What are the responsibilities and job description for the DEPUTY SHERIFF position at Washoe County?
Under general supervision, performs a full range of police duties in the areas of patrol operations, criminal investigation, civil process, search and rescue, courtroom security and detention; and performs related work as assigned.
This is an Open Competitive / Countywide Promotional recruitment being conducted to fill current vacancies at the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. The list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur. See the Conditions of Employment section for information regarding eligibility requirements.
We do not accept duplicate applications. If you are unable to reapply, please contact careers@washoecounty.gov.
For more information on this position, please see the Job Specification at https://www.washoecounty.gov/humanresources/Careers/jobspecs.php
- Must possess a current and valid Nevada Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Basic Category I Certificate at time of appointment or provide verification of current enrollment in a Nevada POST Basic Category I Academy at time of application.
- Out of state applicants must meet POST requirements per Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) 289.200.
- Out of state applicants must pass the POST Academy challenge exam with a 70% or higher score within one (1) year.
Must meet POST requirements per NAC 289 in its entirety:
- Graduation from high school, possession of a General Education Development (G.E.D.) Certificate, OR proof of passing a high school equivalency assessment approved by the State Board of Education or an appropriate authority in another state is required at the time of application.
- Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of application.
- Must be a United States Citizen at the time of application.
A person may not be appointed to perform the duties of a peace officer if he or she has:
- Been convicted of a felony in this State or of any offense which would be a felony if committed in this State;
- Been convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude or the unlawful use, sale or possession of a controlled substance;
- A documented history of physical violence; or
- Resigned in lieu of termination or been terminated from any civil service employment for substantiated misconduct involving dishonesty, and has not been reinstated as a result of a judicial action or any available appeal or remedy relating to the resignation or termination, including, without limitation, any civil service appeal, direct administrative appeal or collective bargaining remedy. For purposes of this paragraph, “dishonesty” includes untruthfulness, deception, misrepresentation, falsification, and dishonesty by admission or omission.
License or Certificate
- A valid Nevada Class C driver's license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained for continued employment in this classification.
- Required to maintain Basic POST Certificate as Category I Peace Officer per NRS/NAC 289 for continued employment in this classification.
- Required to complete POST continuing education requirements in accordance with NRS/NAC 289 for continued employment in this classification.
The Washoe County Sheriff's Deputies Association (WCSDA) Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) covers the Deputy Sheriff position.
- Complete and submit a Personal History Statement and pass an extensive background investigation.
- Submit a set of fingerprints.
- Successfully complete a Computerized Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA) examination. Submit to a psychological examination.
- Pass a thorough pre-employment medical examination in accordance with NAC 289.110, and drug screen.
Selected candidates must also be able to meet the personal appearance standards of the Washoe County Sheriff's Office, which can be found at https://www.washoecounty.gov/humanresources/files/hrfiles/1022 Personal Appearance Standards-07-2025.pdf
Washoe County requires its employees to reside in the state of Nevada or neighboring California communities such as Truckee, South Lake Tahoe or Susanville as of their first day of work.
1. After your application is screened, you will be notified via the email you provided if you do not meet the minimum requirements for the position. Those applicants who do not meet the qualifications have one (1) business day to file an appeal and request a review of their qualifications.
2. Applicants who meet the minimum requirements will receive an email invitation to take the PPRT which will be held in Reno, NV.
PPRT’s are tentatively scheduled to be held at least once per quarter, with the first PPRT tentatively taking place on Sunday, January 25, 2026.
Post Physical Readiness Test – Certification:
- Vertical Jump - 14 inches
- Agility Run - 19.5 seconds
- Sit-ups – 30 (60 second time limit)
- Push-ups - 23 (no time limit)
- 300 meter sprint – 68 seconds
- 1.5 mile run – 16:57 (minutes: seconds)
For more information on the PPRT please visit:
https://post.nv.gov/Training/POST_Academy/Physical_Readiness/
3. Applicants who pass the PPRT will receive an email invitation to take the Deputy Sheriff/Recruit online exam administered remotely.
This exam link will tentatively be delivered via email the week after the PPRT and qualified candidates will have a time limit to complete the exam, within 4 calendar days. **You will be notified if you are eligible to transfer an exam score within 1 week following the closing date of the recruitment.
The exam will evaluate your expertise, knowledge, skills and abilities in the following areas:
- Reading Comprehension
- Written Communication
- Analytical Ability and Reasoning
- Community Relations
- Observation Skills
4. After completing the exam, you will receive an email with your results. If you pass, your name will be added to an eligibility list used by the department to fill vacancies. If referred, the Sheriff's Office will contact you to begin a background investigation.
5. Please be advised you can log in to your NeoGov account and select:
- “Applications” to view a list of the recruitments which you have applied for, your submitted application for each recruitment, a copy of the job listing, and your applicant history for each recruitment.
- “Inbox” to view the notices which have been sent to you for each recruitment
- “Account” to update your contact information. Please note to update your phone number on previously submitted applications you must contact careers@washoecounty.gov.
If you have any questions regarding the Online Application Process you can find additional information at the following link: https://www.washoecounty.gov/humanresources/faq/online/index.php
Questions: Alicia Agrella
aagrella@washoecounty.gov
775-328-6383
Veteran Point
Eligible veterans who were honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces shall receive one (1) bonus point upon passing Open Competitive examinations only. In order to be given a bonus point, applicants must attach proof of Honorable Discharge (DD-214 with Classification of Discharge) to the Online Application at time of submission.
Washoe County is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce that creates a sense of belonging for all employees and citizens, thereby encouraging persons from all backgrounds and experiences to apply for employment.
Washoe County will recruit, hire, train and promote into all job levels without regard to race, religion or belief, gender, marital status or domestic partnership, familial status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, genetic information (GINA), veteran status, political affiliation, membership in an employee association or union or any other protected class under applicable federal or state law.
Salary : $75,296 - $105,914