Deputy Sheriff Trainee

DEPUTY SHERIFF TRAINEEThe Orange County Sheriff's Department is currently accepting applications and required supplemental information on a continuous basis until the needs of the department are met. Please keep in mind this recruitment may close on any day at 11:59 p.m.Exam Date: Saturday, July 11, 2026Recruitment / Position InformationThis recruitment is being held to establish an open eligible list to fill future vacancies in this class until the next recruitment. The eligible list may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications through the County of Orange.Incumbents will be periodically rotated through assignments and shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and correctional/court facilities.A Deputy Sheriff Trainee must attend and satisfactorily complete the 28‑week P.O.S.T. Certified Orange County Sheriff's Regional Training Academy. Upon successful completion, the trainee will be promoted to Deputy Sheriff I.The OpportunityThe Sheriff's Department is the fifth largest in the nation, offering a rewarding career with opportunities in land, air, and sea patrol, specialty investigative units, community engagement assignments, and collateral duty options. The department embraces intelligence‑led policing and a community‑focused approach, providing extensive training and outreach to build relationships and promote safety.OCSD Deputy Sheriff Trainee Mentoring ProgramThe mentoring program is a voluntary, highly recommended academy preparation program. It is open to candidates currently in the background process with a referral. Participation is off‑duty; no employee may participate during scheduled hours. The program introduces academy protocol, memory work, and physical training, and may be used for individual assessment by the Professional Standards Division.Minimum QualificationsAbility to:Read, understand, interpret, and apply departmental policies, rules, laws, and ordinances pertaining to law enforcement.Write clear and comprehensive reports.Establish and maintain effective relationships with others.Understand and carry out oral and written directions.Learn to use and maintain firearms safely and proficiently.Education and ExperienceGraduation from high school or a satisfactory score on a General Education Development (G.E.D.) test, passage of the California High School Proficiency Test, or attainment of a two‑year or four‑year degree from an accredited college or university.License / CertificationPossession of a valid California Driver License by date of appointment.Special RequirementsLegally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.At least 20 ½ years at the time of application and at least 21 years of age by date of appointment.Not convicted of a felony and not otherwise subject to disqualification under California Government Code Section 1029.Free from any physical, emotional or mental condition that might adversely affect exercise of peace officer powers, as determined by a licensed examining authority.Pass a background investigation in compliance with California Government Code 1031, to the satisfaction of the Sheriff‑Coroner Department.Testing Process / Selection ProcedureSheriff Human Resources screens all applications to identify qualified candidates, who are then referred to the next recruitment step.Written Exam (Pass/Fail)Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are invited to the written exam. It consists of job‑related, multiple‑choice questions. Those who pass are referred to a pre‑investigative interview the same day.Pre‑Investigative Interview QuestionnaireApplicants must print and complete the questionnaire prior to the exam date. It is reviewed upon arrival. Successful candidates may be referred to a follow‑up interview with a Background Investigator.Physical Agility Test (Pass/Fail)30 Push‑Ups – Complete within 2 minutes.30 Sit‑Ups – Complete within 2 minutes.1.5‑mile Run – Complete within 14 minutes.Successful candidates are referred to a structured oral interview in the following weeks.Structured Oral Interview (Refer/Non‑Refer)Panel interview by subject matter experts and civilian personnel, evaluating responses to structured questions. High scorers move to a background interview.Based on departmental needs, the selection procedures may be modified. All candidates will be notified of changes.Applicants who do not successfully pass the structured oral interview must reapply to the recruitment and undergo all testing components to be considered.Background InvestigationIncludes employment history, personal references, criminal history, credit history, a polygraph examination, medical examination, drug urinalysis, and written and oral psychological examinations.Physical, Mental and Environmental RequirementsThe County of Orange is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Physical and mental abilities required include independent mobility, ability to stand, stoop, twist, bend, lift up to 50 lbs., drag a 165‑lb. mannequin, climb ladders or scaffolds, sit and stand for prolonged periods, communicate clearly, and vision sufficient to read standard text, computer screens and oversee large groups of inmates.Environmental ConditionsIncumbents will work inside a jail facility and may come into contact with inmates who may become violent or abusive. They may also be required to drive in inclement weather and work shifts, holidays, weekends, and rotating schedules.Eligible ListAfter selection procedures are completed, Sheriff Human Resources will establish an open eligible list of qualified candidates.Veterans Employment PreferenceThe County is committed to providing preferential consideration to veterans and eligible spouses, giving them opportunities for interviews in the selection process and paid internship openings.Equal Employment OpportunityOrange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.#J-18808-Ljbffr

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