Deputy Sheriff; Road Patrol – BLET Certified

The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office is recruiting a strongly self‑motivated Deputy Sheriff with outstanding communication, interpersonal, and problem‑solving skills to serve as a sworn law enforcement officer. The role includes general duty law enforcement to protect the lives, property, and rights of Catawba County citizens. The Sheriff’s Office responds to approximately 115,000 calls for service each year and employs 265 deputies, detention officers, and employees.

Please Note:
This position requires current BLET certification in North Carolina. The Sheriff’s Office is not offering BLET sponsorship for this position. Applicants who are not already certified will not be considered.

• Night shift differential $2 per hour.
• Advanced degree pay:
  Associates $0.25/hr, Bachelors $0.50/hr, Masters $0.75/hr.
• Intermediate Certificate pay: $0.25/hr.
• Advanced Certificate pay: $0.50/hr.
• Annual salary increase upon successful performance review (budget dependent).
• Bilingual extra duty pay upon successful testing (budget dependent).

• 12.25‑hour shifts with a three‑day weekend off every other weekend (Fri‑Sun), 14 days in a 28‑day pay period.
• Day and night shift availability required.
• Bi‑weekly pay schedule.
• Excellent benefits including health, dental, and 5% 401(k) match.

• Communicate effectively with the public and react calmly and quickly in emergencies.
• Answer assigned radio calls and produce detailed written reports.
• Conduct preliminary investigative work and prepare cases for work with prosecuting attorney and court appearances.
• Exercise sound judgment, make decisions quickly, and work in high‑stress situations.
• Make arrests pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes.
• Answer calls; interview witnesses and suspects; investigate crimes and disturbances; gather evidence; cooperate with other agencies.
• Conduct regular patrols and inspect troublesome zones.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records and reports.
• Assist in transporting prisoners, patients, and inebriates to facilities.
• Serve legal papers such as warrants, subpoenas, court orders, child support and forfeiture warrants.
• Attend annual departmental in‑service and maintain skills in defensive weapons.

• BLET certification in North Carolina.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Minimum age 20.
• U.S. citizen.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Successful criminal background investigation.
• Eligibility per NC Sheriff’s Education and Training Standards Division.
• No felony convictions.
• High‑level professionalism and integrity.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong analytical skills for investigations.
• Clear verbal and written communication.
• Basic law enforcement knowledge.
• Ability to react quickly to volatile situations.
• Collaborative work with Sheriff’s personnel and other agencies.
• Computer skills for data entry.
• Physical ability to stand, walk, sit for extended periods; lift up to 50 lbs; operate equipment.

• Bilingual in English/Spanish.

• Any felony conviction.
• Crime with punishment >2 years.
• Misdemeanor that would prohibit or suspend certification.
• Active domestic violence protective order.
• Domestic violence offenses under 18 U.S. § 921(a).
• Unlawful sale of controlled substances leading to arrest and conviction.
• Medical use of Schedule I‑V drugs within last 10 years (unless prescribed).
• Marijuana possession or use within last 12 months.
• Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol within last 7 years.
• Refusal to take required blood or breath test.
• Eluding Police, Hit and Run, Vehicle Speed Competition, or Death by Motor Vehicle convictions.
• Suspension or revocation of driving privileges within last 5 years for reasons other than fines.
• More than 2 moving violations within last 12 months.