Description

DEPUTY SHERIFF

The Scott County Civil Service Commission announces an open and competitive Civil Service examination for the purpose of establishing a roster for the position of Deputy Sheriff.

Minimum Standards for Consideration:

Applicants must be at least 21 years of age, a U.S. citizen, with a high school diploma or G.E.D. and valid driver's license. Must be able to meet all requirements as established by the ILEA.

Completed applications must be received by 11:59 p.m., Friday, October 23, 2026.

Applicants must complete a physical agility test and a written examination, administered by the Civil Service Commission, on November 15th or November 21st, 2026. Applicants must indicate a preference regarding which date to test when completing their application. Date preference is subject to availability and applicants will be notified as to which date they've been scheduled for.

Check-in for the physical agility test is at 8:00 a.m. at a location to be announced. The written test will take place after the Physical Agility testing, with the location to be announced. Per IA administrative code, the physical agility testing requirement and the written testing requirement are waived for a law enforcement officer currently certified in the state of Iowa, if the certified officer met all requirements of Rule 501-2.1(80B) when the officer was initially hired and if, without a break of more than 180 days, is hired by another Iowa law enforcement agency. Persons not meeting the above criteria must take the physical agility tests and the written examination in accordance with Iowa code and the rules of the Civil Service Commission.

Candidates must pass a detailed background investigation with no domestic assault or felony convictions. Successful candidates will be required to pass a post-offer physical exam including a drug screen, a psychological exam, and will be subject to a polygraph examination.

STARTING WAGE:

$34.64 plus a generous benefit package. Certified individuals are eligible for starting pay between $34.64-$40.52/hour, vacation accruals of 80-120 hours a year, and a $5000 hiring bonus.

JOB SUMMARY:

Under general supervision, the Sheriff's Deputy investigates reported and observed violations of laws and ordinances, patrols assigned areas, and responds to a variety of emergency calls to support and maintain the safety of Scott County citizens and visitors.

Certified Officer Incentives: $5,000 hiring bonus! ($2,500 after 90 days; $1,500 after one year; and $1,000 after two years.) Deputies currently certified through ILEA or certified in another state are eligible to start between $34.64/hour and $40.52/hour. Vacation accruals of 80-120 hours a year for certified officers.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Work assigned criminal cases of varying degree; performs investigative duties to include interviewing and interrogating witnesses, victims, and suspects; preparing and executing search warrants; securing crime scenes; and collecting evidence.
• Works with Federal and State prosecutors in the prosecution of offenders; testifies in court as required; assists with other agencies with investigations as needed.
• Service of mental injunctions, service of civil papers, execution of eviction.
• Responds to phone calls regarding criminal complaints, civil issues, gun permits, traffic accidents, and domestic disputes; provides first aid at traffic accidents, domestic disturbance scenes, and other situations as needed; makes arrests as required.
• Patrols assigned area; investigates any suspicious, dangerous, or illegal activities observed; conducts traffic stops and issues citations as appropriate.
• Assists in running the firearms program to include range instruction, qualification instruction, scoring, records, firearms maintenance, issuance, and return of firearms; maintains inventory.
• Assists in the registration of sex offenders and answers questions from citizens and other agencies related to sex offenders; assists with sex offender compliance checks, neighborhood notifications, and sweeps.
• May assist in investigation of crime scenes, interrogation of suspects, interviewing of witnesses, securing of evidence, and serving of legal papers.
• Assists with training new hires through the Field Training Program (FTO).
• Attends and participates in training, continuing education, and re-certifications.
• May be trained and assigned special assignments such as Evidence Technician, Criminal Investigation, Accident Investigation, Emergency Services Team, or multi-jurisdictional units.
• Demonstrates the ability to exemplify, by his/her actions, the County PRIDE philosophy.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

• Local, State and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
• Quick and calm reactions in emergency situations.
• Hand to hand combat and self-defense techniques.
• Evidence collection and handling practices and procedures, including proper chain of custody.
• Investigation, interview, and interrogation techniques and methods.
• Conflict negotiation and de-escalation methods.
• Court systems and legal procedures.

SKILL IN:

• Operating law enforcement tools and equipment in accordance with safety procedures and proper handling techniques.
• Preparing clear and concise reports.
• Diffusing volatile and potentially dangerous situations.
• Maintaining standard of physical fitness to complete essential functions of the job.
• Proper firearm use and operation of motor vehicles within established guidelines.
• Evaluating situations to determine and apply proper use of force.
• Interacting tactfully and professionally with County staff, outside agencies, and the public.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess a valid Iowa State Driver's License.
• Must possess an Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) issued Peace Officer certification or obtain certification within one (1) year of hire.
• Additional certifications may be required after hire depending on division assignment.
• Must reside in Scott County within 90 days of employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed throughout Scott County and may require exposure to potentially dangerous situations and people, extreme weather conditions, blood-borne pathogens, and hazardous chemicals.
• May be required to apply physical force and defensive tactics to prevent or de-escalate dangerous altercations.
• May be required to be available or "on-call" during off-duty hours.

Salary/Compensation: $34.64 - $40.52 per hour