Job Details

Correctional Deputy

The Sheriff's Office is seeking self-motivated, dedicated team players to fill the position of Correctional Deputy. In this role, you will be responsible for performing the full range of duties related to the custody, supervision, and counseling of incarcerated persons. Successful candidates will be hired as Sheriff's Cadet during an initial training period and to attend required courses in order to become a Correctional Deputy.

Sheriff's Correctional Deputies work in the County Jail which houses all persons arrested in San Luis Obispo County who are either sentenced or awaiting trial. Under general supervision incumbents are responsible for the intake, custody, welfare, healthcare, programs, services, transportation, and release of incarcerated persons in the custody of the Sheriff; investigate crimes that arise from custodial assignments; and perform other related work as required.

The ideal candidate will possess formal education in corrections or law enforcement and possess a knowledge of Custody division programs, policies and procedures. Candidates must be honest, possess integrity, and be able to take direction, as well as work independently when required. The ability to effectively interact with a diverse population including, but not limited to, incarcerated persons, arresting officers, probation staff, and administrative support staff is key. A strong work ethic and excellent communication and observation skills are desired. The ability to adapt to various environments, think quick on your feet, and multi-task is a must.

Education and Experience: A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes: 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 minimum educational requirement 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. Within 6 months of appointment to Correctional Deputy must obtain and keep valid both First Aid and CPR training. Within 12 months of appointment as a Correctional Deputy must satisfactorily complete the Standards & Training for Correction (STC), Adult Corrections Officer Core Course. Thereafter, the STC annual required training must be met.

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.

The Recruitment Process:

• A mandatory physical agility test will be the first step in the recruitment process for all who meet minimum qualifications.
• Physical agility examination scheduled on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
• Candidates who pass the physical agility test will be invited to participate in a panel interview.
• Finalists will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process.

The Physical Agility Test consists of four (4) events as follows:

• 550 Yard Run
• Push-Ups
• Sit-Ups
• Pull-Ups

All events are scored individually, however, points are cumulative for these exercises. If you are less successful in one event, you can make up points in other events by completing more repetitions.

Since one of the events involves running, you can prepare for the test by practicing both short sprints and longer runs. The other three 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 all events. 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 30 in order to pass.

This position is scheduled to work three 12-hour shifts in a week and one 8-hour shift every other week. The shifts are scheduled as either 7 a.m. 7 p.m. or 7 p.m. 7 a.m.

Limited 40 hour workweek assignments, Monday-Friday, 8 hour shifts.

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:

• 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

Other Conditions of Employment: Age and Citizenship: All applicants must meet the age and citizenship requirements of California Government Code 1031. Written proof of the foregoing is required.

Character: Good moral character as determined by a thorough background investigation. No convictions by any State, the Federal Government, or a foreign government of a crime, which could have been punishable by imprisonment in a Federal Penitentiary or a State prison.