Government Careers
  • Sheriff's Deputy - San Juan Island

  • Government Jobs
  • Friday Harbor, Washington 98250 United States View Map

Summary

Join The San Juan County Sheriff's Office

Join the San Juan County Sheriff's Office and serve in one of the most unique and breathtaking regions in the Pacific Northwest. As part of our dedicated team, you'll experience the unparalleled beauty of island living while making a meaningful impact in a close-knit, supportive community. We are committed to fostering a culture of integrity, professionalism, and service excellence, where your contributions are valued, and your career development is prioritized. At the San Juan County Sheriff's Office, you'll find competitive compensation, comprehensive training, and opportunities for growth - all within an environment that emphasizes work-life balance and the importance of personal well-being. Make a difference where it matters most. Join us in protecting and serving the San Juan Islands. We are currently offering a $15,000 hiring bonus for entry-level applicants and a $30,000 hiring bonus for lateral applicants.

Who should apply? The San Juan County Sheriff's Office is seeking dedicated, career-minded law enforcement professionals to join our team and make a meaningful impact in one of the most unique policing environments in the Pacific Northwest. Serving the San Juan Islands means working in small, close-knit communities where relationships and trust are the foundation of effective law enforcement. Our engaged and supportive residents value public safety and collaborate with law enforcement to maintain the high quality of life that defines island living. If you're looking for a career where you can truly connect with the people you serve and experience the rewards of small-town policing in a breathtaking natural setting, the San Juan County Sheriff's Office is the place for you.

Special Application Instructions: To be considered for this position, entry-level candidates must first complete a written examination through Public Safety Testing and score a minimum of 70%. Once scores are received, candidates will be contacted by the Civil Service Examiner to attend an in-person oral board panel interview in Friday Harbor. Upon completion of the interview, candidates will receive another score, and both the written and oral examination scores will be combined to give a final score, placing them with an associated ranking on the eligibility list. Names of candidates and application materials will then be distributed to the Sheriff's Office as requested in the order of their ranking. For additional questions about the process or for lateral considerations, please contact the Civil Service Examiner at civilservice@sanjuancountywa.gov.

Examples Of Essential Duties

Maintains current knowledge of and enforces all applicable Federal and State laws, as well as local ordinances. Responds to all criminal complaints in San Juan County. Responds to and investigates all vehicular accidents in San Juan County. Responds to and investigates or assists with investigations of all other accidents. Conducts vehicle patrol on all county, town and private roads. Conducts foot patrols in town, resort areas, Federal and State parks, and areas unreachable by patrol car. Conducts boat patrol on all waters of San Juan County. Responds to civil disputes, land use problems, neighbor disputes, etc. Responds to all unattended deaths in San Juan County as deputy coroner. Functions as the first responder to all emergencies in San Juan County. Trains and maintains a high level of skill in use of handguns, shotguns, and rifles in lethal force situations. Trains and maintains a high level of skill in the use of impact weapons, chemical sprays, mechanical restraints, empty hand self-defense and empty hand restraint and control methods in dangerous high stress situations. Trains and maintains a high level of skill in emergency vehicle operation in both non-stress and high-stress situations including all-weather operation, emergency response and high speed pursuit. Works with County Prosecutor in preparing any of the above mentioned cases and incidents for court. Performs jail and prisoner duties for San Juan County. Provides primary mental health contacts. Assists Chief Civil Deputy in execution of all civil court orders. Services and maintains in good condition patrol cars, patrol boats, the sheriff's office and related office tools, jail area and related tools, personal gear such as uniforms, firearms, handcuffs, radios, pagers, cameras, etc. and any other necessary law enforcement equipment. Maintains current knowledge of the residents of assigned island and other islands. Trains and maintains proficiency in a number of specialty fields. Makes extensive public relations and tourist contacts.

Minimum Qualifications

Entry-Level Applicants: Be at least 21 years of age and a U.S. citizen with a high school diploma or G.E.D. and be able to read, write and speak English, with no prior felony convictions; no recent involvement or history of illegal drug use. Must successfully pass the Civil Service Exam for this position, be able to successfully complete the Basic Law Enforcement academy within 6 months of hire, satisfactorily complete polygraph and psychological testing, background investigation and physical examination; and possess or obtain a valid Washington State driver's license; or any combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the job. Lateral Applicants: Must have successfully completed a Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) in Washington or another recognized state, and have at least one year post-academy, full-time law enforcement experience.

