Sheriff's Detentions Deputy Trainee - Shift

Recruitment Event

This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time without notice. Join us for a special recruitment event on August 1, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. at the Regional Training Center, 962 Norris Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93308. Applicants are encouraged to arrive for check‑in at 7:30 a.m. Limited seating is available.

Sheriff's Detentions Deputy (Kern County).

• High School Diploma, G.E.D., or equivalent.
• Valid California Class "C" Driver's License at the time of employment. Specialized licenses may be required for certain assignments.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.
• Minimum age 18 years at the filing deadline.

• Written Examination (Pass/Fail):
  Knowledge of grammar, spelling, following written instructions, understanding forms and reports, and general work attitude. Minimum score 70% required.
• Medical and psychological examination: spine and chest X‑rays, blood chemistry, ECG, hearing and vision tests, functional capacity assessment, psychological screening, and background investigation.
• Polygraph and psychological evaluation as part of pre‑employment screening.
• Candidate must pass all background, polygraph, and psychological tests to be considered for appointment.

• Free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition that could adversely affect performance. Bias against race, ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation is not tolerated.
• Ability to maintain discipline, manage stress, remain calm in emergencies, and work under close supervision.
• Resilience to a potentially dangerous and highly structured environment.

• Proficient in grammar and spelling.
• Clear verbal instruction and testimony skills.
• Understanding of facility procedures, reports, manuals, and relevant laws.
• Observation, recall, and reporting of behavior.
• Interpersonal skills to work with diverse individuals and groups.
• Adaptability to shift work, including weekends and holidays.

Sheriff's Detentions Deputy salary range: $2,756.94 – $3,294.80 bi‑weekly.
Recruitment Bonus
: $15,000 non‑pensionable bonus upon appointment, repayable according to service duration (details provided).

Additional benefits include:

• Vacation: 13 days (accrual increases yearly).
• Holidays: 12 paid holidays + 3 days paid winter recess leave.
• Sick leave: up to 12 paid days per year.
• Shift differential pay: 7.5% of base pay for work between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
• Uniform allowance: $1,300 annually, paid bi‑weekly.
• Sheriff's Emergency Response Team (SERT) special assignment pay: 5% of bi‑weekly base salary.
• Detention Training Officer pay: 5% of base salary while assigned.
• Life insurance: $20,000 coverage.
• Bilingual pay: $25 bi‑weekly for qualified employees; positions requiring bilingual skills may receive $50 per pay period.
• Health benefits:
  
  County contributes 80% of costs.
• Retirement benefits: tiered options (Tier 2B at 2% at age 50, increased to 2.62% at age 55; safety members qualifying for special rates).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at no cost.

All employees are entitled to disaster service worker duty during emergencies.

For additional information or to submit materials, email Tiffany Nacke at  or call 661‑868‑3157.

Kern County is an ADA compliant and equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply. Kern County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and job applicants and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, pregnancy, age, disability, or any other protected status.