our excellence
starts with you
The Clark County Sheriff's Office is seeking driven, community-minded individuals to join our ranks as Deputy Sheriffs.
Entry-Level
Deputy Sheriff
As an Entry-Level Deputy Sheriff, you will attend the Basic Law Enforcement Academy, followed by comprehensive field training. Once certified, you'll enforce laws, respond to calls for service, conduct investigations, and build positive relationships with the community. This is a full-time, sworn position with opportunities for advancement into specialized units.
U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
21 years of age or older at time of appointment
High school diploma or GED
Valid driver's license
No felony convictions
Ability to pass a background investigation, physical fitness test, medical examination, psychological evaluation, and polygraph
Eligible to attend the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy
Lateral
Deputy Sheriff
Lateral Deputy Sheriffs perform full law enforcement duties, including patrol operations, criminal investigations, arrests, traffic enforcement, and public safety outreach. Candidates with prior certified law enforcement experience may qualify for accelerated pay, vacation accrual, and a hiring bonus. This role is ideal for experienced deputies seeking a new opportunity in a dynamic, team-oriented agency.
Current certification as a law enforcement officer through a United States state-certified law enforcement academy, recognized by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission
Successfully completed a bona fide Field Training program and deployed full-time to patrol squad/unit to perform duties autonomously as a sworn peace officer
Completed a Washington State recognized criminal justice academy, OR upon hire, certification must be obtained through the Washington State Equivalency Academy before completing the twelve-month probationary period, or currently possess certification as a peace officer through the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission
Ability to pass a background investigation, medical examination, psychological evaluation, and polygraph
Cadet Program
The CCSO Cadet Program provides paid, hands-on experience for people ages 18 and over who are exploring a career in law enforcement. Cadets work alongside deputies, assisting with administrative duties and field-related activities, gaining valuable insight into the profession.
Must be 18 years of age or older at time of appointment
Must be a citizen of the United States or a lawful permanent resident
Must have a high school diploma or GED with a minimum GPA of 2.0
Must hold a valid driver’s license
Must be currently enrolled in at least 9 college credits
Must declare and maintain a major in Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice or a related field (Public Administration, Psychology, Sociology, Business Administration)
Must maintain a minimum of 2.5 GPA while serving as a cadet
Must have no felony convictions
Why CCSO?
Becoming a Deputy Sheriff at CCSO offers a rewarding career with a comprehensive benefits package. Here's what you can expect when you join our team:
what to expect
CCSO operates 24 hours a day. If selected for a position, deputies are required to be available to work all shifts – day, swing, and grave – as assigned, including weekends and holidays.
Competitive Compensation
Base Salary: Start at $90k/yr (Entry-Level) or based on experience for Lateral Deputies
Hiring Bonus: $25,000 for Lateral Deputies and $10,000 for Entry-Level Deputies
Academy Pay: Paid salary while attending Basic Law Enforcement Academy
Step Increases: Annual salary growth based on years of service
Deferred Compensation: 457 plan options
Premium & incentive pays
FTO Premium Pay: 5%
Education Pay: Associates 2%, Bachelors 4%, and Masters 6%
Specialty Assignment Pay: 5% for:
Air Support, Administrative (Accreditation), Backgrounds, Campus, Case Management, Children’s Justice Center, Crisis Negotiator/Hostage Negotiator, Drones (UAS), Special Investigations Unit, Explosive Devices, Internal Affairs, K-9, Major Crimes, Marine, Outreach, PIO, Public Works (CVE), Recruiting Sergeant, Sex Offender Registration, School Resource Officer, Tactical Detective, TEMS, Traffic, Training, SWAT
*Note: Education Pay and Specialty Pay are combinable; Only one Specialty Pay allowed.
Health & Wellness
Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for employees and their families
Wellness Program: Support for mental and physical health, including one hour of paid wellness time per shift
Paid Time Off: Generous vacation accrual (224 to 328 hours per year) plus separate sick leave and premium paid holidays to support work-life balance
Retirement Health Benefits: Washington State Law Enforcement and Fire Fighter (LEOFF) Retirement Plan
Uniforms & Equipment
Uniforms & Gear: Uniforms, dry cleaning and required equipment provided
Firearms & Protection: Includes modern firearms (Glock Gen 5 MOS w/ RDS) and exterior protective vests
Vehicles: Assigned take-home vehicles
Strong Work-Life Balance
Four Days On, Four Days Off Schedule: Enjoy a consistent rotation that provides a strong work-life balance, with four days on duty followed by four consecutive days off.
