Deputy Sheriff (Entry Level and Lateral)

About the Department

The  offers challenging and exciting careers for Deputy Sheriff Officers.  When you become part of the team, you are welcomed into our close-knit family.  Deputies work with people in a wide variety of circumstances, many of which may be challenging, potentially dangerous, and rapidly evolving. Therefore, maturity, good judgment, self-confidence, and a desire to assist the public are essential. 

Key Duties Include:

• Patrols - providing emergency aid, security and protection to the public; responding to requests for information and assistance; and responding to crimes in progress.
• Investigates crimes and motor vehicle accidents and natural and unnatural deaths.
• Transports prisoners. 
• Testifies in court. 
• Resolves complaints, controls civil disturbances, and performs crisis intervention. Serves criminal and civil process documents. 
• Thoroughly documents activities by report writing.

For more information, please review the  and . 

Application Process:

The start point for all Whatcom County law enforcement positions is with a valid Public Safety Testing (PST) Law Enforcement Exam ().  Here are the steps to get started:

• Visit the PST website and choose your career path (Corrections).
• Select Whatcom County as one of the agencies you are interested in. 
• Review and agree to the required qualifications to join our team.
• Select a date and time for your Law Enforcement Exam 
• Create an applicant profile. Filling out your profile ensures that agencies have the information required for the hiring process. 
• Take your test.  Be prepared to succeed when you arrive at your test location. 

If you list Whatcom County as one of the agencies you are interested in, we will receive the results of your written and physical fitness tests.  We will then send you an invitation to apply to Whatcom County. We will receive your online application, screen it to ensure you qualify, and then contact you to set up on Oral Board examination.  Your PST score, oral board score and any veteran preference will determine your position on the eligible register. You will then be eligible for further steps in the hiring process (i.e., background investigation, etc.) for six months after placement on the eligible register.

Prospective applicants should check our list of before applying.Minimum Qualifications

The basic requirements to be a Deputy Sheriff are:

• High school diploma or GED
• College-level coursework in the area of corrections, law enforcement, law and justice, police science or social services is desired, but not required

The requirements for a Lateral Candidate are:

• Been employed for at least 2 years within Washington State or another state, territory or commonwealth of the United states as paid peace officer with law enforcement authority.
• Passed a probationary period with a previous law enforcement employer.
• No more than a 24-month break in service since the most recent law enforcement employer.
• Completion of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC) Basic Law Enforcement Officer's Academy, the Washington State Patrol Academy or a law enforcement academy of another state, territory or commonwealth of the United States and be eligible for certification after completion of the Washington Criminal Justice Training Academy Equivalency Academy and current certification as a peace officer. 

Among other special requirements, a successful candidate must: 

• Be a citizen of the United States or a lawful permanent resident
• Able to read and write the English language.
• Be at least 21 years of age
• Read and write the English Language 
• Have a driver's license and a driving record that meets County standards 

Candidates must successfully complete pre-employment testing and background exams including:

• Written Test - administered through Public Safety Testing 
• Physical Agility Test - administered through Public Safety Testing
• Polygraph Test 
• Law Enforcement Background Check 
• Physical Examination 
• Psychological Examination

Other Qualifications

Additional Salary Details:

Salary:  $38.37-$47.16 per hour*

• Associates Degree:  $38.76-$47.64 per hour*
• Bachelor’s Degree:   $39.14-$48.11 per hour*
  • 2024 Wages increase by 4%
  • 2025 Wages increase by 3%

based on job assignments.
Longevity pay: Additional 2-7% for 6-27 years of service
Holidays: 13 paid holidays per year