Sheriff's Correctional Deputy Cadet - Unclassified

Overview

Under immediate supervision, attends a California Correction Academy to obtain the required academic, technical, and physical skills necessary to perform as a Sheriff’s Correctional Deputy.

Candidates must take and pass the National Testing Network (NTN) REACT examination for Corrections. The NTN examination can be found at  Before February 23, candidates must have their scores sent to Santa Clara County Sheriff's Correctional Deputy Cadet through their NTN account so that they can be included in the next step: agility test.

The agility test date for this recruitment is scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 2026. Completion of the agility test is required to advance to interviews and a background investigation.

Pursuant to California Senate Bill 960, effective January 1, 2023, it is no longer required for peace officers to either be a citizen of the United States or be a permanent resident who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship; instead, peace officers must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

• Attends Academy training classes for corrections;
• Take part of basic training program that includes academic classes, hands-on training, and physical conditioning;
• Participates in basic training that complies with the standards set by the California Standards and Training for Corrections (S.T.C.);
• Participates in hands-on training that includes, but not limited to defensive tactics, role playing scenarios, and control techniques;
• Partakes and completes defensive tactics training that includes ground control, baton training, control holds, and take downs;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required*;
• Performs other related duties, as required.

Training And Experience Note

Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:

The required knowledge and abilities are attained through training and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or equivalent.

• Applicants who have passed their 20th birthday may apply but cannot be appointed until they have reached their 21st birthday.
• Have never been convicted of a felony. Any felony conviction and/or a conviction outside of California that would be considered a felony in California is disqualifying. Misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying depending on the type, frequency, severity, and time of offense.
• Must be able to take and pass a thorough medical examination. May be disqualified on the basis of established medical standards (current departmental orders). Vision must not be less than 20/100, correctable to 20/20 with normal depth and color perception.
• Must successfully demonstrate and maintain physical fitness to perform the full scope and functions of the job.
• Must pass a complete background investigation, including fingerprints and a search of local, state, and national files for criminal history.
• Must possess the legal right to work in the United States.
• Candidates must meet all required employment standards prescribed in Government Code Section 1031, which include passing a psychological evaluation, polygraph examination, fingerprinting, background investigation, and medical examination.
• County employees in the Department of Correction employed as of January 1, 2011 in a similar classification will undergo an abbreviated screening process per departmental order.
• Possession of a valid California driver’s license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.
• * As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections  and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help. A DSW is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event…