be payable in full upon appointment by the Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator subject to completion of a 5-year term of service as a Detentions Deputy rank or higher, including in any continuing capacity as a sworn peace officer with the County of Kern. Appointees who do not complete the agreed upon term of service shall be subject to repayment of the bonus with the following amortization schedule:
- Less than one year of services - $15,000
- Less than two years of services - $12,000
- Less than three years of services - $9,000
- Less than four years of services - $6,000
- Less than five years of services - $3,000
Vacation: 13 days and accrual rate increases yearly
Holidays: 12 paid holidays a year & 3 days of Paid Winter Recess Leave
Sick Leave: Up to 12 Paid Sick Days Per Year
Additional Benefits
Shift Differential: The County will pay shift differential pay of 7.5% of base pay for any time worked between 9:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
Uniform Allowance: $1,300 annually. Paid bi-weekly at approximately $50 per paycheck. Safety equipment provided
Sheriff's Emergency Response Team (SERT) Special Assignment Pay: Employees assigned to SERT shall receive a biweekly "special assignment pay" of five percent (5%) of their biweekly base salary.
Detention Training Officer Pay: While assigned as a Detention Training Officer, employees shall receive assignment pay equal to 5% of their base salary.
Life Insurance: The County will provide life insurance coverage for covered employees in the amount of $20,000 per employee.
Bilingual Pay: $25 bi-weekly for qualified employees & The Bilingual Pay Program will include the payment of $50 per pay period for those positions, which require written bilingual skills to perform a critical part of the employee's job.
Health Benefits
County contributes 80% of cost for all health plans.
EAP – No Cost
Retirement Benefits
- Tier 2B:2% @ age 50 PEPRA Member
All above provisions are based on the Kern County Detention Officers Association (KCDOA). This is a summary of benefits. It does not confer any rights upon any employee. Please refer to the unit MOU for more information.
Salary : $1,300 - $15,000