What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sheriff's Cadet position at County of San Luis Obispo?
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 2025 or the Ventura Academy in fall 2025 (Date TBD).
The physical agility component of this recruitment is scheduled for Wednesday, March 05, 2025, 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 Friday, March 07, 2025.
Click here, to learn more about the divisions and units within the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office.
Click here, to view the full job description.
Click here, to learn more about becoming a sworn officer.
Click here, to learn more about the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) written exam, including the Applicant Preparation Guide for the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (pdf)
Click here, to get more information about employee benefits.
Starting Salary:
Sheriff’s Cadet - $39.48 per hour
Deputy Sheriff - $47.13 - $60.15 per hour
Upon successful academy completion, incumbent is eligible for promotion to Deputy Sheriff with a starting salary of $47.13 per hour.
Other Incentives/Benefits:
Cadet:
- One-time $1,200 uniform allowance upon hire
- Monthly uniform allowance of $75
- County contribution of up to $1,475 per month toward medical insurance costs
- 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 $1,655 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.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
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 governmentjobs.com/careers/slocountyca. 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 hr@co.slo.ca.us. Confidential inquiries are welcomed.
For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at www.slocounty.ca.gov.
THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS:
- A mandatory physical agility test will be the first step in the recruitment process for all who meet minimum qualifications.
- A mandatory POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) will be the second step in the recruitment process for all who pass the physical agility test.
- An optional workshop will be offered to candidates prior to panel interviews.
- A mandatory panel interview will be the final step in the recruitment process for all who pass the written test.
The physical agility test is scheduled for Wednesday, March 05, 2025, at Cuesta College.
The PELLETB written exam is scheduled for Friday, March 07, 2025.
Click here, to learn more about the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) written exam, including the Applicant Preparation Guide for the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test
The Physical Agility Test consists of four (4) events as follows:
- 1.5 Mile Run
- Push-Ups
- Sit-Ups
- Pull-Ups.
Event 1 - 1.5 Mile Run: Fifteen (15) minute or less target time
Event 2 - Push-Ups: Two (2) minute max time limit for as many as you can do with proper form. During the exercise you can only rest in "plank" position; plank must have proper form; knees cannot touch the ground.
Event 3 - Sit-Ups: Two (2) minute max time limit for as many as you can do with proper form. During the exercise, arms must be behind the head; candidate can rest in up or down position.
Event 4 - Pull-Ups: Must attempt at least one (1) unassisted rep starting in "hang" position; candidate can rest in "hang" position. Note: If you attempt the pull-up and are not able to complete it, you do have the ability to make up those points with the push-ups and sit-ups.
Since one (1) of the events involves running, you can prepare for the test by practicing both short sprints and longer runs.
The other three (3) events involve upper body and core strength. It is possible to condition yourself for these by doing similar total body exercises.
As mentioned above, scores are cumulative for events 2, 3, and 4. The scoring system below can be used to determine different exercise combinations that will yield a passing score for the physical agility exam. Candidates must attain a cumulative score of 14 in order to pass. Please note that the scores reflected below will be used for this recruitment, however, are subject to change at any time. Please do not refer to this chart for future recruitments. Scores will be reposted with each recruitment to be sure candidates are receiving the most up to date information available.
| Push-Up | Sit-Up | Pull-Up | Run |
| 1-4 = 3 | >10 = 0 | 1 = 6 | 15 minutes pass/fail |
| 5-7 = 4 | 11-17 = 1 | 2-4 = 7 | |
| 8-10 = 5 | 18-22 = 2 | 5-7 = 8 | |
| 11-13 = 6 | 23-27 = 3 | 7 = 9 | |
| 14-16 = 7 | 28-32 = 4 | ||
| 17 = 9 | 33-38 = 6 | ||
| 39-44= 8 | |||
| 45 = 9 | |||
** 14 Point Minimum Passing Score **
To accept a position with the Sheriff's Office, you must successfully complete a Sheriff's Background Investigation. Below is a partial list of offenses or issues that may disqualify you from successful completion. Please review the below list:
- Any felony conviction
- Recent misdemeanor conviction, or any two misdemeanor convictions as an adult
- Poor employment history
- Any sale, manufacture, or cultivation of illegal drugs
- Recent use of illegal substances such as opiates, hallucinogens, injectables, cocaine, methamphetamine, or similar substance
- Poor driving record such as numerous hazardous traffic violations or chargeable accidents
- Recent conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, or any two convictions for this offense as an adult
- Any act of domestic violence, as defined by law
- Any crime committed against a child
- Behavior or derogatory remarks constituting discrimination or bias toward others based on their race, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other protected class
- Any material misstatement of fact or intentional omission of information during the application or background process
Salary : $74,485 - $95,056
