Job Description
The County of Santa Clara is hiring Deputy Sheriff - Lateral in San Jose, California, as of September 2026. This full-time law enforcement position offers a salary of $132,263 to $160,784 per year.
Deputies perform active law enforcement duties, including protecting life and property, investigating crimes, apprehending law violators, providing security to the Superior Court, and serving civil process issued by the Court. The role also involves a variety of technical law enforcement tasks.
This recruitment is specifically for experienced officers who currently work or have worked at a California POST-approved law enforcement agency performing Peace Officer duties with a separation date within three years of application..
Or who have successfully completed a California POST-certified Regular Basic Course within three years and hold a California Basic POST certificate or a valid re-qualification certificate.
Those seeking to start a law enforcement career without meeting these criteria should refer to the Cadet job posting, which offers entry-level positions with paid training to become a Deputy.
Salary & Compensation
$132,263 - $160,784 per year
Qualification
Applicants must meet specific California POST certification and experience requirements to qualify for this lateral recruitment. The following points outline the eligibility criteria.
- Currently work or have worked at a California POST-approved law enforcement agency performing duties of a Peace Officer, with a separation date within three years of the application date.
- Successfully completed a California POST-certified Regular Basic Course (standard or modular format) within three years of the application date and possess a California Basic Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) certificate.
- Possess a valid re-qualification certificate if the original California POST certification has expired.
Who Can Apply
This recruitment is open to experienced law enforcement officers who meet California POST standards. It is not an entry-level opportunity.
- Lateral entry for current or former California POST-approved law enforcement officers with recent experience.
- Lateral entry for individuals who have completed a California POST-certified Regular Basic Course within the last three years and hold a Basic POST certificate or valid re-qualification certificate.
- Entry-level candidates who do not meet the lateral criteria should apply to the Cadet job posting for paid training to become a Deputy.
Role Responsibilities
Deputy Sheriffs perform active law enforcement work that protects the community and supports the judicial system. The following duties are central to the role.
- Perform active law enforcement duties in the protection of life and property.
- Investigate crimes and apprehend law violators.
- Provide security to the Superior Court.
- Serve civil process issued by the Court.
- Perform a variety of technical law enforcement tasks.
Conditions & Requirements
Candidates should review the following conditions to ensure they can meet the demands of the position.
- Must meet California POST certification and experience requirements as described in the qualification section.
- Must be able to perform active law enforcement duties, including protection of life and property, investigation, and apprehension of law violators.
- Must be able to provide security to the Superior Court and serve civil process.
- Must be available for full-time work.
Benefits
The County of Santa Clara offers a competitive salary for this full-time Deputy Sheriff
- Lateral position.
- Salary range of $132,263 to $160,784 per year.
How You Will Be Evaluated
The evaluation process for this recruitment is not detailed in the available information. Applicants should prepare for a standard law enforcement selection process.
Required Documents
Applicants should be ready to provide documentation that verifies their California POST certification and law enforcement experience.
- California Basic Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) certificate or valid re-qualification certificate, if applicable.
- Proof of completion of a California POST-certified Regular Basic Course (standard or modular format) within three years, if applicable.
- Documentation of current or former employment at a California POST-approved law enforcement agency performing Peace Officer duties, including separation date if applicable.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official application portal. Create or to your applicant account, complete the online application and supplemental questions, and submit before the deadline.
- Apply through the state or local government careers portal at the official application portal.
- Create or to your applicant account.
- Complete the online application and supplemental questions.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
Additional Information
The County of Santa Clara is located in the heart of Silicon Valley and offers a range of public safety services.
- The position is based throughout the County of Santa Clara, CA.
- The street address for the application is 70 W. Hedding Street, San Jose, CA 95110.
- This is a full-time position.
About Company
The County of Santa Clara is a local government employer in California, providing public safety, administration, and community services.
The Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement, court security, and civil process within the county.
County of Santa Clara is named as the hiring organisation for the Deputy Sheriff - Lateral post.
County of Santa Clara employment opportunities
FAQs
What are the California POST certification requirements for the Deputy Sheriff - Lateral position with the County of Santa Clara?
You must either currently work or have worked at a California POST-approved law enforcement agency performing Peace Officer duties with a separation date within three years of application, or have successfully completed a California POST-certified Regular Basic Course within three years and possess a California Basic POST certificate or a valid re-qualification certificate if the original certification has expired.
What does a Deputy Sheriff - Lateral do at the County of Santa Clara?
Deputies perform active law enforcement duties including protecting life and property, investigating crimes, apprehending law violators, providing security to the Superior Court, serving civil process issued by the Court, and performing various technical law enforcement tasks.
Can entry-level candidates apply for the Deputy Sheriff - Lateral role in Santa Clara County?
No, this is a lateral recruitment for experienced officers who meet specific California POST requirements. Entry-level candidates should refer to the Cadet job posting, which offers paid training to become a Deputy.
What documents do I need to submit for the Deputy Sheriff - Lateral application?
You should be prepared to provide your California Basic POST certificate or valid re-qualification certificate, proof of completion of a California POST-certified Regular Basic Course within three years, and documentation of your current or former employment at a California POST-approved law enforcement agency, including separation date if applicable.
How do I apply for the Deputy Sheriff - Lateral position with the County of Santa Clara?
Apply through the official application portal at the official application portal. Create or to your applicant account, complete the online application and supplemental questions, and submit before the deadline.
Where is the Deputy Sheriff - Lateral position located?
The position is based throughout the County of Santa Clara, CA, with the application address at 70 W. Hedding Street, San Jose, CA 95110.
What is the salary for the Deputy Sheriff - Lateral role at the County of Santa Clara?
The salary range for this full-time position is $132,263 to $160,784 per year.