DEPUTY SHERIFF TRAINEE

About the Department

The Sheriff's Office is currently seeking candidates to sponsor for the Butte College California P.O.S.T. Academy beginning in January of 2027. 

RECRUITMENT TESTING SCHEDULE:

- PHYSICAL AGILITY EXAM - MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2026, 7:30AM
All applicants are required to participate in the Physical Agility, even if they have taken it previously.

- WRITTEN EXAM - MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2026, 1:00PM
If you have a previous P.O.S.T. PELLETB T-Score of 46.0 or higher, taken within the past year,please be sure to attach it with your application.

- ORAL PANEL - WEEK OF JULY 13, 2026. EXACT DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED
All applicants may be invited to the Oral Panel Exam Interview, however,please note, only those candidates who pass ALL THREE TESTS (written exam, physical agility, and oral panel) will move forward in the recruitment process.

The Deputy Sheriff Trainee reports directly to the designated California P.O.S.T. certified academy with supervision provided by a Sheriff's Sergeant (Operations). Positions in this class are distinguished from Deputy Sheriff in that the former class is a non-sworn classification which has no peace officer powers.

The Deputy Sheriff Trainee is a recruiting and training level classification established to qualify candidates for duties as a Deputy Sheriff in the Sutter County Sheriff's Office. Incumbents must undergo a formal and comprehensive training program in a California P.O.S.T. certified academy. Upon satisfactory completion of the training and graduation from the academy, the trainee will be promoted to the level of Deputy Sheriff. Failure to successfully complete training as prescribed and therein graduation from the academy will result in termination.

Position Duties

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

1.Attend all assigned academy classes.
2.Perform related academy-based field exercises.
3.Successfully pass academy exams and write crime reports as directed.
4.May be required to attend classes at night as directed.
5.May be required to perform other non-sworn peace officer duties as directed.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:
Principles, practices, techniques and equipment used in law enforcement, patrol, crime scene and follow-up investigation, pursuit and apprehension of suspects, and arrest and custody of prisoners; investigation and identification techniques and equipment; courtroom procedures and techniques for testifying; applicable laws, codes, regulations and court decisions; safety practices and precautions pertaining to the work, including the safe use and proper care of firearms; first aid methods and procedures; computer applications related to the work; techniques for dealing successfully with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained.

Skill in:
Interpreting and applying complex laws, ordinances, procedures and policies; maintaining accurate files and preparing clear and concise records, reports, correspondence and other written materials; observing and accurately recalling places, names, descriptive characteristics and facts of incidents; entering information into a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy to perform the work.; writing clear, accurate and comprehensive reports; exercise sound independent judgment within procedural guidelines; effectively  using  tact,  patience,  courtesy,  discretion  and  prudence  in  dealing  with  those contacted in the course of the work; obtaining necessary information from individuals in stressful or emergency situations; being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Ability to:
Learn, understand, interpret and apply rules, laws, ordinances, and departmental policies pertaining to law enforcement work; enforce laws firmly, tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others; learn law enforcement and crime prevention techniques, principles, procedures, and methods; learn the county road system, waterway system, and geographical layout of the area; learn first aid and CPR techniques; learn law enforcement and emergency radio communication systems and radio codes used in public safety work; react quickly and effectively under emergency conditions; effectively interview and interrogate individuals; accurately remember names, faces, numbers, and events; prepare clear and concise reports and records; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, and the general public; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; learn to operate standard and specialized police equipment, machinery, and tools; exercise care in proper driving of departmental vehicles; operate standard office equipment; and utilize various software programs relevant to the position. 

Education and Experience:
Graduation from high school or equivalent and currently enrolled in a California P.O.S.T. Basic Academy.

Other Qualifications

Essential Duties require the following physical skills and work requirements:
Ability to maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include running, walking, crouching, or crawling, moving equipment and persons, climbing stairs/ladder, performing life-saving and rescue procedures; operate assigned equipment; perform semi-skilled repetitive movements, such as using a computer, typing and data entry; maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observation and communicating with others; hear and communicate orally; ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Other Requirements:
Shall not have been convicted of a felony in this state or any other state or in any federal jurisdiction, or of any offense in any other state or in any federal jurisdiction which would have been a felony if committed in this state, pursuant to Government Code, Section 1029; shall have a good moral character as determined by a thorough background investigation pursuant to Government Code Section 1031; shall be a citizen of the State of California pursuant to Government Code 24103. Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment. Must successfully complete a pre-placement medical examination which includes drug screening. 

Disaster Service Workers: 
All Sutter County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to perform certain emergency services at the direction of the department and/or County.

License or Certificate:
This classification may require a valid California driver’s license.

Recruitment Process
The recruitment process for this position includes completing an application, may require successful participation in the POST Pellet-B written examination; physical agility test and participating in oral interview(s).  Please notify the Human Resources Department when applying if you believe you have a disability, which would make it difficult to participate in any portion of the recruitment process and would require reasonable accommodation.  Sutter County reserves the right to require medical documentation concerning the need for accommodation. Offers of employment are contingent upon a thorough background investigation, drug testing, medical examination, psychological evaluation and fingerprinting in addition to other appropriate requirements of the position.

NOTE: Sutter County utilizes E-Verify to confirm the eligibility of employees to work in the United States.

The County of Sutter is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.  Sutter County encourages both incumbents and individuals who have been offered employment to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.