Sheriff's Protective Services Officer

Under supervision, to secure and protect property owned, operated, or administered by the County, and to direct and assist persons conducting business at County facilities.

NOTE:

Candidates who meet the employment standards will be invited to take an online examination tentatively scheduled to open July 22, 2026.  Qualifying candidates will be notified via email with instructions for taking the examination.  

Candidates who pass the online examination will be invited to take the physical agility test scheduled for the morning of August 22, 2026.

The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

* Patrols assigned areas, remaining alert for security breaches and criminal and/or suspicious activity; documents and reports relevant observations to appropriate authorities; uses presence to deter criminal activity;

* Logs security events and other relevant information; obtains additional information, as necessary; prepares accurate and concise reports consistent with departmental policy;

* Warns violators or notifies proper authorities in connection with violations of County rules and regulations and suspected criminal violations;

* Makes rounds of designated areas and reports relevant observations;

* Maintains physical security of County buildings and property by checking and securing doors and windows, checking interior/exterior lighting and alarm systems and monitoring surveillance devices and multiple alarm systems;

* Provides information to persons conducting business at County facilities;

* Controls access to secured areas by confirming legitimacy of requested access and identity of requestor; issues badges and passes at access level authorized by management;

* Maintains vigilance for and reports fire threats, water leaks, electrical hazards, equipment failures, etc.;

* Assists Deputies and other peace officers, as directed, in the event of an emergency;

* Regulates the use of facilities and grounds by ensuring compliance with policies, procedures, and regulations;

* Responds to both routine and emergency security-related calls for service, complaints, or unusual conditions on County property; takes appropriate action within scope of authority;

* Directs traffic, enforces parking regulations, and issues County parking citations or warnings, as necessary;

* May create and maintain computer databases for tracking, retrieval of information, and maintenance of computer files;

* Maintains communication with dispatch center and other Officers via two-way radio;

* Testifies in legal proceedings;

* May conduct metal detector searches with a handheld wand or oversee metal detector operations at entry points;

* May provide first aid or emergency medical services, within scope of the provided training, to County employees or guests;

* Inventories, safeguards and returns patient valuables;

* Assists medical personnel in transporting and/or escorting psychiatric patients;

* Conducts property searches of 5150 patients pursuant to law;

* Applies behavioral restraints to patients as provided by departmental policies and procedures;

* Reports criminal activity and participates in a Private Person's Arrest in accordance with California laws and departmental policy, if necessary, pending other law enforcement assistance or actions;

* Uses reasonable force to protect self, staff, and general public, as allowed by departmental policies and procedures;

* May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required*;

* Performs other related duties as required.

Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:

Training and Experience

Note:

The required knowledge and abilities are attained through training and experience equivalent to completion of high school or equivalent

and

Two (2) years of full-time experience as a security guard and/or peace officer.

Completion of sixty (60) semester units (ninety (90) quarter units) of college may be substituted for the security or peace officer experience.

OR

Attended a Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office POST Basic Academy or Adult Corrections Academy within the last six months.

Special Requirements

* Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work.  If driving, possession of a valid California driver's license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.

* * As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections  and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help.  A DSW is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered.

* Must pass a comprehensive criminal history and…