Paid Days Off (PDO): Between 224–328 hours (19–28 patrol shifts) annually
Overtime Alternatives: Comp time and Kelly hours
Holidays: Seven holidays paid at premium rate
Military Leave: Paid military leave and G.I. Bill participation
No State Income Tax: Enjoy the benefit of working in Washington, where there is no state income tax
Career Growth & Advancement
Training & Development: Access to extensive law enforcement training, leadership courses, and specialty certifications
Specialty Units: As a deputy, you’ll have the opportunity to join one of our 20+ specialty units.
Promotions: Clear pathways for career advancement with guidance and support for moving up within the agency
Lateral Service Credit: Additional vacation hours for Lateral Deputies based on previous law enforcement service
Specialty units
After the required patrol or comparable law enforcement officer experience, our deputies can branch out and apply for different specialty assignments with 22 options to choose from, including:
- Air Support Unit (Pilot/Tactical Flight Officer)
- Campus Unit
- Children’s Justice Center
- Civil Unit
- Crisis Negotiation Team
- Domestic Violence Unit
- Drug Recognition Expert
- Fraud Investigations
- K9 Unit
- Major Crimes Unit
- Marine Patrol
- Metro Explosives Disposal Unit
- Mobile Response Team
- Peer Support
- School Resource Deputy
- Sex Offender Registration
- Special Investigations Unit
- SWAT
- Tactical Detective Unit
- Tactical Emergency Medical Support (TEMS)
- Traffic Homicide Unit
- Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
hiring process
Fill out the form
After you fill out the form at the bottom of this page, you’ll receive a pre-screening text and email with a few quick questions about the basic requirements to become a deputy sheriff. This helps us determine your eligibility before moving forward in the hiring process.
Complete the Public Safety Test
Complete both the written and physical ability tests through Public Safety Testing. A 70% or higher on the Written Test is required. The Physical Ability Test (PAT) is scored pass/fail.
Once testing is complete, Clark County HR will receive your written test score.
Complete an application in Workday
Once the Public Safety Testing is completed, you will need to fill out an application for employment. This application link will be shared with you once you pass the pre-screening questions.
Oral Board Interview
For entry-level applicants, the Oral Board interview is the next step. An invitation to this interview will be sent after CCSO receives your test scores from Public Safety Testing. The Oral Board is a panel interview, usually consisting of three panelists (Sergeants and Deputies) and the Civil Service Examiner. The answers are scored and a minimum of 70% on the oral board is required to continue in the process.
Eligibility List and Preference POSTS
For entry-level applicants, your civil service score will be your Written Test score (weighted at 30%) and your Oral Board score (weighted at 70%). If you are eligible for any preference points, they are added to this combined score. Candidates can combine preference points for a maximum of 15%.
Veterans’ Preference: 5% or 10% (Depends on service.
See: https://careers.wa.gov/veteranspreferences.htmlBilingual Preference: 5% for full professional proficiency in one language other than English
Education: 5% for an Associate of Arts or Science degree or a higher degree
Lateral applicants are on a separate eligibility list from entry applicants.
Background Investigation
Candidates who are placed on the eligibility list will begin a comprehensive background investigation. CCSO uses a background investigation program, eSoph, that will require agreements, questionnaires, and documents to be completed online. The process will culminate in a background interview with a background investigator. The Civil Service Commission will review the background to determine whether the applicant meets the standards for employment.
Final Selection /
Rule of 5 Interview
The top five candidates who have successfully completed all the previous steps are contacted to participate in a final interview. This is a panel interview during which successful candidates will be given a conditional offer of employment. The offer is conditional on successfully passing the post-offer process. Candidates remain on the eligibility list for 12 months and will be given up to three opportunities for a Rule of 5 interview.
Post-Offer Process
After receiving a conditional offer of employment, you must complete a polygraph, psychological evaluation, medical screening (including a treadmill test, and lifting and moving 75lbs), and another physical ability test (the same one you took for Public Safety Testing).
Welcome to the Team
Congratulations on completing all the testing, and welcome to the team!