What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cadet - January 2027 Academy position at Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office?
JANUARY 2027 CADET PROGRAM – APPLICATION PORTAL OPEN AND CLOSES SEPTEMBER 15.
Direct link to OCSO portal is: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/okaloosasheriff
Cadet Salary: $ 53,231.40
WHY OCSO’S CADET PROGRAM?
1. OCSO pays your tuition and fees to attend the Academy at Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC).
2. OCSO hires you as a full-time employee while attending the Academy (Yes, we pay you to attend school).
3. OCSO cadet graduates become OCSO Deputy Sheriff’s at the starting Deputy rate of $63,554.40.
4. OCSO Cadets have access to excellent medical insurance, retirement and other agency benefits from time of hire.
Specific information about the Law Enforcement Officer Academy at NWFSC is available here: Law Enforcement Officer Basic - Northwest Florida State College : Northwest Florida State College
DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO SUBMIT A COMPLETE APPLICATION:
In addition to the general application questions, all applicants must upload the following documentation for their application to be evaluated:
1. Birth Certificate
2. Driver’s License
3. Social Security Card
4. High School, GED or College Diploma, OR high school or college transcripts showing the graduation date
5. Notarized Background Investigation Waiver CJSTC # 58
6. DD-214 Member 4 (only if the applicant served in the military)
7. A fully documented work history for the last five years (2021– 2025), including company name, city, state, name of supervisor and their contact information for each position you’ve held in the last five years.
WHAT IS THE CADET PROGRAM?
The Cadet Program is intended to build a dedicated, committed sworn workforce at the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. This program will allow employees to begin that rewarding journey before they start the training academy. They will also benefit from the consistent leadership originating from a single point of contact, the Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP) Manager who coordinates the Cadet and Field Training Programs.
Under general supervision, the purpose of this position is to prepare a non-certified applicant (Cadet) for a career in law enforcement. While in the Cadet status, the applicant participates and engages in formal and in-house training. The work activities are specifically designed and chosen to train and teach the individual in the field of law enforcement.
Additional information about OCSO’s Cadet Program is available here: Cadet Program | Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office
*** Please reach out with any questions about the program, required documentation or other concerns to employment@sheriff-okaloosa.org. **
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $53,227.20 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $53,227 - $53,231