Deputy Sheriff-Entry Level (Civil Service)

Note: Current Employees must use the Workday Dashboard

Employee Type:

Regular

Department:

Sheriff

Salary:

$74,734.40 - $108,700.80 Annually / $6,227.87 - $9,058.40 Monthly / $35.93 - $52.26 Hourly

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Overtime Eligibile:

Yes

Job Posting Date Range:

05/12/2026 - Until Filled

NOTE TO APPLICANTS:  This recruitment may be used to fill both current and future vacancies. You are not eligible to re-apply for one year after being declined by Civil Service.
 
TESTING AND APPLICATION PROCESS:
Applicants must complete a Written Exam and Washington State Physical Ability Test (PAT) prior to applying. These are conducted through Public Safety Testing (PST). Applicants can register for testing at https://www.publicsafetytesting.com/ and select to have their scores sent directly to our agency. Your scores will NOT be sent to our agency until you have passed BOTH the Written and PAT. Civil Service will only accept scores from PST and will not move any applicants forward in the process until scores are received.

 

More information on how to prepare for the PAT is available here: The Physical Ability Test (PAT) | Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission

 

Any questions regarding Public Safety Testing may be directed to 1-866-447-3911 or [email protected].    

The Deputy Sheriff-Entry Level selection process will include:
• Written Test – passed through PST within the last 12 months

 • Physical Ability Test – passed through PST within the last 6 months

 • Detailed Personal History Statement – submitted through PST

 • Submit complete Spokane County application to be placed onto the eligibility list
 • Background Investigation
 
If you have questions regarding the selection process as described above, please visit www.SpokaneSheriff.info or contact Civil Service at [email protected].

 

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST:

1.      THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS MUST BE UPLOADED WITH YOUR APPLICATION:

• Copy of Valid Driver's License (front side only)

• Copy of DD-214 Member-4 Form, NGB-22 Form, or equivalent (if applicable; see RCW 41.04.010 as to how Veteran's Preference is applied)

• Copy of Permanent Resident Card AKA "Green Card" (if applicable; front side only)

• Copy of Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card / Form I-797 (Notice of Action) / Form I-821D (if applicable; Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients)

2.      OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY THE SCHOOL REGISTRAR OR THEIR THIRD-PARTY AFFILIATE:
Official transcripts from the school of your highest level of education and/or transcripts showing proof of your highest degree obtained must be submitted to the Civil Service office in order to move forward in the hiring process. All transcripts must be official documents; they cannot be uploaded to the application by the applicant.
   
Examples: If your highest level of education is high school or equivalent (GED), you would order ONLY your high school/GED transcript; if you graduated high school and have some college credits, but no degree, you will need to order BOTH high school and college transcripts; if you have an Associate's or higher degree and no additional college, then ONLY order the transcript showing proof of your highest degree; if you have an Associate's or higher degree plus additional college, please order BOTH college transcripts, etc. 
   
Accepted methods for transcript submission:

• PREFERRED - Electronic Submission: If your school distributes official, electronic transcripts, have your school registrar email the official transcripts directly to: [email protected] (electronic transcripts will ONLY be accepted if sent directly by the school registrar or their 3rd party affiliate; applicants may not email transcripts directly)

• Alternate Arrangements: Only if your school does not issue electronic transcripts, sealed official transcripts may be mailed to: Spokane County Civil Service, 13033 W. SR 902, Spokane, WA 99224.

If you have already submitted official transcripts to Spokane County Civil Service (including for previous applications), please do NOT resubmit. If you are unsure, please contact our office at 509-477-4711, extension 2 to verify.

 

ALL SECTIONS OF THE APPLICATION MUST BE COMPLETED. RESUMES ARE NOT ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF COMPLETE APPLICATIONS.

 

**IF ANY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS ARE NOT UPLOADED WITH AN APPLICATION OR SUBMITTED TO CIVIL SERVICE BY THE GIVEN DEADLINE, THE APPLICATION WILL BE CONSIDERED INCOMPLETE AND WILL NOT  BE ADVANCED.**

Additional Information:

Visit www.SpokaneSheriff.info for further information.

Job Summary:

The Deputy Sheriff performs varied first-level law enforcement duties involving the protection of life and property, the enforcement of laws and ordinances, the maintenance of order, and the investigation of crime for the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office [herein referred to as Agency]. This position is generally under the direction and general supervision of a patrol corporal and/or sergeant, but may, at times, work independently. Incumbents will be required to work varying hours and/or shifts.

Employees of the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office hold positions of high public trust. It is imperative that all employees conduct themselves, both on and off-duty, in such a manner which does not bring disrepute upon the Agency or the professional image of law enforcement.

Job Description:

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Must be a citizen of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, or a deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) recipient; must be able to speak, read, and write the English language; high school diploma or GED.
Applicant must be a minimum age of 21 at the time of appointment, however, may test at age 20, as long as applicant turns 21 during the life of the eligibility list.

In addition to the above requirements, applicants must qualify in at least one of the following categories:

• Earned at least 60 semester credit hours or 90 quarter credit hours from an accredited college or university OR

• Earned an Associate’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university OR

• Obtained an equivalent to at least two (2) years of full-time work experience in any field; military experience qualifies as professional work experience

A driver’s license is required at the time of application and must be retained throughout employment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as an exclusive list of all essential job functions performed by all employees in this classification, but only as a representative summary of the primary job functions and responsibilities. Incumbent may not be required to perform all job functions and may be required to perform additional, position specific tasks.

Patrol a designated area of Spokane County in a patrol car, on a bicycle, boat, and/or on foot to deter and discover crime, conduct on-scene investigations at crime scenes, aid persons in trouble, and render other public services, as needed.

