Deputy Sheriff Trainee - Modesto

THE POSITION · The Deputy Sheriff Trainee (Adult Detention) will attend the Stanislaus County Adult Detention CORE academy. This individual escorts, receives, registers, controls, supervises and cares for incarcerated persons and may be assigned to either the Sheriff's Detention ...

Job description

THE POSITION
The Deputy Sheriff Trainee (Adult Detention) will attend the Stanislaus County Adult Detention CORE academy.

This individual escorts, receives, registers, controls, supervises and cares for incarcerated persons and may be assigned to either the Sheriff's Detention Center (SDC) East and West Facilities, Minimum Housing Unit or Re-entry and Enhanced Alternatives to Custody Training Center (REACT).

Deputies must be mature, emotionally stable and able to work effectively in an environment that is often hostile, unpredictable and occasionally unpleasant.

Deputies must have the ability to direct and instruct groups of incarcerated persons; have a tolerant attitude towards those confined; be able to respond to a wide variety of situations and exercise sound judgment.

This position is also required to work under a "No Hostage Policy" setting and performs related duties as assigned. Entry into the Deputy Sheriff-Custodial classification offers career opportunities in custodial correction work.

Deputy Sheriff Trainee's are classified as extra-help / part-time employees, working 40 hours per week until training is completed.

Upon successful completion of the Adult Detention Core academy and an intense background investigation, the trainee will be eligible for transition into a full-time, classified position as a Deputy Sheriff-Custodial.

To learn more about the Sheriff's Department, click here.

Gain insights into Stanislaus County's application process. Review our application process and quick guide to applying.

Deputy Sheriff-Custodial personnel are peace officers pursuant to c), whose authority extends to any place in the state only while engaged in the performance of the duties of his or her respective employment and for the purpose of carrying out the primary function of employment relating to his or her custodial assignments, or when performing other law enforcement duties directed by his or her employing agency during a local state of emergency.

This classification should not be confused with that of the Deputy Sheriff, whose authority to act as a peace officer has no time restrictions.

Trainees are expected to attend class regularly, maintain an acceptable grade point average, display class leadership, and conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the rules, regulations, policies and general orders of the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department.

Trainees will also perform other general non-law enforcement duties as assigned by the Department.

Deputy Sheriff Trainees selected will be required to attend the CORE Academy at the Stanislaus County Regional Training Center. Stanislaus County will pay for the cost of the CORE Academy.

At the completion of the academy and successful graduation, trainees may be eligible to promote into a full-time position with the department as a Deputy Sheriff Custodial.

Incumbents may also be subject to overtime, standby, callback, weekend, holiday and shift assignments. Position performs related duties as assigned. Part-time County employees are automatically enrolled into the 401a program.

The Job Task Analysis provides information detailing the physical and functional demands of the classification. For the complete job task analysis, visit the Risk Management website at under "Disability Management".

Requirements

While attending the CORE Academy the Deputy Sheriff Trainee will complete Standards and Training for Corrections (STC) requirements learning to fulfill the duties of a Deputy Sheriff-Custodial, which includes the following typical tasks:

Receives, books, searches, attends to and releases incarcerated persons in the SDC-East and West Facilities, Minimum Housing Unit, and REACT Center;
Maintain order and discipline among incarcerated persons;
Type booking slips, head-count rosters, incident reports, and other forms as required; Serve civil process papers;
Serve as a hospital guard;
Inspect sanitation and oversees the feeding of incarcerated persons;
Supervise the daily activities of the Jail incarcerated persons;
Analyze situations accurately and adopts an effective course of action quickly;
Escort and transport incarcerated persons to and from the clinic, court, hospital, and State institutions;
Serve as storekeeper and issue daily supplies;
Appoint and supervises trustees; and
Make arrests pursuant to Penal Code Section 831.5.

Skills/Abilities

Read and understand policies, instructions, laws and ordinances pertaining to law enforcement activities;
Write clear and comprehensive reports;
Demonstrate physical endurance, agility, and strength; Understand written and oral instructions;
Make independent decisions; and
Work with and control sensitive, confidential information.


KNOWLEDGE
The purposes and objectives of modern detention facility techniques;
Principles and techniques of supervising group activities in a detention, secured setting facility; and
Laws, statutes, court proceedings, and regulations governing both sentenced and non- sentenced incarcerated persons.

We recognize your time is valuable, please only apply if you meet the following required qualifications.

Education/ Experience

Graduation from high school or passage of high school level General Education Development (GED) test; AND
Successfully complete the Stanislaus County arrest and firearms training courses pursuant to 832 PC (as prescribed by POST) and the jail operations course pursuant to 6035 PC (as prescribed by the Corrections Standards Authority) within twelve (12) months from the date of employment; Physical/manipulative abilities required by the department; AND
Mental/cognitive abilities required by the department; AND
Not less than 21 years of age at time of appointment.


NOTE:
No felony convictions.

Must be of good moral character and must not have been convicted of a crime for which the punishment could have been imprisonment in a Federal penitentiary or State Prison.

