Deputy Sheriff

The Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Office is excited to provide notice that the Civil Service Commission of Pottawattamie County will conduct written and physical examinations for the position of DEPUTY SHERIFF on Saturday, May 9th, 2026.

Those interested must apply online first to be eligible for the written and physical exam. Once an online application has been submitted, additional information will come through email and/or text correspondence. We strongly encourage applicants to sign‑up to receive text messages during the application process.

for the Civil Service Examination Notice and maps for testing location on Saturday, May 9th, 2026.

A Deputy Sheriff is responsible for the performance of law enforcement duties in an effort to protect life and property, enforce local, state and federal laws and to prevent, detect and/or investigate criminal activity.

Embarking on a career with the Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Office offers a diverse experience in Law Enforcement. Ask any of our passionate team members at the Sheriff's Office what they love about working there. They'll share that a career with the Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Office offers excitement, variety of work, teamwork, and job satisfaction along with opportunities for special assignments, career development, and promotion.

Whether it's patrolling on the road in our rural communities or working in our Civil or Court Security Divisions, you'll find working with us is a real way to make a difference every day through building partnerships with the communities we serve.

At Pottawattamie County we value our employees and work‑life balance. Read below about what you can expect when you embark on a career journey with Pottawattamie County:

View Pottawattamie County's extensive Benefits Package HERE !

Generous paid time off including 11 paid holidays, sick leave (144 hours per year for year
1) and vacation time (80 hours per year for year
1), and the opportunity to earn up to 100 hours of comp time, per union contract.

• Higher pay/steps offered at Sheriff's discretion based on experience.
• Take home patrol car.
• Perfect balance of rural and urban patrol areas.
• Schedule:
  
  12-hour shifts; 2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on, 2 days off, 2 days on, 3 days off.
  • 84 hours worked every 14 day pay period -- each employee required to take 4 hours earned time off per pay period.
• Uniform allowance of $1,000 per contract year for purposes of furnishing standard equipment.
• Specialty pay available to Deputies assigned to specialty assignments including K9, Crisis Negotiation, Bomb Squad, Emergency Response Team, Traffic Investigation and Investigators.
  • Career advancement opportunities available!
• Shift differential incentive pay of $1.00/hr. for 6pm-6am shift  contract year).
• Recently renovated Sheriff's Office with brand new fitness equipment/room.

We will be accepting applications until 11:59P.M. on April 10, 2026!

Patrol an assigned area to prevent and/or detect violations of local, state and federal laws.

Apprehend individuals responsible for criminal activity according to established policies and procedures to prevent further harm, damage or danger to property or the public.

Conduct investigations of criminal activity according to established procedures.

Complete detailed and accurate reports and other official records that document a Deputy’s activity or involvement in all incidents.

Serve and enforce legal documents, warrants or related official criminal or civil papers including, but not limited to, warrants, subpoenas, court orders, writs, garnishments and summons.

May be assigned to work in a specialized area of law enforcement including, but not limited to, D.A.R.E., criminal investigation, accident investigation, firearms instruction or the K‑9 unit.

Prepare accurate initial reports or documents for the County Attorney, Judiciary or Clerk of the Court regarding the filing of charges against suspects in criminal activity.

Perform appropriate activity according to established departmental procedure that protects those in immediate danger of injury or death at the hands of another person or persons.

Respond to incidents of injury or accident and…