Supplemental Information

Physical and Mental Requirements: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking and sitting for extended lengths of time in patrol cars. Must be able to climb stairs, ladders and hillsides, often under adverse conditions. Requires occasional running and extended hikes in the woods. Requires the strength, ability and training to fight with and control one or more combative suspects, sometimes after having run and climbed. Must be able to lift and move injured or unconscious person up to 200+ pounds. Requires the ability to use handguns, shotguns and rifles with extreme accuracy. Requires continuous wearing of necessary law enforcement gear such as body armor, gun belt, radio, etc. with an average weight of 20-25 pounds. Must be able to talk and receive and understand written and oral communication and give written and oral instruction. This position frequently requires continuous hand and finger movement. This position requires good vision, depth perception and hearing. This position requires the ability to memorize and understand numerous laws, rules, regulations, guidelines, etc. Requires good math and measuring ability. This position requires good identification skills. Working Conditions: Responds to emergency situations by patrol car, boat or airplane in all weather conditions at any time of day or night. May be exposed to inclement weather for extended periods of time. Must respond to and supervise emergency call out situations on a 24 hour daily basis. Works extended hours, often including holidays and weekends. Duties require an element of personal risk, taking the responsibility of using physical force, up to and including deadly force. Assumes responsibility of giving the instruction to another to take a human life. Engages in the apprehension of suspects who may be armed and dangerous or situations involving high speed chases which could cause serious physical injury or death. Occupational Exposure includes exposure to human body fluids borne pathogens, the handling and transportation of prisoners, exposure to armed suspects, evidence crime scenes, traffic collisions, assaults, narcotics, building searches, bomb threats, hostage situations and natural disasters.

Medical, dental, vision, life, LTD, state retirement, paid holidays, paid leave accrual, air ambulance. Please visit San Juan County | Benefits for additional details about these and other benefits.

Job Description

Join The San Juan County Sheriff's Office

Join the San Juan County Sheriff's Office and serve in one of the most unique and breathtaking regions in the Pacific Northwest. As part of our dedicated team, you'll experience the unparalleled beauty of island living while making a meaningful impact in a close-knit, supportive community. We are committed to fostering a culture of integrity, professionalism, and service excellence, where your contributions are valued, and your career development is prioritized. At the San Juan County Sheriff's Office, you'll find competitive compensation, comprehensive training, and opportunities for growth - all within an environment that emphasizes work-life balance and the importance of personal well-being. Make a difference where it matters most. Join us in protecting and serving the San Juan Islands. We are currently offering a $15,000 hiring bonus for entry-level applicants and a $30,000 hiring bonus for lateral applicants.

Who should apply? The San Juan County Sheriff's Office is seeking dedicated, career-minded law enforcement professionals to join our team and make a meaningful impact in one of the most unique policing environments in the Pacific Northwest. Serving the San Juan Islands means working in small, close-knit communities where relationships and trust are the foundation of effective law enforcement. Our engaged and supportive residents value public safety and collaborate with law enforcement to maintain the high quality of life that defines island living. If you're looking for a career where you can truly connect with the people you serve and experience the rewards of small-town policing in a breathtaking natural setting, the San Juan County Sheriff's Office is the place for you.

Special Application Instructions: To be considered for this position, entry-level candidates must first complete a written examination through Public Safety Testing and score a minimum of 70%. Once scores are received, candidates will be contacted by the Civil Service Examiner to attend an in-person oral board panel interview in Friday Harbor. Upon completion of the interview, candidates will receive another score, and both the written and oral examination scores will be combined to give a final score, placing them with an associated ranking on the eligibility list. Names of candidates and application materials will then be distributed to the Sheriff's Office as requested in the order of their ranking. For additional questions about the process or for lateral considerations, please contact the Civil Service Examiner at civilservice@sanjuancountywa.gov.

