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Posted: January 1, 2026 (14 days ago)

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Deputy Sheriff - Lateral

Pierce County

Sheriff - Police Protection

Recent

Location

Salary

$40.78 - $53.97

per hour

Closes

Not specified

Job Description

Summary

This job is for experienced law enforcement officers to join the Pierce County Sheriff's Office as a Deputy Sheriff, handling patrol duties, investigations, and community safety across a diverse rural and urban area in Washington state.

It involves protecting people and property while upholding high standards of professionalism in challenging terrains like mountains and coastlines.

A good fit would be a current or recent commissioned officer seeking lateral transfer, motivated by public service, with strong integrity and a desire for specialized team opportunities.

Key Requirements

  • High School diploma or G.E.D. certificate
  • At least 21 years old at time of appointment
  • Valid Washington State driver's license and proof of insurability
  • United States citizen, lawful permanent resident, or DACA recipient
  • Ability to speak, read, and write English fluently
  • Current commissioned law enforcement officer status for lateral entry (no written exam required)
  • Experience in general duty law enforcement and investigatory work

Full Job Description


**Lateral Candidates DO NOT need to take a written exam. If you are a commissioned law enforcement officer and are interested in a lateral opportunity, please contact Pierce County Civil Service at pccivilservice@piercecountywa.gov** New lateral hires receive a hiring incentive of $25,000 and 80 hours of sick leave available immediately and 80 hours of vacation leave available for use after six months of employment.

Questions
If you have any questions regarding testing, the background process, or the position, please send them to the Human Resources Specialist at pccivilservice@piercecountywa.gov. You may also request to schedule an appointment by phone if you prefer.

About the Sheriff’s Office:
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office has 312 patrol deputies who serve a rural and urban landscape covering 1,806 square miles. We are a "full-service agency" that provides law enforcement, jail, court security, civil processing services to all areas of unincorporated Pierce County and the contract cities of Edgewood and University Place.

We provide law enforcement services over a very large and difficult geography that stretches from the Key Peninsula to Mount Rainier. This includes mountains, rivers, lakes, coastline, and heavily wooded areas that border populous residential areas, a large military base, and a major interstate.

Why it's a great opportunity:
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office prides itself on upholding our Core Values: Courage, Compassion, Integrity, Respect and Responsibility. Pierce County Sheriff’s deputies are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism to serve citizens and help make Pierce County one of the best places to live and work in the beautiful Great Northwest. We encourage you to learn more about our office by clicking here.

Future Opportunities:
The Sheriff’s Office has additional duty assignments available for patrol deputies in Search and Rescue, Marine Services, Dive Team, SWAT Team, Hazardous Device Team, Special Investigations Unit, Community Support Team, and the Gang Unit. There are also promotional opportunities to move up through the ranks of leadership and investigational positions.

Requirements

This is responsible, general duty and investigatory law enforcement work involving the protection of life/property and the preservation of the peace for the Pierce County Sheriff's Office. Work is performed in accordance with the mission, goals and objectives of the Sheriff's Office, and in compliance with governing federal, state, and local laws. Click Deputy Sheriff for a classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions, competencies, physical demands and working conditions/environment.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS TO APPLY:

High School diploma or G.E.D.

certificate.At least age twenty-one (21) at time of appointment.Valid Washington State driver's license at time of appointment and be able to provide proof of insurability.

Must be a United States citizen, lawful permanent resident or deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) recipient, and ability to speak, read and write the English language as required by RCW 41.14.100.In-State Lateral Applicants:In addition to the minimum requirements listed for entry level applicants, lateral applicants must have successfully completed the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Basic Law Enforcement Academy for police officers or its equivalency academy, by the date of appointment, and possess a valid peace officers’ certificate in Washington State as well as successfully completed a Field Training Officer (FTO) period in patrol.

Out-of-State Lateral Applicants:In addition to the minimum requirements listed for entry level applicants, lateral applicants must have successfully completed a state sponsored or certified Criminal Justice Training Academy for police officers, and currently hold a “General Law Enforcement Commission” or equivalent commission and have successfully completed a Field Training Officer (FTO) period in patrol.

Out-of-state lateral applicants must successfully complete the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Law Enforcement Equivalency Academy within one year of hire or certification by the Training Commission as having completed an equivalent training course as a condition of continued employment.

Additional Information Process after application is submitted:Based upon the results of the experience and training assessment (which is part of the application), applicants will be ranked and placed on a civil service employment register.

  • Once the register is established, you will receive an email with your score and rank on the register.
  • Your information will be sent to the Background Unit, and you will receive an email with instructions on how to begin the background process.
  • Applicants undergo a comprehensive pre-employment background investigation which includes, but is not limited to, a personal history statement, pre-oral board interview, oral board, polygraph, fingerprinting, suitability assessment report (SAR) as well as criminal records, credit, driving, reference and employment checks.

    After a conditional offer of employment is given, applicants take the psychological and medical exams.

  • If you have a question about this opportunity, please email Civil Service at PCCivilService@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title.
  • If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
  • Individuals needing accommodation in the application or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.
  • ATTENTION: All communication from Pierce County Civil Service is sent by email using the email address listed on your application. This may include communication that contains confidential or private information such as exam results and reasons for removal, etc. You are responsible for keeping your email address updated.

    At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision.Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a great place people are proud to call home?

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    Posted on NEOGOV: 1/1/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/2/2026

    Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-piercecountywa-5184459