Deputy Sheriff Trainee

Overview

The Nevada County Sheriff's Office is hiring Deputy Sheriff Trainees to attend a California POST Law Enforcement Academy. If you are interested in a law enforcement career please APPLY NOW to be considered for this unique and exciting opportunity to be sponsored as a Deputy Sheriff Trainee.

Our leadership team values employee development and engagement; promotes open and transparent communication and empowers employees to be successful members of our organization. The Sheriff's Office is committed to providing excellence in public service in partnership with our community. UP TO $5,000 HIRING BONUS.

RECRUITMENT TESTING AND INTERVIEW DATES FOR DEPUTY SHERIFF TRAINEE:

• DEPUTY SHERIFF TRAINEE PELLETB WRITTEN EXAM: FEBRUARY 17, 2026
• We may hold two testing sessions on the 17th based on the number of applicants
• If you have taken the POST PELLETB exam with another agency, you must wait 30 calendar days before taking the exam again.
• If you have a POST PELLETB T-Score of 42.0 or higher, taken within the past 3 years please attach it as a PDF to your application. If provided with your application, you will not be required to take the written exam again.

• DEPUTY SHERIFF TRAINEE PHYSICAL AGILITY TESTING: MARCH 9, 2026
• Candidates who pass the POST PELLETB Exam will be invited to participate in the physical agility screening.
• DEPUTY SHERIFF TRAINEE ORAL PANEL INTERVIEWS: MARCH 10 & 11, 2026
• Please note only candidates who pass the Physical Agility Screening will be invited to the oral interview panels.
• SHERIFF'S INTERVIEW: MARCH 12, 2026
• Please note only candidates who pass the oral interview will be invited to a second interview with the Sheriff.
• BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION:
  After successfully passing the physical agility test, oral interviews, and Sheriff's interview eligible applicants will undergo an in-depth background investigation including review and confirmation of personal history statement (PHS), polygraph, psychological and medical evaluation, and drug and alcohol screening.

Advanced notice of testing and interview dates allows candidates to adjust schedules for participation in the examination process. Please be prepared to be available on all dates specified above. This position is non-sworn while attending and participating in formal and comprehensive training in a California POST Certified Law Enforcement Academy. The trainee level is non-sworn and not considered a certified peace officer.

Upon satisfactory completion of the 16-week training and graduation from the academy, the trainee will be promoted to Deputy Sheriff I (Sworn Peace Officer). Failure to complete training and graduation from the academy will result in termination.

The minimum age requirement for Sworn Peace Officers is 21 years of age. Candidates must meet this age requirement to be eligible for appointment into the Deputy Sheriff I position at time of graduation from the academy.

This is a full-time position and the County of Nevada offers a comprehensive benefits package including CalPERS retirement, medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts (FSA). Nevada County is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program through the Department of Education. DEPUTY SHERIFFS PARTICIPATE IN THE CALPERS PUBLIC SAFETY RETIREMENT SYSTEM (Tier I: 3% @ 50;

Tier II: 3% @ 55; Tier III PEPRA 2.7% @ 57). Recruitment incentives between $1,000 and $5,000 may be offered and paid in two parts, half upon hire and the remainder after completing a 12-month probation period. Relocation Incentives, Referral Bonuses, Tuition Reimbursement and Student Loan Repayments are also available to qualified candidates.
The County of Nevada offers additional pay incentives in addition to the monthly salary:

• Intermediate POST 2.5% of monthly base salary
• Advanced POST 5% of monthly base salary
• AA/AS Degree $175.00 per month
• BA/BS Degree $275.00 per month

You matter at the County of Nevada. We value diverse backgrounds and strive for transparent, ongoing communication. We are an equal…