Examples Of Essential Duties

Maintains current knowledge of and enforces all applicable Federal and State laws, as well as local ordinances. Responds to all criminal complaints in San Juan County. Responds to and investigates all vehicular accidents in San Juan County. Responds to and investigates or assists with investigations of all other accidents. Conducts vehicle patrol on all county, town and private roads. Conducts foot patrols in town, resort areas, Federal and State parks, and areas unreachable by patrol car. Conducts boat patrol on all waters of San Juan County. Responds to civil disputes, land use problems, neighbor disputes, etc. Responds to all unattended deaths in San Juan County as deputy coroner. Functions as the first responder to all emergencies in San Juan County. Trains and maintains a high level of skill in use of handguns, shotguns, and rifles in lethal force situations. Trains and maintains a high level of skill in the use of impact weapons, chemical sprays, mechanical restraints, empty hand self-defense and empty hand restraint and control methods in dangerous high stress situations. Trains and maintains a high level of skill in emergency vehicle operation in both non-stress and high-stress situations including all-weather operation, emergency response and high speed pursuit. Works with County Prosecutor in preparing any of the above mentioned cases and incidents for court. Performs jail and prisoner duties for San Juan County. Provides primary mental health contacts. Assists Chief Civil Deputy in execution of all civil court orders. Services and maintains in good condition patrol cars, patrol boats, the sheriff's office and related office tools, jail area and related tools, personal gear such as uniforms, firearms, handcuffs, radios, pagers, cameras, etc. and any other necessary law enforcement equipment. Maintains current knowledge of the residents of assigned island and other islands. Trains and maintains proficiency in a number of specialty fields. Makes extensive public relations and tourist contacts.

Minimum Qualifications

Entry-Level Applicants: Be at least 21 years of age and a U.S. citizen with a high school diploma or G.E.D. and be able to read, write and speak English, with no prior felony convictions; no recent involvement or history of illegal drug use. Must successfully pass the Civil Service Exam for this position, be able to successfully complete the Basic Law Enforcement academy within 6 months of hire, satisfactorily complete polygraph and psychological testing, background investigation and physical examination; and possess or obtain a valid Washington State driver's license; or any combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the job. Lateral Applicants: Must have successfully completed a Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) in Washington or another recognized state, and have at least one year post-academy, full-time law enforcement experience.

Supplemental Information

Physical and Mental Requirements: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking and sitting for extended lengths of time in patrol cars. Must be able to climb stairs, ladders and hillsides, often under adverse conditions. Requires occasional running and extended hikes in the woods. Requires the strength, ability and training to fight with and control one or more combative suspects, sometimes after having run and climbed. Must be able to lift and move injured or unconscious person up to 200+ pounds. Requires the ability to use handguns, shotguns and rifles with extreme accuracy. Requires continuous wearing of necessary law enforcement gear such as body armor, gun belt, radio, etc. with an average weight of 20-25 pounds. Must be able to talk and receive and understand written and oral communication and give written and oral instruction. This position frequently requires continuous hand and finger movement. This position requires good vision, depth perception and hearing. This position requires the ability to memorize and understand numerous laws, rules, regulations, guidelines, etc. Requires good math and measuring ability. This position requires good identification skills. Working Conditions: Responds to emergency situations by patrol car, boat or airplane in all weather conditions at any time of day or night. May be exposed to inclement weather for extended periods of time. Must respond to and supervise emergency call out situations on a 24 hour daily basis. Works extended hours, often including holidays and weekends. Duties require an element of personal risk, taking the responsibility of using physical force, up to and including deadly force. Assumes responsibility of giving the instruction to another to take a human life. Engages in the apprehension of suspects who may be armed and dangerous or situations involving high speed chases which could cause serious physical injury or death. Occupational Exposure includes exposure to human body fluids borne pathogens, the handling and transportation of prisoners, exposure to armed suspects, evidence crime scenes, traffic collisions, assaults, narcotics, building searches, bomb threats, hostage situations and natural disasters.

Medical, dental, vision, life, LTD, state retirement, paid holidays, paid leave accrual, air ambulance. Please visit San Juan County | Benefits for additional details about these and other benefits.

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