Deputy Sheriff Trainee - Shift

Deputy Sheriff Trainee

This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time without notice. For any questions regarding this recruitment, you may email Nesrine Annan at annann@kerncounty.com or 661-868-3108. $15,000 Recruitment Bonus - More information below.

Join us for a special recruitment event on: You will be given the opportunity to meet the hiring team, tour the facility, and take the written exam on this date (limited seating available). The written exam will be administered for applicants once seats are filled on August 1, 2026. If you wish to test, seating is first come, and we encourage you to arrive for check in at 7:30 a.m.

Written Exam Schedule 2026 (subject to change at any time without prior notice)

Group # - Application Submission End Date - Application Review Date - Written Exam (In-person)

1 - June 28, 2026 - June 29, 2026 - July 7, 2026

2 - July 26, 2026 - July 27, 2026 - August 4, 2026

3 - September 1, 2026 - September 2, 2026 - September 10, 2026

4 - September 27, 2026 - September 28, 2026 - October 6, 2026

Examinations: Written Exam (PELLETB) (Pass/Fail): May include knowledge of questions regarding spelling, vocabulary, sentence clarity, reading comprehension and other English language comprehension exercises. Physical Ability Test (Pass/Fail ): The Kern County Human Resources Division will schedule, notify and administer a Physical Ability Test. See below for a full description of the Physical Ability Test. YouTube PAT Demo: Deputy Trainee Requirement- Physical Ability Test (PAT) Demo Note: Participation in the written exam is not required if you possess a POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) Exam result that verifies a minimum T-score of 42 and is less than 2 (two) years old as of the date of this application. Attach to your application for review.

• An Applicant Preparation Guide may be accessed here. (Download PDF reader)
• A link to the physical fitness pre-academy fitness guide may be accessed here (Download PDF reader). (Download PDF reader)

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent.
• Possession of a valid California driver's license at the time of appointment; may be required to obtain a Class II license.

In accordance with Government Code Section 1031 to be appointed as a peace officer in California, incumbents must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.

Physical and Psychological Requirements: Applicants must be found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, that might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer.

Physical Examination: A rigid medical examination by a county physician is required. Includes spine and chest x-rays, blood chemistry and electro cardiograph test. Weight must be proportionate to height and age.

Psychological Examination: Emotional and mental conditions shall be evaluated by a psychologist that meets the applicable education and training requirements as set forth by the Commission of Peace Officer Standards and Training Evaluation is designed for the conduct of pre-employment psychological screening of peace officers.

Vision: 20/100 uncorrected in each eye (corrected to 20/20) - no color deficiency. No permanent or progressive abnormalities. Hearing: No hearing deficiency. Minimum Age: 20.5 years of age by the final filing date; must be 21 years of age upon appointment to Deputy Sheriff. Character: A thorough background investigation, including fingerprinting is required. Applicants must have a reputation for honesty, trustworthiness and be of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background investigation. Felony law violations will be disqualifying and except for a limited number of minor traffic offenses, misdemeanor offenses may be disqualifying.

Ability to: understand and carry out oral and written instructions; ability to develop skill in use of firearms; ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies; ability to obtain and verify information through telephone contact and interview.

Background / Pre-employment Polygraph Examination / Psychological Evaluation: The background evaluation will include a pre-employment polygraph examination and psychological evaluation and will assess overall suitability for employment only as a Kern County Deputy Sheriff Trainee. This evaluation may not indicate present suitability for other law enforcement positions or future suitability as a Kern County Deputy Sheriff Trainee. Candidates must be found satisfactory in all respects on the Background Evaluation. Candidates determined to be unsuitable on this evaluation, or who have previously been found unsuitable, are encouraged to wait a minimum of twelve months before they may reapply for this classification. Additionally, those found unsatisfactory as a result of the background evaluation will be removed from eligibility in accordance with Civil Service Rule 608.00.

Monthly PelletB Workshop Webinars (FREE) with Stevie Daniels: Register here for Zoom seminar Kern residents are able to receive free tutoring from Kern Literacy Council: 661-324-3213

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