join the napa county sheriff's office

deputy sheriff trainee

earn $50.87/hr in the academy + $15k signing bonus. Upon graduation, start at $111,072/yr.

Ready to launch your law enforcement career? As a Deputy Sheriff Trainee with Napa County, you’ll embark on a fulfilling career, starting with a paid training path leading to a sworn peace officer role with endless opportunities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Must possess a high school diploma or GED.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Must be a minimum of 20.5 years of age, or older.
Must possess a valid CA driver's license (out-of state applicants must be able to obtain one).
No felony convictions.

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Hiring process

Quick steps. Clear communication. No guesswork.

Step 1:

Take the PELLET-B Written Exam

Candidates must receive a score of 42 or higher on the exam. Napa County Sheriff’s Office does not offer the PELLET-B (Post Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery). Check Eventbrite or search on Google for opportunities to sign up, or learn more here.

Note: Napa County Sheriff's Office does not accept the NTN or any other law enforcement exams aside from the PELLET-B.

Step 2:

Apply

Apply for the position. Start by filling out the form below, then we will send you an application link via text and email.

Your PELLET-B score must be attached to your application or provided no later than the date of your Informational Session (see next step).

Step 3:

Informational Session

Once your application is approved, you will be invited to an informational session where you will complete the Physical Agility Test (PAT) and pre-backgrounds assessment. These sessions happen every 1-2 months and can change based on the number of incoming applications.

Additional PAT Information: The test includes a 32-foot body drag completed within 20 seconds, scaling a 6-foot fence, a 25-yard sprint completed in 12 seconds, and a 500-yard run completed in under 2 minutes and 20 seconds.

Step 4:

Oral Board Interview

Candidates who pass the PAT and pre-backgrounds assessment will then be invited to interview with a panel of NCSO staff.

Step 5:

Backgrounds

Top candidates will advance to the background investigation phase. This process includes a polygraph examination, credit and criminal history checks, fingerprinting, verification of employment history, reference checks, and other relevant evaluations.

Step 6:

Conditional Offer

As you near completion of the background investigation, you may be extended a conditional job offer. This offer is contingent upon successfully completing all remaining hiring requirements and is not a final offer of employment.

Step 7:

Medical Evaluation

You will be required to complete a comprehensive medical evaluation to ensure you meet the physical and health standards necessary to safely perform the essential duties of the position.

Step 8:

Psychological Evaluation

You will be required to complete a psychological evaluation to assess your suitability for the position and ensure you meet the mental and emotional standards necessary to perform the duties of a deputy sheriff.

Step 9:

Sheriff’s Interview

Candidates who pass the above evaluations successfully will be invited to a final interview with the Sheriff of Napa County Sheriff’s Office.

Step 10:

Official Job Offer

Successful candidates will be extended a formal offer of employment.

Step 11:

academy

Newly hired Deputy Sheriffs will be required to attend a law enforcement training academy at one of the following locations: Santa Rosa Junior College, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, or Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office. Housing is not provided during academy attendance.

Step 12:

field training

Upon graduating from the academy, you will be assigned to a field training program to continue developing your skills under the guidance of experienced Napa County deputies.

benefits

why join napa county sheriff's office

Experience the Napa Valley

Live and work in one of California’s most beautiful regions. Napa County offers the charm of wine country living with easy access to the San Francisco Bay Area, making it the perfect balance of small-town community and urban opportunity.

Shared Core Values

Join a department built on Respect, Accountability, Dedication, Integrity, and Innovation. These values guide every member of the Sheriff’s Office and define how we serve and protect the community.

Earn While You Train

As a Deputy Sheriff Trainee, you’ll be paid while attending the police academy. You’ll also receive many of the same benefits as a full Deputy Sheriff during training, allowing you to focus on learning and excelling in your new career.

Grow Your Career

Napa County offers clear pathways for professional advancement. With ongoing training, specialized assignments, and additional pay incentives, you’ll have the opportunity to build a long, rewarding career in law enforcement.

Start your application

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