*Deputy Sheriff Recruit - Law Enforcement

Salary : $68,960.00 AnnuallyLocation : Pinellas County, FLJob Type: Full TimeJob Number: LEO Deputy Recruit PRC 243Bureau: Patrol Operations BureauCost Center: 5000 - Patrol Operations BureauOpening Date: 03/23/2026Closing Date: 5/18/2026 11:59 PM EasternNature of WorkThe Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is accepting applications for the position of Deputy Sheriff Recruit - Law Enforcement for the next Agency Sponsored Law Enforcement Academy with a hire date of September 14, 2026. If you have any questions pertaining to this position, please contact Recruiting Deputy D. Kirchgraber at or Deputy B. Toles at .This position requires that the applicant be at least 21 years of age and meet the requirements and standards of the Florida (CJSTC) Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission as authorized by F.S.S. 943.13.Due to different application processes, when applying for any Deputy vacancy, we ask that you limit your application to one position.With less than three (3) years Certified Law Enforcement experience, eligible to receive: Signing Bonus= $3,000Individuals receive an annual salary of $68,960.00 while attending the 21-week academy. The schedule while attending the academy various, upon completion of the academy members are assigned to work 12-hour shifts.First time newly employed Law Enforcement Officers in the State of Florida may be eligible for an additional bonus up to $5,000 through the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity while funding is available.Pinellas County Sheriff's Office deputies are prohibited from having any tattoo(s), temporary decal(s), and / or body art that is visible on the head, scalp, face, ears, neck, or hands (defined as the area from the wrist to the fingertips), while wearing the agency uniform.A Certified Deputy must have the ability to perform essential physical tasks at a set standard. The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office requires potential candidates to meet the listed standards prior to being offered employment. Click the following link to view the physical assessment requirements: The review and selection process varies by position and applicant; in all instances the maximum duration is 22 weeks.Under the general direction of a Law Enforcement Training Sergeant, or designee, participates in the Law Enforcement Academy sponsored by Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. During such time, members are required to maintain education and performance standards in all areas of training as defined by the St. Petersburg College (SPC) and Southeastern Public Safety Institute (SEPSI) in conjunction with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Upon successful completion of the academy and receiving a passing score on the state exam, Law Enforcement Deputy Recruits will continue recruit training in high liability functions at the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. Position requires the member to work on rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.Members in this position must reside in the following counties: Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Manatee, or HernandoAttend a twenty-one (21) week Law Enforcement Academy at SEPSIPass all academy exams with a minimum score of 80%Successfully complete training in the following disciplines:Law enforcement operation and proceduresFirearms trainingArrest techniquesDefensive tacticsFirst responder techniquesVehicle operationOfficer survivalEmergency preparednessAttend nine (9) weeks high liability training in addition to the academySuccessfully complete up to fourteen (14) weeks of field trainingRegular and reliable attendance is required as an essential function of the positionThis position is considered essential and, in the event of an emergency or natural disaster, will be required to report to workParticipates in Sheriff's Office recruitment and community relations activities as directedThis list is not intended to be all-inclusive and you may not be responsible for every item listed. The employer reserves the right to assign additional functions and responsibilities as necessaryQualificationsMust be at least 21 years of ageHigh School graduation or equivalent diploma from an institution accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) or licensed as a degree granting institution by the Commission for Independent EducationCollege credits from a regionally accredited college that includes English Comp I OR successfully pass the PERT administered by St. Petersburg College (SPC)Pass the Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test (CJBAT)** for Law EnforcementPass the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office new hire physical assessmentSuccessful completion of law enforcement training as required by the State of FloridaUpon completion of training, must obtain certification by the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission as authorized by F.S.S. 943.13Must have a valid Florida Driver's License (minimum Class E)Consideration for this position requires a credit check**Applicants who qualify as a Veteran or hold an Associate Degree or higher from an accredited college or university are exempt from taking