Deputy Sheriff Trainee

Introduction

The San Joaquin Sheriff's Office is seeking highly motivated individuals who are interested in a career as a law enforcement officer. The Deputy Sheriff Trainee will receive intensive academic instruction and rigorous physical training in law enforcement at a California Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Certified Academy and will receive other assignments on a training basis to learn departmental policies and procedures.

Pre-Employment Physical, Drug Screen and Background:
Potential new hires into this classification are required to successfully pass a pre-employment physical examination, a pre-employment drug screen and a background investigation as a condition of employment. Final appointment cannot be made unless the eligible candidate has passed the drug screen, physical and successfully completed the background process. The County pays for the initial drug screen and physical.

Brochure:
Please click on the link below to view details about the position:

Deputy Sheriff Trainee:

Candidates must pass the physical agility test and written exam to move forward in the recruitment process for this position. Click the link to view a video demonstration of the physical agility test: PAT Video.

Candidates may provide POST PELLETB T-scores from other agencies in lieu of taking the written examination. A T-Score of 42 or higher is qualifying with San Joaquin County.

T-Scores must be on official agency letterhead in PDF format and have been within the last 12 months. You may attach your T-score letters to your application or e-mail them to mslopez. Please note, San Joaquin County WILL NOT waive the physical agility exam in lieu of another physical agility exam from another law enforcement agencies and/or basic training academies.

If you retest within 30 days either with the same or a different department/agency, your test results will be invalidated. you must wait at least 30 calendar days prior to retaking the test (e.g., you will be eligible to retest on the 31st day after you have taken your last PELLETB exam.)

For more information regarding the Entry-Level Test Battery exam please visit LE Entry-Level Test Battery Applicant FAQs.

Study guide/material may be found at the CA POST website:

PELLETB Preparation Guide

If you have failed either the Physical Agility Test or the Written Exam and are still interested in participating in the process, please reach out to either mslopez or dgau so you can continue to receive notices for upcoming exam dates.

UPCOMING TESTING SCHEDULE (future dates to be added)

Apply by:
Thursday, November 6, 2025, by 11:59 p.m.

PAT/Written Exam:
Friday, November 14, 2025

(Please note, only candidates that successfully complete the agility test will be invited to the written exam)

* -
- Apply by:
Thursday, January 8, 2026, by 11:59 p.m.

PAT/Written Exam:
Friday, January 16, 2026

(Please note, only candidates that successfully complete the agility test will be invited to the written exam)

* -
- Apply by:
Thursday, March 5, 2026, by 11:59 p.m.

PAT/Written Exam:
Friday, March 13, 2026

(Please note, only candidates that successfully complete the agility test will be invited to the written exam)

* -
- Apply by:
Thursday, May 7, 2026, by 11:59 p.m.

PAT/Written Exam:
Friday, May 15, 2026

(Please note, only candidates that successfully complete the agility test will be invited to the written exam)

* -
- Apply by:
Thursday, July 2, 2026, by 11:59 p.m.

PAT/Written Exam:
Friday, July 10, 2026

(Please note, only candidates that successfully complete the agility test will be invited to the written exam)

* -
- Apply by:
Thursday, September 3, 2026, by 11:59 p.m.

PAT/Written Exam:
Friday, September 11, 2026

(Please note, only candidates that successfully complete the agility test will be invited to the written exam)

Hiring Incentive Program:

The San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office is offering a hiring incentive in the amount of $10,000. The department will award the cash incentive to any person who is hired for any of the following job classifications; within the time frames this program is active and so approved by the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors:

* Deputy Sheriff Trainee/AC/I/II

* Correctional Officer Trainee/Correctional Officer

* Communications Dispatcher I/II/III

Additionally, a moving stipend reimbursement is available for those new hires within the qualified classifications. A qualified hire may receive up to $2,000 for any cost directly associated with relocating their primary residence as a result of gaining employment with this office.

The following incentives may also be available for eligible new hires, subject to approval by Human Resources:

* Vacation Accrual Rate:
San Joaquin County vacation accrual rate consistent with the candidate's total years of public service.

* Sick Leave:
Candidates leaving other employment may receive credit for actual non-reimbursable sick leave hours (up to 160 hours) from their last agency. Hours shall be subject to San Joaquin County's minimum sick leave cash out…