Sheriff's Cadet

The Sheriff's Office is pleased to announce the opportunity to be considered for the position of Sheriff's Cadet. Successful candidates will be paid as a Sheriff's Cadet and sponsored to attend a basic academy course of study necessary to gain approved Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) in order to become a Deputy Sheriff. This recruitment is to send Cadets to the Allan Hancock College Academy in June 2026 or the Ventura Academy in October 2026.

The physical agility component of this recruitment is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at Cuesta College. Candidates who successfully pass the physical agility will be invited to take the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) written exam on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

Sheriff’s Cadet – $39.45 - $50.34 per hour
Deputy Sheriff – $47.13 - $63.16 per hour

Cadet:

• One-time $1,200 Uniform allowance upon hire
• Monthly Uniform allowance of $90.00
• County contribution of up to $1,934 per month toward medical insurance costs

Deputy Sheriff:

• Educational Incentive upon completion of an associate’s degree, bachelor's degree or POST certification
• $1,500 Safety Equipment allowance upon hire
• Monthly Uniform allowance of $90.00
• Bilingual incentive pay and bilingual hiring bonus
• Differential Pay (5% evening, 10% night)
• County contribution of up to $1,934 per month toward medical insurance cost (based on enrolled medical plan)

This recruitment may be used to fill future permanent, substitute, limited term, and temporary positions, both full-time and part-time.

The ideal candidate is an individual interested in advancing their law enforcement career with a specific interest in patrol operations. Candidates must be honest, possess integrity, and be able to take direction, as well as work independently, when required. A strong work ethic and excellent communication and observation skills are vital to the long-term success of the potential Deputy. The successful candidate will also have the ability to adapt to various environments, learn quickly, and multi‑task.

Education and Experience: Graduation from high school or possession of a general education development test certificate indicating high school graduation level or its equivalent as determined by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. Proof of completion of minimum education level may be required.

Licenses and Certificates: A valid driver's license is required at the time of application. A valid California driver's license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.

Age: All applicants must be 21 years of age or older with the following exception:
Persons 20 years of age, but less than 21, may apply but may not be appointed until they reach 21 years of age. Proof of minimum age requirements may be required. Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. Apply for this position at  Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process.

We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.

An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.

Final candidates will be required to have an in‑depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.

If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at  Confidential inquiries are welcomed.

For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at

• Mandatory physical agility test will be the first step in the recruitment process for all who meet minimum qualifications.
• Mandatory POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) will be the second step in the recruitment process for all who pass the…