Deputy Sheriff - Shift - Lateral

Amended: 7/30/2024

This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time without notice. Please ensure ALL applicable certificates are attached to your application. If you are unable to attach the certificates to your application, you may e‑mail them to Nesrine Annan at

$25,000 Recruitment Bonus – More information below.
Examinations: Appraisal (Weight 100%):
Will be conducted for the purpose of evaluating the applicant’s training, education, experience, interest and personal fitness for the position. Appraisal can be based on any combination of the following:
Investigation, oral exam and rating of the application.

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License at the time of appointment. Specialized licenses required for some assignments.
• High School Diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent AND successful graduation from a California P.O.S.T. approved Police or Sheriff's Academy (Basic Peace Officer Course); or possession of a Basic or higher P.O.S.T. Certificate.
• Applicants must attain at least a 70% score on each phase of the examination process.
• Incumbents must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.

• Applicants must be found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition ... that might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer.
• Physical Examination: A rigid medical examination by a county physician is required. Includes spine and chest x‑rays, blood chemistry and electro cardiograph test. Weight must be proportionate to height and age.
• Psychological Examination:
  Emotional and mental conditions shall be evaluated by a psychologist that meets the applicable education ... evaluation designed for pre‑employment psychological screening.
• Vision: 20/100 uncorrected in each eye (corrected to 20/20) – no color deficiency. No permanent or progressive abnormalities.
• Hearing:
  No hearing deficiency.
• Minimum Age: 21 years of age by the final filing date.
• Character:
  Thorough background investigation, including fingerprinting, is required. Applicants must have a reputation for honesty, trustworthiness and be of good moral character; felony violations disqualify; misdemeanors may disqualify.

The background evaluation will include a pre‑employment polygraph examination and psychological evaluation and will assess overall suitability for employment only as a Kern County Deputy Sheriff. Candidates must be found satisfactory in all respects on the Background Evaluation. Candidates found unsatisfactory will be removed from eligibility under Civil Service Rule 608.00 and may re‑apply after 12 months.

Kern County employees provide opportunities that are purposeful to our community. Every employee and every action contributes to the improvement and strengthening of our county.

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Growth Mindset:
We encourage employees to grow and develop. Kern County has a culture of innovation that allows employees to explore creative and more efficient ways to accomplish work. Training and professional development opportunities available.

Admittance to the examination will require a valid government issued photograph identification. Applicants who are unable to present proper identification must make arrangements with HR prior to the test date.

A background check may be conducted for this classification.

Following an offer of employment, you may be required to submit to post‑offer medical and drug screening tests at county expense.

This recruitment is eligible for the Employee Referral Award Program. For information on the Program, please use the following link:
Employee Referral Award Program. For more information about the recruitment process, see FAQ page.

Recruitment Bonus: The non‑pensionable $25,000 recruitment bonus is payable in full upon appointment by the Sheriff‑Coroner‑Public Administrator subject to completion of a five‑year term of service as a sworn peace officer with Kern County. Lateral…