Enforce traffic and parking ordinances; investigate accidents; operate a radar unit to discover speed violations; issue citations to violators; serve warrants of arrest, arrest persons, and secure their custody; complete necessary reports concerning alleged crimes, circumstances of arrest, evidence discovered, and witness interactions.

Serve civil processes, including writs of attachment, writs of restitution, and writs of execution; conduct address checks on registered sex offenders; document attempts and other pertinent information.

Respond to reports of possible crime and take action as the situation requires to secure the scene; interview victims, witnesses, and suspects; gather evidence, locate, interview, and arrest suspects; investigate persons suspected of being engaged in crime; locate and secure evidence pertaining to alleged crime; arrest suspects based on a probable cause standard.

Report to scenes of accidents; administer first aid and summon aid and other patrol units for assistance in treating injured persons and controlling the scene; make general drawings of accident scenes; complete standard accident reports; make arrests as the situation warrants.

Provide information to the public concerning laws and ordinances.

Conduct thorough investigations of reported crimes appropriate to their assignments; use photo montages for victim and/or witness identification; conduct necessary searches and follow up on investigations as necessary; prepare cases for prosecution.

Develop community contacts to obtain information about crimes and issues affecting assigned district; maintain contact with the public to promote the community policing philosophy of the Agency.

Complete additional investigations as determined necessary by prosecution; be prepared when interviewed by the defense or other investigators regarding investigations; testify in court.

Respond to potentially violent events where a physical encounter may occur and/or where citizens may become violent towards the responding officer, which may necessitate the use of force.

Perform specialized duties, which may vary and at times with limited supervision, depending on an individual deputy’s background, ability, and the needs of the Agency, or as required or assigned.

Assist with on-the-job training and education of external agency peers, coworkers, and supervisors; instruct in-service or specialty training sessions in specialized discipline, such as criminal procedures, reality-based training, defensive tactics, firearms, emergency vehicle operations, etc.

Report for duty on time and work overtime, as directed; attend training and roll calls, as directed; apply job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities on duty.

Maintain personal hygiene and appearance in a manner that projects a professional image appropriate for the Agency and assignment in accordance with Agency policy.

Check voicemail and e-mail regularly and remain in contact with Agency communications, County employees, partner organizations, and the general public.

Perform other duties as assigned.
 

WORKING CONDITIONS (include but are not limited to):

• Must be able to effectively, efficiently, and safely work in the following environments:

• Work in a 24-hour/seven day-a-week operation; this includes working day/night shifts, weekends, holidays, and/or overtime, as required

• Variety of weather conditions

• Variety of schedules including 8, 10, and 12-hour shifts

• Work in emergency situations that may be physically demanding for long periods of time; assure the delivery of and participate in administering emergency medical aid, evacuations, and rescue of individuals from harm in potentially dangerous situations

• Hazardous conditions where employees must wear a variety of protective masks and/or eye protection for extended periods of time

• Situations where blood, bodily fluids, and/or other potentially infectious and hazardous materials are present

• Respond to incidents that may be considered graphic and/or grossly offensive to human senses and/or where the use of force may be required

Must have no adult felony convictions. Incumbents must be in good health; see, hear, feel, smell, touch, speak and move about (with or without corrective devices) to perform the duties, responsibilities, tasks, and essential functions required or assigned to this position.

BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS:

All employees of the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office are responsible for contributing to a safe, productive, and positive work environment, by being self-motivated and actively demonstrating the core values of the Sheriff’s Office in their daily work and interactions:

• Respect: Appreciating and valuing customers, co-workers, managers, other County employees and County leadership by showing courtesy, friendliness, and fairness. Communicating in a productive and professional manner.

• Accountability: Honoring and delivering on commitments by taking responsibility for personal actions and results; a team player that helps the organization meet its objectives by taking initiative; being a responsible steward of public resources and the trust County residents have placed in each of us.

• Integrity: Positively represents the organization and the County by modeling transparent and ethical behavior and demonstrating it with honest and trustworthy behaviors and actions; leading by example and performing work to the highest standards.

• Innovation: Striving for excellence by actively pursuing opportunities for new and improved methods, procedures, or technologies; fostering an environment of engagement, empowerment, and embracing continuous improvement.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Spokane County geography

• criminal statutes

• constitutional and civil law requirements and restraints for their enforcement

• policies and procedure manuals for the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office

• basic first aid and CPR principles and skill in their application

Skilled in:

• safely operating motor vehicles

• observing, remembering, reporting, and testifying regarding investigative details

• gathering information, using appropriate investigative and interview techniques

• search and seizure techniques of people, vehicles, buildings, and large outdoor areas

• exercising independent judgment

• use of rapidly changing technology

Ability to:

• perform all necessary physical activities in performance of the job

• analyze and react to dynamic and potentially violent situations using law enforcement best-practices

• communicate clearly, effectively, and coherently over the radio

• compose and complete reports using proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation

• accurately convey information on investigations

• cope with situations firmly and tactfully with respect to individual rights

• communicate effectively with diverse groups of people

• meet Agency standards relative to appearance, dress code, and conduct

• Satisfactorily complete prescribed courses of training

• make arrests, using handcuffs and other restraints

• subdue resisting suspects using defensive tactics techniques and/or weapons

• learn and use investigative tools, techniques, and procedures

• keep materials and information confidential and exercise caution to keep within the rights of privacy laws

• maintain composure in hostile and dynamic situations

• exercise emotional stability, self-assurance, self-awareness, and a high degree of initiative and good judgment

• Keyboard in an efficient and accurate manner to complete Agency reports.

Total Compensation:

$95,660 - $139,137 Annually

Total compensation is an estimate based upon base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices.

Please select the link below to view Spokane County Benefits:

• Benefits | Spokane County, WA