the CJBAT and the POSTKnowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesAbility to meet requirements of the SEPSI Academy in all high liability areas (firearms, defensive tactics, firefighting)Ability to learn and apply modern law enforcement principles and practicesAbility to learn the importance of law enforcement work, the geography of Pinellas County, its unincorporated areas, and the general roadway system of the CountyAbility to learn General Orders and standard operating proceduresAbility to understand and carry out oral and written instructionsAbility to react quickly and calmly in emergency situationsAbility to cope with stressful situations and perform calmly under stressful conditionsAbility to work closely with others as a teamAbility to prepare and present clear, accurate, concise, and objective written and oral reportsAbility to enforce the law with firmness, tact, and impartiality and to deal courteously with the publicAbility to recognize and understand the emotional and physical reactions of both victims and perpetrators of crimesAbility to render physical assistanceSkilled in calmly and systematically eliciting critical information from individuals who may be injured and/or highly emotionalAbility to adhere, at all times, to the standards and principles of honesty and integrity and to keep your private life unsullied as an example to allAbility to comply with the Drug Free Workplace ActPhysical AbilitiesThe physical abilities listed below are requirements to perform the essential functions and responsibilities.Requires satisfactory medical standards as stated on FDLE form CJSTC 75A, agency medical physical clearance form, and the following:Visual acuity of 20/30 vision standard in each eye; if corrective lenses must be used to satisfy 20/30 vision standard, uncorrected vision should be no worse than 20/100 in each eyeHearing acuity, single hearing levels should not exceed 25 decibels at either 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, or 2000 Hz nor exceed 30 decibels at 3000 Hz frequencies in each earAbility to lift 50 lbs. from floor to waistAbility to perceive sounds at normal voice range and sounds transmitted by radio and sirensAbility to maintain a level of physical conditioning to be able to physically subdue, restrain, and apprehend law violatorsAbility to meet requirements of periodic in-service training in all high liability areas (firearms, defensive tactics, A.S.P., tactical driving)Ability to operate authorized revolver or semi-automatic handguns designated by the agency from a standing, crouching, kneeling, or prone position with either hand with accuracy; essentials for this requirement shall consist of, but not be limited to, the following: grip, stance, sighting under various lighting conditions, trigger control, body positioning, drawing techniques and loading/unloadingAbility to drive a motor vehicle in a safe and efficient mannerAbility to obtain and maintain a valid Florida driver's license (minimum Class E)Ability to utilize standard vehicle emergency equipment; ability to use mirrors for safe vehicle operationAbility to properly identify colors utilized in descriptionsAbility to perform all functions of the job classification without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the work placeWe offer a complete benefits package to full and part-time employees.To view the PCSO Benefits Guide 01 This position is an essential role within the agency, requiring members to work overtime, weekends, nights, and holidays according to their assigned shift and based on agency need. Are you available to work this schedule? YesNo02 To remain in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office must determine if it is necessary and/or possible to provide reasonable accommodations to all potential employees. Ensure you have read and thoroughly understand the job description and requirements of the position for which you are applying. Can you perform the essential functions of this job with or without a reasonable accommodation?I am capable of performing the duties of the job as described.I am capable of performing the duties of this job with reasonable accommodation.I am not capable of performing the duties of this job.03 I understand I may not have more than three active civilian applications. Furthermore, I acknowledge I may not apply for Deputy/Deputy Recruit while I have an open application for a civilian position. Yes04 The minimum age requirement for Detention Deputy is 19 years oldand for Law Enforcement Deputy is 21 years old. Do you meet thisrequirement? YesNo05 Are you a citizen of the United States? YesNo06 Have you ever been convicted of a felony, regardless of whetherthe sentence was suspended, adjudication withheld, you pled nocontest, or the conviction was sealed or expunged? YesNo07 Within the last twelve (12) months, have you illegally possessed or used any illegal drug?This includes marijuana, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, LSD, THC, or any other derivatives. YesNo08 Do you have a High School diploma or equivalent diploma from an institution accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) or licensed as a degree granting institution by the Commission for Independent Education? YesNoRequired Question