General Qualifications

Pass County-paid pre-employment drug screening *if applicable* and job -related background investigation.
Perform job duties in a manner assuring a safe working environment for oneself and others.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, supervisors, and members of diverse cultural origin, ancestry, political affiliations, sex, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, age (over 40), pregnancy related condition, medical condition (cancer related).

Physical (including AIDS) or mental disability.
Maintain confidential information according to the legal standards and/or County regulations as required.
Meet minimum standards required for peace officers as set forth in Government Code 1031.

Must possess or be eligible to possess a Proof of Eligibility (POE) or certificate (Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced) from California Peace Officer Standards and Training under SB 2.

Ineligibility or decertification from POST will automatically disqualify candidate from holding a peace officer classification.

Physical Requirements

Ability to physically perform essential job functions typical of the duties of Deputy Sheriff – Custodial; AND

Read or see objects under ambient, limited or artificial lighting, and at a reasonable distance with sufficient clarity to permit their recording or accurate description; i.e., persons, vehicles, license, numbers, addresses, street signs, items of property, written messages, printed material, etc.

; AND

Hear normal speech and other audible events, even in combination with other environmental noise; i.e., gunshots, cries for help, glass breaking, alarm bells ringing, etc.

; AND

Sit or stand for long periods of time; walk, run, jump, kneel, crouch, twist, stoop, squat, crawl and climb; carry the average weight of a person (approximately 165 pounds); take physical charge of a person who may resist arrest; work indoors and outdoors, including extreme heat and cold; tolerate extreme noise and vibrations; work in a confined working space; work with chemicals, explosive materials, and mechanical and electrical hazard.

LICENSE
Applicants must possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License and remain free from repeated preventable accidents.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES/FINAL FILING DATE

Applications cannot be submitted later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date.

Make your online application as complete as possible so a full and realistic appraisal may be made of your qualifications.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Attaching your resume and cover letter are an optional feature for those who wish to do so in addition to completing the required application.

Information on your resume and cover letter will not substitute for the education, work experience and required fields on the County application.

The online County application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications.


EXAMINATION PROCESS
Most County recruitments consists of the steps detailed below and are governed by Merit Principles. The examination process ensures that all applicants are given the same opportunity to gain employment within Stanislaus County.

Application Review and Screening:
Applications are carefully screened based on information provided.

Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on.

Physical Agility:
A timed physical agility exam will be administered.

The physical agility exam may include, but is not limited to, the following events: 500 yard run, 165 pound body drag, 99 yard agility obstacle course, six foot fence climb and six foot wall climb.

Written Examination:
A timed written examination using the BSCC Adult Corrections Officer Test.

Oral Examination:
An oral examination will be administered during this recruitment. The oral panel consists of at least three panel members from the Sheriff's Department, community and/or local law enforcement. A minimum score of 70% must be obtained in order to continue in the process.

Eligible Lists:
Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification. Eligible lists are effective for six months, but may be extended up to eighteen months.

As part of the selection process, candidates will be expected to pass a(n):

In-depth background investigation including completion and review of a Personal History Statement;
Computer Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA) or polygraph examination;
Psychological examination; and
Medical examination.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Application Deadline:
Continuous but may close at any time.

Apply by Date:
December 29, 2025, by 5 p.m.

Physical Examination:
January 15, 2026, by 5 p.m.


Written Examination:
January 15, 2026, by 5 p.m.


Oral Examination:

TBD

Application Deadline:
Continuous but may close at any time.

Apply by Date:
January 28, 2026, by 5 p.m.

Physical Examination:
February 12, 2026, by 5 p.m.


Written Examination:
February 12, 2026, by 5 p.m.


Oral Examination:

TBD

Application Deadline:
Continuous but may close at any time.

Apply by Date:
February 26, 2026, by 5 p.m.

Physical Examination:
March 12, 2026, by 5 p.m.


Written Examination:
March 12, 2026, by 5 p.m.


Oral Examination:

TBD

Application Deadline:
Continuous but may close at any time.

Apply by Date:
April 6, 2026, by 5 p.m.

Physical Examination:
April 21, 2026


Written Examination:
April 21, 2026

Oral Examination:

TBD

Application Deadline:
Continuous but may close at any time.

Apply by Date:
May 4, 2026, by 5 p.m.

Physical Examination:
May 19, 2026


Written Examination:
May 19, 2026

Oral Examination:

TBD

Application Deadline:
Continuous but may close at any time.

Apply by Date:
June 1, 2026, by 5 p.m.

Physical Examination:
June 16, 2026


Written Examination:
June 16, 2026


Oral Examination:

TBD
The Sheriff's Department will administer the examinations, which will include a written and physical agility test.

Candidates must be available at any time on the dates above in order to continue in the recruitment process. There will be no exceptions or the rescheduling of dates for any reason.

If you meet the requirements stated herein, you may compete in the selection process.

Unsatisfactory results in any aspect of the foregoing, including background investigation findings, may result in removal from the eligible list and termination from the trainee status.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Final appointment will be conditional upon successfully passing a County paid pre-employment drug screening (if applicable for position) and a job-related background investigation.

Some positions may require possession or the ability to obtain, and maintenance of a valid California Driver's license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job related essential functions.

Stanislaus County supports the good health of its workforce. More information is available at

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